When I do my Christmas shopping, I aim to buy at least half of my gifts from local brands, or at the very least, from small(er) independent businesses. I have nothing against chain-stores and sometimes, they are the only place one can buy specific things. But either way, I will only suggest gift ideas if I have tried them myself. A week or so ago, I wrote about how much Boots had to offer and suggested a few ideas for teenagers. Today, I’d like to share a few Christmas Gift ideas from three Yorkshire brands that I know, love and mention regularly.
1. Head-turning Earrings
Toolally is rapidly becoming THE place to go to for statement, comfortable, Vogue-worthy earrings. Their head office is based just ten minutes from me here in Skipton and their workshop is just over the border in my home county of Lancashire. I met with the team in summer and since then have worn my four pairs on repeat. They are lightweight, beautifully made and in my opinion, future classics. The designs come in every colour imaginable and I’m struggling to resist the fabulous Ker-Pow design top right.
Here I am wearing mine to give you an idea of just how stunning they are…
2. Luxurious Mohair
I’ve written about Huddersfield company Samuel Tweed on several occasions. Their serapes and divine mohair throws and cushions are beautiful and I think their mohair scarves make the perfect gift. Timeless, and both luxurious and practical, they come in an array of plain colours and tartans.
Here I am wearing my fuchsia one.
3. Delectable Treats
Although Bettys is a British institution, it is still very much at home in Yorkshire. They offer a gorgeous range of Christmas gifts including hampers and chocolates, as well as vouchers so you can treat your loved one to afternoon tea.
I had the Lady Betty Afternoon Tea in summer and it was exquisite. The perfect treat and worth travelling for if you’re not local.
4 comments
This time last year my friend and I had our yearly girls break to York. One of the highlights of our visit was to enjoy afternoon tea at Betty’s. What a fabulous restaurant to sit in and enjoy watching the world go by. After our lunch we could not resist popping into the shop to buy Christmas treats to bring home. Such a fabulous place. The Christmas market was also one of the best we have visited – much smaller than some but with a wider variety of craft and local goods. We will be returning.
Oh York is so beautiful isn’t it. And yes, the Christmas market there is really quite genteel compared to some of the larger ones. I’m exactly the same too…I always end up taking Bettys Fondant Fancies home after a visit there! xxx
Liz what a fantastic idea to promote your local indie brands and companies – I love how so many people have supported the #ShopSmall ethos this Christmas! Let’s hope the idea gets bigger every year.
And of course it goes without saying how much I love Toolally earrings as well… I’m so envious you got to visit the team! Their designs are just incredible. Long may they reign 😀
Catherine x
Absolutely Catherine. There are so many locally-based companies that are are absolutely brilliant but that sometimes go under the radar because they’re not more London-centric. And yes, the team at Toolally are fabulous! It was such a privilege to go and meet with them xxx