Shop local this Christmas with our Festive Gift Guide!
SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS
Cumbria is rife with fantastic independent businesses each offering something special, if you’re stuck for ideas, we’ve got you covered.
by Danni Murphy
Shopping locally at Christmas offers numerous benefits for both individuals and the wider community. Exploring your local high streets can be a delightful surprise, as independent shops are often brimming with unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.
Cumbria, in particular, is home to a vibrant array of small businesses offering locally made, artisanal, and distinctive products that add a special touch.
One of the greatest advantages of shopping locally is the ability to support small businesses during a crucial time of year.
Christmas sales can determine whether a local entrepreneur can keep their doors open through the quieter months that follow.
By choosing to shop locally, you’re helping these businesses thrive, contributing to the character and diversity of places like Cumbria.
In addition to supporting local livelihoods, keeping your money in the community strengthens the local economy. Instead of enriching large corporations, your spending in independent shops allows you to see firsthand how your money benefits your area. This, in turn, helps sustain a vibrant, diverse local culture.
Shopping locally makes a difference environmentally too! By reducing the need for long-distance shipping, you cut down on emissions, and less packaging is often required compared to online purchases. Plus, you sidestep delivery delays and the stress that comes with them by picking up your gifts in person.
Shopping locally at Christmas not only makes the season more festive and personal but also contributes to a healthier, more sustainable community.
Thoughtful gifts…
If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a crystal-loving, earthy person in your life, Luna Amatores is a must-visit.
Known for its extensive collection of genuine crystals, this shop also offers detailed information on each stone’s properties, making it ideal for those who love crystals with meaning. In addition, they carry beautiful homewares and handmade jewellery, ensuring you’ll find something truly unique and special for the holiday season.
For those in West Cumbria, Ethereal Stormz in Whitehaven is another fantastic spot for alternative gifts. With an impressive collection of crystals, incense, and homeware, it provides a broad range of gift options. Whether you’re after spiritual items or something more unconventional, this shop has you covered with its diverse selection.
If you’re in the Wigton area, Out of the Blue is a delightful little gift shop that caters to everyone. From gifts for children to thoughtful presents for grandparents, they stock popular brands like JellyCat, Emma Bridgewater, and Herdy. Whether you’re after something playful, traditional, or chic, this shop is a great go-to for holiday shopping.
Jewellery…
Nothing could be more special than a beautiful piece of jewellery. If you are looking to give something extra special this year then Jewellery by Michael King is one of the best places to go for bespoke, hand crafted pieces. They can bring old sentimental items back to their former glory or craft something entirely new and unique just for you. It’s the perfect place to pick up something your loved one will keep forever.
Another wonderful jeweller is J.O Dixon in Whitehaven. With over 40 years in the business they know a thing or two about jewellery. From watches to diamond rings and everything in between. With over 40 years of experience if you want quality items then this is the shop for you.
Clothes…
Whitehaven is home to some of the best retailers in West Cumbria, and Charles Menswear stands out as a top destination for fashion. Offering an impressive range of premium brands like Fred Perry, Guide, Ted Baker, Farah, and Marc Darcy, Charles Menswear provides stylish options for any wardrobe.
Their blend of top brands and competitive prices, combined with a welcoming and knowledgeable team, has earned them a loyal customer base that spans beyond the local area, with shoppers coming from as far as Carlisle, Dumfries, and even Liverpool.
For anyone looking to add some timeless, high-quality pieces to their wardrobe, Charles Menswear is a must-visit shop this holiday season.
Memories & more…
If you’re struggling to find the perfect physical gift for someone special, why not treat them to an experience or an annual pass to one of Cumbria’s many museums?
An experience-based gift offers lasting memories and the opportunity to learn something new.
One great option is an Annual Pass to The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven. Offering fantastic value, especially for families or history enthusiasts, The Beacon Museum provides a rich exploration of local history, science, and culture. An annual pass allows unlimited visits throughout the year, making it a thoughtful gift for someone with children or anyone passionate about Cumbria’s fascinating heritage. It’s a unique gift that keeps giving long after Christmas is over!
Have you thought about taking them to a show? Cumbria has loads of fantastic venues that host live music and entertainment year round. Have you checked out the upcoming shows at the Carnegie Theatre, Rosehill Theatre or Solway Hall lately? They all have loads coming up over the next few months, a night out to see a comedian or live band with a loved one makes for an excellent gift.
Another fantastic gift idea, particularly for the golf enthusiast in your life is a membership to Cumbria Golf Simulators.
Whether its out of love or purely because you want them out from under your feet during the cold wet months when the course is not an option, a membership to the Cumbria Golf Simulators is a great gift!
Something a little different? Heartstrings and Forget Me Nots offer holistic therapies. Rhona specialises in treatments such as Reiki Healing, Reflexology, Access Bars and Hopi Ear Candling as well as offering Meditation classes and Wellbeing Coaching. One of the most popular treatments, which is gaining immense recognition for its benefits worldwide is Reiki. A gift voucher for a session is a wonderful gift.
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