38 of the best gifts £25 and under from small British brands

On the hunt for gift inspiration? Here are a selection our favourite, affordable gifts from independent brands across beauty, interiors and fashion.

There are plenty of occasions to treat the ones you love. Birthdays. New jobs. Anniversaries. You name it, and we’ll find reason to celebrate. And it doesn’t always have to be a larger than celebration that costs the Earth, either. Luckily, we know exactly what where to look. 

From zodiac pouch bags to grown-up puzzles and glass cocktail shakers, scroll down to discover 38 of our favourite gifts for under £25 from The Drop by Stylist – our marketplace to shop from brilliant and burgeoning small businesses across the UK.

• Lucy Suddaby Studio Pressed Flower Hair Barrette

  Bluebell season is one of the best parts of springtime in the UK – and thanks to these barrettes by Lucy Suddaby Studio, you can enjoy the flowers all year round. Not really a bluebell fan? Choose the gypsophila barrette instead. Each Y2K-style clip contains blooms hand-picked by founder Lucy and pressed in her Bristol workshop.

  Wondering how to style them? Make like Gigi Hadid and Dua Lipa and create a centre parting, then use two clips to pull back the hair from either side of your face. Wear with a white linen midi dress for the freshest of spring looks.

  Shop Lucy Suddaby Studio Pressed Flower Hair Barrette at The Drop, £10

  buy now

• Johnny Loves Rosie Gold Initial Metal Keyring

  They say the perfect gift is something you’d never think to buy for yourself but gives you joy every time you use it. Which is exactly where Johnny Loves Rosie’s gold letter key rings come in.

  Snap one up for all your hard-to-buy-for friends and they can either use it as a bag charm to personalise their accessory collection or as a key ring that will make rummaging in the bottom of their tote while standing outside the front door a thing of the past. Best of all? They’ll think of you every time they spot it…

  Shop Johnny Loves Rosie Gold Initial Metal Keyring at The Drop, £24

  buy now

• Lund London 240ml Travel Mug

  In this hybrid working world we live in, it’s safe to say it’s the little things that keep us going when heading into the office. Tea, coffee, water, juice, whatever your beverage of choice, it’s become a non-negotiable after months of having it on tap at home – and Lund London’s Skittle Travel Mugs are the number one option to house our prized drinks for two reasons.

  Firstly, having worked in the homeware industry for over 15 years, Lund London’s founder has a keen eye for design, that explains the chic, slender colour pop design which comes in five colour combinations. Even better, its subtle push button opening makes guzzling on the go all the more easier. 

  The stainless steel design keeps drinks cold for 12 hours or, if, like the rest of the nation, you’ve turned into an at-home barista since the pandemic, your coffee will stay hot for up to six hours – ideal for all those endless train delays…

  Shop Lund London 240ml Travel Mug at The Drop, £25 

  buy now

• Tayla Tayla Checked Hair Bow Barrette with Monogram

  Whether it’s iconic outfits from Clueless or Blair Waldorf’s entire wardrobe in the original Gossip Girl, preppy style is one that’s stood the test of time. But if you’re not willing to experiment when a full look – or on the flipside have enough garments on the go already – Tayla Tayla’s Mabel monogrammed checked hair bow is here for you.

  Available in five colourways, it’s a lot easier to fasten than you’d think thanks to its French barrette closure. Better still, you can embellish it with an initial of your choice in gold beads. Going for a half-up, half-down ‘do or perfecting a bubble pony à la Ariana Grande? Your hair accessory prayers have just been answered.

  Shop Tayla Tayla Checked Hair Bow Barrette with Monogram at The Drop, £18

  buy now

• Little Karma Co Personalised Initial Refillable Candle

  If you’re a fan of typographic prints on your walls, imagine if you could bring the same aesthetic to your sideboard, bookshelves and coffee table. Here’s where Buckinghamshire-born lifestyle brand Little Karma Co and its typographic initial candles comes in.

