We’re heading into the most critical time of the year for many traders and small businesses, but with the economic outlook looking less than bright this year, there are fears that many may not survive the winter ahead. In fact, according to research conducted on behalf of Meta, a quarter of small business decision-makers in Scotland fear their business may close. At the same time, a third say the main priority in the next six months is survival.

It’s a very worrying picture, so this festive season, instead of ordering your shopping from a big online retailer, we’re urging you to support some of the amazing small businesses that call Create Business Properties home. And the best part is, they all have online shops, so you can order from the comfort of your armchair!

We love our talented bunch of tenants at Create and hope you will help us support them this Christmas by ordering some of their amazing products. Take a look at what’s on offer:

Gorgeous Personalised Gifts

Gifts are a bit more special when they’re personalised and our tenants at Twenty Seven Gifts have hundreds of beautiful items that can be personalised including Christmas decorations, wedding gifts and just about everything you need around the home. With a focus on quality, the dedicated team at Twenty Seven work hard to handcraft all orders, Browse their website for some festive inspiration.

Comfortable Boutique Sleepwear

Christmas isn’t Christmas without some fancy new pyjamas, is it? The team behind Their Nibs understand the importance of stunning design in sleepwear and offer a wide range of beautiful luxury pyjamas, nightdresses, robes and more. They just love creating their range of special and beautiful prints, on great quality fabrics at an affordable price. Check out what they offer here.

Mouthwatering Chocolate Options

Another festive must-have is plenty of chocolate. And whether you love milk, dark or flavoured chocolate, our tenants at Quirky Gift Library will have the bar to suit you! From handmade chocolate bars to hampers, their fantastic designs are created by their team of talented artists and the chocolate itself has to be tasted to be believed. Take a look at their website and order your nearest and dearest a sweet gift this year that they are certain to love!

Golfing Gadgets

Do you know someone who takes golf very seriously? ShotScope are always at the forefront of the latest technology available with its range of products from GPS watches to Range Finders that provide golfers with the opportunity to continually improve their game. So, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a golf-mad loved one, check out their website.

Handmade Boutique Jewellery 

A special piece of jewellery always makes a wonderful gift and if you’re looking for a really stunning range of handmade classic yet modern silver designs, the Edinburgh Jewellery Boutique has so much to offer. We think this site has something for everyone and the designs are sure to brighten someone’s Christmas. Browse the gorgeous Edinburgh-inspired collections here.

Don’t forget your Furry Friends

Most of us pop a little something under the tree for our beloved four-legged friends at Christmas (even though they really wouldn’t mind if we didn’t!). So whether you want to pamper your pooch or upgrade your lead or harness, Sweetie Pet Products have a great selection of high-quality gear for your dog. Also, their gift vouchers are an excellent choice for a doggy-mad friend! Take a look at what they offer here.

Eco-friendly Personalised Jewellery

Back to buying jewellery as a gift and our talented tenants at Silk Purse Sows Ear offer something a little bit different. As well as a beautiful range of sustainably made jewellery that depicts all kinds of animals, they specialise in bespoke personalised lockets that would make a truly memorable gift – take a look at the collection here.

Festive Floral Arrangements

Looking for a stunning centrepiece, an opulent wreath or a hand-tied bouquet to make someone’s day, our tenants at garlands work hard all through the festive season to deliver stunning arrangements. But they are very popular, so make sure you get your order in early! Take a look at their site.

Fairtrade Craft and Clothing

If you’re looking to give a unique gift that not only supports a local small business but also craftspeople from around the globe, look no further. Our tenants at Terrapin Trading scour the globe to bring us access to a wide range of ethnic clothing, crafts, household items and instruments that are made by skilled people from over 15 countries in the developing world who receive a fair price for their products. Their online shop is a treasure trove of amazing items that would make fantastic gifts and stocking fillers.

Picturing Bumps and Newborns

Do you know someone who is expecting a baby in 2023? Our tenants at Diana Baker Photography specialise in stunning newborn photography to capture those really special moments when a baby is tiny. They also do great ‘bump’ images so a gift voucher would make a fantastic present for any couple who are expecting to hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet soon! Check out their website.

The gift of Beauty

Do you know someone who deserves a bit of pampering? Our tenants at Angel’s Face Beauty offer a range of relaxing or glamorous beauty treatments. From massages to nails, a gift voucher would make an ideal gift to let someone choose for themselves. Or maybe you want to look your best for the party season? Their facials, nails, lashes and brow treatments will have you picture-perfect! You can book via their Facebook page.

A Sustainable Travel Option

Will your New Year Resolutions for 2023 include being more sustainable with your travel? Electric bikes are proving a popular way to get around without the CO2 emissions of car travel. Not to mention the fitness benefits! eBike.scot is an Edinburgh-based company that designs, builds and retrofits eBikes, eScooters and other electrically driven vehicles. They can even do retrofit kits to your existing bike at very affordable prices. Take a look at their online shop for inspiration.

Over to you…

We think you’ll agree, Create Business properties is home to a fantastic range of businesses, all of whom would really appreciate your support this festive season. There really is something for everyone, so we hope you’ll take a look and order from some of their sites and support local small businesses this winter. Thank you!