11 independent businesses you can shop this holiday season

Ah, the holidays. It's a time for celebration, for delicious treats and for… let's be honest – panic buying!

It's also a time of year that can make all the difference for those small, independent retailers in your local area. (You know, the ones who didn't quite make it to space this year. Maybe next year!)

While we all love a shipping window that defies the space-time continuum, there is something very special about using your holiday shopping to support small business. It's the very best thing you can do to keep them afloat at this time of year. During the holidays, little retailers face almost impossible competition from big businesses. Shopping local is also more environmentally friendly (no big carbon footprint!) and best of all, the easiest way to find personal, unique gifts for the people in your life.

At Mustard, we're lucky to be stocked in some of the country's most special stores. We know first-hand how hard these independent businesses work to thoughtfully curate an incredible range of lovely products. So it's our pleasure to share some of our favourites for you to add to your Christmas list. We hear you've been very good this year!

HOOS | @hoos_glasgow

Find HOOS in Glasgow's West End – behind the black facade is a colourful cacophony of design and homewares pieces to love. As founder Karen Harvey puts it, "You can buy a nail polish and a settee from Hoos with everything in between!"

The Workshop Below | @theworkshopbelow

If you didn't think light switches could be aesthetically exciting, think again! The Workshop Below specialises in lighting and electrical hardware – think brushed brass switches, retro-inspired designs and sleek finishes. But they also stock homewares, including lockers (of course), candles and a cloud-shaped loo roll shelf. Yep, you'll want to look that one up!

Mini & Moi | @mini.and.moi

When Mini & Moi say their beautiful Cheshire store is designed with mamas in mind, they aren't kidding. They've even got a comfy window seat to settle into and a private feeding space for milk breaks! Spot Mustard lockers styled up with the world's best baby and toddler brands, plus plenty for the grown-ups to get wrapped up in too.

Bode Living | @bode.living

Bold colour, unique designs and oodles of personality? Bode carries it all with their curation of homewares and highly giftable pieces. It's the kind of place you go to shop for the person who has everything – though heed our warning: you'll probably walk out with at least three things for yourself, too!

Beldi Maison | @beldi_maison

A new store with a focus on slow, sustainable products from all around the world, Beldi Maison is a treasure trove of handmade goodies from ceramics to eco-friendly toys. You can even sign up for a Christmas wreath-making or pottery workshop while you're there!

Rose & Grey | @roseandgreyinteriors

Whether you're shopping for something too big to gift-wrap (new couch, anyone?) or the perfect piece to pop under the tree, Rose & Grey is the ultimate destination for all things home, from lighting to textiles, furniture, and yes, lockers of course! Fun fact: they've just celebrated their 5 year anniversary as a Mustard stockist! Awww.

Still Life Story | @still.life.story

One look at Still Life Story's flower-boxed olive facade and we were in love! With a florist, artist and product designer on the team, it's no surprise this shop is a creative's dream. Inside you'll find everything from sweet dried flower arrangements to wearable accessories, tableware and more.

Molly Meg | @molly_meg_

This design-led children's store has a magical vibe, with sweet kid's toys, interior decor pieces and even party supplies! From paper garlands to dress-ups and all kinds of treasures to stash in your locker, gifting for little ones is a breeze here.

Aria Store | @ariashop_london

Interior lovers, welcome home! Shopping at London's Aria showroom is an experience in itself, with the store's beautiful displays set against a backdrop of soaring ceilings and exposed brick arches. You can also browse their extensive gift guides online, and shop everything from decor to fashion via their website.

Inside Store | @insidestoreldn

Founder Andrea created Inside Store in an attempt to inject more joy into interiors shopping which she says can feel "a little dry and overwhelming." The result is a warm and inviting shopping experience where you can browse a curated selection of handpicked homewares. Mission accomplished!

Portland Avenue | @portlandavenuelifestyle

This family-run emporium is home to all kinds of hand-picked products from Northern Ireland, and beyond! Filled with lush greenery and unique gifts for everyone on your list, it's a lovely place to peruse away in person, or hop online to shop from afar!