Yorkshire Christmas Gift Guides
Do you find this lead up to Christmas a bit overwhelming? I know I do especially at the moment. Everything is squeezed a little tighter, yet the expectation we put on ourselves to deliver the best Christmas ever is still there. Well, I’m going to tell you that the best Christmas ever consists of YOU. You being your best, your happiest, enjoying buying meaningful presents for family and close friends (not everyone on the street), making memories with your family, playing with your children and being present.
For that to happen you need to slim down your present buying list and stop buying cheap tat off Amazon coz you need 10 more presents under the tree for it to look full and bigger than Joe Bloggs on Instagram. If you can go by these rules then it makes Christmas less stressful, cheaper and the kids learn to be grateful for their presents. It also means you can relax more and enjoy the day creating wonderful memories.
The best place to buy presents is locally. Supporting small businesses and local businesses to keep your community thriving. Also getting stuff second hand is a winner and more sustainable.
The rules to go by:
Something they need – whatever hobby item they require for the year ahead
Something they want – i.e the big one!
Something to wear – their party outfit or something they need in the bigger size for the coming year
Something to read – a book to read at bedtime
Something to do – a day out for the family or a board game to play altogether
To help you with deciding what to buy those important people in your life here is my Christmas gift guide of local businesses around Skipton, North Yorkshire and the surrounding area. All these business recommendations are because I have either used them myself or a trusted friend has.
One of the best places to find local businesses and shops is on Instagram. I will put their Instagram handle within the text so you can locate easily.
I have focused on 3 main people;
Tired Mums
Grandparents
Kids
Starting with the most important person in the family. The glue that holds it all together, the one that always puts themselves last, the one that is always working (even when they’re asleep) and the one that deserves the very best this Christmas. MUMS…. I’m here for you… share this with your partner and you may actually get something that you want this year!
Pamper time - time to feel like you again
The ultimate gift that you can receive is some time to relax, to switch off and be in silence! But everyone needs a helping hand to get there.
Spa vouchers are such a treat and always top of the list. Try @devarmsboltonabbey or @nadarraspa locally. You can read my full review of the Secret Spa at the Devonshire Arms through the handy links section.
If spa vouchers are too pricey then why not enjoy an hour or two of pampering at @merakibeautyandhair . Whether it’s getting your nails done, having a facial, a wax, a trim or buying some make-up I highly recommend Steph and Jane.
If you are after a pamper in your own home once the kids have gone to bed then why not get Jordyn round from @retreatatbliss . She can come to you, she brings everything so you don’t need to worry and you can then enjoy a relaxing massage in your own home
Food with soul
Good food is a necessity and where it can be, it should be an experience. Why not enjoy an afternoon tea @no.62_ in Skipton. They have a beautiful shop serving luxury afternoon tea and craft cocktails either in town or they can deliver to your home.
Or get your glam on and head out for a meal. Perfect when you can get a babysitter and have a date night, brunch with the girls or any other meal of the day! In Skipton it’s got to be @elsworthkitchen for their beautifully crafted menu using local and seasonal produce.
Get the glam look
If you are after the perfect party outfit, new jeans to wear day in day out, a winter coat to feel snug or anything else in between including shoes and accessories then @needanewtopboutique on the High Street in Skipton I can guarantee will sort you out. Every time I go in for one thing I come out with a whole new look! Everything is great quality, brilliant value for money and very stylish making you feel a million dollars. Lyndsey and her team will take good care of you and just browsing in the shop and trying on feels like a special day out!
If you are after something fun then try a Personalised jumper or tshirt from @rosebudsandpearls . Everyone needs a ‘winging it’ jumper or a Christmas tshirt to get in the festive mood and these are ideal.
These local lasses at @thepeachyqueencompany do an amazing range of gym clothing and fun cossie’s in vibrant prints. Everyone needs to feel special whilst strutting around with very little on and what’s more these are made from recycled plastic. The ladies also are into wild swimming and put on a range of socials locally from swim meets to nights out to pop up shops so check them out.
A tipple or two
Whatever your tipple of choice I can assure you that you will find something from @otterbeckdistillery . We are loving their @michaelwignall_ cotton gin at the moment having sampled it at his restaurant The Angel at Hetton. The Otterbeck ladies do a wide range of flavoured gins and gift boxes so there’s something for everyone.
Keepsakes
Grandparents love anything that is created by their grandkids. Pictures drawn by, painted, splodged, stuck bits on or lovingly scribbled all over, Grandparents see a masterpiece. So why not give them an actual masterpiece created with their beloved in mind.
Paint a piece of pottery from Christmas baubles and hanging hearts to jugs, plates and vases. Each piece can be painted or printed with or without your little ones help and writing added. The team at @coffeeandclay in Skipton are great at this which makes a fun rainy day activity for everyone too. There’s a café too send that should keep them entertained long enough to get a handprint or two!