  Available in four refillable sizes from mini (70g) to mega (3-wick 750g) and seven natural essential oil scents – including fragrant bergamot and rose geranium, soothing eucalyptus and lime, and fresh lemongrass and ginger – each initial has been carefully designed using a chic, muted colour palette.

  Whether it’s for a housewarming or birthday present, or to add to your own carefully curated home, we dare you to stop at just one.

  Shop Little Karma Co Personalised Initial Refillable Candle at The Drop, £13

  buy now

• Mustard Monday Handmade Ruched Headband

  Whether you’re channelling Bridgerton or looking for a statement hair accessory to wear to all of those Covid-delayed weddings and special occasions, Mustard Monday’s ruched headbands are the special touch your outfit is calling out for.

  Handmade in London and available in seven colours and prints – we’re torn between the Ganni-esque polka dot and the dark floral versions – make haste and harness Bridgerton’s leading lady Kate Sharma’s levels of style, grace and tenacity with one simple accessory.

  Shop Mustard Monday Handmade Ruched Headband at The Drop, £15

  buy now

• Holdall & Co Pressed Leather Flowers AirPods Case Keyring

  Our AirPods are an on-the-go essential. They’re always there when we need to stream the latest true crime podcast or listen to Dua Lipa’s newest tune, so why not house them in a stylish, personalised case? And you can’t get more spring-appropriate than Holdall & Co’s pressed flowers leather option for both the Classic and Pro versions.

  Handmade from full grain leather here in the UK and featuring a keyring loop, this is an accessory that’s sure to make your bag that tad more organised – and therefore, your life easier. Plus, you can have your name etched on the front so they don’t get mixed up with your housemates AirPods as you rush out the door and you can charge them while they’re still in the case. Music to our ears…

  Shop Holdall & Co Pressed Leather Flowers AirPods Case Keyring at The Drop, £25

  buy now

• Rock On Ruby Personalised Initial Gingham Tote Bag

  If there’s one print that gets us excited for spring, it’s gingham. Gingham dresses. Gingham tablecloths. Gingham scrunchies. So, it’s only natural that our bags also get the checked treatment. Happily, Manchester-based lifestyle label Rock On Ruby brings us a tote that doesn’t just embody one sunshine-ready trend, but two – thanks to its ditsy floral lining.

  It’s roomy enough for every picnic essential – from your latest Zadie Smith read to cheese-and-cucumber sandwiches and chilled cans of San Pellegrino limonata. 

  Plus, you can make it your own by personalising with your initial (or if you’re gifting, that of your friend/family/colleague) in contrasting blue and gold thread.

  Shop Rock On Ruby Personalised Initial Gingham Tote Bag at The Drop, £18

  buy now

• Albus & Flora SPF30 Multi-Active Tinted Lip Balm

  How much do we love Albus & Flora’s multi-active Lip Balms right now? With an exclusive price available only on The Drop – not to mention free shipping – choose from five shades including four subtle tints that range from peachy nude to berry red, as well as a go-to clear version.

  As the changeable British weather gives us the (suspect) gift of dry, chapped lips that don’t know if they’re coming or going, this deeply nourishing lip balm that’s rich in antioxidants, omegas and vitamins (plus SPF30 to boot) is the perfect find. 

  Even better, the cocktail of potent botanicals significantly reduces the occurrence of cold sores, as well as encouraging their healing.

  Shop Albus & Flora SPF30 Multi-Active Tinted Lip Balm at The Drop, £14

  buy now

• About November Oti Half Moon Adjustable Ring

  There are some rings that make it hard to stop staring when you see someone wearing them – and About November’s Oti half-moon ring is one such example. Its undulating indents give the illusion of texture, yet maintain the modern, minimalist aesthetic that founder and former fashion buyer Nia channels into every piece she designs.

  Available in sterling silver or 18kt gold-plated sterling silver, it’s a chunky ring that works perfectly as a stand-alone statement or stacked against daintier pieces for a layered look. 

  And the adjustable design means you can wear it on any finger you like (it also makes the perfect gift as you don’t need to guess their ring size). What’s not to love?

