Shop local this Christmas: The York Christmas Gift Guide
Together, let’s support local this Christmas. York offers a truly unique shopping experience with a thriving independent scene. From bespoke handmade goods, to foodie treats and specialist spirits there is no better place for some retail therapy. With the majority of businesses with an established online presence, you can buy your festive gifts in the comfort of your own home, safe in the knowledge you are helping your local community. Here’s a few places to visit on the York Christmas Gift Guide.
The Grand, York
An experience for every occasion, treat someone to the gift of The Grand this Christmas. If you’re looking for that perfect present for someone special, you are sure to impress with a voucher for The Grand. Choose from afternoon tea, a range of food and drink experiences, cookery school vouchers, spa breaks, overnight stays and much more. The Grand, York delivers the finest hospitality and you will find an incredible range of options on their website.
Love Cheese
Enjoy a selection of independently produced cheeses, wines and accompaniments delivered straight to your door. Choose from a range of Local, British & Continental cheeses and pair them with your favourite wine, beer or gin. Try a completely unique experience and treat someone special to a Virtual Tasting event. Gift baskets & hampers, and a variety of Christmas cheeses, chutneys and crackers are also available to purchase online or in store from their lovely shop on Gillygate.
Image credit: Love Cheese
The Yorkshire Soap Company
A five minute walk from the buzzing Parliament Street, The Yorkshire Soap Company champions scrumptious soaps and luxurious body care products to make you feel fabulous. This popular York boutique is a sanctuary of irresistible and relaxing products that are sure to delight. With a beautiful blend of fragrance that everyone will love and made from the very best of ingredients, it is perfect for those who love feeling pampered.
York Gin
Discover the perfect gin set for the gin lover in your life. Choose from a selection of delicious award-winning gins and beautifully designed cracker gift sets which are brand new this Christmas. From elegantly boxed miniature bottle gift sets, luxury gin hampers, gift vouchers and gin subscriptions, it’s a sure winner.
Image credit: York Gin
Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil
Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil is a family run business based on the outskirts of York near Malton. They sell flavoured and natural oils, salad dressings, mayonnaise, bread dippers and much more. You can choose from a great selection of gift hampers, bundles and special offers over on their website.
Yorkshire Heart
Award winning Yorkshire wine and beer, this local business in run by a husband and wife team, Chris and Gillian Spakouskas. Creating beautiful tasting reds, whites, roses and sparkling wines, you are assured the wine is lovingly nurtured from grape to glass. Treat someone to a unique experience and enjoy a popular tour of the Vineyard with lunch, dinner and afternoon tea options available.
York Christmas Market - St Nicholas Fair
Christmas is the perfect time to support local businesses and you don’t get more festive than St Nicholas Fair. Returning for it’s 30th year anniversary, 70 alpine chalets will line the cobbled streets of Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, creating a festive wonderland with an array of local produce and artisan gifts on offer from local traders. From luxury stationary, gourmet gifts, jewellery and clothing there is something for everyone. With lots of unique gift ideas at this year’s Christmas market, warm up with a hot chocolate or grab a bite to eat with some delicious street food. If you’re a York resident, all of the traders are offering exclusive discounts just present a valid York Card or identity card that proves York residency.
Image credit: Visit York
Shambles Market
Shambles Market is an award-winning historic and vibrant market, home to York’s largest group of independent traders. With more than 70 stalls, the market is a one-stop shop for all your shopping needs including quality gifts, fresh flowers, crafts, handbags, fresh produce and much more. Shambles Market also hosts its very own food court – a central hub filled with street food delights and live music.
Avorium
This lovely indie shop situated in York’s Colliergate was opened in 2021 by three siblings, Tom, Georgia and Olivia. In order to help encourage people to style their workspace differently, Avorium sells sustainable, matching desk accessories and many of these can be personalised too which makes for the perfect gift!
Image credit: Avorium
Wunderplay
For unique toys that are high quality and full of character, find Wunderplay in the heart of York and choose a lovely gift for that special little someone. Wunderplay is family run and specialises in fun, traditional, eco friendly and sustainable toys and games for children. From soft toys to craft kits, car sets to puzzles there is something for every occasion.
Upside Down Design
Based in Bootham, Upside Down Design offers thoughtful gifts for him and for her. Here you will find stationery, jewellery, beauty products and little gifts for your home. Shop for kids toys and check out a wide range of lovely antiques and vintage items. They also sell a unique selection of furnishings, books and lighting for you to choose from.
