Episode 22 of Next of Kin Parents Podcast is all about me introducing you to some of the wonderful small, local brands that I have discovered from the events and markets that I have attended recently for Next of Kin. So with the festive season fast approaching I want to share with you 10 small brands that you may want to consider shopping from instead of getting caught up in the Black Friday madness this weekend.
Firstly, I have to share with you my top Next of Kin picks for Christmas outfits! For the girls, I will be dressing Bonnie in the red Lilah dress. The traditional smocking and embroidery give this a festive feel, but the lightweight cotton voile makes this breathable and perfect for UAE weather.
For the boys, the candy cane red and white stripes of the Dillon dungarees make this a perfect Christmas-by-the-beach outfit and can be dressed up by adding the Rue bodysuit underneath and accessorising with the matching Bobby bucket hat... adorable!
If you are looking for a gift for a pregnant friend or newborn, I have to suggest Elliot zippy onesie which is the perfect unisex sleepsuit. Is there anything better than a fresh little baby in a plain white super soft onesie? Of course, this sleepsuit has a double zip, foldable mitts, printed label, bamboo fabric and anti-slip soles.
Now for the best of the rest...
1. North Wood Watches
https://www.instagram.com/north.wood.watch/
These wooden watches and sunglasses are a sustainable, customisable, and well priced. DM them about their apple watch straps!
2. The GFT Box
https://www.instagram.com/thegftbox/
https://www.thegftbox.ae/
Beautifully curated gift boxes, or you can choose your own contents. If anyone wants to buy me a GFT Box I'd like to try the Maysan silk cocoons... please and thanks! Also keep your eyes peeled for a certain Next of Kin onesie which will be available on The GFT Box soon!
3. Atheera Jewels
https://www.instagram.com/atheera_jewels/
https://atheera.me/
Just look at this stunning, timeless jewellery. I personally would love a 'B' initial diamond bracelet. They can also do custom orders!
4. Spring in Summer
https://www.instagram.com/springinsummer_sis/
https://springinsummer.co/
The Founder of Spring in Summer has a great eye for new brands, with great prints and silhouettes. Specialising in women's resortwear, they also have kids styles available from brands like Farm Rio (which I didn't even realise did kidswear)!
5. LMTD DXB
https://www.instagram.com/lmtddxb/
https://www.lmtddxb.com/
Stylish, modern clothing for the man in your life. I plan to take Rich down to their store in Wafi Mall for a try-on session of their matching shirt and short sets.
6. Little Necklace
https://www.instagram.com/littlenecklace.baby/
So many Mums swear by baltic amber necklaces to help with teething, what a great present, that the Mums will thank you for too! If you're not sure about the amber then the chew-llery will certainly be a hit for teething tots!
7. Aroma di Alio
https://www.instagram.com/aromadiolio/
https://www.aromadiolio.com/
This brand owners story is incredible. A personal battle with cancer led her to look into ways she can improve her own health, with the outcome being that after spending her life chasing 'low-fat' diets, she realised she was not consuming the healthy fats needed to be able to absorb vitamins. From there, she became an oil sommelier and is now able to source the best quality products globally. What a great gift this would make for the foodie or health conscious in your life.
8. Globalistina
https://www.instagram.com/globalistina/
https://globalistina.com/
With 5 key pillars; sweat, play, nourish, focus and explore, Globalistina brings you a carefully selected assortment of products alongside conscious living content. I personally have my eye on their woven bags.
10. Lex and Fox
https://www.instagram.com/lexandfox/
https://lexandfox.com/
Handmade, sustainable and non toxic play dough and developmental toys by a local Mumpreneur. You can't go wrong with a Lex and Fox gift for kids.
All opinions are my own. Next of Kin is my own brand. The rest of the brands have been selected by myself and are unaware that I have included them. This post is not sponsored. Happy shopping!
