The 2024 Creative Boom Christmas gift guide for creatives

After a difficult year for the economy, it’s time to support small businesses and independent creatives this festive season. Check out our carefully selected gift ideas, and you’ll even impress all your family and friends.

Every year, we scour the British Isles to bring you the best gift ideas for creatives. And it goes without saying that we don’t look to big brands and global monopolies. Oh no. We’re in favour of keeping things small and local wherever possible.

In our list, you’ll find unique, beautifully designed products from artists, designers and independent shops nationwide. What you won’t find is anything that feeds the Amazon beast. Even better, many items in our guide have a story: a maker’s journey, a hand-crafted touch, or a spark of creativity born from the heart.

In other words, by choosing gifts from this list, you won’t just please your loved ones. You’ll also be championing local artistry and the resilience of small businesses across the UK, after a tough year for the economy.

As always, we’ve split everything into categories to suit different tastes. From stocking fillers for all to ideas for photographer enthusiasts, from gifts for those who love their threads to all the best stationery goodies – there’s something for everyone. And hey, if you fancy some of the stuff on this list yourself, you can always send this article to those you love!

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful creative community and all those involved in this festive feature, and wish you all a very happy festive season.

Stocking Fillers

Mini Shaped Puzzle – Marilyn by Andy Warhol

Doing puzzles is a fun route to mindfulness, and it’s also a nice way to spend a lazy Christmas Day. This mini 100-piece puzzle beautifully replicates Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Monroe print, and there’s one for his Campbell’s Soup design too. Produced in collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, these compact puzzles measure 15 x 20cm and are designed for an hour’s entertainment.

Personalised ‘Hello I Am’ Ceramic Badge by Bear In Mind Design

Founded by Stoke-on-Trent illustrator and designer Holly Tucker, Bear in Mind produces a range of homeware and giftware inspired by everyday life and nature, with Holly’s love of typography and bold colour adding an element of fun in each piece. We love these ceramic badges with their sardonic messages, which would make a brilliantly quirky stocking filler.

The Lives of Lee Miller by Antony Penrose

American photographer Lee Miller (1907-1977) never really got the acclaim she deserved until this very year, following the release of Lee, a major biopic starring Kate Winslet. For anyone interested to learn more, here’s the compelling biography written by her son Antony Penrose, chronicling her journey from Vogue cover model to Surrealist photographer and war correspondent. It’s also illustrated with her fabulous images, including portraits of her friends Picasso, Tanning and Ernst.

A Very Vintage Christmas by Hoxton Mini Press

This photographic celebration of Yuletide spans the years 1900-1980 and captures the essence of Christmas past. This beautifully produced book showcases everything from Victorian family gatherings to 1950s department store scenes, highlighting both the differences and timeless similarities in holiday celebrations.

Blood Orange by Ocelot Chocolate

Why give your loved ones standard chocolate when you could present them with something truly special? Made from beans from Virunga National Park in the Congo, Ocelot’s Blood Orange bar combines rich, organic dark chocolate with tangy citrus and vanilla notes, offering a sophisticated take on the classic chocolate orange. It’s suitable for vegans, and all packaging is plastic-free and environmentally conscious.

Guava Banana Coffee Beans by People Possession

Here’s a great stocking filler for the caffeine addict in your life: watch their faces on Christmas morning as they try and figure out what it is they’re looking at! The answer is roast coffee in a can from ultra-hip coffee brand People Possession. Their Guava Banana variety is sourced from Colombia, features notes of milk chocolate and plums through an anaerobic process, and is presented in a designer-friendly can to boot.

For The Fashionistas

Hattie’s Heart watch by Swatch

This playful oversized watch was created in collaboration with artist Hattie Stewart, one of our favourite doodle artists. It features a pink dial with multicoloured print and biosourced materials. The design combines matte black case elements with vibrant red and pink straps adorned with contrasting prints.

