19 of the most stylish places to do your Christmas shopping
Want to bring comfort and joy to the people you love this Christmas? We all want to find the perfect gift for everyone on our list, but it’s often easier said than done. Time constraints and a heaving calendar can often result in us reaching for the same online superstores and impersonal gifting choices. It’s no one’s fault, it’s just that Christmas can be overwhelming.
But this festive season, we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve searched the country for the best destinations for all your present-buying needs. From small independent stores to much-loved emporiums, every shop guarantees not only interesting and thoughtful gift ideas but also a heavy dose of Christmas cheer – an experience for you, as the Christmas shopper.
These are the chic spots to visit all over the UK.
Best for that festive feeling: Petersham Nurseries
Richmond
One of London’s most beautiful shopping destinations, Petersham Nurseries goes all in at Christmas. Owner Gael Boglione and her team have curated a photogenic horticultural and homewares haven, it’s a perfect spot for finding dream-like gifts to delight everyone. Plan a trip around one of its numerous festive events this season, from tablescaping and wreath-making sessions to its first-ever workshop dedicated to the art of gift-wrapping.
Church Lane, Petersham Rd, TW10 7AB, Petersham Nurseries
Best for a hygge Christmas: Lifestory
Edinburgh
Minimalists will love the understated, impeccably designed pieces on offer at Lifestory. The Edinburgh boutique specialises in Scandinavian design-led goods alongside locally-made products – ideal gifts with Nordic charm. This year, it’s going big on Christmas with a festive party on Nov 22 where shoppers will be treated to fizz, homemade gingerbread and discounts.
53 London Street, Edinburgh, EH3 3LX, Lifestory
Best newcomer: The Fairground
Online
Want to make more eco-friendly gifting choices this Christmas, but don’t know where to start? Make a beeline for The Fairground, a chic online platform celebrating fashion brands making a meaningful commitment to “doing business better”. Curated by former Vogue editor Virginia Chadwyck-Healey, each label – from Navygrey to Stripe & Stare – has been vetted by a third party for its ethical and environmental credentials. Customers will be treated to savings across all brands on launch weekend, from 6-8 December. Simply sign up to the site to receive the discount code on Dec 5.
Best for jewellery: Last Night I Dreamt
Southwell
Nottingham jewellery destination Last Night I Dreamt has been described as the “mini Liberty” of the Midlands, thanks to its impressive edit of brands, both established and rising. “Full of treasures to captivate and pull at the heartstrings,” as its founder Rebecca Gibbions says, this Southwell boutique offers a welcoming space where staff are happy to help you find the perfect present. On Nov 21, jewellery designers and experts will share their insights and tips at a ticketed store event, as shoppers enjoy drinks, cupcakes and live music.
1 King Street, Southwell, NG25 0EH, Last Night I Dreamt
Best for pre-loved designer: Re-Collection
Kensington
For London’s most artfully curated collection of pre-loved fashion and homewares, head to Re-Collection, which hosts its fifth pop-up this Christmas open now until Dec 15. A style go-to among discerning Londoners, Therese Bassler’s intimate concept store sells only the most elevated and tasteful of collectables, from Prada handbags to Elsa Peretti necklaces.
144 Kensington Church Street, W8, Re-Collection
Best town full of independents: Frome
Somerset
The picturesque Somerset market town of Frome is a great place to make a day of it, known for its charming, characterful independent boutiques and community spirit. Catherine Hill, a steep cobbled street, is lined with artisan shops ideal for festive gifting. Try Assembly for well-made menswear and grooming products that celebrate British design; Seed for unique jewellery, textiles and ceramics made by UK creatives; and Studio Ashay, a part store-part workshop serving tactile, love-forever styles in soothing tones.
28 Catherine Hill, Frome BA11 1BY, Studio Ashåy
8 Catherine Hill, Frome BA11 1BY, Assembly
3 Catherine Hill, Frome BA11 1BY, Seed
Best for beautiful accessories: Straw London
East London
Straw London is one of London’s most aesthetically gifted shops – its interiors are as appealing as its product offering. What started as a place to buy straw baskets (thus its name), has since expanded to offer quietly beautiful clothing – simple white nighties and cosy lambswool vests – hand-made accessories, and small homewares. For a soft, calming environment to start your Christmas shopping, Straw London is the best in show.
126 Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG, Straw London
Best for nightwear: Eloise Jephson
Online
British designer Eloise Jephson worked at Stella McCartney and Versace before launching her eponymous loungewear brand. She’s known for her whimsical prints that reference mythology and the zodiac, all hand-drawn in London, and printed in Worcestershire. Jephson understands that half of the joy of gifting is in the opening – each style is carefully wrapped in tissue paper, tied with velvet ribbon and presented in an elegant box. She also tucks inside a hand-drawn card that customers can personalise.
Best for wellness: Sweet Bee Organics
Online
Pamper someone in need of a treat with Daisy Lowe’s favourite wellness brand. Based in Somerset, Sweet Bee Organics is a modern apothecary selling handmade, natural healing products. “My current winter obsession and my go-to for gifts, Sweet Bee makes the most delicious elixirs, intention candles, lavender magnesium butter,” she says. “It’s perfect for anyone who deserves some self-care.”
