November is almost over and December is approaching quickly, which can only mean one thing, Christmas is almost here! I absolutely love the holiday season, the lights, the trees, the winter markets and, my favourite thing, picking out presents for friends and family!

 Since it is the season of giving I thought it would be nice to put some of my fellow Belgian artists and small businesses in the spotlight. After all buying from local small businesses has a lot of benefits!

It's good for the economy: you're investing in a small business, helping them grow, fund their future projects and, inderectly, help pay their taxes. You'll also find a lot more unique gifts, designed or picked out carefully by shop owners. 

I decided to split the list up into colors/vibes, but all of them are definitely worth checking out!

So let's get right into it!

Dark

Ayame Designs

A shop that specializes in gothc and fantasy inspired jewelry and accessories, all designed and made by the owner Jossie. If you frequently attend rennaissance fairs in the Benelux, you'll probably have stumbled upon her booth before.

House of Bones

Looking for some outfits for the holidays or wanna start the new year with some fun new clothes? Look no further than House of Bones! Not only do they have a wonderful online store filled with band merch, alternative fashion and accessories, they also have a physical store in the Kammenstraat in Antwerp, for all your last minute shopping and fittings. 

Witch Please Supply

I only recently discovered Witch Please Supply through House of Bones, but instantly fell in love with their little ghosts. If you'd rather buy from them in person, they will also have a booth at De Duystere Markt in Genk on December 14th and 15th.

Moris

Why make a gift guide if I can't do some shameless selfpromotion? My name is Margo and in 2023 I started Moris, a little shop filled with alternative fashion and accessories. If you like all things dark, cute and chronically online, Moris is the #1 stop to shop!

Colourful

Silky Curiosa

Earrings shaped like fruits, flowers, plants and more. If you love a silly earring or a chunky phone charm, be sure to check out Silky Curiosa

It's Kindy

An artist that I've only recently discovered, it's Kindy has a bunch of cute and colorful stickers, prints, bookmarks, keychains, etc. Perfect if you're still looking for some small gifts for friends or family.

Lieart

Some cute and relatable over at Lieart's shop. 

Earth Tones

Studio Ansitru

Looking for a cute DIY project or don't have time to make your gifts yourself? Take a look at Studio Ansitru's shop for cross-stich patterns, ready to ship shawls or custom crochet commissions. My personal favorites are the yee-haw series!

Loup!

Another perfect place to shop gifts for your chronically online friend

Ohsrslybookmarks

Everything that a book nerd needs, you can find at ohsrslybookmarks. Maybe some of these goodies will help you achieve your reading goals in 2025!

Parfum Bubbles

If you love all things whimsy and cottagecore, you will love the stuff at Parfum Bubbles. They have a lot of cute cards, prints, pins, shirts, keychains and even some ready made gift boxes. 

Yawarra

A wonderful mix up of medieval books, mystical creatures and overgrown places. Yawarra only recently started her little shop, but she is already doing so well and definitely deserves a visit. There's also a bunch of cool Pirates Of The Caribean and Alice Madness Returns fanart over there.

Maanvin

I feel like a good moth, mushroom or frog item can help anyone through seasonal depression. The perfect place if you're looking for small (mainly frog themed gifts) for the upcoming holiday season.