Welcome to our very first gift guide! I don’t normally do gift guides, especially themed around Christmas, as they can be quite stressful if you’re relying on receiving items before featuring them.
But, after such a difficult year for independent businesses I thought I’d make my own gift guide based around some of our favourite LGBTQ+ businesses, as well as show you some of my favourite queer merch.
Whilst this is being timed around Christmas, I’d like to hope this can be used for any occasion. Therefore, if you’re an independent LGBTQ+ business owner and would like to feature in this gift guide, get in touch!
If you’re on a budget, places like Etsy, Folksy, Not On The High Street and eBay are great for independent businesses to sell their crafts and wares. I’ve also recently found a number of sellers on Instagram, by looking at specific hashtags such as #QueerBusiness, #LGBTQOwnedBusiness and #LGBTQBusinesses.
Most of the sellers I’m going to be featuring sit under the £20 mark, which means they’re perfect for stocking fillers or a Secret Santa gift. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather spread the love across a number of stores.
Art and craft
Weird Wednesday
Weird Wednesday make fantastic pronoun merchandise, from purses to badges to hats.
If your budget is a little higher, then they also make fabulous tees and can even offer custom orders.
My favourite items:
- ‘So Many Feelings’ Tee (£22.00)
- ‘Be More Weird / Queer’ Wooden Pins (£5.00)
- Pronoun Badges (£2.00)
- ‘Dear Tories, Try Empathy’ Tote Bag (£11.00)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHVL5RwlsxE/
Wild Water Art Store
Wild Water Art Store are a print maker using lino as their method. Not only do they create wonderful nature and wild swimming themed prints, but they also accept commissions!
Their recent print for the famous ‘Gay’s the Word’ book shops is one of my favourites!
My favourite items:
- ‘One Step At A Time’ Lino Print (£22.50)
- Plant Pots Print (£12.50)
- ‘Normalitea, Please’ Print (£16.50)
- Moka Pot Print Stamp (£24.50)
- Autumn Evenings Print (£22.50)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHz2GyNAMmP/
Chidiabiistudio
Chidiabiistudio is an illustrator based in London and has only recently joined Etsy. They create beautiful and unique artwork celebrating Black culture.
My favourite items:
- An Ode to Black History Month (£32.50)
- Crowns (£32.50)
- Africa (£32.50)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CH-unVkBxft/
The Happy Chappo
The Happy Chappo were one of our favourite stores to purchase from this year, thanks to their wonderful stock of greeting cards and prints.
Their ‘cheerful queer’ attitude makes their Instagram a joyful place to be.
My favourite items:
- Awesome Postcard Bundle [5 Cards] (£6.00)
- ‘Doing Your Best Is Better Than Being The Best’ (£12.00)
- ‘Get Feely’ Mood Badges (£4.00)
- ‘Planet Rainbow’ Kids Tee ($15.00)
- ‘TyrannosaurYass!’ A Motivational Postcard (£1.50)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGNQz62J19W/
Fembroidery
Via Weird Wednesday, I’ve recently found Fembroidery, who are based outside of the UK, but can ship the UK and US.
They make awesome feminist embroidery as well as inclusive prints and clothing.
My favourite items:
- ‘Your Productivity Doesn’t Define Your Worth’ Print (5 Euros)
- ‘Diversity is Human (Breasts)’ Stickers [×20] (2 Euros)
- Heart Patch (Plants) (12 Euros)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHSlsjRh2Dv/
Mude Threads
For something that extra bit special, Mude Threads create one of a kind nude commissions from the comfort of your own home.
Whilst I haven’t ventured into the world of nude art, this would be fantastic for a big birthday or anniversary.
My favourite items:
- Transform your photo of friends, family or partners into a simple line drawing. You’ll receive an A4 original in the post AND a digital copy!
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CDcXt4HHAof/
Shop Reddish
If you prefer to personalise your gifts, Shop Reddish offer a wide range of personalised gifts for the home and garden.
They also offer a wood engraving service, as well as a select number of wooden children’s toys that can also be personalised!
My favourite items:
- Gardening Gift Basket (£41.00 to £51.00)
- Jewish Personalised Wooden Baby Building Blocks (£10.00)
- Wooden Tool Kit and Belt (£18.00 to £23.00)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGw3EuOHvKv/
Leinad Wear
Leinad Wear is a crochet and knitwear store and create a variety of beautiful pieces, from bags and coasters to face scrubs and plant hangers.
My favourite items:
- Crochet Raffia Planters (£20.00)
- Stackable Crochet Baskets [Set of 3] (£35.00)
- Crochet Bottle Bag (£10.00)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHppeUWFOmU/
Bard Candles
Bard Candles are a vegan soy candle company that has only recently joined Instagram.
Check out their range of products, and then pop them a DM to order!
My favourite items:
- The Dandy (Espresso, Leather and Cream)
- The Woodsman (Tobacco and Sandalwood)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIJDPzvFQb4/
Food and drink
Floral Frosting Bakes
Another recent find is the lovely Floral Frosting Bakes who make tasty and beautiful looking treats that can be delivered straight to your door.
