It’s always thoughtful to shop local, and when handing over a gift that is from an emerging brand, it somehow feels more special.

The UAE is home to a growing number of independent brands, offering plenty to choose from for gifts that are anything but basic.

And with Mother’s Day and Eid coming up, if you’re looking for something sweet (always reliable), flowers (always go down well) or something for a foodie, or homebody, these locally founded names need to be on your radar.

UAE homegrown florists to shop

Ivy + Silk

For when you want to give a bouquet that will go the distance, this UAE brand creates incredibly realistic faux floral arrangements. Designed to last for years, the flowers double up as a long-lasting home decor piece for the reciver’s home.

@ivyandsilk

goshá

With so many florists in the UAE, it’s tough to decide on which one to use. If you want to support a homegrown brand that creates unforgettable blooms, then goshá is your go-to. Think dramatic arrangements and bold colour palettes that make an impact.

@goshaflowers

UAE homegrown chocolates to shop

FIX Dessert Chocolatier

This chocolate brand is viral in and out of Dubai for a reason. Not just for tourists to take home after visiting the UAE, FIX chocolate is an indulgent treat to shop for before turning up somewhere empty-handed. Plus, as they always release limited-edition flavours, ordering never gets tired.

@fixdessertchocolatier

Mirzam Chocolate Makers

When a box of Lindt just wont cut it, pick up Dubai’s celebrated bean-to-bar chocolate brand Mirzam Chocolate Makers. Their beautifully illustrated bars combine single-origin cocoa with regional flavours such as dates, rose and saffron.

Ganache Chocolatier

If you always eye up the chocolates on Bridgerton, then you’ll want something standout. Enter Ganache Chocolatier. This artisanal chocolatier on Alserkal Avenue produces handcrafted bonbons and pralines in inventive flavours like baklava crunch and zaatar praline.

@byganachechocolatier

UAE homegrown foodie gifts to shop

Below Farm Company

We all know someone who likes to show off in the kitchen, instead of a recipe book arrange for one of Below Farm Company’s curated seasonal farm boxes filled with fresh ingredients to be delivered.

@belowfarm

Butter by the Dozen

These yummy bakery-style cookies come in cute yellow gift boxes that are easy to order, grab and gift without stress. And who has ever been sad from receiving a box of choc-chip cookies?

@butterbythedozen

Tawa Bakery

If you need to find something for a gluten-free recipienct then this small-batch bakery, with branches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, known for handcrafted breads, pastries and cakes, is ideal. Plus, they always do seasonal designs for whatever is on the calendar.

@tawabakery

Megumi Matcha

Need a present for that friend who is all about wellness? This matcha brand offers ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha that is women-owned and operated from farm to packaging.

@megumimatcha

UAE homegrown lifestyle gifts to shop

Heart Cottage Lane

Looking to gift beautiful décor pieces and thoughtful home accessories? Heart Cottage Lane is a good pick. They have it all from trays to seasonal home accents and tableware. Delivery is super-fast too.

@heartcottagelane

High Life Dubai

This playful lifestyle brand celebrates Dubai culture through statement accessories and design-led pieces. Its tongue-in-cheek artwork is a fun gift to give to inject some humour into gift-giving (just as long as the receiver isn’t too sensitive to poking fun at Dubai life).

highlife-dubai.com

Little Majlis

This brand celebrates Emirati culture with lots of pretty trinkets, coffee cups, incense burners and home accessories inspired by majlis hospitality. If you are looking for greeting cards that aren’t your standard supermarket design, they have you covered too.

@littlemajlis