January Wish List ’22

Hello 2022! I can safely say it’s already been pretty crazy/crap for me and I can only hope it gets better from here! For the first couple of weeks of the year, both me and Dane have been really poorly (no, it wasn’t Covid, thankfully!). Not only have we had colds, but also a chest infection, which has really sucked. I’m still suffering with a loss of voice and cough, but I’m hopeful this will be gone by the end of this week.

Alongside that, 2022 is already flying by what with my birthday being almost a week ago already, as well as payday and Chinese New Year only a couple of weeks away too!

It wouldn’t be January though without one of my monthly posts, with the first official post of 2022 (not including my Happy New Year post…) being my wish list for January. I’m not going to lie guys, I’m seriously trying to be good this month, what with a longer wait until payday, as well as being spoilt over Christmas and birthday last week. However, there are some cute buts and pieces I’d love, but also have pre-ordered that are due out this month.

So, sit back and grab a hot drink as I show off and talk about my wish list for January 2022.

• Dr Martens Devon Heart Leather Platform Boots – (link)

I don’t need a new pair of Docs, but I’d like a new pair… Why? I don’t actually know. I’m going to blame all the fashionistas on Instagram inspiring me. In 2021 I really started to think about fashion and more about how I wanted to start dressing again. However, Covid and lockdowns have prevented me from really getting out there with my new pieces. This being said, it doesn’t stop me updating. 😛 I love the couple of pairs of Docs I own, but a simple zip/buckle up pair would be really nice to own! Docs can be a little cumbersome to do up at the best of times and sometimes I can’t be arsed for that. These would look great with dresses, skirts and some trousers too! This won’t be a purchase I make anytime soon, but definitely a nice one to have on the list.

• Hamtaro Nendoroid – (link)

This is a pre order I’ve had with Gamersheek since about April 2021 and it’s crazy how quickly time flies, isn’t it?! I seriously can’t wait for my Hamtaro Nendoroid to arrive. I was never able to watch the show as a kid, but I spent many IT classes and lunchbreaks at school on the internet looking at the Hamtaro website. It was all in Japanese and I didn’t understand a word, but I found colouring pages I would print off to colour at home and more. I loved it and I wish I had found the show it watch when I was younger. This being said, it’s never too late and this year I’m planning to try and find the show to binge watch!

• Nintendo Tokyo Animal Crossing Gloves – (link)

I discovered these gloves around Christmas and was dead set on ordering myself a pair, as the UK is pretty damn cold at the moment… However, I’m going to wait until payday at the end of January to order these! As many readers will know, I love Animal Crossing and I especially love being warm, so a cute as fuck pair of gloves like this, is a definite must. These are Nintendo Tokyo store exclusive too, so I’d especially love to get hold of them if I can for sure. I’ll be picking them up from Meccha Japan, which is a Japanese store I recently discovered. I’ll be writing a review about them VERY soon so make sure to keep eyes peeled for that!

• Monki Cloud Faux Fur Jacket – (link)

This is an item I added to my wish list and semi regret for a few reasons. First reason, it’s actually out of stock now and not like to be back IN stock, so it feels sort of pointless. Second reason, I really did fall in love with this jacket and wanted, but since looking back I think the COMPLETE opposite now. It’s bloody expensive for what it is at £75, but I don’t think it’s my style… When I was in Japan in 2020, I saw a fluffy jacket similar to this one (baby pink, dark purple, black, white and red) and I really fell in love with it, but never bought due to how much it cost and again, not my style. I do love soft things like this and the idea of having one as a jacket would be great, but at the same time, I have a dressing gown at home to snuggle in and it was half the price. 😛

• Stitchtothepast Animal Crossing Stargazing Celeste Cross Stitch Kit – (link)

If there is one thing I have really been craving to do lately, it’s cross stitching. It’s also an old childhood hobby I picked back up towards the start of 2021 and didn’t continue with into the latter of last year. 2022 is going to be different and I really want to try and do as much cross stitch as I possibly can! My best friend (hey Gab!) bought me an Animal Crossing Shino cross stitch kit for Christmas, which I’ve been enjoying doing so far! I’ve also seen a cross stitch pattern I want to make into a project and buy to do and hang up by our front door. I’ve also seen this cross stitch kit that I would also love to do and hang in the house somewhere. Unfortunately the kit is currently sold out, so I’m hoping it comes back into stock soon so I can give it a go! When I’m paid at the end of the month, I’m planning to go to Hobbycraft to grab some goodies so I can start my project!

