Spotlight On: Christmas Gifts
Visit our Christmas Markets to find unique and beautifully-crafted presents bursting with personality. From beauty products to beautiful pottery, from bags and belts to beads and beer, you’ll find pieces that are individual, full of character and just right for that special someone. Here are some ideas to help you hunt down that perfect present…
Natural Beauty: a bit of pampering always goes down well at this time of the year, and you can find a range of gorgeous, handmade, natural beauty treats at Stroud Farmers’ Market. The products are all made locally, without the use of artificial colours or preservatives, and range from sumptuous body creams and lotions to soy-based candles, healing balms and luxury skincare with essential oils.
We love: Seasonal Orange & Cinnamon Soap by Cotswold Handmade Soap; G&T Hand & Body Lotion by The Soap Bar Company; Sleep Easy Balm by Kalya; Hand Cream for Working Hands by Herbs for Healing
Hand Thrown Ceramics: Stroud Farmers’ Market attracts several talented potters, all with their own signature style, from the exquisite crackle glazes of Rupert’s Pottery to the slip decorated dishes of Taena Pottery; from the domestic stoneware of Vineyard Pottery to Claire Powell’s pieces inspired by the nature of the Cotswolds. Especially for Christmas, take a look at Claire’s exquisite hanging decorations as well as the hanging tree decorations from Ascott Gardens, which feature hand-painted Santas, snowmen, gingerbread men and baubles as well as initialed stockings (you can order bespoke pieces at the Christmas markets). Festive earthenware from Dan Hide includes exquisite nightlights – rings of Christmas trees or circles of angels surrounding a tea light, as well as oil burners (oil included) and hanging stars, hearts and Christmas trees all featuring Dan’s signature spotty style. A limited edition piece makes a lovely gift and Jane Vernon at Cloth & Clay has brought out a range of limited edition mugs just in time for Christmas.
Our Potters: Cloth & Clay Ceramics; Vineyard Pottery; Taena Pottery; Lansdown Pottery; Claire Powell Pottery; Ann Sohn-Rethel; Dan Hides; Ascott Gardens; Mark Morel
Locally Crafted: creativity runs through Stroud Farmers’ Market and at no other time is this better displayed than at Christmas. Liz Dart, renowned for her beautiful stained glass panels, has a range of hand-painted, glass Christmas tree decorations which include holly, snowmen, robins and stars. Her range of Christmas cards are also gorgeous – hand-painted, with detachable glass decorations. Scandinavian Christmas is the theme behind My Blue Shed’s range of Christmas cards, featuring striking lino cut images in deep red and white. More witty lino cut prints can be found on cushions, tea towels and scarves. Pick up a couple of cute Christmas stockings or novelty socks from Cymbal Knits while other great gift ideas include decorative wooden chopping boards from Woodchester Cabinet Makers, leather belts or bags from NG Leather and stunning glass and metal jewellery from Beadcounter.
Arts & Crafts: Liz Dart Stained Glass; Cymbal Knits; Woodchester Cabinet Makers; Beadcounter
Food & Drink: it goes without saying that Stroud Farmers’ Market is the foodie destination of the Cotswolds making it the ideal spot to find the perfect gourmet gifts. For the gourmand, how about some potted gamed from the Potted Game Company or some local honey from Four Shires Apiary and Horton’s Honey or for the cook, try David’s Chilli Oils or one of Stainswick Farm’s award-winning cold pressed rapeseed oils. Selsey Foods’ beautifully packaged products always make delightful presents, especially their Mulling Syrup or Christmas Chutney with Mulled Wine. Fruit wines and liqueurs make ideal gifts for hosts (and can be enjoyed by all the guests!) so take a look at Three Counties Liqueurs and VQ Country Wines. And for those who have everything, you can’t go far wrong with some locally-brewed ale from Stroud Brewery, Gloucester Brewery or Corinium Ales, or for something really special, a bottle of English sparkling wine from Bow in the Clouds – it’s on the wine list at all the top restaurants!
Top Foodies: Three Counties Liqueurs; The Potted Game Company; VQ Country Wines; Bow in the Cloud; Gloucester Brewery; Stroud Brewery; Corinium Ales; the Garlic Farm