Brushed multicoloured scarf by Jo Gordon

It’s that chilly time of year when everyone loves a scarf, and here’s our top pick. Knitted in a thick double jacquard, this brushed lambswool number is so soft and cosy. It features bright rectangular patterns on one side and subtle tweed on the reverse, and each piece is crafted using traditional techniques and hand-finished in southwest Scotland.

Matias shirt by Lau Clothing

This lovely printed cotton shirt, with rounded hem and small collar, features prints by France-based Argentinian artist Matías Larraín. It’s typical of his vivacious designs, which exude a spirit of joie de vivre through the use of simple shapes and vibrant colours.

Hey sling bag by ARCS London

Made from recycled materials and 100% vegan, this everyday big bag has draw-strings either side to compact itself, hide under your arm, and essentially become part of your outfit. It features patchwork panels of recycled polyester and ripstop nylon, with adjustable drawstrings and space for a 15″ laptop. It’s typical of the sustainable bags and clothing made by ARCS; being slow made, built for longevity and with minimal impact on the planet.

Kojima Work Jacket by Niwaki

How cool is this? Handcrafted in Kojima, Japan’s denim heartland, this jacket effortlessly combines practicality with style. Made with 12oz indigo selvedge denim with 2% stretch, it features deep double-lined pockets and a kimono collar. Whether you’re working on a photo shoot or perusing the back streets, this trendsetting jacket will see you right.

Bold Stripe Wool Hat by Kate Jones Knitwear

Combining natural ethical yarns and sustainable techniques with a modern aesthetic, Kate Jones is a textile designer who works by hand in her studio in Margate, Kent. This gorgeous hat is made from 100% non-mulesed lambswool, which was spun and dyed in Yorkshire. Available with or without a bobble, this cool creation showcases traditional British craftsmanship dating back to 1766, and it’s lovely and warm too.

Gabe Shirt by Folk x Kate Gibb

Launched in London at the turn of the Millennium, Folk was started by Cathal McAteer with the ambition to create a clothing brand that makes cult classics rather than pop hits. A collaboration with artist Kate Gibb, their Gabe Shirt is a relaxed-fitting, short-sleeve design. Crafted from 100% Tencel fabric with a flowing, drapey quality, it showcases Gibb’s custom digital all-over print, with design details including a square hem with side vents, corozo nut buttons, and a half-moon collar stand.

Viridis Man sneakers by HOFF

HOFF’s Viridis Man sneakers blend athleticism with style, featuring leather construction in deep greens with golden yellow accents. These versatile trainers work equally well with casual jeans or smarter chinos, making them an ideal gift for the fashion-conscious creative who appreciates both form and function.

For The Creative Hobbyist

LomoApparat Neubau by Lomography

Here’s the perfect gift for any photographer who appreciates the authentic, quirky and analogue. The LomoApparat Neubau is a delightfully experimental 35mm film camera wrapped in Italian leather. It boasts a 21mm wide-angle lens, built-in flash with coloured gel filters, and creative attachments like the Kaleidoscope and Splitzer lens.

Linocut & Print Kit by Clever Hands Studio

Know someone who wants to expand their skillset? This kit offers everything they’ll need to dive into printmaking. The comprehensive set includes quality tools, multiple lino sheets, two rollers, inking supplies and detailed instructions. You can also choose to upgrade to add items such as extra pots of colour, or a printer pack containing a Japanese bamboo baren and four sheets of natural LOKTA paper.

Origami Star Garland Kit by Origami Est

The Origami Est Star Garland Kit provides a mindful crafting experience, containing pre-cut papers, ribbon, needle and clear instructions to create beautiful star decorations. Available in festive ‘Star of Wonder’ or colourful ‘Starburst’ options, these addictive-to-make garlands work beautifully as year-round decorations.