  Shop About November Oti Half Moon Adjustable Ring at The Drop, £24

  buy now

• Nodo Thick Metallic Hair Clip

  Whether you’re piling your hair up in a heatwave or hiding a grown-out fringe in a half-up-half-down style, Nodo’s gold hair clip will make every kind of impromptu hairstyle look purposeful. Hand-finished in the brand’s London studio, the brushed finish and chunky silhouette make for a brilliantly robust clip that’ll stay put all day.

  We’ll be pairing ours with gold accessories – think huggie hoops and a snake chain – for a matchy-matchy look that’ll instantly read as coordinated.

  Shop Nodo Thick Metallic Hair Clip at The Drop, £13

  buy now

• Holdall & Co Personalised Leather AirPods Case with Keyring Loop

  As far as everyday on-the-go essentials are concerned, AirPods are up there for listening to podcasts, voice notes and Adele. But keeping track of which ones are yours when you live with flatmates, family or a partner can be a nightmare. The solution? Holdall & Co’s 3D monogrammed leather case.

  With an option for both AirPods and AirPod Pros and available in six shades – white, pink, yellow, mint, tan and black – customise yours with up to three characters in a choice of three colour combinations.

  Shop Holdall & Co Personalised Leather AirPods Case with Keyring Loop at The Drop, £25

  buy now

• Magic Organic Apothecary Fortifying Bath Potion 100ml

  When the world feels bleak, slumping into a foamy bubble bath worthy of Zoë Kravitz in High Fidelity is just what the self-care doctor ordered. To make it even better, add Magic Organic Apothecary’s Fortifying Green Bath Potion – a concentrated herbal blend of calming yarrow, decongesting peppermint and detoxifying fennel – for a more relaxing experience. 

  Simply pour, sit back and feel your stress evaporating into thin air…

  Shop Magic Organic Apothecary Fortifying Bath Potion 100ml at The Drop, £23

  buy now

• Muru Jewellery Mother and Child Star Bracelet

  Tapping into the celestial jewellery trend, the dual star pendant on this delicate bracelet represents the bond between a mother and child, making it a timeless piece to gift regardless of if it’s Mother’s Day or not.

  Available in 18-carat gold-plated vermeil or sterling silver, Muru donates 10% of the bracelet’s profits to the MumsAid charity, which helps pregnant women and new mothers with counselling and support for emotional or mental health difficulties. A present that looks and does good? We’re sold.

  Shop Muru Jewellery Mother and Child Star Bracelet at The Drop, £25

  buy now

• Stitch With Skye Strong Like My Mama Embroidery Kit

  Ask a woman who her hero is, and she’ll likely say, “My mum”. If you’re racking your brains for a thoughtful present for your mother, Stitch With Skye has come to the rescue.

  Combining aesthetically pleasing craft with a sweet sentiment, the brand’s ‘Strong. Like My Mama’ embroidery kit will create a brilliantly unique gift. 

  Complete with a wooden embroidery hoop, pre-printed fabric, embroidery threads and needles, along with a step-by-step guide, the beginner’s set will help you create a emotive piece of abstract art.

  Shop Stitch With Skye Strong Like My Mama Embroidery Kit at The Drop, £22.99

  buy now

• London Botanical Laboratories The Pro-Glow Fresh Vit C Day Cream

  There are three things all brilliant day creams should be: lightweight, glow-boosting and soothing. 

  With an exclusive 80% off the regular price available only on The Drop, The Pro-Glow Fresh Vit C Day Cream from London Botanical Laboratories ticks all three boxes.

  Its vegan blend of pineapple extract is rich in brightening vitamin C, plus it contains redness-reducing CBD and nourishing evening primrose oil, alongside anti-inflammatory carrot root extract. 

  Shop London Botanical Laboratories The Pro-Glow Fresh Vit C Day Cream at The Drop, £15

  buy now

• Lucy Loves This Feminist Tote Bag

  Feminism’s for life, not just for International Women’s Day – and this tote will help you promote the cause all year round. Designed by the female-led graphic design brand Lucy Loves This sturdy canvas monochrome bag is equal parts stylish and strident.