• Nintendo Switch Pokemon Legends Arceus – (link)

Finally I have saved one of the best for last and it’s the new Pokemon game Legends Arceus! I’ve had this pre ordered for both me and Dane for quite some time now from Gamersheek and I’m hella excited to chill with Dane the weekend its out and play as much as possible! As Cyndaquil is the fire starter and my favourite starter ever, this will be my Pokemon of choice! I can’t speak for Dane which one he’ll pick. I decided in 2022 to start making my way through current games I own and make a list of them on a completion thread I’ve created on Twitter. I’ve linked it for you all here to keep tabs on, but I wanted to say again a massive thank you to my friend Connor for inspiring me to do this! Connor did this in 2021 and it was so inspiring to see him progress through his games collection.

So, there we have it guys, my wish list for January! What do you guys thinks? Any items you’ve spotted that you’d love to? Or maybe you already own them or have them pre-ordered too? Make sure to let me know in the comments.

Until next time guys, take care and I hope you’re having a great week so far!

Shop Small UK Guide – Christmas 2021

We are officially less than two weeks away from Christmas now and DAMN it’s starting to feel real! I’m just about finished now with most of my Christmas presents in the run up to the big day, but in some cases I’ve been and still am in need of some inspiration. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve really struggling this year to find the perfect gifts for Dane, my friends and especially my mom! My dad has been the easiest person to buy for this year, which makes a change. 😛

Alongside my Christmas present woes, I always enjoy writing and sharing gift guides with you all and this year is no exception. Last year I wrote about independent businesses in the UK that you should buy from and I wanted to do that again this year. The past twenty-one months has been hard for everyone, especially independent businesses, whether or not they existed before or after COVID began. This doesn’t just apply to the UK, but I’ve seen a lot of small businesses struggle lately, and in worse cases close down due to not being able to make enough sales to keep going.

I really want to continue to do my bit in helping these businesses as much as I can. Not only do I hope it helps you gain some new gift ideas, but I also hope it introduces you to some businesses you may not have heard of before and decide to shop with going into the New Year!

I still love a lot of the small businesses I mentioned last year, so I will link that post here! I won’t be mentioning businesses again that I spoke of last year, just so it’s fair on other businesses mentioned here.

Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy this blog post today! I’ll be mentioning stores last dates to order for Christmas too.

Image taken from SplashJaguarCo

SplashJaguarCo – Kawaii home and stationary items inspired by Animal Crossing. Rugs handmade in West Midlands, UK.

Last date to order for Christmas – 2nd Class 18th December and 1st Class 21st December. However, as Royal Mail are struggling at this time of year due to Christmas AND the new COVID variant, please bear in mind delays may occur. If you want to guarantee item(s) to arrive for Christmas order as soon as possible.

If there is one thing people have been really loving towards the end of the year, it’s been Animal Crossing! With the new update and Happy Home Paradise launching at the start of November, Animal Crossing fans have gone mad even more than ever. If you know someone who loves Animal Crossing, as well as stationary you should definitely check out SplashJaguarCo! Not going to lie the Cookie washi tape pictured above is on my Christmas list and I really hope I get it this year. I plan to use it to decorate my diary for 2022 and more. There are various characters to choose from to have on washi tape including Maple, Marshal, Tangy, Roald, Stitches and more! A roll or two of these cute little washi tapes would make perfect gifts for any Animal Crossing fan of any age or gender, whether it be for Secret Santa, a stocking filler and more.

Image taken from BeaconCandlesUK

BeaconCandlesUK – Scented candles for Gamers, Readers and Film Fanatics handmade in Manchester, UK.

Last date to order for Christmas – The store will be closing on Sunday 19th December. However, as Royal Mail are struggling at this time of year due to Christmas AND the new COVID variant, please bear in mind delays may occur. If you want to guarantee item(s) to arrive for Christmas order as soon as possible.

BeaconCandlesUK is a brand I’ve known about for as long as I can remember now and have always wanted to order from. I can’t remember how but I discovered them through their Lavender Town candle that is clearly inspired by the town in Pokemon. Not only does it sound amazing, but it looks really cool with the Cubone skull and bone on the top of the candle too. Alongside Pokemon candles you can also get some inspired by Final Fantasy, Animal Crossing, Lord of the Rings and more! The scents sound delicious and I’m sure these would make great gifts for any candle lovers out there! I’m contemplating buying some of these for friends this year for Christmas. I feel like candles make amazing gifts for people and it’s one of those where even if you aren’t sure what smells someone will like, if you bought a Pokemon fan one of the Pokemon candles, they would be so thankful!

