With just over two weeks until Christmas Day, Adam and I wanted to share our top local gift ideas with you. What you’ll find below is a selection of fabulous gift ideas from Cotswolds businesses we know and love – and hope you will too. So if you’re struggling to find the right gift for your best gal, or you just can’t face the idea of your dad opening another pair of socks on the big day, take a look below at all the gorgeousness that is right on your doorstep, and get shopping from some of the best businesses this Cotswolds Christmas!
For Her
Sterling Silver Bee Necklace (£45) Georgina Bywater Jewellery
I’m certainly going to be crossing my fingers and hoping to find a piece of Georgina’s bee-utiful jewellery under my Christmas tree this year. I love this sterling silver bee necklace – but if you prefer a warmer tone, it comes in gold and rose gold vermeil too!
Sibling Gin Collection (£25) Sibling Distillery
If, like me, you have a gin lover or two to buy for this year, I can highly recommend the Sibling gin collection, featuring all four of their seasonal editions. The Cranberry and Clementine is a particular festive favourite of mine – but they’re all delicious.
Make Up Bag (£12) Thread White and Blue
I just love buying gifts from lovely people, and they don’t come much nicer (and talented) than the ladies at Thread White and Blue. I’ve had my eye on these beautiful handmade makeup bags with tassle zip- one of my friends is definitely going to find one in her stocking this year – lucky lady!
‘Keep the Bubbly Bubbly’ Spoon (£14) La De Da Living
With fizz in abundance over Christmas, this is the perfect accessory for a prosecco queen. I’ve given a few as gifts this year and they always go down an absolute treat! Why not add a bottle of Three Choirs Vineyard Classic Cuvee too if you’re feeling generous?
Gift Vouchers (from £10) Laura Leigh Hair and Beauty
If you want to pamper someone this year, I can highly recommend a Laura Leigh voucher. As some of you may know, I already visit regularly as I have my hair done here, and just love the atmosphere and friendly staff. They’re a super talented bunch too – my hairdresser Ben is an absolute genius! They’ve just launched their day spa too, so I’m crossing my fingers that Mr L takes this hint…
For Him
Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky (£44.95) Cotswolds Distillery
Sarah gifted me a voucher for a bottle of this three Christmases ago, long before it was actually ready to drink. Having finally got my hands on my bottle in October, I can honestly say it was worth the wait – early samples of the spirit were rated 94/100 in Jim Murray’s 2016 and 2017 Whisky Bibles. This is a fine whisky for anyone who likes a dram or two.
Leather Belt (£85) and Leather Keyring (£9.50) Kingsley Leather
Another gift bought for me by my lovely wife. Kingsley’s belts are made with the finest English bridle leather, meaning that they are made to last. The workmanship is exquisite and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked where it’s from. However, if it’s a stocking filler you’re after, you can’t go wrong with a keyring (which can be personalised too for that extra special touch). Your Dad will certainly appreciate a change from socks!
The Homemade Curing Kit – Bacon (£21) Ross and Ross Food
You can’t go wrong with the gift of bacon – its a kitchen essential for just about every guy I know. So if you’ve got a foodie in the family, you’ll definitely impress them with this award winning kit to make their own.
3 x Beer Presentation Pack (£9.50) and Ultimate Brewery Tour (£25) Hillside Brewery
We’re big fans of Hillside Brewery in the Lewis house. As some of you know, my Grandad grew up in the farmhouse adjacent to the brewery, so it goes without saying that he’ll be finding a bottle or two of their award winning beer under his tree. I can also highly recommend their brewery tour with a brilliant tasting at the end. If you’re feeling really generous though, why not treat someone to a brewing experience; Sarah and I went along earlier in the year and loved every second!
Dapper Wash Bag (£39) Violet & Percy
Sarah and I seem to be traveling rather a lot at the moment, so I’d be pretty happy to find one of these vintage inspired wash bags in my Christmas stocking. The perfect size or all your necessities, this is one smart accessory for the guy on the go.
For Couples
Gift Vouchers (from £10) Foodworks Cookery School
A cookery course is a great gift for the couple who have everything; why not treat Mum and Dad to an Italian Kitchen course, or a night in chocolate heaven? We recently spent an evening at Foodworks with a top chocolatier, so this comes highly recommended by us. With a high end kitchen set up and a fantastic selection of courses, you’re sure to find something for everyone.
Mr and Mrs/Mr and Mr/Mrs and Mrs Mugs (£18 each) Holly Rance at Meggie’s
It’s hard to pick just one gift from Meggie’s – her shop in Stow-on-the-Wold is just divine – but these mugs from Holly Rance are a perfect gift for newly-weds this Cotswolds Christmas. Each piece is individually designed by Holly, and is hand finished and slip cast out of Earthenware so you know you are giving something truly special indeed!
Theatre Tokens (from £10) Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
If you haven’t picked up the new season brochure for the Everyman, then you’re seriously missing out. With a diverse programme ranging from leading West End musicals like Blood Brothers and Hairspray, through dramas including Brighton Rock, and immersive theatrical spectacle from Kneehigh, the Everyman has an exceptionally exciting year ahead. We’ve already bought a few tickets as Christmas gifts, and know the recipients will just love a theatre trip.
Wine Tasting (from £25) Oxford Chelt Wine School
Taking place in the centre of Cheltenham, Oxford or Stow-on-the-Wold, and starting from just £25, these single event wine tastings are a great gift for wine lovers who want to learn more about their favourite tipple. We joined them for a food and wine pairing a few months back and were really impressed with the fab flavour combinations!
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