Best one-stop shop: Tidy Street General Store
Brighton
The neighbourhood shop everyone wishes they had, Tidy Street General Store on Brighton’s North Laine offers a wide-ranging, desirable mix of womenswear and beauty. Run by Tom Dixon’s daughter Florence Dixon, the boutique champions slow fashion – think teddy cropped cardigans made in Spain, sweet gold and silver charms from France and cashmere socks from a family-run business in Portugal. Whether you choose a mohair scarf or a handwoven leather bag, you’re sure to leave with a gift for someone you love.
102 Gloucester Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4AP, Tidy Street General Store
Best for slippers: Bowhill & Elliott
Norwich
Norwich-based brand Bowhill & Elliott has been making exquisite shoes and boots for 150 years, starring the elegant slipper as its hallmark style. Handmade on-site, each design is created by a talented artisan. Those looking for an extra special gift should consider its custom collection where family crests, monograms, and, even a picture of your pet, can be embroidered on a pair of velvet loafers. On 7th December, B&H will host an in-store event where shoppers can meet different makers, while enjoying discounts and festive drinks.
65, London Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1HW, Bowhill & Elliott
Best for perfect knits: Bertie’s of Bay
Whitby
Treat someone you really love to a classic fisherman’s sweater at the tastefully decorated Bertie’s of Bay, situated in the picturesque village of Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire. Founder Matthew Pugh opened his store with the aim of celebrating coastal heritage styles, working with historians to revive nautical designs worn by locals in years gone by. Make a pitstop on 7th and 8th December for the village’s annual Victorian Weekend, when Bertie’s will host a sea shanty band, and a pop-up rum and gin bar.
Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby YO22 4SA, Bertie’s of Bay
Best for gifts with personality: Maltpress Trading
Crystal Palace
In recent years, Crystal Palace Triangle in deepest south London has become a great destination for vintage clothing and antiques. Locals love Maltpress Trading, an idiosyncratic and inviting haven for anyone who loves pre-loved treasures, spanning thoughtfully chosen pre-loved styles and homewares. Its rails of vintage clothes are irresistible and budget-friendly, making truly great gifts. Look out for individual notes penned on a typewriter by shop founder Sally Battley, explaining the story behind each piece.
3, Hollybush Terrace, Westow St, London SE19 3SD, Maltpress Trading (Instagram)
Best for giving back: Made51
Online
Made51 helps refugees build sustainable livelihoods utilising their heritage craftsmanship and culture. Its website is brimming with soulful gift options, from silver hammered earrings created by artisans living in exile in Burkina Faso to bauble gift sets hand-crafted by Syrian refugees living in Jordan.
Best for one-of-a-kind gifts: The Chuffed Store
Online
If you’re hoping to buy all your Christmas shopping in one place, then The Chuffed Store could be the answer. An online curated collection of great gifts all made by British makers, you’ll find unique pieces to spark festive joy. Choose from leather handbags, timeless knitwear, eye-catching wall art, colourful ceramics and homeware (the platform’s gift edits are excellent), then add a gift note and wait for the inevitable gasps of delight.
Best for the eco-conscious: Floragy
Online
Award-winning beauty brand Floragy specialises in modern, naturally-derived skincare products at accessible prices. All ingredients are vegan-friendly, and products are made in small hand batches at the founder’s Kent-based studio. A business with an honest heart, Floragy has launched a series of lovingly made gifting sets just in time for Christmas.
Best for gloves: Nina Peter
Online
Gloves make for an excellent, timeless gift and, with a following including Kate Moss and Beyoncé, Nina Peter is the place to buy expertly made, high-quality contemporary gloves. The brand promises to replace any single lost gloves as part of its commitment to sustainable practices. Choose from understated traditional designs or attention-grabbing embellished styles.
Best for stocking-fillers: NOLA
Manchester
Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, NOLA prides itself on offering great customer service. Boasting an artfully curated selection of rising and established names, alongside enticing gifting options (its cherub Christmas decorations made dreamy stocking-fillers), this Manchester boutique is a must. If you’re feeling generous, make sure you don’t miss its own brand fashion line, which offers unique, limited-run pieces all made from deadstock materials.
Unit 2 Barton Arcade, 61 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BW., NOLA
Best for stylish dogs: Barkened
Deal
Kent’s seaside towns have undergone a renaissance of late, and Deal is part of the buzz. Interior designer Sophie Rowell, who lives in neighbouring Folkestone, recommends Barkend. “It’s a must-visit spot on the high street, easily recognised by its vibrant Hopper Green storefront,” she says. “This charming shop brings together a curated selection of unique, story-filled items for people and their dogs. Among the shop’s standout offerings are their own range of handmade leather dog accessories, and, my favourite – Yonder socks. Barkend’s commitment to interesting finds makes it a true gem for Christmas presents.”
132 High St, Deal CT14 6BE, Barkened
