We all love a bargain and getting our monies worth. So, how do you get a meaningful and thoughtful gift without breaking the bank? Then take a look at our Slate House ‘Gifts Under £15’ Guide.
Whether it’s a gift for a teacher, colleague, a relative or even a wedding gift, we have a range of inspired ideas just for you.
Superstar Teacher
We’ve all had or got a teacher who has gone the extra mile. Why not treat your or your child’s teacher to one of our special gifts to show them your gratitude for their exemplary work.
You could treat them to some pamper time with our natural beauty products or perhaps even personalise a mug (every teacher loves a brew). You can also choose one of our very own mug designs.
Teachers hands go through a lot so this super cute rose butter gift tin from Bathing Beauty is just perfect.
Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked Welsh Cakes …. with none of the washing up! These natural soy candles have been handmade in Wales using the finest quality soy wax, for a longer burn time and better scent throw.
Maybe your teacher is an adventurer. A reusable personalised water bottle is another gift you know will be appreciated and used.
Wedding Gifts
So you’ve got your invite, your wedding outfit is sorted. Oh no! There’s no gift list! Don’t panic because we’ve got your back and we’ve got some really thoughtful gifts for under £15 that you can present to the happy couple. We are confident that these gifts will be sincerely appreciated.
Celebrate love, with a love spoon. The Welsh custom of giving a love spoon originated in the 17th century, when lovers would offer to their partners intricately carved spoons, bearing symbols of their feelings and hopes.
Today, Welsh love spoons are given as gifts to mark friendship, engagements, weddings and anniversaries. They also make excellent reminders of visits to Wales.
Celebrate the marriage with a unique engraved Welsh slate hanging sign. We also have many designs to choose from too.
Individuals or pairs? We’ve got many coaster designs to choose from or you can personalise them via our online design tool.
Perhaps you want to gift a present to one (or more) of your Wedding Party. Our reusable hip flasks are just £13.95 and that includes personalisation.
What about a gift for the flower girl? These beautiful bath fizzys are also perfect for the Mother of The Bride and bridesmaids too.
Welsh Slate Gifts
Our Welsh slate products are the heart and soul of this company. These are the gifts that Slate House was founded on. Slate House began in 2007 with director and creator Kevin Thomas. After purchasing a laser engraving machine and utilising two bedrooms at home as a workshop, Kevin began handcrafting Welsh slate products.
As my Mam would always say ‘Come here and give us a cwtch’. Cwtch is a warm and affectionate Welsh word. If a Welsh person gives you a ‘cwtch’, not only are they giving you a hug but they also want you to feel safe and warm too. This 6mm thick hanging Welsh slate heart comes in at just £9.50.
These hanging signs are packaged and beautifully presented in a gift box.
Gift a feel good pressie to someone you care about.
More Gifts Under £15
How about creating and gifting a bespoke ceramic Christmas decoration. Using our online design tool you can add your own image or text.
The Extra Mile
There are soooo many amazing people out there who go the extra mile. The Welsh word ‘Seren’ means ‘Star’. Check out this lovely tapestry tin candle for that STAR in your life.
Cariad
Does someone you love deserve a surprise gift? Check out these beautiful gifts under £15 for that LOVE in your life.
Jewellery For UNDER £15!
A gift of jewellery is always a very personal touch. However, it’s hard to get beautiful items under £15 … until now!
Carrie Elspeth’s Mini Haematite Hearts jewellery is the definition of stylish simplicity. These plated haematite hearts glitter and sparkle in the light, making it truly captivating!
Carrie Elspeth also makes a matching bracelet which is just £13.45 and earrings also £13.45.
Based in Ammanford, Ronin Jewellery has been designing and handcrafting gemstone jewellery since 2006. The semi-precious gemstones that Ronin use in their collections take millions of years to form beneath the surface of the Earth, which makes each one unique. All of the gemstones have their own sentimental meanings, which makes Ronin jewellery an ideal gift. All Ronin Jewellery is gift boxed and contains a label identifying the different elements of the jewellery.
They craft a variety of earring designs which are all just £12.95
Homeware Gifts Under £15
This handcrafted Welsh slate table trivet is an elegant way to organise your table condiments or use in your kitchen to protect your worktops from hot dishes. Serve up sophisticated style dining in your home or restaurant. This rustic chic table trivet can also serve as a display platter for cheeses, desserts, sandwiches or used as a grazing board. Each trivet is individually hand cut allowing for a natural and completely unique finish.
Treated to resist staining and fitted with protective cork pads on the underside to prevent scratches. This stunning addition to your home will look great in a modern or traditional setting. Our table trivets can also be used to display candles and decorations. We also sell matching coasters and placemats for the full style dining experience.
Denby create beautiful ceramics which are as practical as they are stylish.
