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How do you make customers remember your small business long after they've opened their order?

In this episode of the Greener Gifting Podcast, Eve is joined by Izzy Weatherall, founder of Support Small UK, a community dedicated to championing independent businesses across the UK.

Our conversation is full of practical ideas for makers, handmade business owners and anyone who wants to create a memorable customer experience without spending a fortune.

Izzy shares the touching story behind a special gift she once received and why its meaning has stayed with her ever since. It's a reminder that the most memorable gifts aren't always the most expensive, they're the ones with thought behind them.

We also cover how gifting has become part of the customer journey within Support Small UK, from welcoming new members to building stronger relationships and encouraging customers to come back again.

If you've ever wondered how to make your packaging feel more personal, communicate your sustainability values more effectively or create an unboxing experience that customers genuinely remember, this episode is packed with ideas you can put into practice.

In this episode, we discuss:

* The meaningful gift that Izzy still passes on today and why it has become such a special tradition.
* How Support Small UK uses thoughtful gifts to welcome new customers and strengthen relationships.
* Why customer retention often starts with the experience you create after someone buys from you.
* Simple ways to make your packaging feel more personal and memorable.
* How sustainable packaging and clear eco messaging can help your business stand out.
* Why small businesses have a unique advantage over larger retailers when it comes to customer service.
* Affordable ways to surprise and delight customers throughout the year.
* Practical ideas you can use whether you sell at markets, online or through social media.

Whether you make jewellery, candles, skincare, home décor, artwork, stationery, food gifts or any other giftable products, you'll come away with inspiration for creating an experience your customers will remember and want to tell other people about.

Connect with Izzy and Support Small UK
https://supportsmalluk.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/supportsmalluk
https://www.instagram.com/supportsmalluk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/support-small-uk/

• Don't forget to follow the show, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend who would find it useful.
• If you sell giftable products and want more ideas for using wrapping and gifting in your business, download my free 50 occasion ideas guide
• Grab free wrapping tutorials and resources at giftwrappedbyeve.com/freebies
• Follow Giftwrapped by Eve on Instagram
• Join our Facebook community: Giftwrapped by Eve - Learn Eco Giftwrapping for Your Business

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In this episode I'm joined by Sarah Lou Crafts to explore how thoughtful gifting and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Sarah Lou uses sustainable yarns, cork fabric, and a healthy dose of imagination to create beautiful, handmade eco-conscious gifts.  We discuss why being intentional with the gifts we give matters, how choosing quality over quantity can reduce waste, and why a thoughtfully chosen gift often means so much more than the latest gadget.

She shares her passion for creating gifts that are kind to the planet while bringing joy to the person receiving them, a reminder that every gift is an opportunity to show someone you care not just about them, but about the world we all share.

Connect with Sarah Lou

Discover her beautiful range of eco-conscious gifts at sarahloucrafts.co.uk

Read Sarah Lou's blog post about her experience of being on the podcast.

instagram.com/sarahloucrafts

uk.pinterest.com/SarahLouCrafts/

linkedin.com/in/sarah-skilton/

Other useful links from this episode

If you liked this episode you may also enjoy Episode 14:  From Fabric to Gift Wrap: Sue Eagle’s Sustainable Story

Rachel Cobb Art created a special gift for Sarah Lou

reuseabox.co.uk a different way to source packaging

• Don't forget to follow the show, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend who would find it useful.
• If you sell giftable products and want more ideas for using wrapping and gifting in your business, download my free 50 occasion ideas guide
• Grab free wrapping tutorials and resources at giftwrappedbyeve.com/freebies
• Follow Giftwrapped by Eve on Instagram
• Join our Facebook community: Giftwrapped by Eve - Learn Eco Giftwrapping for Your Business

Enjoyed this episode or want to ask a question? Send us a message

In this joyful episode, Eve chats with Sheila Murray, a Zentangle expert with a love for creating and gifting her own unique artwork.

