We all know that this year has been awful and we have all suffered through it. Our local businesses are among those, and have had to close shops and won’t be able to sell their products at Christmas markets which have been cancelled this year, or retail which is struggling to stay open.
We need to do our bit to support them any way we can. So here is a list of some of my favourite Northeast based businesses offering incredible Christmas presents! I’m sure you will be able to find something for everyone on this list!
For Foodies/Drinkers/Coffee Lovers
Northumbrian Gifts
This website is a fantastic place to get all the locally crafted beers and ales, ciders and spirits. I will absolutely be putting an order in with them very soon! Their website is HERE!
Grinder Coffee Gift Card
I absolutely love Grinder coffee, and the lads who run it are just the loveliest people. One of the best gifts you could give someone who is a coffee lover is quite simply a gift card from Grinder. Also, you should absolutely follow their Instagram! You can buy their gift cards in their shop, and while you’re there have a look at the other gifts they sell from other local businesses (some of which feature on this list).
Cole Kitchen
In the spirit of gift cards, an up and coming spot in Roker are also doing gift cards this Christmas. Its such a great way to keep money in the city and the food looks incredible from here!
Sweetie Boxes Sunderland
For any sweet or chocolate lovers in your life. Sweetie Boxes Sunderland have some really sweet Christmas gifts available. Their Facebook page is HERE!
We are Cookie Freaks
For the best cookies in the Northeast. Their Christmas boxes are live now, but be quick because they will sell out fast! And I will be desperately trying to get my hands on one! Their goodies sell out so quickly because they’re so popular. Their stuffed terry’s chocolate orange ones are INSANE! Orders go through their WEBSITE, but give their INSTAGRAM a follow for updates too!
The Couple That Bakes
Every time their cupcakes come up on my socials my mouth starts watering! A local couple that make the most delicious looking cakes. In the next week or so they will be launching their Christmas menu and I can’t wait to see what they come out with! I will be trying to get one of these ordered too! All their ordering is done through their socials;
Instagram
Facebook
For people who Love the Northeast
For the Love of the North
This website features so many things all from local artists. There is a bit of everything on here from cards, decorations and more traditional giftable items, and you could probably find something for everyone on your list.
Here is the website!
The National Glass Centre
I mentioned in my previous blog about decorations that the National Glass Centre have pretty baubles, but they are also doing a full Christmas gift collection with local artists work. They do also have some seriously pretty baubles and decorations if you wanted to gift a decoration for someone. Have a look at their website HERE!
If you want to read my blog about the best places to buy Christmas decorations locally, click here!
Sunderland Antiquarian Society Calendar
So, this one is very random, but the society have put together a calendar for 2021 full of artwork from Anthony John Moore who was born in Monkwearmouth in 1852. I think its definitely something for *older* people, or anyone interested in local history. You can find out more information about it on their Facebook page
Home Décor
On My Wick Candles
I bought two of the autumnal scents a few months ago and absolutely loved them. Their Christmas scents look just as good. My favourite thing about this brand is the cute names of all their candles! The autumn ones I bought were Harry Potter themed, and I bought ‘Pumpkin Pasty’ and ‘The Three Broomsticks Finest’. The pumpkin one was my favourite and the smell was so intense you could smell it while the candle wasn’t even lit which I love!
You can buy them from Grinder Coffee Shop, if you want to see them in person.
Or their Etsy Website
A City by the Sea
A city by the sea is a local company who sells lots of amazing things that celebrate the Northeast. They have lots of really pretty prints, clothing and accessories. I especially love their Roker Pier print, and the mustard yellow ‘love where you live’ backpack! Their website is HERE!
The Plant Workshop
We all have a plant lover in our lives, I myself am a lover too, although I have a tendency of killing them! The Plant Workshop is a Northeast based plant shop based in a Billingham business park.
Postcode: TS23 4AZ
Although they also operate within Fenwick’s Newcastle or offer delivery/click and collect services from various locations. All information can be found on their website.
They sell a wide variety of plants, succulents and other bits. It’s definitely worth looking at their Instagram too.
Meg Gardner Art
An incredibly talented Northeast-based artist who sells some beautiful paintings. My absolute favourites are the ones painted on wood slices. You really should check out her Instagram and her website to see the incredible pieces she creates!
The Wax King
The Wax king are a local business who sell incredible wax melts. I bought their Halloween collection and I still have some left because they last such a long time. Their Christmas ones look just as good and I cant wait to get some ordered! Check out their Instagram for their products and their website to order.
Terra Homeware
Finding an eco-friendly and sustainable businesses is such a bonus when shopping these days. Terra Homeware sell really adorable homeware bits which they sell through their Instagram and some are also available in Grinder coffee!
For Jewellery and Fashion Lovers
Sea Glass, Seaham
The other day I was just browsing Etsy and found the most ADORABLE shop. This lady collects Sea glass from Seaham beach and turns it into jewellery, gift cards and other bits of art. Here is the Etsy Link. I just thought it was so cute and know some of you will love it!
South Hendon Beach Crafts
South Hendon beach crafts make handpicked jewellery made from the beautiful stones found on the beaches of the Northeast. They sell some of their bits in Grinder Coffee as well as through their Instagram.
The Midnight Chapter
Selling the most adorable jewellery bits on Etsy, as well as some home bits too. All their products look really cute and if you have a girly girl on your Christmas shopping list, I’d definitely recommend looking!
Instagram
Etsy
By the C Handmade
Handmade jewellery but super cute, is a perfect way to summarise the earrings made by Chloe! Ideal for the younger or funkier members of your family!
Etsy
Well that’s all my favourite places. I hope I’ve gave you some Christmas inspiration while also introducing you to some new businesses in our incredible region.
Stay Safe and Merry Christmas
North East Christmas Gift Guide
The North East of England is full of small; and independent businesses. So here is a Christmas gift guide with products from my favourite North East small and local businesses. At this time of year I always like to do what I can to support these businesses because if we don’t use them, we will…
Guide to Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its nickname is the city of a hundred spires because of the many it has. Along with a rich and in some parts dark history, food and drink culture and stunning architecture, Prague is definitely a city worth seeing.…
Guide to High and Low Force Waterfalls, County Durham
High Force is perhaps the most famous waterfall in the North East. The waterfall is part of the River Tees in the equally stunning Teesdale Valley. You can make the most of your day by visiting the other nearby falls of Low Force and Summerhill Force. High and Low Force has been on my list…
Mackem Life 