People do love a personalised gift. Well, it does show a little more thought has gone in to this gift. We have a fabulous range of ceramic coasters with a different design for each letter.
We also have a range of Welsh tapestry design ceramic coasters. All of these designs have been created in house at Slate House.
These durable enamel mugs are great for gifting others but also gifting to yourself. You can personalise your own at just £10.95 or buy one of our desirable Slate House designs at just £8.95.
Tealights & Tealight Holders
Do you love candles? We think you will love our handmade soy wax tealights and our Welsh slate tealight holders. The fragrances range from classic Bara Brith to calming Cwtch Violets.
This tealight holder is an excellent accompaniment to our scented soy wax tealights, and will make a great centrepiece to your dining table or mantelpiece, or just about anywhere you like!
Two Gifts for Under £15
Savour the rich aroma of traditional Bara Brith- with none of the calories! Box of 4 beautifully packaged, finely fragranced natural soy wax tealights. Each tea light is hand poured into an aluminium cup with a cotton wick. At just £6.75 per pack you can treat yourself and gift a friend for under £15.
Whatever the reason for the gift we have a range to suit all occasions and everyone young and old.
We believe we all have a part to play in reducing the impact on our environment and need to protect our planet. We want to make you aware of not only ways you can make a change but also what Slate House are doing to help too.
Up until early 2020 we only sold products that were made in Wales and in turn, mainly supporting small local businesses. Since then, we have branched out to UK made and UK designed and are only working with businesses who have the same ethos and beliefs as ourselves. Whilst the majority of our products are made in Wales, some of our suppliers products are mainly handmade in the UK or designed in the UK with materials sourced sustainably from outside of the UK.
Carbon Footprint
Our Welsh slate travels only 130 miles from Snowdonia. At Slate House it’s not only our products that we want to be eco-friendly, but our staff too. To strive for sustainable living, we offer our team a car share scheme with a monetary bonus to reduce the amount of cars used to travel to work. We also encourage working from home whenever possible. This May we are proud to be starting a cycle to work scheme. Want to find out more about educating yourselves and others? Take a look at the United Nations goals to help transform our world and protect our planet.
Keeping It Local
Slate House’s Beliefs to Protect Our Planet
When Slate House started in 2007, Kevin Thomas wanted the company to be eco-friendly and materials to be sourced locally providing a low carbon footprint. From day 1 Kevin knew that not only do the products need to be natural but also packaging must be recyclable.
Slate House’s natural soy wax candles come in either a re-usable heavy weight tumbler OR reusable tin. Handmade in Wales using the finest quality soy wax, for a longer burn time and better scent throw. The wooden wick that works perfectly with the soy wax helps to further increase the burn time and to ensure a full surface area melt pool, to get the best possible scent when burning your candle.
Soy wax is important as not only is it a natural, renewable and biodegrable source, it also burns with zero petro soot.
It’s not just our own amazing products that are made from natural raw materials, but all of the new products we source are environmentally-friendly and mainly locally made in the UK. Some of our suppliers use materials sustainably sourced from outside of the UK.
Packaging
We have never used plastic in our products packaging and we use mainly recycled cardboard. In 2020 we also banned plastic bags from our stores.
The harmful effects of plastic is now seen worldwide. Plastic is in our air, our water and our food. Each one of us have a responsibility in reducing plastic pollution.
Reusable Tweedmill Tote Bags
A stylish tote bag, perfect for everyday, these come in a variety of colours and designs. Perfect companion when shopping. Handmade for Slate House by Tweedmill in Denbigh, North Wales.
World Refill Day – June 16th
Since Slate House was founded in 2007, we have always strived to be as environmentally-friendly as possible. We’re always looking for new alternatives to non-recyclable packaging and products. One of the worst single-use plastics for our environment is plastic water bottles. So we wanted to create and encourage an alternative solution; one that is simple and cost-effective for our customers, whilst making a positive impact on our environment.
These refillable stainless steel water bottles are very durable and last longer than glass and reusable plastic options. They will help you save money long-term, whilst also helping you to do your bit for the planet. Their leak-proof screw top caps make them incredibly practical whilst on the go. Plus, their double-wall insulation keeps your favourite refreshment at the perfect temperature for longer. They are BPA and phthalate-free, so you don’t have to worry about any nasty chemicals being released into your drink.
Slate House’s refillable stainless steel water bottles are very durable and last longer than glass and reusable plastic options.
They will help you save money long-term, whilst also helping you to do your bit for the planet. Their leak-proof screw top caps make them incredibly practical whilst on the go. Plus, their double-wall insulation keeps your favourite refreshment at the perfect temperature for longer. They are BPA and phthalate-free, so you don’t have to worry about any nasty chemicals being released into your drink.
Cutting Down on Single-Use Plastic
Our products reflect our beliefs. From our water bottles to our hip flasks, we want to create and encourage an alternative solution to single use plastic. One that is simple and cost-effective for our customers, whilst making a positive impact on our environment.