In this episode you'll hear
- What Zentangle is and why it's such a calming, accessible art form
- How Sheila turns her tangles into gifts for friends and family
- The joy of slowing down and creating gifts with intention
- How a make-do-and-mend mindset isn't just about saving money, it naturally leads to a greener, more mindful way of gifting, long before "sustainability" became a buzzword.

Connect with Sheila

Website: thecalmcreative.co.uk
Instagram: thecalmcreativeuk
Facebook: thecalmcreativeuk

The WI

Sheila and Eve met at a Women's Institute (WI) in Gloucestershire, one of many wonderful groups Eve has worked with. If you run a WI, craft group, or similar and would like Eve to speak or run a greener giftwrapping workshop for your members get in touch at [email protected]

Love the topic of this episode?

You'll also enjoy Episode 11: Using Calligraphy to Elevate Your Gifts, with Natalie Winder another conversation about slowing down and adding a personal, handmade touch to the way we give.

• Don't forget to follow the show, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend who would find it useful.
• If you sell giftable products and want more ideas for using wrapping and gifting in your business, download my free 50 occasion ideas guide
• Grab free wrapping tutorials and resources at giftwrappedbyeve.com/freebies
• Follow Giftwrapped by Eve on Instagram
• Join our Facebook community: Giftwrapped by Eve - Learn Eco Giftwrapping for Your Business

Enjoyed this episode or want to ask a question? Send us a message

In this episode, I chat with Gill Sealey, founder of The Neurospicy Hub, to unpack something most of us never question: why gift-giving so often feels like an obligation instead of a joy.

Gill shares her perspective on why the guilt, pressure, and "shoulds" around gifting can weigh so heavily, especially for those who are neurodivergent.  We talk about how you can let go of that obligation and choose gifts in a way that actually works with how your brain operates, not against it.

If you've ever felt drained by gift-giving, second-guessed a purchase out of duty rather than desire, or wondered why "just get them something nice" feels so much harder than it sounds, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Gill

Gill Sealey is the founder of The Neurospicy Hub, where she supports neurodivergent families and business owners to find ways of doing life and work that suit their brain. She is also a mum, a creative business owner, and someone who is endlessly interested in the little things that help people feel seen and understood. 

Connect with Gill

theneurospicyhub.com/links
brainfriendlybusinessclub.com
facebook.com/gillisealey
linkedin.com/in/gillsealey
instagram.com/brainfriendlybusinessclub

• Don't forget to follow the show, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend who would find it useful.
• If you sell giftable products and want more ideas for using wrapping and gifting in your business, download my free 50 occasion ideas guide
• Grab free wrapping tutorials and resources at giftwrappedbyeve.com/freebies
• Follow Giftwrapped by Eve on Instagram
• Join our Facebook community: Giftwrapped by Eve - Learn Eco Giftwrapping for Your Business

Enjoyed this episode or want to ask a question? Send us a message

In this solo episode Eve shares what she learned at The Plastic Free Gathering and how it applies directly to product-based businesses aiming to reduce plastic. Rather than coming away overwhelmed, Eve came back inspired and she's sharing the three ideas that stuck with her most, plus how they tie into this month's Plastic Free July movement.

We cover:

• Why you don't need to be a big organisation to make a difference — and how every decision ripples out to your customers, suppliers, colleagues and communities
• Why designing for sustainability from the start is so much easier than retrofitting it later
• Why sustainability isn't always the main reason someone buys from you 
• Reframing small swaps as ripples rather than an all-or-nothing overhaul
• Practical, low-pressure ways to take part in Plastic Free July, in your business and at home

Links & resources:

• Listen to Episode 9 from July 2025: Why Plastic-Free Packaging Is Good for Business (Not Just the Planet)
• The Plastic Free Gathering
• Plastic Free July campaign

• Don't forget to follow the show, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend who would find it useful.
• If you sell giftable products and want more ideas for using wrapping and gifting in your business, download my free 50 occasion ideas guide
• Grab free wrapping tutorials and resources at giftwrappedbyeve.com/freebies
• Follow Giftwrapped by Eve on Instagram
• Join our Facebook community: Giftwrapped by Eve - Learn Eco Giftwrapping for Your Business

Enjoyed this episode or want to ask a question? Send us a message

Charlotte Mason-Curl is officially the first returning guest of the Greener Gifting Gang Podcast!