Some of their most recent creations (I’m talking cake pots!) made me seriously salivate!
My favourite items:
- Biscoff Cake Pot (£4.00)
- S’mores Brownie (£3.00)
- Jammie Dodger Cookie Bar (£3.00)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHC_SKxpKH0/
Proud Beer
Proud Beer is the UK’s first LGBTQ+ owned brewery, where proceeds from sales go straight back into the LGBTQ+ community. They hit hard times during the pandemic this year, but thanks to the support of the community and allies they were able to keep going!
If you like craft beer, this is your place.
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGsJMnvl2b-/
The Queer Coffee Co
The Queer Coffee Co is probably one of the first LGBTQ+ coffee companies I’ve seen in the UK.
A quick google brought up loads in the US but nothing in the UK. I’m so thankful to Dom & Ink for sharing this fabulous company.
My favourite items:
- Espresso Yourself (£7.50)
- Some Like It Decaf (£8.50)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHvc31JlGRG/
Gayle Brewery
Gayle Brewery is another LGBTQ+ brewery, this time using Australian knowledge of skills, but brewed in the UK.
Sales from Gayle Brewery also support LGBTQ+ charities and LGBTQ+ sports teams!
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIIfjMoFBMq/
Clothing and jewellery
KelZo Jewellery
KelZo Jewellery, who are better known as Our Transitional Life, have a fantastic range of jewellery and badges. Their dedicated Pride collection also support LGBTQ+ charities!
KelZo are 100% vegan and have a zero waste policy. I adore my rainbow pin.
My favourite items:
- Rainbow Moustache Badge (£8.00)
- Transgender Rainbow Badge (£10.00)
- WNWN (Waste Not Want Not) Purple Worry Bead Necklace (£6.00)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CC8D4bOF5pk/
Studio Chuffed
Studio Chuffed make cute and inclusive bow ties, badges and pins and have even recently started selling fabric masks!
I love the idea of seeing a few of these at a wedding or graduation!
My favourite items:
- Sunflower Enamel Pin (£7.00)
- Avocado Pre-Tied Bow Tie (£15.00)
- Lesbian Pride Large Vinyl Sticker (£2.00)
- Doughnut Sticker Sheet (£4.00)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGcGMqdBLMG/
Girls Will Be Boys
Girls Will Be Boys is an online platform blurring the lines between gender roles, by creating an open discussion exploring modern ideas of femininity and masculinity through content creation.
My favourite items:
- ‘Not Up For Debate’ Tee (£30.00)
- ‘This Is Not A Phase’ Tee (£30.00)
- ‘Girls Will Be Boys’ Tote Bag (£20.00)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CE_ttJegD8f/
Binge Designs
When I first found Binge Designs I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Thanks to their unique pop art designs, they’re loud and they make a statement. Think Schitt’s Creek phone cases and mugs, Hollywood greats on a cushion or TV Queens on pretty much any piece of clothing!
My favourite items:
- AOC ‘Political Women’ Tote Bag (£14.99)
- ‘Eat Sleep Meryl Streep’ Card (£3.99)
- ‘Freddie’ Inked Tee (£32.99)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFsCuD-F2M_/
Love Outside Lines
From the page that brings you daily stories from LGBTQ+ families, Love Outside Lines offers greeting cards and prints, as well as a gorgeous selection of inclusive tees for the family.
My favourite items:
- ‘You’ve Found Your Forever Family’ Adoption Card (£3.15)
- ‘In This House, We Believe…’ Print (£10.00)
- ‘Cool Like My Mums’ Kids Tee (£14.00+)
- ‘
Conform(Don’t Conform)’ Adult Tee (£16.00) - ‘LGBTQ+ Flag Meaning’ Rainbow Print (£5.00)
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFjhl6thdTg/
If all of that doesn’t get your ideas flowing, why not think about a couple of books by LGBTQ+ authors? Here are a few of my favourites from this year:
Please note: These are Amazon affiliate links, which means I’ll earn a few pennies for each purchase made through them. However, if you can, please shop locally or via an independent seller.
- In Their Shoes: Navigating Non-Binary Life by Jamie Windust
- A Dutiful Boy: A Memoir of Secrets, Lies and Family Love by Mohsin Zaidi
- Everybody (Else) is Perfect: How I Survived Hypocrisy, Beauty, Clicks, and Likes by Gabrielle Korn
- Gears for Queers by Abigail Melton & Lilith Cooper
- Camp by L.C. Rosen
If you would like to find more LGBTQ+ books, go take a look at our ever-growing list of LGBTQ+ literature and media. For now, that’s it for my LGBTQ+ themed gift guide. I hope you liked it. If you have any suggestions or would like to be featured as an LGBTQ+ business, get in touch!
If you’ve published your own LGBTQ+ gift guide, feel free to tag it in the comments!
Feature image credit: Stavrialena Gontzou / Unsplash
Please note: All prices mentioned were correct at the time of writing.
