Local Christmas Gift Guide 2021 Supporting Small Businesses
Ho ho ho! It’s November so you know what that means, Christmas is just around the corner! This year it would be great if we could all support North East small businesses and give back to our local retailers. Let’s help support the dream of a real person and not just a faceless business. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Amazon as much as the next person but for Christmas and occasions I try, whenever possible, to find gifts that are a bit different and that have been made with love rather than a mass produced present.
I’ve cut my introductory waffling short for this one so make your list, check it twice, and have a gander at these products for a very reasonable price!
Humble Bee Honey
Humble Bee Honey are based in Langley Park, County Durham and produce natural wildflower honey and honey based products. They also educate and enlighten their social media followers with fascinating snippets of information and insights about the world of the bee. Products available in their shop include t-shirts, hoodies, candles, wax melts, soaps, other body products and of course honey! They also provide bee keeping equipment and offer bee experiences where you can learn how to keep bees! Check out their Facebook page for some gifting inspiration.
JAtkinson Creations
This lovely lady, based in Durham City, has a fab little Etsy shop with Paint- it-Yourself activity boxes, homewares and ornaments. This Christmas, Jade is releasing cookie cutters and mini Christmas figurines perfect for kids and families. Jade offers seasonal products so it’s worth liking her Facebook page to watch for the latest offerings. Get ready for the Christmas product drop coming very soon!
La Chocolatrice
Who doesn’t love chocolate? La Chocolatrice make and sell their own delicious chocolate designs from their shop in Coxhoe, County Durham. From cute mini slabs to festive pieces, the caramel ooziness and shimmery scrumminess is enough to make anyone quit their diet. As well as their range of yummy goodies, they also have a chocolate subscription service and host chocolate making workshops. Have a gander at their Facebook page but be warned – you may drool!
Lil Feet Gift Co
Based in Consett, County Durham, Lil Feet Gift Co make personalised gifts of all sorts including mugs, glasses, baubles, plaques, and wooden ornaments. There are loads of lovely things to choose from and Claire has a lot of cute Christmas designs so you’re bound to find something to suit your gifting needs. Have a look at Lil Feet’s Facebook page and get a few people ticked off your pressie list!
Nightingale’s Niceties Ltd
This gorgeous little shop based in Spennymoor, County Durham, stocks handmade gifts and trinkets made by local people – a cave of wonders for lovely and unusual presents. From a browse through their photographs, they sell edible items such as jams, cakes, sweets and hot chocolates to home furnishings, ornaments, jewellery and candles. There is so much choice available you’re sure to find a unique gift for someone special. Go on and have a peek at their Facebook page to see some of the fantastic items on offer!
Proper Mint Print
Hooray for Proper Mint Print! The couple from Sunderland will print literally anything you want, any design you can think of on t-shirts, hoodies and baby grows. They have a great selection of matching family Christmas tshirts and personalised santa sacks. Orders close at the end of November so get in quick to make sure you get yours! A hoody inspired by a popular tv show is a great present for a teenager or Netflix binger. Have a look at their current designs on their Facebook page but remember they can make up a special design that’s just for you, just send them a message!
Skinny Sparrow Designs
If you’re after personalised gifts, then this is the shop for you! Skinny Sparrow have a range of beautiful glass, plastic, paper, fabric (tshirts) and ceramic presents that can all be personalised. There are some truly gorgeous designs available and something to suit everyone. A small selection of the range available includes drinking bottles, glasses, cups, candles, notebooks, tshirts, coasters and other home decor items. Look at their Facebook page for plenty more design ideas including some glamtastic Christmas baubles!
Street Paws donation
Something a bit different now and definitely one for the dog lovers – Street Paws are a charity who provide free veterinary care and shelter space for homeless people with dogs and those in crisis. They were founded in Newcastle and as well as giving veterinary care, they provide doggy coats and blankets to keep street pooches warm, they also give owners collars and leads for their four-legged friends. In the online shop, Street Paws sell jumpers, bags and t-shirts but they also sell gift certificates where you can help out a street doggie! Pick from providing a coat and a toy, to hostel stays and emergency vet appointments – the certificates range from £10 to £100 and would be a truly amazing gift for an animal lover. Give back this season and check out the Street Paws Facebook page to learn more about their fantastic work!
Another company which I should mention is Sweet Sustainable Living who provide ‘The Calm Birth Kit’. A bit of a niche gift category as this is only for your pregnant friends but the box contains items that help your body relax and release oxytocin (the happy hormone) to help them have a better birth experience. The kit contains Tony’s chocolonely chocolate, chamomile tea bags, dates, a lavender pouch, 2 affirmation cards and some information on how to use the products effectively. Check it out on their Facebook page and find out more on how to have a better, more calm birth.
Remember to message each page directly or check out their website for delivery options. Now that you’ve made it through Local Christmas Gift Guide 2021, have a little (or large) drink of sherry and a mince pie, you’ve earned it. I hope it’s given you some ideas and inspired you to shop local this Christmas.
Happy Gifting!
#localgiftguide #supportlocal #smallbusiness
*All photographs used with the owner’s permission
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