I thoight it might be nice to share some brilliant ideas from creative, crafty, artistic and skilled folk as Christmas present ideas.

It might be some self promotion, could just be something you love, or a friend who makes something amazing. The important thing is they aren’t big business, they’re small, unique and local.

It could also just be because.

I’ll kick off with a couple.

We popped into Janene Waudby’s studio in Sheildaig this summer. Beautiful and unique pots. https://www.jwaudbyceramics.com/

I’m looking for some bike bags, and CamelChops look ace! https://www.camelchopsgear.co.uk/

My friend hand-makes these rather lovely scented candles

https://instagram.com/ateliercandlecompany?utm_medium=copy_link

My wife sells her own artwork (mostly wildlife art) in the form of mounted prints, greetings cards and other items. A small business she started during the first lockdown when she was shielding, which I’m pleased to say has really taken off. Web shop here, but Shropshire locals can buy from her in person at the Much Wenlock Christmas market next weekend and at Ludlow market (the local to Ludlow makers market and tinsel Tuesday markets).

Those camelchops bike bags look great, I have been looking at them. Do you have any experience of them OP?

I have got a bespoke history walking tour made for their interests and abilities for my parents

https://www.hettyshistorywalks.co.uk/

Its become increasingly hard to get pressies for my family – everyone has everything they need and my parents have been decluttering and downsizing so experiences are better than material things but as they are well into their 80s many experiences are no longer appropriate

Zara’s Chocolates in Bristol make amazing chocolate. Have been buying advent calendars, chocolate gifts and (in summer) incredible chocolate ice cream from her for a few years. Sister of a friend of mine.

For anyone with a camper van or wants a gift, this is my business – everything designed and printed by us in Tobermory.

MyCamperVan

@dovebiker – that’s perfect, BiL and SiL have just bought a Bongo!

@towpathman – none, I’m just saving for a few bags from them. Hoping Christmas may contain something from them, I’ve hinted:

https://en.stricken-macht-gluecklich.at/shop

This is my wife´s stuff.

@matt_outandabout and anyone else – use code ‘SINGLETRACK’ for 10% discount at MyCamperVan

Here’s my wife’s Christmas book that she’s written:
Tamsin Wood – A Reindeer’s Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve and Santa is in a bit of a pickle. His usual mode of transport is useless due to heavy snow and he has no idea how he will deliver all the presents in time. That is, until a young boy offers to help, by lending him his herd of magical reindeer.

I´m currently updating my site but this is me.

https://en.iolotours.com/service-page/private-guide-let-me-show-you-austria

If anyone is planning a trip to Austria get in touch.

Here’s my wife’s business, started as a hobby then Covid shut down her main job so has been much needed over past 18 months! https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleNestCreative

My missus has started making and selling baby clothes after making loads for our kids, she does pretty things and some pretty cool things.

FlowerBeeDesigns

@matt_outandabout @towpathman – I’ve got a Camelchops bar bag.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CP3e8BWBuk4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Pluses:-
Decent price
Turned up quick
Custom made/custom colours
Holds about the right amount of stuff.

Minuses
It might be light showerproof, but definitely not waterproof.
Rattles if its only part filled (probably true of all bar bags)
I’ve slight reservations about how long the stitching holding the webbing strap on that the bag hangs by will last. Its been pulling/looking strained for a good while. Hasn’t failed yet though, so I may be overreacting.

For the money, I’m pretty happy. I’d pay more for one that was actually properly stormproof though.

Thanks for the feedback. Might give it a go, I have got a gravel bike on order and I like the idea of something locally (relatively speaking) made for when it arrives.

This is my wife’s artwork website. It’s great, although I am biased. Bristolians may have seen a couple of these on display on platform 7 at Temple Meads over the years. Or might recognise some of the locations…

https://www.megansinfieldartwork.co.uk/

There’s some really nice stuff there.

If you fancy a photographic print, here’s mine:

Home

My paintings at NicksArtStuff.com

Jewellery like in the picture £15 posted for the first and then £10 each for extra ones ordered at the same time and put in the same padded envelope. and £30 for the bowls but they probably won’t post well.

@scruffythefirst love that romper suit.
Does she do adult sizes? Asking for a friend.
😉

After the success of Gwyneth Paltrows fanny candle, I think I’m gonna try making a cock candle, just need to watch the hot wax.

Make a fortune.

Just read Kayak’s comment “Does she do it in adult sizes” followed by NoBeerInTheFridge and thought they were related. Desperate scrolling up and down the thread looking for the original post 🙂

Zara’s Chocolates in Bristol make amazing chocolate. Have been buying advent calendars, chocolate gifts and (in summer) incredible chocolate ice cream from her for a few years. Sister of a friend of mine.

By pure coincidence, I used to live with her boyfriend (possibly now husband?). Small world.

I forgot two of my old staff who make fabulous canoe and kayak paddles, as well as mini versions for your kitchen 😎

https://www.facebook.com/stillpaddles/

By pure coincidence, I used to live with her boyfriend (possibly now husband?). Small world.

thenorthwind – Are you female or did your time living together turn him straight?

A close family friend runs this business with (I think) some friends.
They make super detailed paper cut customised art work.

Home

We’ve got one of the family trees on our wall & the level of detail is pretty remarkable.
I can barely slice a cucumber so how Emma does all this by hand is a little bit mind bending to my “**** it with a hammer” brain.

@WorldClassAccident separate rooms! Though I wouldn’t have started a game a “gay chicken” with him. And our other housemate (male), although with a girl he later married at the time, is now divorced and in a long term relationship with a guy 🤷‍♀️

Not ours but we’ve bought a fair few pieces of clothing from here for the kiddos and they’ve all been ace.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/maiasaurashop/

Being a grumpy, exiled Yorkshireman I have no time for Christmas frivolities. But I have bought one of these from the sister in law in law.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeccisHappywreaths