Shop Local – Christmas Gift Guide
Yes, whether you’re ready for it or not, Christmas is coming! Festive lights and Christmas windows adorn our highstreet and bring with it the reminder of gift giving.
It’s easy at the best of times to hop onto Amazon but this year more than ever our high street shops, our local, small businesses have been hit hard thanks to the restrictions of lockdowns and lack of footfall in general. Many local businesses have moved online or to Facebook pages and I wanted to collate and share some of their information in the hopes of spreading a little Christmas joy. We have some wonderfully talented folk up North, let’s support them and shop local for our Christmas gifts!
Below you’ll find a menagerie of treasures from art prints, ceramics, personalised clothing, Santa sacks, kids clothing, jewellery, planners, photography, art, illustration, hampers and so much more!
Shop small, shop local 🎁
Blinkin Imp
“Blinkin’ Imp is otherwise known as Lizzie Carins. I hand make and screen print limited edition artworks, home ware, stationary and accessories!”
Charlotte Summers Photography
Charlotte offers headshots and photoshoots for ages 6-15 junior/teen. No experience necessary. Fun fashion shoots. Charlotte has worked with INTU Eldon Square, Rosie Fortescue, NOW Magazine, Beyond Retro, Glastonbury Festival & ITV’s This Morning.
Charlotte Summers Photography Website and Instagram Portfolio
Sean Elliot Photography
“I have taken it upon myself to offer a new concept: the ‘family hugshot portrait’. The family hugshot is all about capturing your first gathering of those love to capture what we have missed so much. From the grandparents first hug of their grandchildren to the meeting of siblings, from newborn nieces and nephews to the first hug of a shielding parent. Let’s document these special moments, they are your living histories and I would be honoured to capture these moments for you.”
More details on this offer here, website below.
Melanie Hedley Makeup Artist
Christmas Vouchers: These vouchers can be redeemed against any of my treatments. Why not treat your loved one to a pamper. All come in this beautiful bespoke box with lovely little surprise goodies inside.
Makeup VoucherWedding Make upMakeup MasterclassBrowsLash lift and tintBrow laminationPromRejuvenating LED light facial with lymphatic massageDiva Dust Makeup Artist
Mobile Makeup Artist for Weddings, Proms and all Special Occasions. Nearly two decades of experience. Fully insured. Competitive prices.
Fotografia Morelli
“Art photography: an eclectic mix of colour, B&W and artistic effects. Photos come in a range of sizes and are all mounted or can be framed. Framed 7×5” prints start at £18.”
Carol Nunan Printmaker
“Original Prints, Limited Edition Giclee Prints (available from my online Print Shop) and a range of gift products based on my prints (available from my online Gift Shop).
JEM Illustrations
North East of England based watercolourist, specialising in commissioned portraits of beloved pets
Handmade by Robyn
Handmade Decorations
Wordsworth Handcrafted Soap Co.
“We wanted something simpler. Cleaner. Better for the environment. So we created our handcrafted soap. A simple line of products everyone can use. Natural ingredients, no chemicals, eco friendly packaging. Clean soap. Naturally.”
Wordsworth Handcrafted Soap Co.
Northumbrian Free Range Eggs Ltd
Supplying free-range eggs and Christmas Hampers.
Northumbrian Free Range Eggs Ltd
North Embroidery & Print
“Embroidery & print business located in the heart of Northumberland. No minimum order. We specialise in all types of personalised clothing and workwear including big brands such as Helly Hansen, Dickies, Canterbury & Regatta.”
The Morpeth Larder
“We stock a wide range of Jams, Chutneys, Honeys, Pates, Biscuits, Crackers, Chocolates, Gifts, Tea, Coffee, Local Beers, Local Gins, Lindisfarne Wines/Meads and lots more!
Robin Roots Candle Company
“Robin Roots Candle Company brings you luxury scented soy candles hand poured in small batches in Northumberland. We bring beautiful scents along with a touch of elegance to your home.”
Darren Chapman
“I have a range of products available made using my photos from around Northumberland.
Ginger Fox Giftware
“Beautiful homeware, giftware and personalised gifts.”
Phillippa Lee Glass Art
“I am a glass artist with my studio in Hexham. I make glass angels, wish sticks, trinket dishes, Jewellery, t light holders and lovely glassy Christmas decorations.”
Studio 40 Seven
Arts and Crafts and personalised items.
