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Little Black Book #thinkbigshopsmall


Staying local has never been so important in these crazy times.


We are passionate about supporting local independent businesses here in Hertfordshire and our 'Think Big, Shop Small' campaign continues to shine a spotlight on these wonderful retailers with the launch of our second edition Little Black Book of Herts Independents.


With such a magical mix of local talent and unique gift ideas - make this your go-to directory for your Christmas shopping and beyond.

AELITA JEWELLERY

www.aelitajewellery.com https://www.instagram.com/aelitajewellery/

https://www.facebook.com/aelitajewellery/

aelita jewellery is an independent contemporary jewellery brand based in Hertfordshire offering a range of unique hand crocheted metal wearables both in silver and gold. Aelita established aelita jewellery with an aspiring idea to celebrate crochet, the traditional textile craft, by transforming it into contemporary jewellery making. Crochet is a process that interweaves the designer’s biography and sentiments that have roots in Aelita’s childhood, the notion of nostalgia and personal way of meditation.

APOTHAKA

www.apothaka.com

https://www.instagram.com/apothakaskincare/

https://www.facebook.com/apothakaskincare/

Apothaka® is a multi award-winning skincare brand which is all about simple but effective, nutrient rich formulations which combine the best of what nature and science have to offer in order to support a healthy skin barrier, as well as respecting the environment. This minimalist brand is centred on a "less is more," and inclusive approach to skincare for all, regardless of age, gender or skin colour. In an industry driven by the pursuit of flawless skin, Apothaka® is here to reset the goal to healthy skin and healthy ageing.  The unique formulations have been mindfully created in Berkhamsted, Herts by founder Natasha Dauncey, using her expertise in product formulation and understanding of skin science. The full range is vegan friendly, cruelty free and free from the fear mongering increasingly seen in the cosmetic industry.


BITS BOBS & GIFTS

Facebook: @bitsbobsandgifts

Instagram: @bitsbobsgifts

Bits Bobs & Gifts has a variety of gorgeous gifts and Christmas decorations including their bespoke Christmas Tree Cars which was born out founder Lauren's huge passion for both Cars and Christmas - it seemed like the perfect combination.



BLACK BRIDGE DISTILLERY

https://www.instagram.com/blackbridgedistillery/

Black Bridge Distillery is a small family owned distillery based in Wheathampsted and St Albans. We produce small batch gins, vodkas and American inspired moonshines.


BRAVE NEW YOU AGENCY

@bravenewyouapparel

https://www.facebook.com/bravenewyouapparel/

Twitter @bravenewyouBNG

Brave New You Agency co-founded by Lou Hamilton and Meredith Hepner-Chapman to creatively inspire positive impact & change by helping you communicate your message. Our eco-range is made-to-order with artwork by Lou Hamilton to inspire you to wear the messages you want to share with the world. We also do bespoke pieces in partnership with you, offer a REVAMP service, where we put our designs on a favourite item of yours, making it feel new again AND an Etsy Sample shop.

BRIGHT CORNER

https://www.instagram.com/brightcornershop/

At Bright Corner we design and make simple, sustainable wooden LED lights. Designed by me, Chloe and made locally in Hertfordshire. Using FSC Birch Plywood and fabric coloured flex, they offer a simple, sustainable cosy light for your home. Designed to be used with a warm white, low light LED bulb they create a calm, happy atmosphere - ideal for a bedroom / nursery night light or a feature light in that neglected corner of your living room.


COSITAS

www.cositas.co.uk

Facebook: @cositasstalbans

Twitter: @cositasstalbans

insta: @cositasstalbans

emma@cositas.co.uk

Cositas is a Home Interiors shop on Holywell in St Albans. We are also home to Cositas Creative, where we run a jam packed calendar of Creative Workshops led by local experts. They’re hugely popular and so much fun. We also support other small business to showcase their products in a bricks and mortar environment with our Pop Up Shop Hire.


