The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide (part 2)

Looking for cracking Christmas gifts? We can help. In the run up to Christmas we’re showcasing the best marketplace gift ideas for friends and family from Funding Circle borrowers. Last week, part one included personalised Santa Sacks, award-winning food from Somerset and hats to see you through the festive season in style.

We’re showcasing each business on Funding Circle’s Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram pages and would love for you to share the ones you like! #GiftGuide2015

Day 7 : Astis Mittens, US

Are you someone who loves the great outdoors? Astis Mittens are a glove and mitten manufacturer based in San Francisco who combine today’s technology with natural materials to produce wonderfully warm gloves. Business owner Charlie, who borrowed through the  Funding Circle marketplace in the USA, views each hand sewn mitten as a work of art.

Day 8 : Tatty Devine

Finish off your party outfit with a piece of statement jewellery from Tatty Devine. The micro-manufacturer’s standout designs blur the boundaries between art, fashion and culture and are the perfect accessory for the party season. Tatty Devine borrowed £100,000 in May 2013 to grow the brand and expand internationally.

Day 9 : Neal’s Yard Remedies in Bath

Struggling for stocking fillers? How about a zesty citrus handwash from Neal’s Yard Remedies. This Bath franchise of the well-known British retailer is run by Jon Huxley, an Acupuncturist, Amanda Lewis-Stark, a Medical Herbalist and Elizabeth Season, a Naturopath. After finding a larger premises just 20 yards from their existing shop, they borrowed £100,000 through Funding Circle. They were 30% busier during the Christmas period in 2014, compared to Christmas 2013, thanks to your lending.

Day 10 : Pampeano

Spruce up your 2016 wardrobe with a hand stitched polo belt from pampeano, who  borrowed £30,000 in March 2014. The business, located in Dorton, near Aylesbury, supplies the majority of UK polo retailers with own label polo equipment. They also design fashionable polo belts made from Argentine leather; combining South American craftsmanship with British luxury to create exquisite hand crafted belts. The name pampeano means ‘from the pampa’, an area of Argentina renowned for its vast rolling plains.

Day 11 : La Petite Poissonnerie

Looking for a festive fish dish? Husband and wife team, Nic and Zaya Rascle run a French and Japanese fusion fishmonger in London, La Petite Poissonnerie, which aims to bring together the flair of French cooking and the unique ingenuity of Japanese cuisine. They compliment the fresh fish with a selection of French Epicerie and Wines, and a range of Japanese groceries. La Petite Poissonnerie borrowed £30,000 through the marketplace in August 2015.

Day 12 : BloodandSand Limited

Christmas shopping in London? Rest your feet for a moment and enjoy a classic cocktail at Demon, Wise & Partners, run by BloodandSand Limited who borrowed £104,000 to open the new bar. Business owner Rufus co-founded BloodandSand Limited more than 8 years ago with a university friend who shared his passion for delivering delicious drinks in an unrivalled atmosphere. BloodandSand Limited now has two cocktail bars in London; ‘The Hide’ on fashionable Bermondsey Street, and Demon, Wise & Partners just near Bank underground station.

Day 13 : Orchid Essence

What to get the person who has everything? How about a flower essence from The Flower Essence Repertoire?  Based on the picturesque Isle of Gigha, in the Inner Hebrides, The Flower Essence Repertoire manufactures essences from orchids grown in their greenhouse and exports them worldwide. Business owner Don Dennis borrowed £18,000 from 266 investors to buy more raw materials to increase production.

In next week’s list of marketplace gift ideas we’ll be showcasing shearling coats, art books, fruit liqueurs and much, much more. Find out more next Monday!

Thank you to all investors

Thousands of people and larger investors have lent over £960 million to 12,000 UK businesses through the Funding Circle marketplace since 2010. Thank you for all of your support in 2015, and we look forward to bringing you more lending opportunities in 2016.

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