25 great gift ideas that support local UAE businesses

Find a unique gift and support a local business in the process

Surfer Survival kit, Dh210, Georges of Dubai, www.georgesofdubai.com

Extra large Zwak candle, Dh450, Beldi Bazaar, www.beldi-bazaar.com

Leon Clutch, Dh3,640, L'Afshar, Level Shoes, www.levelshoes.com

The Dave Brubeck Quartet vintage vinyl, Dh150, FlipsideDXB, www.flipsidedxb.com

Hob/Love ring with diamond baguettes, Dh2,800, Bil Arabi, www.bilarabi.ae

Camel tree ornament, Dh44, Saffron Souk, www.saffronsouk.com

La Yuqawam Tobacco Blaze fragrance, Dh237 for 75ml, Rasasi, at www.noon.com

'Italian Gentleman' book, Dh475, Thames and Hudson, at Georges of Dubai, www.georgesofdubai.com

Corona cushion, Dh590, pre-order only, Bokja, at O'De Rose, www.o-derose.com

Maharajah earrings, Dh1,244, by Sahar BMD, www.saharbmd.com

Monthly Sweetbox subscription, from Dh149 per month, Candylicious, www.candyliciousshoponline.com

Bino bag, Dh4,400, Halm x Kristina Fidelskaya, at Halm, www.halmonline.com

Coin earrings, Dh300, Dori, allthatdori.com

Necklaces, priced from Dh345, Urban Nomads, www.urbannomads.ae

Vintage tea cups and saucers, priced from Dh100 per set, The Vintage TeaRoom, www.saffronsouk.com

Panda face mask, Dh50, Saffron Souk, www.saffronsouk.com

Mini Peak 18k gold and diamond earrings, Dh880 each, Aquae Jewels, www.aquae-jewels.com/

Woven Strawberry Bag, Dh1,630, S*uce, www.shopatsauce.com

Eye notebook, Dh40, Comptoir 102, www.comptoir102.com

Omani Rose water, Dh152, Montroi, www.montroi.com

Bracelets and necklaces priced from Dh235, La Elegancia, www.la-elegancia.com

Violet soap, Dh95, Claus Porto at Comptoir 102, www.comptoir102.com

Palm tree pool float, Dh215, Birds N Bees, www.birdsn-bees.com

Rose Beard Oil, Dh117, Diggn' It, www.diggnit.com

Receipe linen tea towel, Dh79, Saffron Souk, www.saffronsouk.com

As thoughts turn to presents and gifting ahead of the festive season, some will be keen to show support for local businesses, helping them end what has been a difficult year on a high note.

With such a wealth of creatives in the region, there are a myriad choices for thoughtful local gifts. From hardcover photo books to jewellery made from vintage coins, there are plenty of ideas to suit even the trickiest of tastes.

For the person who likes the finer things in life, try Ruson Ceramics, a brand that hand makes mugs in such small batches, customers have to be invited to buy them. Or perhaps look to The Vintage Tearoom, which specialises in one-off, vintage European tea sets.

For the homebody, there's Beldi Bazaar, which offers North African pottery transformed into candles, while outdoorsy types will enjoy the Surfing Survival Kits from Georges of Dubai.

From one-offs gifts to just plain quirky ideas, the UAE's independent businesses have plenty to offer via a mix of physical stores, websites and shopping via social media. So, why not forgo Amazon and give local companies a boost instead?

Scroll through the gallery above for 25 of the best local picks.