Christmas Shopping - Buying local and some Sheffield ideas

Christmas is certainly getting noticeably closer now - only 9 weeks away! Most shops now have festive goods on offer, adverts are mentioning everything they can think of in connection to Christmas and I'm surrounded by Father Christmases, puddings and robins!

I've seen the image below getting shared around Facebook and I absolutely agree with the sentiment behind it. I love the idea of buying local and supporting small businesses and there are so many great artists, crafters and makers out there that I'm sure there'll be lots to discover near you too.

I've already started planning my Christmas shopping as I have so many fairs booked building up to the holidays I'm not going to have time to do it then. So I thought I'd share some great local places in Sheffield (and a few elsewhere available online) that I'll be looking at for ticking items off my Christmas list.  If you happen to be in the Sheffield area I recommend taking at look at these...

Bird's Yard, Chapel Walk, Sheffield

I've written about Bird's Yard here on my blog before for two good reasons: 1. I sell my work there and 2. I love this shop! It's a collection of local designers and makers who sell together under one roof right in the city centre which is a great opportunity not only for the sellers but also for customers, to discover something new and different. Every time I go in there I see so many things that would make great gifts, the only problem is making up my mind which I'm going to buy! These are some things that caught my eye recently...

Patchwork Pig, High Street, Rotherham

A little shop with a lot to offer! Loads of great gift ideas can be found in this colourful shop for all members of the family.

Heritage Re-Loved, Elsecar Heritage Centre, Barnsley

A gorgeous little shop selling vintage, upcycled and re-loved clothes, craft supplies, home wares and other little treats. It's the perfect place to find a pretty, unique gift or the supplies to make your own. I've often bought, or had bought for me, lovely gifts from here including embroidered lavender sachets, table clothes and vintage plates. There's also a fantastic antiques centre very close by which it's impossible to leave without a few goodies...

 

Sheffield Country Markets, Broomhill, Sheffield

This market takes place every Saturday morning and sells food and crafts by local producers. It's the perfect place for picking up some festive foods for yourself or ordering a hamper as a gift (or for yourself!). There are also a range of non-food gifts including jewellery, skin care and knitwear with lots of different things every week.

If you're not in Sheffield you can take a look online too:

• Bird's Yard
• Crafted By Charisma
• Imogen's Imagination 
• Little Denim
• Northern Sewn
• Silver Starling
• Vertiline In Love

• Patchwork Pig
• Heritage Re-loved
• Sheffield Country Market