Throw Away Culture
How much plastic have you thrown away this week and how much of it was recyclable? It’s hard not to get overwhelmed by it all, however there are always solutions. It takes time and planning but once this change has been made it can be more beneficial on the environment but also your pocket too!
Refill Stations
More and more companies across the globe are consistently finding new and innovative ways of reducing humanity’s footprint on our planet.
The companies teamed up together to bring an environmentally conscious way of shopping for alcohol.
Save On Waste
Director of Cheers Wine Merchants Dafydd Morris explains why we should all save on waste. “We introduced the Gin refill station at our Mumbles store as it gave customers a great opportunity to both save money and reuse their Gŵyr Gin bottles which in turn helps save on waste.”
“It has proved amazingly popular and we have many customers now reusing their bottles time and time again. We are very proud to be the first shop in Wales to offer this service and I hope it spreads across the UK.”
Natural Beauty for the Planet
Our own beauty products and our suppliers are just full of natural goodness. They’re cruelty free too! Let’s take a look at what you can get from Slate House.
We are all striving for sustainable living and Alura Romatics are no different. Part of Slate House’s ethos and brand is just this, so it made absolute sense to work together with Alura Romatics.
About Alura Romatics
Stacey, the owner and creator of Alura Romatics, began her love of aromatherapy and essential oils through her mum and her mums trusted Aromatherapy Guide by Christine Westwood. She believed that whatever she was going through in life, there was an essential oil for it. Stacey knew she needed to learn more about these magical oils and became a qualified aromatherapist. Knowing that not all products out there are the same, Stacey decided that creating the perfect product was key. She knew that everyone deserves the best for their health and happiness, thus Alura Romatics was born.
Alongside her small and dedicated team they handmake all of their products and ensure they keep their blends natural and synthetic-free and are committed to making sure as many of their ingredients come from natural sources, where possible. Alura Romatics products use 100% natural fragrances, they contain no harsh chemicals, are vegan and cruelty free and handmade in Cardiff.
Battle Green
Battle Green was established in 2018. Like many people, they were feeling increasingly concerned by the stream of reports on the negative environmental impact humans are having on the planet. It’s hard to believe there are more micro plastics in the oceans than stars in the Milky Way, or that around 100 million marine mammals die from plastic pollution each year.
So, this is why the team knew they needed to create products to help protect the planet.
They are based in beautiful Snowdonia, North Wales.
Bramblewood
When searching for new companies to work with, it’s important to us at Slate House to find people with similar values to our own. We love to work with like-minded small businesses; that have their own unique story, care about the products that they make and the effect they have on you as a customer, as well as the environment. And BrambleWood Soap Co., the company behind our new skincare range, is exactly that kind of small business!
BrambleWood Soap Co. was founded in 2019 by Laura Cullen. Laura began her company as she wanted to create natural soap and skincare suitable for the whole family. All of her products are handmade in small batches in Dorset. They are 100% natural and are free from chemicals and additives. All of the natural and botanical ingredients have been chosen for their superior smell, aromatherapy qualities, and skin-nourishing properties. Everything Laura has created is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and is as kind to the environment as it is on your budget. They are completely plastic-free and all of the packaging chosen is recyclable or reusable.
About BrambleWood Soap’s Range
These bath bombs’ signature recipe includes moisturising cocoa butter to soothe your skin and essential oils for luxurious natural fragrances. They are wrapped in fully biodegradable glassine bags and recycled paper, meaning there is no plastic waste.
Slate House Soaps
Slate House natural soaps do not contain artificial colours, preservatives or additives and are free of parabens and SLS; they are just full of natural goodness. They’re cruelty free too!
The combination of bergamot and basil has created a handmade soap which is refreshing and revitalising, without being harsh or abrasive. The fresh bergamot fragrance uplifts and energises, whilst the natural antibacterial properties of the basil work to refresh your skin.
Made by hand at our workshop in South Wales, this 100% natural bergamot & basil soap contains the following nourishing ingredients:
Whether you are a business, household or school, we can all do our bit to help. We can drive the change for better living.
If you aren’t sure or need more information of not only where you can recycle but also how we can all minimise the effect we are having on our environment.
A great organisation who can not only tell you where you can recycle but which materials too. They are Recycle More and you find out more details for your business, home or school here.
Recycled Wool
Blanket colours are completely random as they are made from recycled wool from the mill, hence why they are such a great price. No two blankets will be the same.
Therefore you cannot choose a specific colour, you will be sent a completely random colour blanket. All blankets are the same pattern design and the same high quality.
All of Slate House’s blankets are handmade for us by Tweedmill in Denbigh, North Wales. 100% British wool.