CRUMBS at FEEDING TIME

Instagram: @feedingtimeparties

CRUMBS at Feeding Time is the home of beautiful baking and treats for special occasions!  Movie Night Boxes have proved the big hit of 2020 and are perfect for lockdown birthdays and family nights in.  Packed with freshly baked brownies, personalised iced cookies, rocky road bars, popcorn, marshmallows and loads of other sweet treats, these ribbon-tied boxes are sure to delight any lucky recipient!   CRUMBS also makes triple chocolate treasure trays (brownie slabs loaded with goodies  and a personalised message - an ideal alternative to a birthday cake) and bespoke iced biscuits for all occasions. 



DEBORAH FITZ INTERIORS

https://www.deborahfitzinteriors.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/DeborahFitzInteriors/

https://www.instagram.com/deborahfitz_interiors_/

Deborah Fitz Interiors can help with every aspect of Interior Design within your home. Offering expert, friendly design advice, founder Deborah takes on projects of all sizes, from single rooms to whole houses. She has an excellent team of trades people and also offers a made to measure curtain and blind service. Ideal for busy people, Deborah’s start to finish service takes all the stress out of achieving your desired result.


DUCKS FLY TOGETHER

Instagram: @DucksFlyTog

Ducks Fly Together is a Wheathampstead based online gift shop creating unique and personalised gifts for special people and special occasions. We love collaborating with customers to create the most bespoke items that will be treasured. We specialise in jewellery (notably cufflinks, necklaces and earrings), coasters and wood art.

We are offering free, express delivery to the local area right up until Christmas Eve!



ETTE ATHLETICA

@lifting_pretty

Etté Athletica - our weights are the most glamourous you'll find on the market!




EDITS-STYLING

https://www.instagram.com/edits_styling/

https://www.facebook.com/EditsStyling1

Edits-Styling, as a personal stylist, I can help you discover and develop your own personal style. I will show you that it isn’t just about understanding fashion, but also about how to shop for your body shape and colouring to make clothing choices that boost your confidence. I provide expert styling and fashion advice, with nearly 20 years in the fashion industry. My clients are professional men and women and busy mums who are short on time but are serious about maximising their potential and want to feel confident in their style. I will help you find a style you love that compliments your life, help you get the perfect wardrobe for you and teach you the secrets to wearing it with confidence.

ELLA AND DOODLE

Instagram: @ellaanddoodle

Facebook: @ellaanddoodle

Ella & Doodle is all about contemporary and unisex prints. All of my products are hand made and many styles are reversible, offering two prints in one. Some products are now 100% organic and all are beautifully made and gift wrapped. My products range from new baby gifts to adult accessories and decoration.



FARR BREW

https://www.instagram.com/farrbrew/

https://www.facebook.com/farrbrew/

Twitter: @BrewFarr

Farr Brew was founded on the principles of creating great tasting real ales brewed with craft and a commitment to quality. The Farr Brew Christmas shop will be open once again at our tap room, with extended opening times over Christmas to provide you with all the local presents you need!


FIVE DINNERS

FiveDinners is a curated meal planning service, where members receive a meal plan each week alongside a complete shopping list. The meal plans include x5 family-friendly recipes created by Theo Cooks, executive chef, food columnist, x5 cookbook author and was a semi finalist on Masterchef and our weekly guest chefs. The recipes are all road tested on our family, we have three young children, and so we know they will be loved by our members. The recipes are all designed to be really easy to make, most of them take 30mins or less. FiveDinners is fantastic for your pocket, saving money on your grocery bills and great for the environment in helping to reduce food waste. Meal planning is also a great way to relieve the mental load – and at FiveDinners we do all the hard work for you! No more dreading those immortal words ‘What’s for dinner?!’


FLOWER BOX

@flowerboxstalbans

www.flowerboxstalbans.co.uk

Based in the heart of St Albans, Flower Box is an award-winning florist offering a gorgeous selection of flowers and plants alongside Home & Interiors, comprising of furniture, lighting, furnishings, vases and home fragrances. With over 30 years’ experience, we offer bespoke event designs and corporate subscriptions, as well as ensuring your wedding flowers are perfect for your special day.