Bill the Pigeon knitting kit by Nicky Stewart

Buying a present for someone who loves birds? The Bill the Pigeon Knitting Kit, handmade in the Scottish Highlands, is perfect for beginners who are familiar with basic knitting. The plastic-free kit includes everything needed (except needles) to create a 16cm-long cuddly pigeon, including quality DK yarn, stuffing, and a Pigeon Club badge.

Wire Dachshund sculpture Kit by Paper & Wood

The Wire Dachshund Sculpture Kit guides crafters through creating 3D wire sculptures. Available with black or copper wire, the kit includes enough materials for two dachshunds, pliers, and a spiral-bound instruction booklet. All in all, this is a brilliant introduction to a new creative skill; expect to take two to three hours per piece.

For The Book Worms

1,000 Marks by Pentagram

Graphic design nerds rejoice! Pentagram’s new book showcases sixty years of iconic identity design from the legendary studio. The 1,008-page collection features double the entries of their 2010 survey, presented in a specially designed slipcase with a jacket that unfolds into a poster.
It comes in a specially designed slipcase and jacketed cover that opens out as a poster.

A Compendium of Print Advertising from The Simpsons by The Best Damn Pet Shop in Town and Bart of Darkness

In the immortal words of Homer Simpson, “You don’t win friends with salad.” If you know a creative who’s obsessed with the disfunctional cartoon family, they’re sure to love this collection of print ads for the beloved animated series, spanning TV, video games, arcade machines, VHS, books and Butterfinger commercials.

Sophie Smallhorn: Works by Counter-Print Books

Sophie Smallhorn’s abstract sculptures, prints and installations have attracted and inspired audiences around the world, with their striking and playful use of colour and geometric forms. This, the first comprehensive collection of her work, showcases her playful exploration of colour, volume and proportion that has captivated audiences worldwide.

WipEout Futurism: The Graphic Archives by Thames & Hudson

Seeking a gift for a devoted gamer? This brilliabnt book chronicles the groundbreaking visual design and cultural impact of cult 1995 PlayStation game WipEout. This beautifully designed book features rare concept art and explores The Designers Republic’s influential futuristic branding, making it perfect for gaming enthusiasts and graphic designers alike. Read more about the book in this article.

Growing Up in Alphabet City: The Unexpected Letterform Art of Michael Doret via Letterform Archive

Michael Doret is the lettering legend behind iconic artwork for some of America’s greatest icons, including Kiss, Disney, Time, Pixar, USPS and the New York Knicks. This book showcases his journey from 1950s Brooklyn to modern LA, and features over 600 images of his typographical designs. This monograph-memoir also includes detailed tutorials and reveals pre-digital lettering processes, complete with original sketches.

For The Outdoorsy & Active

Dome pizza oven by Gozney

Firing up a traditional pizza oven in your back garden is a wonderful way to pass a winter’s evening with friends. So here’s a fantastic gift for anyone who likes to entertain. The award-winning Dome pizza oven offers the choice between wood-fire romanticism or the convenience of gas cooking. Perfect for beginners and chefs alike, it’s available with a 10% discount before 24 December.

Camping Hammock by Voited

There’s little that’s more relaxing than lying back in a hammock while camping out in the wilds. Crafted from recycled Ripstop Nylon, the Ultralight Travel Hammock combines sustainability with outdoor functionality. Featuring triple-stitched polyester straps and eight adjustment points, this 420g hammock offers durability and easy setup for camping and leisure activities.

Virgin Miri’s Sittingsuit by Sittingsuits

What do you buy a loved one who’s always ahead of the fashion curve? Check out this cool limited-edition clothing creation. It’s a collaboration with Swedish pop star Virgin Miri, and features her custom “razorblade pop” inspired print. Translating the New York-based artist’s unique musical style into wearable form, the Sittingsuit is a unique blend of fashion with artistic expression.

