With Christmas fast approaching, I thought I would compile a handy list of Christmas gift ideas from local companies I have had the pleasure to work with over the years.
1. Katy’s Gift Boxes
First up, a new business featuring lots of Hertfordshire produced goodies! Katy’s Gift Boxes are lovingly put together by the brilliant Katy who has gathered some great products from local suppliers. Hurry because Katy’s Gift Boxes are only available for Christmas pre-order until 30th November.
2. Laura’s Little Apothecary
A unique & thoughtful present is a gift card from St Albans based “Laura’s Little Apothecary”. Laura is an aromatherapist, and specialises in making the finest bespoke aromatic blends created from organic essential & plant oils, which she tailors to Individual needs.
Head to her website to browse the product range including customised face and body aromatic oils blends to benefit mind, body & soul.
3. The Little Square Gallery
A fab way to display those family photos, or to showcase your children’s artwork, The Little Square Gallery offers beautiful bespoke products. If you have missed the deadline for Christmas orders they also offer gift cards to give you a bit more time to gather your photos ready for a masterpiece!
4. Ruby and Freddies
Ruby and Freddies, based in St Albans offer a lovely range of baby gifts, perfect for posting to new parents. This year they have also launched this cute First Christmas Mug!
5. Wine Social
Discover Wine Social, a new doorstep wine delivery service – offering free delivery within 10 miles of St Albans all within 24 hours. They also offer a Wine Club with monthly subscription, great gift idea for wine lovers!
6. The Beautiful Book Company
Book subscriptions and gifts by The Beautiful Book Company, perfect for book lovers, book worms, and anyone who wants to discover beautiful books.
7. Heartwood Candle Company
Heartwood Candle Company are wonderful with their 100% natural candles made with soy wax and fragranced with only the finest organic essential oils. Winter limited editions on the website now too. St Albans made & prices include free nationwide delivery. Just lovely as a gift to someone else, or to yourself!
8. Tommy & Lottie
Also St Albans based, eco-friendly clothing brand Tommy & Lottie have a really nice range of super soft, ethically produced clothing with gorgeous animal designs.
9. Hooded Owls
Hooded Owls do big plush hooded towels for kids, my teens still use their jumbo ones! They have a huge range of colours and trim designs to choose from, to suit whatever your child is into!
10. Jen Roffe
I have always been a big fan of Jen Roffe‘s work, and really look forward to her new Brushlettering Kit coming out next week, watch this space! Her website is full of gorgeous gifts and Christmas cards and decorations, I can’t wait to our personalised ones on our Christmas tree.
11. The Mindful Birth Group
If you know a couple who is expecting, The Mindful Birth Group runs some fantastic hypnobirthing classes, in person or online. Gift vouchers are available.
12. Centred Mums Pilates
Centred Mums offer pilates classes specialising in the pregnancy and postnatal stages, in person but also online. I love their holistic approach, which also includes relaxation and nutrition.
13. Style.Cologist
Sarah Biancardi of Style.Cologist offers styling advice and colour in her Hitchin studio, helping build confidence through clothing choice. Gift vouchers available.
14. Dress up & Dance
Dress Up & Dance, situated on High Oaks in St Albans, stocks a wide range of beautiful dance and gymnastics clothing, dance shoes, fabulous fancy dress costumes, hats, wigs, make up and accessories, including lots of Christmas themed costumes and props. Pop along to their shop for a personal service with Anna, Mei, Julia or Ali, these ladies are just amazing at putting together outfits and finding the items just for you!
15. Stephanie Belton Photography
Finally, ahem, may I suggest a wonderful Christmas gift for grandparents (especially if they haven’t been able to see the family recently): a gift voucher for a family photo session, also very popular as a present from one spouse/partner to the other. Most people purchase the Sweet Collection as a gift, with the possibility for the recipient to upgrade to a larger package if they wish to do so.
And if you are looking for a great present for someone who is into photography, may I suggest a fab present idea? Rather than spending money on more photography gear, how about a gift voucher for a photography course? It’s not about the equipment, it’s about how you use it! I offer bespoke one-to-one photography tuition session as well as a very popular 5 week beginner photography course in St Albans.
Christmas gift ideas
Have you got any other suggestions for some cool present ideas, especially from St Albans based businesses? Please feel free to add them in the comments below!