Probably best known for our Signature Hat Boxes which make the perfect gift and are available in three sizes as well as our recycled glass vase arrangements which you can shop online www.flowerboxstalbans.co.uk/shop. We open every day, with local delivery available 7 days a week.

GATHER + GIVE

https://www.instagram.com/gatherandgivestalbans/

Gather + Give - the home of luxury, earth friendly gifts. A local gift store with a mission to make gifting feel even more amazing, by sourcing and creating gorgeous gifts that are sustainable, ethical and eco-friendly. 100% natural candles, aromatherapy bath salts, leopard print reusable cups and wooden toys, are just a few of the wonderful presents you can find. And if you're looking for something even more special, her curated gift boxes sent straight to your loved ones are sure to WOW.

Whilst the store in St Albans is currently closed, online orders can be collected for free at the store on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Order online at www.gatherandgive.co.uk

GHENGU JEWELLERY

Instagram: @GhenguJewellery

Facebook: Ghengu Jewellery by Nicola Parker

At Ghengu Jewellery, I source and make beautiful wearable jewellery working with materials such as leather, faux suede, feathers and semi-precious beads.



GOODNIGHT STARRY

Instagram: @goodnightstarry

Facebook: @goodnightstarry

Goodnight Starry is a beautiful picture book for little stargazers aged 3-6 years. Saying Goodnight to each member of the Earth's family in the solar system, they will discover how very different and special each one is. And learn things that they will recall, long after bedtime is over. Humorously written and beautifully illustrated, Goodnight Starry is the perfect goodnight story to ignite a little one's love of the planets, moons, stars and space.



HANDMADE IN HARPENDEN

Insta: @handmadeinharpenden

Facebook: @handmadeinharp

Handmade in Harpenden was founded by Henry and Farhana in 2017. Dedicated to living a clean, sustainable way of life, they created HIH to share their custom blended fragrances and plant-based creations with the world, while pledging to only source materials from the UK. Their philosophy is to be sustainable while keeping it local. All of their products are GMO-free and completely vegan-friendly. They completely avoid soy in their products as soy crops are one of the largest contributors to deforestation globally.



HARPENDEN SKIN CLINIC

insta: harpendenskinclinic

facebook: Harpenden Skin Clinic

info@harpendenskinclinic.com

At Harpenden Skin Clinic, we offer a range of non-surgical treatments for the face and body, including skin rejuvenation and anti-aging, laser hair removal, body contouring, fat freezing plus much more. We embrace the individuality of each client and pride ourselves on gaining optimum results. Using the latest most advanced technology, we can help you achieve natural, beautiful long lasting results. Why not treat yourself or buy a loved one a gift voucher for one of our treatments.


HILLARY TAYLOR

https://www.facebook.com/HillaryTaylorStudio29/

https://www.instagram.com/hillarytaylorart/

Twitter: @hillaryt29

Hillary Taylor Artist is best known for her townscapes from Harpenden to Hong Kong and places in between. Deliberately simplified, almost naïve, her drawings capture a sense of place, a slice of history: everyday life, money, politics and much more. The long-running series is a growing collection of individual yet deeply interconnected images where original drawings, greetings cards and limited-edition fine art prints all have timeless popularity - enduring stories captured in every striking image.



HODGE INTERIORS

https://www.instagram.com/hodgeinteriors/

https://www.facebook.com/HodgeInteriors/

Hodge Interiors blends modern and vintage homewares to help you create your own perfect individual space. We concentrate on items founded in good design and form whether they are old or new.

IRIS DESIGN FLORAL

info@irisdesignfloral.com

Iris Design Floral is a small business based in Hertfordshire who feel passionate about our collection of luxury artificial florals. Our silk blooms are available in various packages on our website, but love working closely with you to create bespoke faux arrangements for your home or event. We also offer wedding florals as well as floral gifts boxes and home fragrances.  Our products feel like a treat whilst at the same time give a little back...We are proud to give £1 of every sale to Pancreatic Cancer UK, a cause dear to our hearts...