  The ‘F’ design appears simple on first glance, but take a closer look and you’ll see rousing words by women such as Gloria Steinem, Frida Kahlo and Beyoncé, plus illustrations of Florence Nightingale and Virginia Woolf, and names of other brilliant women past and present who have changed things for the better. 

  Shop Lucy Loves This Feminist Tote Bag at The Drop, £14

  buy now

• Eclat Skin London Rose Glow Oils & Eye Set

  Upgrade your self-care sessions with the double whammy of Eclat Skin London’s Rose Glow Set, featuring its bestselling Rose Blossom Hydro-Gel Eye Pads and new Rose Blossom Glow Facial Oil, available with a huge £60 off exclusively on The Drop by Stylist.

  When the time calls to gua sha the night away, the lightweight facial oil is infused with moisture-packed hyaluronic acid and natural oils to provide the perfect amount of hydration, slip and, of course, natural glow.

  Shop Eclat Skin London Rose Glow Oils & Eye Set on The Drop, £24.90 

  buy now

• Blackbelle Prints Bordeaux and Copper Leaf Agate Style Resin Coasters

  When is a coaster more like a piece of art? When it’s one of Blackbelle Prints’ leaf-flaked agate resin coasters. Handmade by founder Victoria, the Afro-inspired coastal design features mesmerising details courtesy of the gold leaf swirling throughout. 

  The glitter-adorned textured edge, reminiscent of precious agate stones, looks as if it were sliced straight from the source. 

  If you’re after a tablescaping texture boost, look no further.

  Shop Blackbelle Prints Bordeaux and Copper Leaf Agate Style Resin Coasters at The Drop, £12.60

  buy now

• Hearth and Heritage Paint Your Own Candle Holder Kit

  Do you ever look at candle holders and think you could design one better? With Hearth and Heritage’s paint your own kit – handmade at their Lincolnshire HQ – you can finally take matters into your own hands (or put them into the hands of that arty friend who wants to be more creative).

  The kit comes equipped with everything you’ll need, including a range of paints, a paint brush, three design ideas and one of three candle holders – a tealight holder, medium tapered candle holder or a taller, curved candle holder. Unleashing your creativity while making something that no one else will own? It’s win-win.

  Shop Hearth and Heritage Paint Your Own Candle Holder Kit at The Drop, £19.95

  buy now

• Vesta London Beauty Nude Lip Gloss

  From Naomi Campbell to Angelina Jolie, nude lip gloss has been a make-up bag must-have for decades. We’re very much enjoying Vesta London’s take on the classic. Happily, there are four shades that have been crafted with darker complexions in mind.

  With undertones of golden shimmer, brown, peach and pink, there’s a shade for every mood. 

  Plus, thanks to the nourishing shea butter and cocoa butter formula, your lips will look and feel softer and smoother, even in the coldest of weather.

  Shop Vesta London Beauty Nude Lip Gloss at The Drop, £11

  buy now

• Lolly & Kiks African Wax Print Turban Headband

  When fashion juggernaut Net A Porter predicts ‘bold, brave brights’ as a key trend for 2022, who are we to argue? If you’re keen to dip your toe in, bring a dose of vibrant joy to your hair accessory collection with Lolly & Kiks’ African wax print headbands.

  Available in 14 Crayola-bright patterns, the turban-style front-twist style has an elasticated back for the perfect fit – ideal for when you’re after a strategic position to help cover regrowth in between hair appointments. 

  Handy for keeping your hair off your face at the gym, disguising bad hair days or adding a pop of colour to an all-black outfit, the hardest part will be choosing which pattern to go for…

  Shop Lolly & Kiks African Wax Print Turban Headband at The Drop, £13.50

  buy now

• Stitch With Skye Embroider Your Own Tote Bag

  Yes, you’ve probably got 162 tote bags already (roughly). But have you ever embroidered your own? Enter, Stitch With Skye’s kits – an ideal no-screen pastime if you’re close to completing Netflix.

