What if your Christmas shopping could do more than tick gifts off a list - what if it could help keep our high streets alive?
This year, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible independent shops that make Tower Hamlets special. From family-run gift stores to creative makers’ collectives, our borough is full of unique businesses offering thoughtful, affordable presents you simply won’t find in big chain stores.
To show what’s on offer, we visited four local shops - Brick Lane Bookshop, Harry Brand, Milagros, and Urban Makers - and set ourselves a challenge: find brilliant Christmas gifts for £20 or less and film the whole journey.
Each video takes you inside a different store, showcasing real products, real people and real stories behind the businesses. You’ll see everything from handmade candles and artists’ prints to beautifully crafted jewellery, books, children’s gifts, festive cards and more. Many of the shops are also offering special discounts in the run up to Christmas.
Denise Jones, owner of Brick Lane Bookshop, said:
“There are a lot of small shops, small businesses, in Tower Hamlets, and I think what you’re doing to profile them and to make people aware that they can buy Christmas presents and other things locally - rather than going to the bigger shops - is really good. Supporting local businesses, if you can afford it, is a really good thing to do… To pick up a book, look at it, see what it’s about - it’s really different to buying things online, where you just get a flat image.”
Jane, co-owner of Harry Brand, explained why the campaign matters:
“We’re really delighted to take part in the Tower Hamlets campaign, because anything that promotes ‘shop local, shop independent’ is really doing us a huge favour. It’s part of the economy, and it’s how we keep going.”
Juliette, owner of Milagros, highlighted the unique character of East London and the benefits for residents:
“East London, particularly Tower Hamlets, is known for lots of independent businesses and I think that’s the kind of great reason why people come and visit East London from outside of the borough. But it’s really good if local people can shop locally - and that we can also offer them a discount. I think that’s a great kind of synergy of the area.”
You can watch all the videos on our social media channels:
If one inspires you, pop down to the shop and pick something up for yourself. It’s a small choice, but it makes a big difference.
Posted on Monday 1st December 2025