JEN ROFFE

https://www.instagram.com/jenroffe/

https://www.facebook.com/JenRoffeWordsandPictures/

Hand lettering artist Jen Roffe creates prints and homeware designed for the people you love, and about the places you live. Her illustrated maps of Hertfordshire towns are her some of her most popular products, and the Harpenden map is no exception. It's great to be able to pinpoint yourself on a map - where you live and where you’ve spent time with your family, its a lovely way to celebrate your home town and the memories you’ve made there. Jen’s maps are available framed and unframed in a choice of colours, and can also be personalised if required. This Christmas there’s a Harpenden tea-towel in the collection - great for grown-up stocking fillers. If maps aren’t your thing, there are lots of other hand painted lettering designs in her collection, for mums, sisters, best friends and children, bespoke Christmas decorations and greetings cards.



JUNGLEXO

https://www.instagram.com/jungle.xo/

JungleXO hand makes quirky keep-forever lampshades that are 100% unique (no two shades are the same) and are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a cool bohemian vibe to your home. Made to order to suit your style and decor.



LIL' CUBS

Lil' Cubs is a childrenswear brand that designs bright, colourful gender neutral prints. Happy clothes for happy children! All local Harpenden orders will be delivered and postage will be refunded.



LITTLE ACTIVE PEOPLE

https://www.instagram.com/littleactivepeople/

https://www.facebook.com/littleactivepeople/

Little Active People is run by two mums to five active little people who love nothing more than discovering new and brilliant products to help support busy families. We created Little Active People as an answer to the modern day pressures on children and for parents keen to keep little minds and bodies active, no matter what the weather



LIVING ROOM PLANTS

Instagram: @livingroom.plants

www.facebook.com/livingroom.plants

Living Room Plants founder John Kitchen has a history in nature, design and photography. He has looked after interior plants for many years for the likes of the British Library, large banks and small studios. His passion is to connect people with nature and believes strongly in the therapeutic and well-being benefits of having plants in our homes and offices. He personally hand selects plants that are easy to care for and stress free. John can source any plant you like as well as work with you to choose the right plants for your space and personality. Plants can be potted, gift wrapped and delivered. And delivery is free within the local area. Potted Christmas Trees for click and collect and delivery will be available at the start of December!


LUCY LIKES IT

Instagram: @lucylikesit.co.uk

Lucy likes It - personalised simple but quirky hand drawn prints and cards.



MALLOW + WHITE

https://www.instagram.com/mallowandwhite/

The passion at Mallow + White is to help you have the most healthy, radiant skin possible. All of my organic, 100% natural skincare and soaps are hand blended in Harpenden, and many of them have gone on to win awards. "Your products have transformed my skin" is a phrase I regularly hear, and it makes my heart sing.


MAYAS CHILLI COMPANY

Mayas Chilli Company - Raised by my Grandma in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen, my chilli is a fusion of fiery Indian flavours and cool Danish sophistication. We blend the finest natural ingredients, totally free from salt and preservatives and Vegan. The added dollop of love brings out its revolutionary taste! Join the Revo-Fusion & free the flavour! Use discount code: FREELOCALDELIVERY


MILO + JAMES

hello@miloandjames.com

Milo + James is a local, natural and organic skincare company that uses natural and organic ingredients where each ingredient is carefully chosen for its benefits. The products do not contain parabens, SLS, fillers or petroleum. The products are handmade in small batches in St Albans and are not tested on animals.



NIGHTS BY WILDER

https://www.instagram.com/nightsbywilder/

hello@nightsbywilder.com

Nights by Wilder Stylish sleeps for little people. Nights by Wilder offers a range for boys, girls and unisex pieces designed to be worn night or day. Made from hand spun sustainable cotton, dreamt and Made in England. Shipping worldwide. Stocked in Liberty London.