Betty's
Founded in 1919, Betty’s is one of the most renowned venues in the UK for it’s delectable afternoon tea experience. With a range of irresistible treats and gifts on offer, from gift hampers brimming with delicious Betty’s favourites to a gift box of foodie treats, you’ll find all you need to show someone just how much you care this Christmas.
Image credit: Betty’s
The York Ghost Merchants
York has a reputation for being the most “haunted city in Europe” and is well known for it’s ghosts. Located on The Shambles, you will find The York Ghost Merchants, which is the first of its kind in the world. The only ghost merchants still trading in the twenty first century, a range of handcrafted ghosts can be purchased as a souvenir or gift. Every ghost is unique and made on the premises and part of the fun is choosing your own special ghost. Also, what’s a trip to York without a visit to York Ghost Merchants? If you’re unable to visit or don’t have time to wait in the famous queue, you can purchase your ghost online.
No.1 Guesthouse
At No.1 Guesthouse, you will be spoilt for choice for thoughtful gifts to treat someone special this Christmas. Choose from a range of gift vouchers, including a sparkling afternoon tea experience, Sunday lunch, heavenly spa treatments and more. An independently run hospitality group created by three brothers, they guarantee their own unique charm located in one of York’s most beautiful neighbourhoods.
Image credit: No.1 Guesthouse
York Cocoa Works
Quality British chocolates made in the heart of the Chocolate City. The team of chocolatiers at York Cocoa Works have been concocting a wonderful selection of indulgent gifts for chocolate lovers this festive season, including chocolate bars, hot chocolates and fresh truffles, handcrafted from cocoa beans from around the world. As the nights draw in, pop in and experience the factory for yourself. Enjoy a complimentary sample over a luxury hot chocolate or get hands on in a Workshop or Masterclass. If your loved one is a budding chocolate maker why not gift an experience this Christmas? Whether you’re looking for stocking fillers, hampers or a unique gift experience, head to their website, visit them at St Nicholas Fair or pop into store on Castlegate to browse their full Christmas Collection.
The Visit York Pass
Give the gift of entry to York and the surrounding area’s top attractions and museums this Christmas with a Visit York Pass. Available as a 1, 2, or 3 day pass, it also includes a 24 hour city sightseeing bus ticket, pasta or pizza meal at ASK Italian restaurant (T&Cs apply), and extra value discount offers. Once purchased, simply download the digital pass directly to your mobile device and show at the attraction to gain entry.
Use WINTER22 for £10 off all Visit York Passes at yorkpass.com
Image credit: Visit York
The York Gift Card from York BID
Give the gift of York this Christmas. Experience the best of the city with one handy gift card. Let your loved one choose where they get to spend their voucher, from fine dining restaurants and delightful cafes, to cheerful hotels and inspiring attractions, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste in York.
Rafi's Spicebox
Create an incredible Boxing Day curry, or treat the chef in your life to some incredible stocking fillers at Rafi’s Spicebox, both in their store on Goodramgate and online.
Returning for 2022: After the indulgence of Christmas day, and perhaps a good few days of preparation in the kitchen beforehand, the Christmas Leftovers Rescue Kit helps save any extra food from going to waste and to spare you from another day standing by the stove.
Brand new for 2022! A compilation of some of Rafi’s Greatest Hits; Rafi’s Selection of Classic Curries each serves 2 – 3 people making them ideal for a couple or a small family. Alternatively, you can cook them up as a medley for a true tasting journey through the classics. One of Rafi’s most popular gifts, the stylish, stainless steel spice tin contains ten commonly used Indian spices. A perfect starter kit for anyone wanting to venture into the world of Indian cooking or simply for anyone fed up with losing spices in the back of their cupboard!
Bradley's Jewellers
Step into a world of award-winning Christmas luxury at Bradley’s Jewellers York on Low Petergate. Inside the quaint Grade II Listed building is a sparkling selection of diamond and coloured gemstone jewellery, perfect for a special gift this Christmas.
Brown's Department Store
Brown’s is a lovely independent, family owned department store located in the heart of York. Discover the latest designer clothing, bags, jewellery and shoes. Across all departments, menswear, womenswear and the beauty hall you will be able to tick a range of different items of your list.
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