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7 brilliant self-gifting ideas to brighten up your January
2 hours ago
January always feels like it could do with a mood boost, so it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to something nice.
It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but if it’s cosy or cute or creative it’s probably going to make you feel a whole lot cheerier even on the coldest of days.
The Nest at the Albert Dock is always packed with gorgeous things created by independent designers and makers, and owner Katherine Caldwell says right now it’s filled with new year pick-me-ups.
She said:
“From October to December it’s very much about buying for other people, and then for a couple of months from January we definitely see more self-gifting.”
“It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, it could be just a few pounds here and there, but it’s about finding lovely things that put a smile on your face.
“A lot of our artists and designers will create specific designs for a particular time of year, so for instance East End Press do seasonal themes for their handprinted garlands. We’ve got really lovely Valentine’s ones, which we actually sell all year round because anything with hearts on is always popular, and they’ve gone big on Easter this year too.
“Journalling with stickers has also been really popular. People keep a diary, they’ll use different pens, tape and put stickers in – it’s an affordable little creative project that you can start off in January and continue throughout the year.
“They’ll also personalise things like water bottles, phones and laptops with the stickers because they’re vinyl so they last.”
There are more gifts that help you get some valuable me time and mindfulness, whether it’s colouring books or jigsaws which have been one of The Nest’s bestsellers.
So, if you’re looking to brighten up your January, here are Katherine’s 7 brilliant self-gifting ideas …
Journal and stickers – Midori and Suatelier
Journalling is a big trend right now; the more creative and inventive the better! Include stickers and washi tape for securing tickets and notes from your week. We’ve also sourced some beautiful journals from Japan to join some of the finest makers in the UK in our stationery section.
Geoff Drake Photographic print – The Batman
Affordable artwork is an easy home update to start the year with. You can also celebrate Liverpool’s iconic status in Hollywood with this Geoff Drake title, The Batman, taken during production.
Mug – Katherine for The Nest
Cosy evenings with a cuppa are made extra special with one of these hand illustrated mugs. Designed by me and exclusive to us at The Nest, they’re made in small batches at Moorland Pottery in Stoke. If you want to romanticise the everyday, this mug honours our beautiful home at Albert Dock. There truly is nowhere quite like it!
Herd and Elder bath salts, soap and candles
For self-care and soothing comfort during the cold days, come home to a luxurious bath and “you time” with bath salts, soy candles and award-winning soaps by local makers Herd and Elder. They even use milk from their own goats!
Garlands – East End Press
You don’t have to wait until Feb 14th to celebrate all things love! The best-selling iconic handprinted garlands from East End Press have now been joined by brand new 2026 collections.
Handmade beaded earrings – Palm and Luna
A major jewellery trend for 2026 focuses on pieces that are made to last, with an emphasis on quality and longevity. Having hand-made jewellery to treasure for years to come doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. These hand-beaded earrings from Palm and Luna are made locally and are timeless in their design.
Jigsaws – by Happily with designs from top UK illustrators – and colouring books
Jigsaws are a lovely activity for cosy evenings indoors and we have a fantastic collection with illustrations by top UK designers, or keep calm and creative with colouring books, coloured pencils and brush pens.
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