The random recycled picnic blankets are the budget-friendly option, made using recycled wool just like our best-selling random recycled throws. The use of recycled wool reduces waste, making them just kind to the environment but also to your bank account. But don’t worry, just because they are affordable doesn’t mean they are lacking in quality. Wool naturally repels water, so this combined with the hard-wearing waterproof backing will help keep it clean and dry for longer and last for many summers to come. Why not pair your new picnic rug with our personalised metal bottles to help you stay hydrated whilst away from home and help the environment?
More from Slate House
Often the perfect traditional keepsake to mark special occasions, or the ideal gift for those who enjoy long walks and campfires, our stainless-steel hip flasks have a classic design that can be personalised with your unique message.
PLUS between now and Saturday 19th June 2021 17:00 we are offering 10% OFF personalised hip flasks online and instore in Union Street, Swansea. T&C’s apply.
ALSO Photograph Engraving too*.
This June we are giving you the chance to win a fantastic Slate House gift pack worth over £100!
The ‘Picnic for Two’ pack consists of:
Slate House Picnic Blanket – luxury cotton quilted waterproof with carry strap (choose from star, palm leaf or triangle design)
Welsh Slate Small Rope Tray – hand cut with rope handles for a rustic finish
2 x Personalised Water Bottles – choose from a variety of colours and personalised for you
Slate House Mixed Berries Candle – made from natural soy wax, wooden wick & comes with a Slate House Welsh Slate lid that doubles up as a coaster
Everyone who makes a purchase of £50 or more* ONLINE at slate-house.co.ukAND subscribe to our newsletters will automatically be entered into the draw! T&C’s apply.
Over the past few years, the Slate House team has been practising the art of candle making and through many, many trials we have developed a technique and finished product to be proud of.
If you haven’t seen them yet, Slate House’s soy candles are made with 100% natural soy wax and have large wooden wicks. The wick is a very important aspect of any candle – a wooden wick allows for a full melt pool, which means no wax is wasted when the candles are burned. Additionally, a large melt pool means a better scent-throw; a major plus point when it comes to fragranced candles. They are housed in a very chunky, good quality 12oz glass tumbler and capped with a hand made Welsh slate topper, which doubles up as a coaster when the candle is fully burned.
We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that our soy candles are up there with the very best and our customers are continually recognising how good they really are. The best part is, they’re not mass-produced in a far-away country by a faceless company. They’re hand made in South Wales by people who believe in craftsmanship and quality. So to give you an insight to the process involved before they sit on your sideboard, here’s a step by step guide to how we make them…
Step 1:
Firstly we turn on our wax cooker and fill it with natural soy wax – it melts at around 60 degrees Celsius.
While we wait for the wax to melt, we lay out the tumblers onto our heated table. We’ve learned that it’s really important to ensure that the glass is warm when the wax is poured. If it’s not, when the wax starts to cool, it can separate from the glass container, leaving a slight gap between the glass and the wax. The heated table also prevents the wax from cooling too quickly – if this occurs, the candle will crack. With this in mind, gradual cooling is a top priority when it comes to producing quality candles.
Step 2:
Once the wax has melted and the tumblers are warm, we need to prepare the scent. We use 20ml per candle, which equates to 7% scent. As we pour five candles at a time, we need 100ml of scent per pour.
We then pour 1.5 litres into a jug and check the temperature, which needs to be between 58 and 62C. It’s a delicate process and if it’s too cold, we pour the wax back into the cooker and increase the temperature slightly. Equally if it’s too hot, we will have to wait for it to cool down.
Once the correct temperature is reached, we can pour the scent into the jug and give the wax a good stir, not leaving it too long as the wax does cool down slightly as soon as you pour the scent in.
Step 3:
We place the wooden wick into the glass tumblers, making sure they are central and secure. When we first started to make soy candles, we placed the wicks into the tumblers later in the process – but in line with our drive to continually improve and progress, we found that adding them before the wax is poured allows for a better finished product.
We slowly pour the wax into the tumblers, careful to avoid creating too much disturbance in the glass, as this will create bubbles and air pockets when the candle sets.
Step 4:
We repeat this process for a full batch of 100 candles and then cover them to avoid any contamination – and help to keep the heat in for as long as possible. We can then turn the heated table off and wait for 24 hours.
Step 5:
After the candles are set, we use a heat gun to re-melt the tops of the candles, removing any surface irregularities that can be caused by trapped air.
Step 6:
Once the candle tops are flat, all that’s left to do is give them a wipe over to make sure there are no wax drips. We then apply the stickers and box them up, ready to be distributed. All of our soy candles come gift-boxed, as standard.
We send our natural soy wax candles all over the world and stock a number of UK gift shops, including our own store in Neath town centre. Our Welsh Cake and Bara Brith candles are proving very popular recently – but although we may be biased, if you ask us, all of the Slate House candle fragrances are outstanding!