Image taken from PokieMinx

PokieMinx – Terrariums and vanity desk gifts inspired by Pokémon & The Moomins. Handmade in South Yorkshire, UK.

Last date to order for Christmas – Unfortunately orders for Christmas have now ended. This being said the store IS still open with items being sent 1st Class tracked and signed so they arrived within 1-2 business day. However, as Royal Mail are struggling at this time of year due to Christmas AND the new COVID variant, please bear in mind delays may occur. If you want to guarantee item(s) to arrive for Christmas order as soon as possible.

I couldn’t not share PokieMinx and her adorable creations! These would make perfect gifts for any Pokemon or The Moomins fan out there, especially if they’re like myself and have started to work from home part time. A terrarium with their favourite Pokemon inside sitting on their desk could really brighten their day. Or maybe a mirror? The Cubone one shown about is gorgeous and I can’t stop looking at it whenever I venture over to PokieMinx’s website whenever I take a look at it. Anything from PokieMinx’s store would make amazing and personal gifts for any Pokemon or The Moomins fans, especially as everything is handmade by Kimmy! There are also enamel pin/earring stands too so if you know someone who has started to get into collecting pins or earrings, these would make amazing gifts too.

Image taken from ARTBOX

ARTBOX – Cute character goods from Japan and Korea. Based in Covent Garden London, UK.

Last date to order for Christmas – Not known at the time of writing this blog post. If you’re based in or around London, the Covent Garden store will be open on Christmas Eve from 11am until 4pm. However, as Royal Mail are struggling at this time of year due to Christmas AND the new COVID variant, please bear in mind delays may occur. If you want to guarantee item(s) to arrive for Christmas order as soon as possible.

I wanted to mention ARTBOX here as whilst it isn’t as independent as some Etsy sellers and independent stores might be online, it’s a great place to buy Japan and Korea based items, whether it be online or from their store in London. I’m yet to come to the day where I actually order something from them, which might be later today! 😛 ARTBOX would be a great place to get items for your friends and family who love Sanrio, Pusheen, Rilakkuma and BT21. There are all sorts of different items to buy from and at all price ranges so it’s perfect for anything and everything. Personally I’m toying with treating myself to the PomPomPurin plush shown above, which you can pose and dress up! How cute is that?!

Image taken from Stitchtothepast

Stitchtothepast -Video Games Cross Stitch, Patterns & Kits! Based in the UK.

Last date to order for Christmas – Not known at the time of writing this blog post. However, as Royal Mail are struggling at this time of year due to Christmas AND the new COVID variant, please bear in mind delays may occur. If you want to guarantee item(s) to arrive for Christmas order as soon as possible.

The final store I wanted to mention on today’s post is about Stitchtothepast, which is a store I discovered in the summer. If you’re a newbie to cross stitch, or a “pro” like me there is loads of choose from. Personally for gifts the cross stitch kits from their store would make great gifts for anyone, especially if they’re into Nintendo video games series such as Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Zelda, Kirby and more. I personally really love the look of the Animal Crossing Celeste cross stitch kit where she’s stargazing. It’s such a gorgeous design and one I would love to do and display in my house in the future. The kits are really good and come with a cross stitch guide, a wooden hoop, thread and a thread organiser, pattern, a needle and more. If you know someone who would like to get into cross stitch in 2022, one of the kits might make a great gift for them!

So, there we have it, my 2021 guide to small shops you should buy your Christmas gifts from this year! All UK based of course. 🙂

What do you guys think? I didn’t cover off as many stores and themes as I did last year, but I felt like last years post was so detailed, I couldn’t really improve on it as good this year. Please do check out last years guide too, those stores are still around and amazing to boot!

Honestly guys, I hope you enjoyed this post today as much as I enjoyed writing it. I watched Christmas movies whilst writing, as well as chilling with Dane in our office. It’s made a lovely change sitting at my desk to do blog work.

Are there any small shops in the UK that you feel I should know about? Make sure to let me know and I’ll take a look for next time and promote on my Instagram page before the big day. 🙂

Until next time, take care all and I hope you had a lovely weekend. 😀