Shop Independent | A Gift Guide For Design Conscious Teens

A little delayed but I'm ready to present the first of my 'Shop Independent Christmas Gift Guides'. Yes, I'm making a point to support independents as much as possible, which shouldn't really be that hard. However, when the powers that be on Instagram asked for a round-up for teens, I may have winced a little. Not gonna lie. I literally have no idea what teens like these days. Hilariously, looking back at the things I wanted made me realise how much fashion has gone full circle. It's all about the 90s now (not that anything here reflects that). Doing a little research online and going deep underground (asking a real one) what I came up with was a little disheartening. Tech. And clothes. Which is obvious really, but when you're trying to source only from independent shops it becomes really tricky. So I had to look beyond the obvious to things you can't just get off the high street. Brands I've come to know, love and use myself. I think you'll agree, this a pretty darn good edit for the design conscious teen...| 1 | Soft, ambient bedroom lighting is key to any bedroom, these Light The Way festoon strings have copper LEDs wrapped inside the bulbs for a little extra twinkle. | The Forest & Co.| 2 | A mesmerising way to unwind, the Counterpoint Nature Mobile designed by Ole Flensted in 1970 remains in constant motion. | Eastern Biological.| 3 | For the perfume lover, learn how to layer up your own personal scent with the Blending Collection. Having taken one of their workshops earlier in the year, I can attest it's a fascinating and uniquely personal process. | Experimental Perfume Club.| 4 | No need to roll out of bed to charge your phone again. The Native Union Belt Cable has a 3m distance with a handy leather strap to keep tangles at bay. | i you all.| 5 | The Earl of East London journey began with its founders blending their soy wax candles on their kitchen table. Fast forward a few years and they now have a base in Hackney and at the new Coal Drop's Yard at King's Cross. 'Strand' travel candle draws influences from Copenhagen and its Baltic sea breezes | Earl of East London.| 6 | You'll know I'm a big fan of French brand la cerise sur le gāteau if you've seen their linens in our kitchen. I LOVE their sturdy cotton accessories, made in Portugal with designer Anne Hubert's quirky touches. Use the Pouch Cube as a pencil case, make-up bag - whatever. | la cerise sur le gāteau.| 7 | Made in Bethnal Green, founder and chocolatier Phil Landers sees Nicaraguan cocoa beans through the entire process to make award-winning LAND chocolate. LAND.| 8 | Quill is a stationery lover's dream where one's passions for paper can be indulged with a workshop or two. I loved this painterly set of notebooks designed by Norwegian brand, Darling Clementine. Of course. | Quill London.| 9 |  Independent menswear shop Coban is run by two brothers in Stoke Newington. Carry off the hipster fisherman look with a navy fisherman beanie, Life In Paradigm.  | Coban.| 10 | Coffee to go in a reusable bamboo black and white speckled cup, Madam Stoltz | Printer and Tailor. | 11 | An absolute design classic. The Anglepoise Type 75 mini desk lamp in slate grey is a timeless piece to last a lifetime. Indish.| 12 | Don't panic - this drink is non-alcoholic! 'Grove 42' by Seedlip is a citrus delight made from distilled botanicals and makes a grown-up alternative for all those festive toasts | Seedlip| 13 | A sweet gesture for the plant lover, the gold-plated Monstera Elpis necklace | A Weathered Penny|14 | I saw these in the flesh not long after their launch in summer and thought they were bloody brilliant. The Shorty Locker by Mustard makes an ideal bedside cabinet with 3 nifty shelves, or just for cramming in all the crap left on the floor. | Molly Meg.So how did I do? And do you have any more suggestions for gifts for teens this year?