Christmas gift guide for 'local to Leeds' small businesses
Christmas is upon us, and I’m on hand to help if you need a little inspiration with your gift buying. I’ve put together this guide full of Christmas gift ideas to help you track down the perfect gift for everyone on your list this year.
If you are looking for a beautiful one-off Christmas gift, hand made by a local small business in Leeds, you can’t get off to a better start than the Corn Exchange
Designed by Tom-O
Corn Exchange, Leeds
If you’d like some truly unique items of clothing & accessories and a lovely friendly chat, pop along to Design by Tom-O and say Hi to Sarah. Featured in Elle magazine, she has the most amazing upcycle/recycle ethic when it comes to fabric. There are lots of gorgeous items in the store that are hand-made from re-purposed fabric, so they are entirely individual and incredibly cute. You can even take your own items in for her to switch up a bit or incorporate into another piece. Check out her shop for something special
Ideal for – The fun-loving friend
Simcha Gallery
Corn Exchange, Leeds
When it comes to Christmas gift ideas for someone special, take a look at Simcha gallery. They have the most gorgeous one-off pieces of handmade jewellery, with colours and designs inspired by nature. The talented jewellers can even use pieces of your original jewellery, and incorporate it into something new, perfect for adapting heirlooms and treasured pieces. They take commissions, call in and have a chat if you have something particular in mind. You can pick up some great stocking fillers in here too as they also stock a wide range of items from other crafters.
Ideal for – That significant person
The Great Yorkshire Shop
The Great Yorkshire Shop has so many Christmas gift ideas, all showcasing this fine county of ours. Road signs, dictionaries, and all sorts of other things. Be honest – when was the last time that you had a quarter of Yorkshire Mix? You need to visit this shop!
Ideal for – The (Yorkshire) man in your life
Curated Makers
Trinity, Leeds
I could go on about the Corn Exchange, (and I did in an earlier blog, see link below) but let’s move on to different kind of shopping centre, perhaps better known for the big chain stores – Trinity. There is one notable exception to the proliferation on high street brands in Trinity and that is Curated Makers! Who would have thought that this huge shopping centre would be home to a fantastic enclave of one-off and hand-crafted items? This store has more than 40 crafters in place with all kinds of fantastic gift ideas. I’ve had so many things from here, I absolutely adore the prints.
Ideal for – The homemaker with excellent taste
Out Of This World
New Market Street, Leeds
You might have someone in your life that you are finding it difficult to buy for, maybe someone eco-conscious, or wanting cruelty free beauty products?
At Out of this World you can find an amazing selection of gifts, you could even put together a vegan cheeseboard, they stock the widest range of vegan cheese that I have ever seen under one roof. You can also pick up sustainably produced cruelty free beauty products, even vegan mince pies and advent calendars. While you are there may I recommend that you treat yourself to one of the cakes behind the counter, you won’t regret it!
Ideal for – The vegan in your life
Eco-topia
Central Arcade, Leeds
If you are shopping for someone who might prefer more sustainable gifts, Eco-topia is a fantastic place to find cruelty free and low-impact Christmas gift ideas. There are some wonderful ‘make your own’ kits for different beauty products such as lip balm, body cream etc. Eco-topia is a good place to find plastic free Christmas crackers.
Ideal for – Your favourite eco-warrior
The Chilli Shop
Merrion Street, Leeds
What about a hamper with a difference? The Chilli Shop in the Merrion Centre is a really good place to start. Grab a gift that scores on the Scoville Level, chilli sauces that are named after your favourite football team, or how about some bitingly spicy marmalades? The Chilli Shop is worth going in, even just for a browse around, the staff in here are so friendly and knowledgeable. Nearly everything is suitable for vegans too, that’s a huge tick from me!
If you are buying for someone who likes a culinary adventure, you could treat them to the one-chip challenge. Usually only available in America, the Chilli Shop have a limited supply of this years challenge, which also turns your tongue blue! This is a single tortilla chip flavoured with Carolina Reaper & Scorpion peppers. The idea is that you eat the chip and see how long you can go before eating or drinking anything to relieve the burning. You can look it up online using the hashtag ‘onechipchallenge’. It’s the perfect stocking filler for teens and adults who like a challenge.
Ideal for – The student who has everything
Wolfe Bros
Victoria Arcade, Leeds
Leeds newest gin shop is Wolfe Gin in the Victoria Quarter. Opposite The Ivy, this brand spanking new retail venture is brought to us by the team responsible for The Domino Club. The totally Leeds based gin comes in 3 flavours and they are all delicious (and 40% or above!) They don’t just stock gins, they have an espresso liqueur that is out of this world, take it from me! Everything is vegan too, fantastic!
Ideal for – the connoisseur who likes to lead, not follow, the pack
Spirit Sisters
Online, West Yorkshire
Sometimes it’s nice to sit back, relax and shop in the comfort of your own home – that doesn’t mean the local small business has to miss out.
Spirit Sisters create the most fantastic gift boxes, with locally sourced independent gins, rums, gorgeous glasses, fabulous mixers, all the garnishes that you might need, you name it. Have a look at the website. Karina will put something lovely together for you and send it out in first rate protective packaging, no worry about damaged products here. Vegan options are available, just ask.
Ideal for – someone who appreciates the finer things in life
Burnt Offerings
Online, West Yorkshire
If personalised gifts are what you are looking for Burnt Offerings will have something for you. This West Yorkshire small business hand make and personalise all kinds of goodies! From dog bowls to key hangers, and OMG the most amazing gin shelves, so you can proudly display your latest favourite.
Ideal for – Someone who takes their gin seriously
The Cahm Collective
Online, Leeds
If you want to treat someone to a touch of luxury, or something to soothe the senses, then look no further than the Cahm Collective a Horsforth based candle company. All their candles are hand-poured, cruelty free, vegan and ethically sourced. You can often find The Cahm Collective at local Christmas markets, but they also have their full stock available to order online.
Last Christmas I had the Clove, Orange and Cedar candle – the smell was exquisite.
Ideal for – Someone who would like to relax and unwind
I hope I’ve given you some Christmas gift ideas and inspiration in here, have a wonderful time finding exactly the right gift, and let me know if I inspired the perfect present!
Thanks
Sally
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