Catch up on Charlotte's first episode (Ep 4): A Greener Way to Gift at Kids' Parties with Charlotte Mason-Curl

Charlotte first joined me in June 2025 to talk about The Kids Party Pact, her movement encouraging parents to rethink how we give at children's birthdays. Since then, the pact has picked up serious momentum and I wanted her back on the pod to find out what's happened since.

In this new episode, we catch up on:

• What's changed since June 2025, how the Kids Party Pact campaign has grown and where it's headed next
• Press and coverage, the publications and platforms that have picked up the campaign including Postive News, The Times, BBC and The Week Junior.
• Marketing a movement, what's actually worked (and what hasn't) for spreading the word and getting people to take action.
• Dealing with negativity, Charlotte's honest take on the pushback she's had (spoiler: there's been surprisingly little!)
• The big reveal: Charlotte's brand new picture book, Elf Chloe's Surprise, designed to help start conversations with kids about gifting pre-loved. We talj about what inspired it, who it's for, and where to get your hands on a copy

Whether you're a parent rethinking how to gift, fed up of party bag plastic tat, a business owner in the kids' gifting space, or just someone who loves seeing a good idea take off, this episode is full of encouragement that one person's idea really can have a ripple effect.

You can find out more about the pact and sign it here: https://nocrapparties.org/

Grab a copy of the book on Amazon or https://charlottecurl.com/elf-chloes-surprise/

Follow Charlotte
@charlottes_goodbooks
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottecurl/

Sign the Kids Party Pact: https://nocrapparties.org/ and follow the campaign on Instagram @no.crap.parties

• Don't forget to follow the show, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend who would find it useful.
• If you sell giftable products and want more ideas for using wrapping and gifting in your business, download my free 50 occasion ideas guide
• Grab free wrapping tutorials and resources at giftwrappedbyeve.com/freebies
• Follow Giftwrapped by Eve on Instagram
• Join our Facebook community: Giftwrapped by Eve - Learn Eco Giftwrapping for Your Business

Enjoyed this episode or want to ask a question? Send us a message

In this episode of the Greener Gifting Gang podcast, Eve is joined by Claire Thompson, COO of GiftRound, to explore how technology is making group gifting easier yet still thoughtful.

GiftRound was created to take the hassle out of collecting money for group gifts, whether it's for a colleague leaving work, a teacher thank you, a new baby, a retirement or another special occasion. The platform enables people to contribute to a shared gift and leave personal messages in a digital group card, making it simple to organise thoughtful gifts for life's important moments.

Claire shares the story behind GiftRound, the challenges of traditional collections and whip-rounds, and how thoughtful gifting can help strengthen relationships and celebrate milestones.

We also hear Claire's own gifting stories as a busy working mum of two, including how her gifting habits have evolved over the years. She talks openly about balancing convenience with thoughtfulness, why sustainability is an important consideration when she chooses gifts, and how being mindful about what, why and how she gives matters just as much as the gift itself.

Where to find out more about GiftRound

https://www.giftround.com/
Instagram
Facebook 
LinkedIn - GiftRound
LinkedIn - Claire Thompson

• Don't forget to follow the show, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend who would find it useful.
• If you sell giftable products and want more ideas for using wrapping and gifting in your business, download my free 50 occasion ideas guide
• Grab free wrapping tutorials and resources at giftwrappedbyeve.com/freebies
• Follow Giftwrapped by Eve on Instagram
• Join our Facebook community: Giftwrapped by Eve - Learn Eco Giftwrapping for Your Business

Enjoyed this episode or want to ask a question? Send us a message

In this special anniversary episode, I'm having a quick look back on the first year of the Greener Gifting Gang podcast.

Over the past 12 months, I've had the privilege of speaking with inspiring business owners, gift experts and sustainability advocates to explore how thoughtful gifting can strengthen relationships and tread more lightly on the planet.

In this episode, I'm sharing:
• The key themes that have emerged across the year's conversations
• My favourite lessons and reflections from guests
• A glimpse of what's coming up in Year Two

Whether you've been listening from the beginning or have recently discovered the podcast, thank you for being part of the Greener Gifting Gang podcast. Here's to another year of thoughtful gifting, greener choices and meaningful connections.

• Don't forget to follow the show, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend who would find it useful.
• If you sell giftable products and want more ideas for using wrapping and gifting in your business, download my free 50 occasion ideas guide
• Grab free wrapping tutorials and resources at giftwrappedbyeve.com/freebies
• Follow Giftwrapped by Eve on Instagram
• Join our Facebook community: Giftwrapped by Eve - Learn Eco Giftwrapping for Your Business

Enjoyed this episode or want to ask a question? Send us a message

In this episode of the Greener Gifting Gang Podcast, I'm joined by Lajina Leal from Lajina Masala to chat about gifting, food, and the traditions that shape how we give presents.

We discuss how Lajina's curry club subscription and spice blends are often purchased as gifts, and why experience-based gifts can be a welcome alternative in a world where many of us already have plenty of "stuff".

We also explore the practical challenges of gift wrapping unusual items (like tricycles for children!), cultural expectations around gifting, and how we can rethink some of the traditions and pressures that often come with giving presents.

Another thoughtful conversation packed with ideas on gifting more intentionally while still making gifts feel special.

Where to find Lajina

https://lajinamasala.com/

https://www.facebook.com/LajinaMasala

https://www.instagram.com/lajina_masala_/

• Don't forget to follow the show, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend who would find it useful.
• If you sell giftable products and want more ideas for using wrapping and gifting in your business, download my free 50 occasion ideas guide
• Grab free wrapping tutorials and resources at giftwrappedbyeve.com/freebies
• Follow Giftwrapped by Eve on Instagram
• Join our Facebook community: Giftwrapped by Eve - Learn Eco Giftwrapping for Your Business

Enjoyed this episode or want to ask a question? Send us a message

What happens when creativity meets technology?

In this episode of the Greener Gifting Gang podcast, I’m joined by Nicola Walsh from This Mum Loves Tech for a conversation about business, tech and creativity!

In our chat I discovered that before launching her own business, Nicola worked in a creative role. We talk about the journey that led her to creating This Mum Loves Tech and how those creative skills still shape what she does today.

Nicola now supports small businesses, many of them who create products themselves, helping them navigate the world of tech in a way that feels accessible and achievable.

We also hear about one of Nicola’s favourite creative outlets: designing personalised gifts using her own photographs. She shares how simple tools like Canva can create unique and personal gifts.

We also talk about Nicola’s upcoming Community & Connections event in Chelmsford on 30 June – where I’ll be joining as a table host.

In this episode we cover:

• Nicola’s creative career before starting This Mum Loves Tech
• How she now supports businesses with tech.
• Creating personalised gifts using photographs and Canva
• Why thoughtful, personal gifting matters
• Details of the Community & Connections event in Chelmsford on 30 June

If you'd like some inspiration for getting on top of tech to help your business flourish you'll really enjoy this episode.

Where to find Nicola (This Mum Loves Tech)

Come and join us at Community & Connections Live Event - Tues 30 June
In-Person Event for Online Business Owners

Nicola is known as This Mum Loves Tech on all the social platforms

This Mum Loves Tech Facebook community 

https://www.instagram.com/thismumlovestech

https://www.facebook.com/thismumlovestech

• Don't forget to follow the show, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend who would find it useful.
• If you sell giftable products and want more ideas for using wrapping and gifting in your business, download my free 50 occasion ideas guide
• Grab free wrapping tutorials and resources at giftwrappedbyeve.com/freebies
• Follow Giftwrapped by Eve on Instagram
• Join our Facebook community: Giftwrapped by Eve - Learn Eco Giftwrapping for Your Business