CHRISTMAS is a time for giving and receiving but if you want to make people smile even more, you can support local businesses by buying gifts locally.

Independent shops had to be bear the brunt of Covid lockdown restrictions, losing out on money from shoppers who were told to stay indoors and isolate.

The research, by NFU Mutual, reveals that nearly a third (31 per cent) are shopping with local independents more than before the pandemic, with 42 per cent saying they want to support smaller businesses that may be struggling because of coronavirus.

READ MORE: Reading fire: Everything we know so far about huge blaze in Grovelands Road

With this in mind, we asked Reading Chronicle readers to give a shout-out to their favourite local businesses in the run up to Christmas – and these are the local companies they wanted to recommend.

Want to shout out a small business not on this list? Get in touch and we'll add it - isabella.perrin@newsquest.co.uk

Home decor

Radiance Waxmelts - Eco & Vegan friendly waxmelts

Website: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RadianceWaxmelts

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066863349365

Twhites - Hand poured wax melts in a variety of amazing fragrances.

Website: www.twhites.co.uk/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Twhiteshome

CK&Co - soy wax melts, unique candles, wax burners and gift sets

Website: ckandco@yahoo.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CKCo-113551033897642/

Creative Crafty Mum - handmade gifts

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/creativecraftymumuk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativecraftymum/

My Voice in Power - printed t-shirts, resin keyrings, jewellery, coasters and more

Website: www.myvoiceinpower.com/?fbclid=IwAR2MuTsLoAliqsJ6qsTad2jstlTDULt-GKY7uPsbGWMddWMT_Vydi2044LM

Food and drink

Holly's Cookies - Woodley based business providing home baked cookies in boxes.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hollyscookieswoodley

Fidget & Bob - Kennet Island The Piazza, Whale Ave, Reading

Website: fidgetandbob.co.uk

Café YOLK - Erleigh Rd, Reading RG1 5NA

Website: cafeyolk.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cafeyolk/

Reading Farmers' Market- Cattle market on Great Knollys Street, Reading, RG1 7HD

Website: www.tvfm.org.uk/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReadingFarmersMarket/

The Jam Lady - For yummy homemade jams and jelliesCaversham, RG4 5JN

Facebook: www.facebook.com/page/131009825658/search/?q=small%20businesses

Clothing

Jade Alana Marshall Design - a graphic designer providing personalised gifts and clothing

Website: jadeamarshalldesign.com

Hair and beauty

uni.que hair extensions - hair extension technician based in Woodley

Call: 07427 116483

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uniquehairbykiki/

Ruby Reds - Merchants Pl, Reading RG1 1DT

Providing GHD/Olaplex/L’oreal/Moroccan oil products and gift sets.

Website: www.rubyredshairdressing.co.uk/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ruby-Reds-Hairdressing-112007975503397/

KC Hair studio - Underwood Road, Reading

Website: www.KCHairstudio.net/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KCHairstudiokelly/

Diva Beauty Studio Reading - Reading RG1 6DX

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Diva-Beauty-Studio-Reading-111360053986030/

Bath Body and Bombs

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BathBodyandBombs/

Services

Hollie Munday Photography- for Christmas and family photoshoots based in Reading

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Holliemundayphotography/

Website: holliemundayphotography14.pixieset.com/viewinggallery/

Deadlocked Escape Rooms - Castle Street, Reading

Website: www.deadlockedrooms.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DeadlockedEscapeRooms/

Escape Reading - Unit 5, Queens Walk, Reading

Website: escapereading.co.uk/

Facebook www.facebook.com/escapereading/

TimeTrap Escape Rooms Reading - Friar Street, Reading

Website: www.timetrapescaperooms.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TimeTrapEscape/

Knockout Escape Rooms - Milford Road, Reading

Website: knockoutescaperooms.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/knockoutescaperooms/

Beastberry Designs - Artist/Creator based in Reading

Instagram page: instagram.com/beastberry.designs?igshid=1hnk7rgbiakmf

Facebook: www.facebook.com/beastberrydesigns/

Floating Point Float Centre- Bourne House, Horsehoe Road RG8 7JQ Reading

Berkshire's only dedicated Float centre, focusing on bio-health, physical and mental wellbeing.

Website: www.floating-point.co.uk/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FloatingPointFloatCentre/

Bluebolt PC - custom build Gaming PCs

Website: www.blueboltpc.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlueboltPCrigs/

Toys

Helix and Fugo - Handmade crochet teddies and hats

Website: www.helixandfugo.com/shop-5