With one week of lockdown complete, I thought there was no better time than now to share my first #ShopLocal Christmas Gift Guide of 2020.
It's that time of year again and with a tough year nearly behind us, it's the perfect opportunity to pull together and support the incredible small businesses we're lucky to have in and around Rutland.
Throughout lockdown, I'm releasing a series of gift guides for all kinds of budgets full of #shoplocal goodness that you can shop from, from the comfort of your own home (or via the essential shops that remain open) in lockdown whilst supporting small business in the area.
Starting with... Gifts under £15! #ShopLocal
The local crime series by award-winning author, Adam Croft, became the book that kept many locals hooked during lockdown. Now with two parts of the series available (What Lies Beneath & On Borrowed Time), they make the perfect Christmas gift for any Rutland-er or crime novel enthusiast.
Grab signed copies from Budgens in Uppingham which remains open during lockdown or pop into Walkers in Oakham and Oh Curio in Harringworth to pick up a copy throughout December or shop online at www.adamcroft.net/books/
You can't beat a scented gift at Christmas time and they make the perfect stocking fillers too. This year Freckleface opened their first store in Red Lion Square in Stamford. Offering wax melts, candles and everything you need to make your home smell incredible! With something for all budgets, I think their Mini Luxury Candles are a great gift idea this season and are available to purchase via their website: www.frecklefacehomefragrance.com and make a note to head into their store to explore when it reopens in December.
Boss Bird is a local stationery brand inspired by nature, the moon, health and wellbeing. Based between Oakham and Tinwell, Boss Bird has everything you need to be your most productive self! More recently, the brand released their first collection of hand sanitisers - the perfect 2020 gift! With skin-friendly formula and delicious scents inspired by autumn and winter which would you choose; Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Vanilla, Lemon & Lavender or Orange, Bergamot & Basil.
Shop online at www.bossbird.co.uk/shop
Nadinoo is located on Market Street in Oakham selling handmade clothing and accessories - WARNING! You'll want it all! In true 2020 style, Nadinoo have released a collection of Organise Cotton Face Masks in 5 colour-ways and they are just beautiful! The perfect selection of breathable fabrics that go with all kinds of outfits, they feel luxurious and stylish and are the perfect gift this Christmas, you can never have enough face masks, it's 2020!
Shop online at www.nadinoo.com and be sure to visit their store on Market St, Oakham throughout December.
Caroline is the lovely human behind the brand, The Kitsch Hen and her biscuits have been one of my most purchased local goods this year. Throughout the COVID outbreak, I shopped with Caroline for nearly every birthday and occasion that came around. Her biscuits are the answer to all your gift worries as there's one for everyone and every situation, you can even personalise them too! They're affordable, delivered straight through the letterbox and I cannot explain how truly delicious they are!
The Kitsch Hen's website is so easy to use and really is your one-stop-shop for edible gifts this Christmas: www.the-kitsch-hen.co.uk/shop/
Another one of my regular #ShopLocal buys is my coffee subscription from Two Chimps Coffee. Based in Rutland Enterprise Park, Two Chimps have answered all my coffee prayers for a while now. I've had a subscription with them for a well over a year and it would make a wonderful gift for a coffee lover this Christmas.
Not only do Two Chimps offer subscriptions but you can also order one-off bags, all your coffee accessories in their shop and even samples to try too - these would be perfect as cracker fillings if you make your own crackers! This week they also announced the release of their Limited Edition Christmas Roast 'Jingle Bells'.
Their website is super easy to use and I highly recommend trying their 'Mystery Subscription' as you get to try a new coffee every time!
Buy online: www.twochimpscoffee.com
If you love a festive tipple with the family then this 'bakewell' inspired drink is sure to go down well over the dinner table this Christmas as it's great on its own, or as part of a cocktail. Available in 20cl (£13.00) or 70cl (£33.00) bottles - and many other flavours too! - Two Birds offer an incredible selection of gin and vodka spirits, you'll be spoilt for choice!
Shop online: www.twobirdsspirits.co.uk/shop/
Welland Vale Garden Centre was another one-stop-shop for me this year, especially with the addition of their new deli shop! One of my favourite things to buy from Welland Vale is their houseplants and pots and they make a wonderful gift too! Shop online or in-store: www.wellandvalegardeninspirations.co.uk/products
Bunny & Clarke is a new addition to Uppingham High Street this year and it's a wonderful destination for home, gifts and clothing too. My favourite product of theirs has to be their Gluggle Jugs, in all sizes for all budgets and in the most fun and playful colours too!
Shop online and pop in store throughout December: www.bunnyandclarke.com
You'll know Bisbrooke Artisans for their sourdough village loaves and pizzas but you might not have come across their new delights just yet! I cannot get enough of their Sourdough Crackers & Chickpea Hummus! The pair of tasty treats make a wonderful edible gift as well as the perfect addition to a party food spread. Pick them up throughout lockdown at Uppingham Fine Foods and grab some just before Christmas as the perfect edible treat for family and friends.
Gift vouchers are also available! Contact: info@bisbrookeartisans.co.uk
Oh Curio is a little hidden gem inside the small village of Harringworth, just over the Rutland border and a stone's throw from the Welland Viaduct. A store full of curios owned and ran by photographer and creative Lindsay James.
Also a coffee shop, it's a wonderful destination to visit with friend and family whilst enjoying a walk around the village.
There are so many wonderful gift ideas to choose from at Oh Curio but one I always love to receive is their long matches as they're super handy for any candle user and the boxes they come in are so perfectly decorated with the most stunning illustrations.
Buy online and pop in store throughout December: www.ohcurio.com
Eclectically Yesterday is a business I started in August, offering affordable preloved, vintage and antiques homeware and giftware all under £30 with FREE postage. Get hit by a wonderful sense of nostalgia as you shop through my eclectic finds which make thoughtful gifts as well as giving some old treasure a new home this Christmas.
Use code: COLLECT and get 25% OFF when you collect from Uppingham
Order online: www.eclecticallyyesterday.co.uk/shop
The Active Magazine have published a book called 'Will's Walks' which features 21 walks and rambles around Stamford & Rutland. It's the perfect gift for any keen adventurer this Christmas.
Available to buy online here: https://bit.ly/2IAJdUB Also available from Walkers in Oakham throughout December.
Please Note: Items marked with a * have previous or current sponsorship (included gifted items) attached to them
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