PAWTRAITS BY TILLY

Instagram: @pawtraits_bytilly Email: tillytodd456@gmail.com

My names Tilly Todd and I'm a designer and illustrator from Hertfordshire. Alongside my day job working as a graphic designer I am also a freelance illustrator and over lockdown I set up my business 'Pawtraits by Tilly' a personalised pet portrait business. Prints are available in A4 and A3 size are sent straight to your door! Get in touch if you'd like your own personalised pet portrait!



PEPINO PUPPETS

Petra and Libor are the husband and wife team behind Pepino Puppets. Our puppets are 100% handmade from the wooden feet to the hand-stitched detailing. When we apply the final finish to the face, the puppet comes to life with its own unique personality. They are easily moveable with just two strings, suitable for children from three years old to one hundred and have CE Toy Safety Certification!



RUFUS COUNTRY

www.Instagram.com/rufus_country

www.Facebook.com/rufuscountry

My husband and I are the design duo behind our leather brand, Rufus Country. We set up our company in 2015, our passion is to create leather products that are thoughtfully designed for our busy lives and built to last (backed by our 5 year guarantee). We source the majority of our hides from Tuscany for our designs. By selling directly to our customers it enables us to keep the retail prices affordable. Designed in our studio in Great Amwell, Ware (Hertfordshire), we produce Work bags, Briefcases, Handbags, Satchels, Totes and Weekend Holdalls in the finest leathers. We also produce small leather goods such as mens and ladies wallets and key rings. We offer a bespoke service, so we can personalise gifts to make them extra special, with names or dates embossed.

We have also introduced some of my handmade bone china collections into the Rufus Country family, which includes bone china vases, bowls and cups.

For a 10% discount add HC10 when checking out on our website.



SARAH HEULWEN LEWIS BESPOKE JEWELLERY

www.heulwenlewisbespoke.com

Insta @heulwenlewisbespoke

FB @hlbespoke

Heulwen Lewis Bespoke specialise in beautiful custom-made jewellery that captures your sentiments perfectly. Founder, Sarah Heulwen Lewis, is an award-winning jewellery designer with over ten years of experience in the fine jewellery industry. Sarah uses the oldest bench skills, the newest technology and her intuitive flair to design and create uniquely personal jewellery from only the finest Diamonds, gemstones and metals.


Heulwen Lewis Bespoke is based in St Albans and Harpenden, but our service can also be accessed virtually from anywhere in the UK. If you have a dream jewellery piece, a vintage treasure you’d like remodelled or a sentimental moment you’d like to mark with jewellery please get in touch. We’d love to make it a sparkling reality!

SEA GLASS

Etsy: SeaGlassArtUK

https://www.instagram.com/bellmanrachel/

Sea Glass 'Recycled by nature, upcycled by me!’


I make truly original art from beachcombed materials. I predominately use sea glass, which I don’t shape or alter in any way as I like the challenges this poses! My work covers many different themes, often with a touch of humour or poignancy.



SHOWTIME CIRCUS

rollup@showtimecircus.co.uk

Mobile: 07956050925

Showtime Circus, was founded by Jessica Antelope Hill, who has over 10 years of professional dance and circus performance experience. Showtime Circus are really excited to be able to open our doors and offer Family Experiences as something a little different to do as a family or social bubble. We are waiting on clarity of guidelines but at the moment, we are saying up to 6 people can come and enjoy the skills of the circus at our specially rigged venue in Roundwood Park School. You will be greeted by an amazing stiltwalker and taken through to the space where you will learn: Aerial Hoop, Acrobatics, Trapeze, Juggling, Hula Hoop, Poi and LOADS more! And the children can leave with a small circus gift too! Please click here to book: https://showtimecircusparty.as.me/harpendenfamilyexperience STYLE AND SOURCE

Facebook - @styleandsource

Instagram - @styleandsourceuk

Style and Source was born of a shared passion for interior design, love of the home, and the thrill of discovering unique re-loved furniture and homewares. We handpick pieces which are original and affordable from all over the UK. We embrace British design both old and new, and are also big supporters of local independent creatives. 