  Choose from six delicate designs, including a sunflower, a fern and a rather nice cat in a flower crown. Each kit includes a roomy 100% cotton tote with the pattern printed on, allowing you to embroider over the top – plus an embroidery hoop, threads, a needle, extra practice fabric and easy-to-follow instructions (with links to video tutorials, if that’s your kind of thing). 

  Shop Stitch With Skye Embroider Your Own Tote Bag at The Drop, £22.99

  buy now

• Five Dot Botanics Pure Rewind Rose Clay Lavender Restorative Mask

  When pollution leaves your pores feeling clogged or your skin looks congested, one heroic skincare product comes to mind: a clay face mask. Prized for its ability to unclog pores plus soothe irritation and redness – particularly for those with oily, blemish-prone skin – Five Dot Botanics’ Pure Rewind Face Mask is a brilliant addition to your beauty stash. And with an exclusive 50% saving only on The Drop, what more encouragement do you need?

  Harnessing the power of purifying red clay and soothing lavender oil, this fragrance-free mask is suitable for all skin types – just apply a thin layer to cleansed skin for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth. Clearer, happier skin will soon be all yours.

  Shop Five Dot Botanics Pure Rewind Rose Clay Lavender Restorative Mask at The Drop, £14

  buy now

• Like It On Top Sustain Oil

  The journey to glowing skin can be a long, winding road. If you’re noticing the drying effects of cold weather and indoor heating, venturing into the world of facial oils will help. 

  Like It On Top’s bestselling Sustain Oil Cleansing Protection is the cream of the crop, working hard to not only hydrate skin but also help fade hyperpigmentation and acne scars.

  The British brand’s vegan blend of argan oil, vitamin E oil, almond oil and mandarin oil will brighten, soothe and moisturise, plus reduce acne and regulate oil production. And you can slot it into your current routine with ease. 

  After cleansing, simply massage a few drops into the skin with a circular motion for an instant moisture hit. It hasn’t sold thousands of bottles for no reason…

  Shop Like It On Top Sustain Oil at The Drop, £12.54

  buy now

• Narloa Rose Garden Body Oil

  Bath lovers, we are here for your mid-week bathing woes. As soon as you step foot outside and dry off, your skin starts feeling dry, itchy and parched. Instead of slathering on layers of creams, the solution is a lot more efficient than you think. Enter Narloa’s Rose Garden Body Oil.

  Made in small batches for sustainable purposes, the nourishing coconut, argan and grapeseed oils are lightweight and fast-absorbing. Scented with rosemary, lavender and palmarosa, the chic bottle is filled with stunning dried red rose petals, making it an ideal gift that’ll brighten up any bathroom shelfie.

  Shop Narloa rose garden body oil at The Drop, £17

  buy now

• Please and Thank You You Are Loved Luxury Soap Bundle

  The You Are Loved trio of rose, lemon and lavender soaps packed with 95% naturally-derived ingredients are gloriously chic. 

  Plus, for every set sold, Please & Thank You will donate three soaps to a community in need. 

  If you’re struggling to think of a present for your partner’s mum, consider this your failsafe offering.

  Shop Please & Thank You You Are Loved Luxury Soap Bundle at The Drop, £20

  buy now

• London Botanical Laboratories Hyaluronic Acid + CBD Moisture Surge Serum

  “Very few buzzy ingredients are actually worth the hype, but CBD is one that delivers,” says Stylist’s contributor Shannon Peter. 

  “It calms irritable skin with fairly instant results. This serum pairs it with moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid, for supple skin with reinstated bounce.”

  Shop London Botanical Laboratories Hyaluronic Acid + CBD Moisture Surge Serum at The Drop, £15

  buy now

• Uberstar Glass Cocktail Shaker

  Signalled by the return of chilly weather and dark evenings, party season is very much on the horizon. And there’s no reason your cocktail party prep can’t begin imminently, whether it’s margaritas or martinis, with the help of this cut-glass shaker.

