Seeking something really thoughtful, generous and unique to give to Mum this year? We shine a light on five of our favourite artisan makers who are truly independent and passionate about what they produce.

Unlike many “top picks” and gift guides, Honeybuns do not ask/nor receive anything in return from the producers we feature. Our aim is to highlight awesome companies making exquisite products that are:

ethically and sustainably made here in the beautiful shire of Dorset
of the highest quality
free from questionable ingredients
tried and tested by us
made by lovely people who really do care about each of their fabulous customers.

We are so very lucky here in Dorset to be surrounded by incredibly talented artisans from brewers to bakers to candle stick makers….

Each of the companies featured here are known personally to us and we have enjoyed their wares and customer service over the 20 wonderful years we have enjoyed here in Dorset.

Why is it important to buy from local and independent businesses?

Variety is the spice of life

How much duller would our days be if we could only buy mass produced, identikit products? Artisan produced goods are full of character and made with love and great attention to detail. No one hand made piece will ever be exactly the same as another and therein lies the charm. The saying “use it or lose it” could not be truer in these uncertain times. So let’s celebrate our wonderful makers and bookmark them as our “go to”, whenever we want to spoil someone (or ourselves) with a truly individual and thoughtful gift. Once you have built up a list of local producers of exquisite flowers, chocolates, cheese and scented organic bath products, you can break the habit of googling options which might be more prominent but far less personal.

A mindful money tree

Buying closer to home helps support local economies and communities. Just as an English oak tree supports a myriad of insect, plant, bird and small mammal life so do small local enterprises. For example, we work exclusively with small businesses and self employed people when we need to buy services in. From our refrigeration engineer to our food photographer, each one is local and personally known to us. We cherish working with people who share our values, resulting in a sense of community and mutual support.

Bee Green, shop local

By seeking out local producers you cut out the middle man and unnecessary food and air miles. British grown flowers direct from the farm are a great example of how local really does mean greener. Out of season, plastic wrapped roses flown in from Kenya cannot compete with the utter beauty of a freshly cut bouquet of seasonal, dewy blooms which have far less impact on the environment. Our top famous five producers of Dorset all have impeccable eco credentials and manage their respective businesses in a thoughtful manner. We respect each one of them as well as well as loving their fabulous wares.

It is our pleasure to present:

Best Mother’s Day toiletries from Dorset: Enchanted Plants

We have known Jemma for a good 15 years and were bowled over by the quality of her plant based and floral infusions. Her rose and geranium liquid soap is to be found in the very poshest of loos from grand hotels to beautiful B&Bs. From soaps to body lotions and face cleansing kits – everything is hand made in small batches at her Dorset base.

Regarding environmental credentials, here’s Jemma’s take,

“Alongside the clear skincare benefits, we champion the benefits for the planet, reducing our carbon footprint at all possible turns in the local fabrication of our skincare range. Our British ingredients are processed locally in environmentally conscious ways, removing the need to use ingredients transported from vast distances, avoiding all associated environmental costs.”

The perfect gift for mum or yourself has to be the “Beautiful Britain” gift of facial oil and delicately scented balm. All the ingredients used are British grown and free of pesticides and any other nasties. After reading up on the website I have in fact just ordered myself one of these. At just £25 this is a brilliant bargain to boot.

Top of the range scented candles for Mum: The Botanical Candle Co.

All of their exquisitely crafted, hand poured candles and other gorgeous gifts come packed in eco brown kraft boxes with sophisticated branding. We’re loving the Twilight Gift Basket set which comes with a soy wax candle in the scent of your choice, plus a pretty soap and a graphic box of matches. These goodies are packed inside a handmade miniature basket, hand woven from elephant grass. At £36.90 this makes a lovely alternative to the standard off the peg bouquet of flowers at around the same price point.

Blooming beautiful flowers from the heart of Dorset: Black Shed Flowers

Just give Helen or Paul a call and they will be able to advise you on what is in season on their farm here in the Blackmore Vale. Hand tied bouquets start from £20 and are utterly, utterly beautiful. There is no plastic in sight as flowers are tied using rustic twine and wrapped in paper. I was lucky enough to receive a Black Shed bouquet last year and I was so bowled over that I kept taking photos of it against different backdrops. It was a true work of art.

We celebrate Honeybuns special occasions by gifting these flowers and would not now dream of going to a more “obvious” online florist. Once you’ve seen a Black Shed bouquet there simply is no going back to a paler imitation.

For the best brew around: Reads Coffee

Giles roasts his exquisite coffee beans at Lime Kiln farm just outside of Sherborne. The coffee is as spectacular as the rural setting and Giles and his team will go the extra mile to help with any online order queries you might have. We treat visitors to our bakery with a welcoming cup of Reads coffee (Sumatra) and they always comment on how delicious it is. The Reads website is easy to use and full of tasting note information to help you select the perfect coffee blend.

This Mother’s day, we’d love to receive the newly launched Dorset Gift box containing packs of:

PORTLAND BILL A full bodied Kenya, with juicy flavour and hints of blackcurrant jaminess, perfect to kick start the day!

OLD HARRY ROCKS A perfectly balanced Colombian roast, with notes of caramel and almond sweetness balanced with a hint of berry. Perfect any time of the day.

DURDLE DOOR A rich Sumatra roast, full bodied, with cocoa notes and earthy spice. This one is great for a lover of a stronger cup!

Preferably served as a late breakfast in bed treat on Sunday morning…..

Sublime soaps and bathing salts direct form the Jurassic coast: Farm Soap Co.

Silvana, the founder, has a wonderful eye for detail which comes across via the stunning website photography, styling and grown up packaging. She is also incredibly passionate about natural ingredients and the avoidance of any petro chemical derived nasties. The soaps and natural skincare products are handmade in small batches in the workshop on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, using traditional artisan methods.

As Silvana states,

“We are passionate about natural, seasonal skincare with a sense of place.”

To dip your toe into this coastal Dorset brand, we suggest you try the Pink Himalayan, Oat and Rose Geranium Bath Salts. Maybe buy one for Mum and one for you? Read our suggestions for setting a dreamy spa like bathroom scene.

Making your own hamper using some of these aforementioned goodies would also be a lovely idea, we did a Christmas one but you can adapt throughout the seasons.

At Honeybuns we can also help out with any specific gluten free foodie treats you may wish to gift Mum. Any questions just pick up the phone and we’ll be happy to help.

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You might also be interested in reading how to host the perfect Mother’s Day celebrations.