Campfire Burning Candle by Pine & Bear

Laura Windebank is the Brighton-based designer and maker behind Pineandbear, which makes products that make people happy. These hand-poured natural wax candles, a collaboration with Cotswold aromatherapist Charlotte Spencer, capture the essence of campfire fragrance. They’re presented in reusable glass containers with a 50-hour burn time, and each candle comes in a recycled linen bag.

Wild Swim Fingerless Gloves by Black&Bleech

Wild water swimming is a fantastic way to re-engage with nature, and these fingerless gloves, crafted in Scotland from Yorkshire-sourced merino lambswool, have been made with just this purpose in mine. These zero-waste, seamlessly knitted mittens combine ethical production with practical design, and are available with matching accessories for complete winter protection.

Wild Wooden Sign by Modo & Co

Who doesn’t love a gift that’s been personalised for them? Hence these show-stopping, hand-painted signs can be designed and made with a word of your choice. They’re made by Modo & Co, a Yorkshire mill studio that specialises in products that repurposes other people’s waste, off-cuts and leftovers. Each sign is handmade from birch ply, oak ply and MDF, and comes framed in solid oak, ready to hang.

For The Homebirds

Aires Glossy White Bowls by Every Story

The first bite is with the eye, as they say; so when it comes to cooking, presentation can make all the difference. These beautiful bowls combine paper-white glaze with earthy grey stoneware, and each is hand-moulded with subtle texture variations. These elegantly simple pieces feature raw edges and a fine canvas weave texture, making them both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Flip stand by The Snow Sheppard

Know someone who puts a lot of effort into curating their collections of vinyl records, books or magazines? FLIP is a versatile stand and storage solution that allows them to put them on stylish display. With clean lines and natural finish, this stand can accommodate up to 46 records or 28 magazines, and features elevated storage to protect items from surface contact damage.

Leaves Blue Round Art Tray by Wrap

“Rules are made to be broken!” believes Swedish illustrator and pattern designer Linnéa, who delights in using her tools in unexpected ways. Her Scandinavian heritage informs her bold, graphic, colourful and “minimalistic yet maximal” approach. And this vibrant, circular art tray, made from sustainably sourced birch plywood in Sweden, features her signature leafy designs, radiating out from the centre in rich blue tones.

Chips Mugs via Wrap

Crafted in Japan from Mino-yaki stoneware, these beautifully designed mugs are both functional and stylish. Each mug, with its pressure-cast handle and smooth teal gloss finish, offers a comfortable grip and can hold up to 380ml. Dishwasher and microwave safe, these mugs are available in various colours to suit any creative’s kitchen.

Duck felted wool decoration by Holly St Clair

Known for her charming personifications of animals and objects, London-based illustrator Holly St Clair’s joyful designs are crafted with naturally dyed materials, making each piece unique. Handcrafted in Nepal from 100% fair trade felted wool, this whimsical duck decoration by is an ideal gift for anyone who loves playful art.

Stripe Dinner Candles by Yod&Co

Add a pop of colour to festive dinners with these bold, striped dinner candles. Available in sets of four, with combinations like terracotta/blue and red/green, these hand-poured, Fairtrade-certified candles are made from 100% Stearin wax in Indonesia. A perfect way to bring an artistic touch to any table setting.

Disco Ball Cocktail Stirrers by Pivot

Elevate your cocktails with these fun mini-disco ball stirrers from Pivot. Made from stainless steel and beautifully presented in sustainable packaging, this set of four stirrers will add a touch of sparkle to any drink. Handcrafted in London, each sale supports makers living in a homeless hostel.

Take Me To The Disco Poster by Sophie O’Connor

Celebrate the vibrant spirit of disco with this typographic print by Sophie O’Connor, an award-winning multi-disciplinary designer based in Manchester. Featuring bold, stylised lettering and giclée-printed on premium Hahnemühle paper, the poster is available in A3 or A2 sizes. The perfect gift for music and design lovers alike.

