5 minute read
Shop local
Christmas
Shop Local this Christmas
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This year we’ve decide to ‘shop local’ as much as possible to help support local businesses during these tricky times. Not only does this keep local businesses open, but it’s a great way to give a gift with a difference and one that will be gratefully received. You can also bet that these businesses make ethical choices. Here are our top picks of local businesses that can supply you with that unique gift you are seeking out!
Hugo’s Workshop
www.hugosworkshop.co.uk
Hugo’s Workshop based in Maidenhead, offers a range of unique, handcrafted wooden boards that make beautiful gifts for any occasion. If you’re looking for inspiration to make Christmas special this year, their product range includes chopping boards, photo frames, quirky G&T boards that friends will envy, medal displays for the sports achiever in your family and even letterbox gifts. All can be personalised with engraved messages for that extra special touch and owner Rebecca is always willing to try and accommodate bespoke pieces should customers have an idea of their own – she made a beautiful hanging board incorporating a bottle opener for my husband’s birthday recently.
If one of your Christmas Eve traditions involves leaving a mince pie and a drink out for Father Christmas, Hugo’s solid oak serving boards are the ideal way to display your treats.
Visit www.hugosworkshop.co.uk and use code OAK10 for 10% off your first order. Or pop into the Maidenhead Gift Emporium 65 St Mark’s Rd SL6 6DP which also stocks some of the range. info@hugosworkshop.co.uk 07904 954454.
Cricketers Gin
www.cricketersgin.com
The founders of Cricketers Gin; daughter and father, Rachel & David, had no idea they were about to launch an artisan gin brand a few months before a global pandemic. Their new artisan London Dry Gin, received an extremely positive response after launch last November, then 2020 began! Despite this, Cricketers Gin founders have persevered and even with lockdown in operation they managed to launch their gin miniatures; become a finalist in the global Gin Guide Awards; win the Theo Paphitis Small Business Awards; and have just launched a new pink gin.
Cricketers new pink gin ‘Berry Blush’ is “a classic gin with delicate raspberry tones and a subtle sweetness”, describes Rachel.
Pinkneys Green in Berkshire is home to three of the local botanicals featured in Cricketers Gin; wild marjoram, milk thistle and blackberries. These unique flavours harmonise with zesty orange, spicy coriander, and subtle tones of liquorice, delivering an exquisitely smooth juniper-forward gin, showcasing Cricketers Gin provenance. Berry Blush is distilled with organic raspberries offering a delicate sweetness to a classic gin.
A locally produced gin would make for a gorgeous Christmas gift. Also take a look at their gorgeous range of ‘Gin Heaven Hampers’ at
www.cricketersgin.com
Little Cooks Co
www.littlecooksco.co.uk
Letterbox kits have proven to be ideal boredom busters over the last few months and having been gifted some Little Cooks Co recipe boxes from Grandparents which have proved a massive hit in our house, we think they’d make the perfect Christmas gift. Founded by local mum and nutritionist, Helen, these monthly baking kits comprise easy-to-follow recipe cards with step-by-step instructions, all the organic dry ingredients necessary to complete your healthy bake, plus fun activities and extras.
The kits are available to order on a 3, 6 or 12 month gift plan, starting at £8.33 per month, with the first kit including an annual record book to allow kids to keep a record of their baking fun. If you don’t want to commit to a regular box, single kits are available and they also offer virtual party boxes so your friends and family could join you in a Christmas bake from their own houses! Cooking together is a great way to spend time together and the range of recipes are the perfect reminder that healthy, nutritious choices are tasty and certainly don’t have to be boring.
Little Cooks Co boxes are available to order from www.littlecooksco.co.uk
Spirit and Grace www.spiritandgracestyle.com
Whether you are looking for style inspiration, a Christmas gift for someone special, or just a little treat for yourself why not try Spirit and Grace Style. Born out of a passion for beautiful jewellery and accessories, this boutique is a treasure trove of women’s fashion accessories, gorgeous jewellery and great gifts ideas. Based in Holyport, you can also be assured you’ll be supporting a great local business too.
From beautiful leather crossbody bags and stunning interchangeable bag straps, statement costume to delicate sterling silver jewellery, stylish scarves and absolutely fabulous t-shirts, all at a great price point, there’s something for everyone at Spirit & Grace Style. ‘Curator-In-Chief’, Katie Topping, uses her years of experience and eye for style to curate a range of stunning pieces, all of which are available for online shopping.
Katie Topping, says, “I love how an outfit can be enhanced or changed simply by adding an amazing piece of jewellery, popping on a gorgeous scarf, or by using a fabulous leather bag!”
Gorgeous accessories for the perfect Christmas gift and more can be found at www.spiritandgracestyle.com
Strawberry Grove
www.strawberrygrove.co.uk
Strawberry Grove has wonderful cafes in Maidenhead, Lane End and Marlow, plus their online delivery offerings have really taken off since the pandemic. They sell lots of amazing produce including market boxes, butchers boxes, fruit, veg, jams, condiments, baked breads and cakes, garden plants and much more.
We’ve also noticed they also have a ‘special occasion’ section which could make for a perfect gift including Christmas hampers (which can be bespoke to your choice of items) afternoon tea, prosecco, occasion cakes, cupcakes and coffee. Vouchers and gift-wrapping services are also available, which could really add to the perfect local Christmas gift.
Go to their online store to find out more. www.strawberrygrove.co.uk/delivery
Stoke Park www.stokepark.com
Founded in 1908, and based in Stoke Poges, Stoke Park is the perfect place to enjoy life in a five star, friendly atmosphere in extensive grounds steeped in history. While breaks abroad are tricky right now, a trip out for a little bit of luxury is the perfect way to escape.
You may find yourself in the The Pennsylvania Suite where scenes from Bridget Jones were shot, or on the golf course where James Bond had a tense round or two with Goldfinger!
Vouchers can be the ideal Christmas gift, especially when they can be used for a hotel staycation, one to one spa treatments, sports and leisure, afternoon tea or a meal out. Whether you want to give someone a gift which gives them a break from the children or enables them to book a family afternoon tea, Stoke Park would be delighted to accommodate these needs.
Visit the website for more details or to purchase gift vouchers.