SQUIDGE & SMUDGE HANDMADE

www.instagram.com/squidgeandsmudgehandmade

www.facebook.com/squidgeandsmudgehandmade

Squidge & Smudge Handmade are a two-mum run business. Judit & Boglarka have been friends for over 20 years and are both mums of two - a boy and a girl each. We are passionate to create eco-conscious, reusable nappy & baby wearing friendly, fun and bold baby and toddler wear. One of our best sellers are the Grow-with-me trousers, they are not only reusable nappy friendly but by adjusting the cuffs and waistband you can adjust the size of them. They come in 3 sizes, NB to 6M, 3M to 12M and 6M to 3Y.


THE LITTLE SQUARE GALLERY

The Little Square Gallery curates artistically styled, contemporary exhibits of treasured pictures - either photography or children's artwork.



THE PANAMA HAT COMPANY

https://www.instagram.com/panamahatco/

https://www.facebook.com/panamahatcompany

The Panama Hat Company is a run by Harpenden based Mavi and her mother Jenny who has been selling Panamas for over 30 years. Every Panama we produce is a unique piece of headwear, it is ‘woven in Ecuador and hand-made in England’, using traditional hat-making techniques in our factory based in Luton.

THE PUDDING STOP

www.instagram.com/thepuddingstop

At The Pudding Stop, our afters are definitely no afterthought - every gooey mix, stir, dollop and drizzle is dedicated to bringing you the very best puddings, handmade by the very best team. The Pudding Stop started life back in 2011, when we parked our Pudmobile (a small van, jam-packed with freshly made puddings) at St Albans Station. We have to hand it to the hundreds of commuters who believed in us – without them, we wouldn’t have opened our shop two years later. Now doing local delivery on all our bakes - visit our website to order online.



THIRD WAVE

Facebook: @thirdwavebags

Instagram: @thirdwaveharpenden

Phone: 07879620850

At Third Wave we produce bespoke, hardy, waterproof bags made from colourful, pre-loved recycled windsurfing sails/sailcloth. Handmade in Harpenden and made to order. Your perfect eco-friendly tote bag, swimming kit, laundry, beach bag or bag for life!



THREADS

https://www.instagram.com/threadsofharpenden/

https://www.facebook.com/ThreadsofHarpenden/

Threads is an independent, family-run gift and card shop on Harpenden High Street. Often described as an 'Aladdin's cave' or mini department store, we stock a wide range of lovely gifts for all ages. We hand select all our stock and have new products arriving daily, including some gorgeous ranges from local craftspeople.

TOMMY & LOTTIE

https://www.instagram.com/tommyandlottie/

tommy & lottie are a unisex, ethical and sustainable clothing brand which produces a 'capsule' good quality baby range and organic sweatshirts for children and adults. The founder Katie Carr has a real passion for wildlife and the environment. She hand draws all her designs which are inspired by nature. The clothing is unisex and non seasonal so it’s easier to hand down after use helping towards reduce textile waste. All the printing processes are environmentally friendly and better quality. No plastics are used but screen printing with water based, chemical free inks or embroidery made from oeko tex certified thread. Clothing that lasts longer but it's also better for the planet.


VERITIERO CAMPBELL INTERIORS

www.facebook.com/veritierocampbellinteriors

Veritiero Campbell Interior - Two friends with a shared love of all things interior design, sourcing and selling gorgeous home furnishings and accessories. We only buy what we love! Interior design & services available.



WILLOW & WILD

Email: hi.willowandwild@gmail.com

@willow_and_wild

@willowandwildharpenden

Willow & Wild was born from two friends, Charlotte & Louisa, who share a passion for creativity. We create fresh outdoor wreaths and swags at Christmas (pre-order for early December delivery). We also create indoor wreaths and home decor using dried flowers and grasses for ever-lasting loveliness. All handmade and hand delivered locally. Prices start at £30. Visit our Instagram or Facebook page for the full range. 


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