For The Stationery Obsessed

Brass Houseplant Bookmark Trio by Pivot

An inspired gift for plant lovers, this trio of botanical bookmarks includes designs inspired by a rubber plant, Swiss cheese plant and saguaro cactus. Made from responsibly sourced brass, each piece develops a unique patina over time, making them a thoughtful gift for bookworms. These hand-finished bookmarks are eco-friendly, and presented in sustainable packaging.

A5 notebook pack by Reign & Hail

King & McGaw was launched in 1982 by three brothers in a basement flat in Brighton. Initially, they produced prints on a second-hand screen press; today, their state-of-the-art printing and framing workshops have expanded to meet global demand. This set of three A5 notebooks features sleek designs—Geo-Numeral, Amper-Sand, and Balanced—printed on high-quality 300gsm Munken matte paper. Inside there’s a mix of plain, lined and dotted pages, making them perfect for creatives to jot down ideas or sketches in style.

Yuzu Planner 2025 by Pith

Designed specifically for creative organisers, the Yuzu Planner offers space for both planning and artistic expression. With a sleek layout for monthly and weekly overviews, plus additional dot grid pages for notes, it’s been crafted with smooth, acid-free paper and hand-bound in the UK. A flexible and stylish tool for any creative who needs to stay organised.

Brutalist Calendar and Modernist Planner by Blue Crow Media

Shopping for an architecture enthusiast? This limited edition Brutalist Calendar showcases stunning photography of global Brutalist landmarks. Why not pair it with the Modernist Planner, which celebrates Modernist interiors? Both are printed on eco-friendly materials.

Fish Fabric Case by East End Press

This charming fish-shaped fabric case is hand-printed in Jaipur, India using carved wooden blocks. It’s ideal for storing pencils, makeup, or cables; all the kind of things creatives carry around with them, in other words. The case is fully lined with colourful cotton and features a sturdy brass zip.
Eraser Advent 2024 by Present & Correct

Eraser Advent 2024 by Present & Correct

Trying to cut down on the chocolate this season? Or just looking for a fun and quirky way to count down to Christmas? Either way, the Eraser Advent Calendar brilliantly features a selection of new and vintage erasers from around the world. With designs ranging from Mount Fuji to heart-shaped varieties, it’s a playful gift for stationery lovers.

For The Foodies

The Illustrator’s Cookbook by Jumbo Press

A fabulous blend of food and art, this cookbook features 36 emerging illustrators, each contributing a recipe alongside their vibrant artwork. Printed in-house with risograph techniques, The Illustrator’s Cookbook offers both culinary inspiration and a feast for the eyes; making it perfect gift for both artists who love to cook and foodies who appreciate art.

Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini by The Prohibition Collection

Blending crème de cacao, triple sec, coffee liqueur and natural flavourings, this ready-to-drink Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini delivers a rich and indulgent experience. Perfect for any creative who enjoys fine spirits and a bit of holiday cheer.

Ultimate Japanese Spice & Chilli Oil by Wycombe Chef’s Table

For those who love to tease their tastebuds, this spice range from Wycombe Chef’s Table is packed with bold flavours and textures. With seasonings like Shichimi Togarashi and Cashew Rayu, each offers a unique umami experience. An excellent gift for anyone who appreciates Japanese cuisine, or enjoys experimenting with new flavours in their cooking.

Fauna Beer & Gin Gift Box by Fauna Brewing

If there’s a beer lover in your life, this gift set from Fauna Brewing will give them a fresh taste to enjoy. This gift set includes core beers, a pint glass and a miniature Fauna gin, all presented in an eco-friendly branded box. It’s also nice to know that Fauna chooses a different wildlife conservation cause to support for each beer they brew.

Gourmet Christmas Macarons by The March Hare Bakery

Delight in festive flavours with these gourmet Christmas macarons. These handmade treats are crafted from the finest ingredients, perfect for sharing with others this holiday season. Each box includes a mix of four to six flavours, including seasonal favourites such as Mince Pie and Mulled Wine.