Shop local at Christmas – gifts for women
Need some pressie inspo? Check out these 12 gifts for women from independent makers and shops in Somerset and Dorset
Fur babies
‘Fashionable slipper’ turns out not to be a contradiction in terms with these Wobbegong slides by Emu Australia and available from South Petherton’s Bloom Lifestyle. PS A wobbegong is a carpet shark found in the waters around Oz. Cream or charcoal. £79.50
Roka on
Three different pockets and sections for phone, wallet, keys and more, a chunky zip and weatherproof, the Roku Paddington hip bag will keep stuff safe and secure – AND it’s made from recycled bottles. Available in burnt orange or blue from Sugar Mango in Southbourne, Bournemouth. £32.99
hubble bubble
Everything needed for a blissful bubble bath – a Quiescent candle to soothe and calm, Rose & Lavender Bubble Bath from 100 Acres and a box of extra-long matches – from The Botanical Candle Company in Shaftesbury. £22. 95
And relaaaaax
Throw on this Jeff Moustic cardi – drop shoulder, no fastenings, super soft – for instant chill (but cosy). The wool/mohair/acrylic hip-length cardi comes in mineral and off white from Somerset (and Devon) womenswear shop Allotment. £145.
Take note
Dartmoor artist print maker Isla Middleton’s beautiful lino cut notebooks are perfect for sketching, journalling – or New Year’s resolutions? The A5 books, available from Clevedon’s Midgely Green, come in two designs: blue Pear & Blackberry or the green Horse Chestnut. £12
Glow up
Mary Temperley makes her range of luxury natural skincare by hand in a converted barn tucked away in South Somerset. This pretty gift set contains her bestselling Face Glow (nourishes, moisturises, heals and gives skin a luminescent glow), Face Rejuvenate (restores natural radiance – yes please!) and LOVE essential oil perfume roller. It comes in tissue and rose petals, wrapped with ribbon and includes a personal message from you. Awwwh. £72.
A cushy life
This cushion, by award-winning Bath artist Emma Rose, is called Bridgerton and rumour has it that Regé-Jean Page has one on his sofa. Based on her own original paintings, the cushions are made from velvety vegan suede, have a plump fibre cushion insert and a tree is planted through ‘Trees for the Future’ for every order placed. Available in medium and large, from £28.
All that glitters
Delicate hand-forged 18 ct gold and sterling silver scale studs made by silver – and gold – smith Josie Mitchell in her Bournemouth workshop. These earrings, inspired by Greek mythology, are part of her Siren collection. £100.
An apple a day
We’re in the West Country, it had to happen: Somerset Cider Apple Gin, made with London Dry Gin and bittersweet Dabinett apples from Perry’s Orchard distilled in the Still Sisters’ own copper still in Frome. From £10.
go for the burn
Yeovil-based Nostara’s home fragrances are made with natural wax and premium quality essential oils and come in nine different scent combos. At this time of year, we’re loving the sound of Frosted Fir and Winter Wonderland and wonder if it’s going to snow? This gift set contains a 200ml candle and 60g travel candle, £42.
Watch the birdie
This little birdhouse/nesting box made from by sweet chestnut and birch ply by Devon-based Peter Lanyon could become home from home in the back garden to tits, tree sparrows and pied flycatchers. Available from The Wonderful Garden Company in Castle Cary for £48.
I should cocoa
Lemon, lime and juniper berries for your five a day; single origin dark chocolate for heart and brain health – this bar of Coco Gin & Tonic choc from Julia Davey on Bear Flat in Bath should be on prescription! Oh, and it’s delish. Vegan and gluten/palm oil-free. 80gm bar £5.
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