David Lawson Ceramics
“David Lawson produces hand thrown, wood-fired, salt glazed pottery in Hexham, Northumberland. Beautiful, functional pieces in robust stoneware for everyday use in the kitchen, from tiny spice dishes through to large oven dishes and tableware.
Selling through Allendale Forge Studios, Bardon Mill Tearooms & Bradleys at Bridge End where his workshop & onsite kiln are situated.” All enquiries to info@davidlawsonart.com
November Club
“November Club is a performing arts company based in Morpeth. Like so many arts organisations we’ve had work cancelled and had to adapt to digital. We’re proud to share with you a collection of audio tales, inspired by traditional fairytales which are available to download via Bandcamp for £10 inc VAT.
The Christmas Farm
The Bee and Botanist
“We are located in the heart of Morpeth, in a courtyard of other fantastic independent stores.” Providing Christmas wreaths.
The Airy Fairy
“I make airy fairy’s! I can make you custom made fairies too!”
Not Just A Print
The Hat Hut
Elfin Around
“Elfin’ Around creates theatre and magical experiences for children and families.” Prerecorded messages, zoom calls, Elf deliveries.
Melanie Kyles
“The Melanie Kyles brand blends contemporary embroidery and sustainability for a slow fashion ethos, ensuring neither made-to-order or RTW products compromise on values or aesthetics. All materials used are consciously sourced for their quality, environmental impact and ethical production, before being expertly reworked, embellished or embroidered in-house at The Fashion Lab.
Made-to-order and bespoke options help to minimise waste… aims to challenge outdated perceptions of needlework and craft-based work by applying these skills in unconventional ways. Both artworks and products reflect and inspire one another, bridging the gap between art, craft and fashion.”
With Love Happy Feet
“I sell… from toys, natural treats, personalised dog tags, clothes, grooming etc. I chose this business as I love making pets and their owners happy!”
The Cake Kitchen
Darling Northumberland
A range of beautiful candles made in the heart of Northumberland.
For The Love Of The North
Northumbrian Pantry
“Jams, jellies, and chutneys brought to you from the heart of Hadrians Wall country in Northumberland, we pride ourselves in using the highest quality of seasonal produce and local ingredients in order to bring you our extra special flavours.”
Kayleigh Falcus Jewellery
“Jewellery Designer | Textiles Specialist | Illustrator | Stencil Artist”
Yana Active
“YANA recognise, support, and style our #everydaywarriors. We jump with you, crunch with you, and lunch with you. When you’re hard at work at the gym or office, so is our activewear. Whether you are smashing fitness goals, or owning your look – we want to be part of the action, and the style in your story.”
Warrior And Feral
“Sustainable clothing made from 100% organic cotton.
Home Decor Wall Art Prints and Postcards.”
Daisy’s Doodles
“Personalised Clothing & Accessories. We offer a wide range of clothing from newborn to adults & everything in between!”
Frugal Cottage Designs
Budgeting Planners + Printables
Little Learners
“From colouring sheets to messy play products – we have it all here..”
Ashleigh Brown Studio
“I sell handmade textiles and paper goods.”
MerPins
“I sell enamel pins, mugs, bags, notebooks, stickers and keyrings.
The Life Bath
Clothing, Jewellery, Accessories
Tallulah Love
“Tallulah Love luxury lingerie. The essence of Tallulah Love lingerie is French-inspired opulence of high quality, with luxurious fabrics, sophisticated use of colour and strong detailing. Oh, and a touch of British quirkiness?”
Little Oeuf
“We specialise in luxury independent indie Children’s & Adults clothing, luxury gifts, books & lifestyle products.
Organic, Ethically Sourced & Vegan Friendly (PETA Approved).”The Dry Decor
“Dry flowers and grasses. Or Natural flowers and grasses allow you to create a home you love.”
Christmas Eve Boxes By Amanda Gilchrist
“Our personalised Jajo Christmas Eve box range is a keepsake item to start a new tradition which will become an heirloom for the family. These stunning boxes are created with an array of options to ensure we have the perfect item to meet your needs.
All of our boxes are solid wood with hinged lids and measure 30cm x 30xm x 15cm approximately.”
The Northumberland Tartan Company
“We offer a wide range of gifts for all the family including our best selling Lambswool scarf. Also a fantastic range of chinaware and textiles for the home.”
The Northumberland Tartan Company
Happy Holidays!
These are just a handful of amazing independent shops in the North East! I hope this post has given you some gifting ideas and helps us all to shop local for Christmas gifts and more this year.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday! 🎄
You can find more Xmas Gift Ideas here!