  Shop Uberstar glass cocktail shaker at The Drop, £22.99

  buy now

• Mustard Monday Zodiac Pouch Bag

  Say hello to Mustard Monday’s corduroy pouches. Available in a choice of two autumn-ready shades – lavender or mustard – and two sizes with the 12 zodiac signs embroidered on the front in a contrasting colour, you can also have their name or initials stitched onto the bottom right corner to make them fully bespoke.

  Shop Mustard Monday zodiac pouch bag at The Drop, £22

  buy now

• Piece and Quiet Art Jigsaw Puzzle

  Available in three display-worthy designs, each one has been created exclusively for Piece & Quiet by a talented local artist who receives a percentage of the profits. 

  Prepare for Poolside Paradise to jog holiday memories, Big Cat Energy to capture the beauty of wild animals, and Our Happy Place to remind you of good times with friends.

  Shop Piece and Quiet art jigsaw puzzles at The Drop, £24.99

  buy now

• Sleep Goddess Slumber Beauty Sleep Shower Mist

  “If, like me, you’re not a fan of baths (or don’t have a tub) but like the idea of a relaxing soak that will help you sleep, this is the answer,” says Stylist’s contributor Hanna Ibraheem.

  “Created specifically for showers, Sleep Goddess’s clever powder releases notes of relaxing lavender and geranium – two scents known for aiding sleep – turning your bathroom into a soothing sanctuary.”

  Shop Sleep Goddess slumber beauty sleep shower mist at The Drop, £13.99

  buy now

• NETT Exfoliator

  When Stylist contributor Shannon Peter declares she loves a product, we sit up and listen. “If your head-to-toe exfoliation attempts often end up with a shower or bath smeared with body scrub grains, meet your mess-free alternative,” she says of the Nett Exfoliator. 

  “The coarse texture of the fabric is enough to chip away at dead skin cell build-up, but won’t leave you red raw afterwards. I love it.”

  Shop NETT Exfoliator at The Drop, £22.50

  buy now

• Afroani Rainbow Crocodile Clips and Claw Set

  Afroani was founded by natural hair expert Anita Lusuardi in 2020, and these hair accessories (which are made from cellulose acetate, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic) are designed to glide through all textures with ease. 

  Simply pull your hair back into a 90s-style twist with the large claw, or frame your face with the rectangular crocodile clips for an instant outfit upgrade.

  Shop Afroani rainbow crocodile clips and claw set at The Drop, £14.99

  buy now

• Lolly & Kiks African Wax Print Storage Basket

  Inspired by her Nigerian heritage, founder Xandra hand-makes every fabric basket (pictured above) at her home in London using bold Ankara wax prints available in 11 different patterns and five sizes. If your living room is in need for a colour pop, you know what to do.

  Shop Lolly & Kiks African wax print storage basket at The Drop, £16

  buy now

• Eclat Skin London EGF Youth-Cell Activation Pro-Elixir Serum

  Eclat Skin London’s serum is super-charged with EGF – and with a huge saving of more than 80% exclusively on The Drop, the lightweight, silky formula is our skincare routine’s new best friend. Also packed with glycerin and argan oil to nourish and soothe, it’s a guaranteed glow-giver.

  Shop Eclat Skin London EGF youth-cell activation pro-elixir serum at The Drop, £15

  buy now

• Kim & Tonic Just Quietly Smashing It T-shirt

  “Add some feel-good vibes to your everyday wardrobe with this cotton T-shirt,” says Stylist’s style director Polly Knight. “Team with high-waisted denim, your comfiest sandals and some oversized sunnies for a cool yet punchy look.”

  Shop Kim & Tonic just quietly smashing it T-shirt at The Drop, £14

  buy now

• Anouska Georgia London Initial Baguette Ring

  “Move over initial necklaces, it’s all about the initial ring,” declares Stylist’s fashion and beauty features director Billie Bhatia.

  “Crafted from crystals, these personalised baguette rings will add a sprinkle of glamour to your ring stack.”

  Shop Anouska Georgia London initial baguette ring at The Drop, £15

  buy now

Images: courtesy of brands

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