Hi there, with wintry grey days and the restrictions of lockdown upon us, armchair shopping has never been so inviting and necessary. Here we’ve chosen three of our favourite small businesses and treated them to a Q & A session. Each offers gorgeous, Christmas gift ideas backed up with sustainability credentials.

Each company is personally known to us and we can guarantee they are:

genuine, independent small businesses
lovely people selling lovely things in a thoughtful way.

Their focus is on customer delight and hand made products. Christmas gifts bought from them will be charmingly unique and kind to the planet.

1. Mr Fox Trading, founded by experienced food retailer, Clare O’Leary

Tell us what Mr Fox offers?

From honey to award winning cheeses, everything is artisan made, by people who I’ve known for many years. With no shows this year, Mr Fox brings food hall treats directly to you online.

Tell us about your eco credentials

Ordering through Mr Fox avoids separate courier trips. Everything is packed in no tape, self closing boxes together with 100% biodegradable and compostable ‘packing peanuts’ which dissolve in water. For chilled products we use all natural wool insulating liners.

What would be your top three Christmas gift ideas from Mr Fox?

– For delicious, award winning cheese try my selection from The Book & Bucket Cheese Company, based in Cranborne. Prices range from £4.50-£5. Their ‘Smokey Burns’ is an innovative take on halloumi.

– Limited edition honey from Rosalie, of Sixpenny Handley would make a thoughtful present. Be sure to order before it sells out. 1lb jar is £10.50

– Lavender Blue make the most amazing traditional Christmas cakes. Sam, the founder is a Waitrose Small producers finalist. Prices start at £3.80 for her cherry shortbread.

To order from Mr Fox visit their website. You can buy Honeybuns cakes here too.

2. Thyme after Thyme, founded by well known local chef Margot Dimmer

What does Thyme after Thyme specialise in?

We make all our own marmalades, jellies, jams, chutneys and pickles in our Dorset kitchen.

How green is Thyme after Thyme?

We can keep food miles to a minimum by working with all the brilliant local food producers on our doorstep. We’re passionate about keeping things local. Our festive afternoon tea take aways support 16 local businesses!

What are your top foodie stocking filler ideas

Our John Boy Marmalade is made with Palmers whisky from Bridport. The whisky gives it a real depth of flavour and great colour!

For something savoury our green tomato chutney is fab served with a veggie curry. The perfect gluten free stocking filler!

A festive best seller is our home made Dorset red plum preserve with Amaretti.

All jars are £4.75. We’re currently working on a website with online ordering.

To buy simply call us on 01963 362202, email us at fo**@th************.com, or find us on Facebook.

We can then post them to you. P&P for three jars is £5.50

3. Enchanted Plants, founded by qualified health scientist & expert in medicinal plants, Jemma Ricketts.

Tell us about your range

I’m passionate about natural, sustainable skin care that is gentle, effective and luxurious. Our range includes oils, soap and lotion

Do you regard Enchanted Plants as an eco brand?

Absolutely. I was initially inspired by nature and we are are on a mission to leave as light a carbon foot print as possible. Our liquid soap and lotion are now available in stunning re useable glass bottles, made in Britain. Our gift wrap is hand printed in the UK and made from recycled paper.

What are your top festive gift ideas for 2020

Our Enchanted Plants winter face oil at £43 is a proper treat. Our skin needs extra protection during the winter months and this oil is a joy to use.

For a perfect, cheerful stocking filler try our winter soap, £6.95 scented with spiced apple and saffron. It’s made with Dorset apple juice and local rapeseed oil.

Our classic liquid soap and hand lotion set is a longstanding favourite with Enchanted Plant fans.

Made with geranium and rosemary, the scent is gorgeous and the re useable glass bottles are designed to be both beautiful and useful

To shop eco goodies from Enchanted Plants head over to their online shop.

Hopefully we’ve inspired you to shop local from one or all of thee gorgeous artisan producers. Every purchase helps sustain not only that business but their supply network, local trade’s people and the environment. Don’t forget to stock up on gluten free and vegan Christmas presents from us too. Our festive vegan hot choccie kits are perfect for discerning foodies. The little fabric stocking and gift bag are made from upcycled fabrics and handmade locally.

Or check out our Honeybuns gluten free baking books.

For other festive gift ideas take a look at our top ten festive gifts blog.