Inspiration for unique local gifts from Wales

Lampeter-born designer and knitwear specialist Alis Gwyther creates and sells colourful, contemporary and unique textiles under her label Alis Knits.  Passionate about shopping locally and supporting independent businesses, Alis supports and promotes small, Welsh businesses on her Instagram account.

With supporting independent businesses being more important than ever, Alis has collated a collection of some of her favourite companies to provide inspiration and encouragement to shop all things Welsh . You can buy gifts from all companies featured on Alis’ list online, providing a great opportunity to purchase gifts from every corner of Wales from your own home, wherever you live. 

A wonderful and welcoming shop in Caernarfon town centre, which has also just launched an online shop. Lotti & Wren has a variety of artists and designers' work on display on the shop’s colourful shelves. A lovely shop if you're looking for fun items.

Hannah, a talented designer and jewellery maker, has recently opened her own studio in Llanelli. Hannah works mainly with silver, but also introduces traces of copper to her work, and uses traditional and contemporary techniques. She also runs jewellery workshops.

Follow Hannah Megan Jewellery on Instagram: @hannahmeganjewellery

Online shopping has increased rapidly and in response to this an online market, ANNI, has been established, giving you the opportunity to buy directly from small, exciting businesses, and independent Welsh artists and makers. Ground-breaking vendors which form part of the offer include Matico, Canton Studio and Clai.

Ophelia Dos Santos, a Welsh textile designer living in Cardiff, focuses on sustainable fashion. Ophelia hopes to inspire environmental and social changes by encouraging people to think about how we buy, re-use and dispose of clothing. Her aim is to encourage customers to touch up and adapt their existing clothing, rather than throw them away. For example, you can buy an embroidery kit from her and use it to refresh some of the pieces already in your wardrobe, giving you a new look without the need to buy anything new.

Nia Denman works with all kinds of leather. She runs workshops across Wales where participants can have a go at making leather shoes to fit your feet perfectly, as well as making and a series of other lovely things. She is currently working on craft packages so that you can make your own leather goods from home.

Llio, a ceramics artist based in Cardiff, specialises in household goods and hand-made jewellery. Llio's inspiration comes from her childhood growing up in Snowdonia, which is reflected in her simple, minimalist designs.

Lowri Pugh Davies, from the Lampeter area, beautifully engraves wooden and slate gifts. Lowri accepts personal requests, engraving unique pieces with bespoke messages. A perfect, personalised gift.

Temeka is a Cardiff artist, creating simple portraits that reflect beauty in a humble and natural way. I love the contrast between the bold colours and the minimalist lines in her work.

Follow Noble Sol on Instagram: @noblesol

Mari Catrin Phillips, originally from Pembrokeshire, creates colourful and inclusive work drawing inspiration from 'LGBTQ goddesses’. Her aim is to give the community a voice in a fun and colourful way. Mari initially paints all pictures by hand, before developing the pieces into digital art to sell as prints, stickers and other goods.

A natural skin care company in Llangeitho in West Wales. If you want to change your skincare routine, and experiment with natural and sustainable products, I'd definitely recommend a NATUR product. Gift sets are available on the website, which are perfect to give as a present.

A shop filled with Welsh products located in the centre of Aberystwyth. Shop y Pethe sells all sorts of goods, from books to beauty items, to locally made craft. A great independent shop which also has an online presence, and sends orders to customers in all corners of Wales and beyond.

Lora Wyn, a jewellery designer from Caernarfon, designs and produces lovely enamel jewellery. All designs come in a number of different colours, and one of the most special and unique element of Lora's jewellery is that she creates her own ear wires, hoops and classics to complete the unique pieces.

I love the HIWTI messages of making art affordable, and encouraging self-love and confidence in everyone. If you haven't heard of HIWTI check out the Instagram page to see lots of pink and a lot of self-confidence!

Follow HIWTI on Instagram: @h.i.w.t.i

Sara grew up in Mid Wales, but has since married a farmer based on the Gower Peninsula. She recently started producing her own wool, and colours and spins a unique thread of her own wool, as well as using wool sourced by farmers from around Wales. She uses this to weave her own shoes and scarves and sells them on her website, Woolly Wales.

Erin, a designer and costume-maker, is originally from Ffestiniog and now lives in Cardiff. All her work is produced by hand, and many of her designs have been influenced by her time living abroad; gaining inspiration from the landscapes and mountains, woodlands and beaches. Madog Millinary headbands and scrunchies are perfect for presents!

Remember to follow Alis on Instagram for more information and inspiration about Welsh companies to support.