Or you could create a casting. Hands and feet of babies and children could be done or why not capture that unbreakable bond of a child’s hand in its grandparent’s.@yorkshire_keepsake_castings locally can cater for all your needs.
Why not treat them to a gift voucher from @jacquelinelouise_photography for a photo shoot. Jacqueline is the best photographer in Yorkshire who captures those stunningly beautifully natural moments between families, that look of love, that playful smile, that heart-warming moment in time. She has done all our photo shoots over the past 4 years and I wouldn’t go to anyone else. She can do a full family photo shoot at a location of your choice or you can book on to one of her very popular mini shoots that are announced seasonally. Whichever you choose you will have digital photos that can be printed for ever.
Make a house a home
This beautiful little shop lovingly renovated by Mark and Kara in the market town of Settle is the home of @seddonanddavison a husband and wife combo who have put their all in to this business. Marks photography is the inspiration behind the brand and everything is made in the UK. They have a wide range of luxury products from cushions to bags.
Everyone loves a candle and these gorgeous soy ones from @theyorkshireram are delightful. Smelling heavenly and made right here in Yorkshire.
There is nothing that beats that feeling of sinking into a warm bubble bath and being surrounded by candlelight, especially if the scent is divine. The range from @chapterorganics is beautiful and the scents are subtle yet long lasting and not over-powering. They have so many aromatherapy oils to choose from to suit every person and every mood and these are incorporated into all their products.
For a wide selection of fun prints, quirky artworks and Yorkshire products check out @lighthouse_lane_ltd who have a shop in Skipton, Howarth and online. These prints will brighten up any space in the home.
Food lovers
No-one can resist a hamper full of goodies. Try your local farm shop or @fodder_harrogate who have a range of hampers already made up or you can create your own. They will even deliver it for you. Using a variety of Yorkshire businesses for all their produce that they stock. A great gift if you can’t decide on one thing!
Ah a chocolate brownie. The simple cake that packs a whole lot of punch. The ones from Love Brownies are sensational. They do a number of flavours, my favourite being the salted caramel one, Little Man likes the chocolate orange but we both agree that the double chocolate is the ultimate one, stick with the original! Visit the @the_brownie_barn in Howgill for the most picturesque spot around to enjoy your lunch and a treat then bring a gift box home for the in-laws.
Not forgetting Grandad, @growlingshrew do a range of gifts from beer in a bag to one off brews to seasonal specials. The shop in Skipton you can also visit and drink in which makes a good stop off when they have finished trawling then markets.
Back on to cake coz why wouldn’t we be?! @everycloudcakes has a fab Christmas range at the moment perfect for gifting. These gift boxes of biscuits and cake pops are delicious.
Child friendly shops
The most creative children’s shop around. Stocking a wide variety of toys, books, clothing, gifts plus the kids can play whilst your browse. @jacks_settle (The House that Jack Built) is a gorgeous shop on Settle High Street where play before you buy is encouraged.
A lovely bookshop in Grassington with a fab kids selection. There’s a cafe too so get comfy, grab a coffee and read to your little one before you buy a new bedtime story @thestripeybadgers .
Everything from nursery decor to weaning products to toys, this modern stylish and practical online local shop is great – @littlefolk_shop are your go to shop to find gifts for baby showers, new babies, first birthdays and more.
Funky clothing
Get that Christmas party outfit sorted at @youngnantkids with their selection of sustainable, organic cotton clothing. They stock everything from everyday basics to special days out, denim to accessories and more. Check out their shop on Skipton High Street.
Personalised clothing from @alwayspretty.co.uk is brilliant quality and reasonably priced. For your birthday tees, Christmas jumpers and everything in between they have loads of designs to choose from.
Stocking fillers
These chunky novelty crayons will keep the little ones entertained for ages from @crayonbox__ . Good size for getting even younger ones used to grasping crayons and mark making. Come in a gift box to keep them safe.
A very useful one to carry around are these reusable straws from @thesiliconestrawcompany which come in a handy tin. In bold funky colours this local lass really knows how to appeal to the fun children’s market.
Ben’s already done the hard work for you! This local guy crafts wonderful wooden gifts that can be personalised. Ideal gifts for anyone @benswoodworkgifts but the personalised stuff for kids is my favourite.
Toasting marshmallows is such a fun thing to do with all the family and these kits are ideal from @toastdkits . They come in a variety of sizes along with other products even some Christmas edition ones.
Gift vouchers
Gift vouchers are always a great one. Why not buy one for your favourite day out, getting a day in the bank to make some more amazing memories with your little (or big) ones.
One of those places could be here. If you are looking for something a little bit more wild then why not try a @howsteangorge . Ideal for older kids they can try out a bunch of activities like gorge walking, kayaking, abseiling, all with trained instructors giving them the taste of the extreme
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