12 independent businesses you can shop this holiday season

Ah, the holidays. It's a time for celebration, for delicious treats and for… let's be honest – panic buying!

It's also a time of year that can make all the difference for those small, independent retailers in your local area. (You know, the ones who didn't quite make it to space this year. Maybe next year!)

While we all love a shipping window that defies the space-time continuum, there is something very special about using your holiday shopping to support small business. It's the very best thing you can do to keep them afloat at this time of year. During the holidays, little retailers face almost impossible competition from big businesses. Shopping local is also more environmentally friendly (no big carbon footprint!) and best of all, the easiest way to find personal, unique gifts for the people in your life.

At Mustard, we're lucky to be stocked in some of the country's most special stores. We know first-hand how hard these independent businesses work to thoughtfully curate an incredible range of lovely products. So it's our pleasure to share some of our favourites for you to add to your Christmas list. We hear you've been very good this year!

Life Interiors | @lifeinteriors 

The name might have given it away, but if you're shopping for an interiors lover, you've found the place! Browse their curation of beautiful, quality brands (cough cough) from furniture to decor.

MiiO Store | @miiostoreau

If you love bold colour (tick!) sleek design (tick!) and fun details (tick!) you'll love MiiO Store, packed full of personality and life. Check out our tour of the store and the art-filled home attached to it!

Little General Kids | @littlegeneralkids

Location: Castlemaine, VIC (Dja Dja Wurrung Country)

We have a bit of a soft spot for sister-owned businesses, and Little General Kids is founded by sisters Lou and Ange! Plus, it's a delightfully colourful, whimsical place that will make your Chrissy shopping a joy.

Think Thornbury | @thinkthornbury

Location: Thornbury, VIC (Woi Wurrung Country)

The colourful hand-painted shapes adorning Think Thornbury's facade give a clue: this is a shop that's all about celebrating creativity. Family-run and bursting with joy, it's home to an eclectic and extensive collection of gifts and books that have all been lovingly handpicked.

Woodend General | @woodendgeneral

Location: Woodend, VIC (Dja Dja Wurrung Country)

Fun fact: Woodend General is the sister store to Little General Kids. More grown up, but no less fun, it's a treasure trove for homewares and lifestyle pieces (and their Christmas display is delicious!)

Hip Kids | @hipkidspics

Shopping for little people? Skip the one-play-and-done toys and opt for something beautiful from the Scandi-inspired Hip Kids range. You can shop by age (handy!) or browse their selection of gift ideas.

Heritage Gardens | @heritagegardensnursery

Green thumbs and green-thumb-wannabes welcome to the oasis. At Heritage Gardens, you'll find everything you need to create your own garden of Eden, plus the inspiration to do so! After you've shopped their plants, pots and homewares you can even stop by the tea house for a snack.

Little Loves Studio | @littleloves.thestore

This sunny, happy little shop stocks all kinds of special things for kids, from toys to fashion, with a retro-inspired flavour. You'll probably have as much fun shopping as they will unwrapping!

Opus | @opusdesignstore

Famous for their collection of gifts for everyone (and greeting cards to boot) Opus is one of Sydney's best lifestyle stores. Shop some of our fave homewares brands and explore their goodies with free gift wrapping to tie it all in a bow!

The Memo | @fromthememo

This might just be Australia's chicest baby store, with a dose of tongue-in-cheek humour to match! Give them a visit for the best in baby gear, minus the fluff. If you're not in Armadale, you'll get same-day-dispatch on online orders placed before 12 pm. Phew!

Mae and Jeune | @maeandjeune

Kip & Co, Sage & Clare, Marimekko – if you're a colour lover, you probably know these names. You'll find them all (and more!) at the mother and daughter-run Mae and Jeune. From art to fashion, homewares and kids stuff, there's something for everyone on your list.

Shut the Front Door | @shutthefrontdoorstore

Just across the ditch, you'll find Shut The Front Door, an independent group of five stores across Aotearoa. We may not be able to agree on the pronunciation of 'fish and chips' but we can all agree that this is a delightful selection of gifts and goodies for big people and little people alike!