The 2023 Nottingham gift guide: 15 locally-made presents
These all have plenty of charm and character
Nottingham is full of amazing independent makers, which makes it a wonderful place to live when it comes to Christmas shopping. From confectioners to crafters, there are so many talented creators who are well worth supporting this season. We've rounded up our favourite pieces from local businesses, so if you are last-minute shopping, you can do so by shopping right here.
The 2023 Nottingham Gift Guide
1. Ay Up Nottingham Tote Bag, £12, Jess Bright
Would it be a Nottingham gift guide without something that says ‘Ay Up’ on it? We think not. You might recognise this distinctive design from the Broadmarsh site, which is always eye-catching on the walk down from the station to town. It’s made from weighty cotton and has many local sights and sayings on it, so you can carry your local pride everywhere.
2. Airscape Coffee Canister, £27.95, 200 Degrees
We all know that one coffee lover that’s impossible to shop for. Instead of trying to work out all that coffee science, keep things simple with this canister which will keep beans fresher for longer and will look sleek on any countertop. It comes with The Roast of Christmas Present beans, which have notes of grape, dates, and cola.
3. B2 2024 Wall Planner, £20, Anna Rigby
For those who have friends and family members who want to make 2024 the year they finally get organised, this bold planner will help them do that in style. It has a column per month which is easy to glance at and a mid-century design that’s very aesthetic. It’s also designed to work with magnetic poster frames.
4. Candy Cane Wooden Decoration, £6.50, Katrina Sophia
Christmas ornaments are a thoughtful gift that will help with festive decorating for the next year. This can be hung on a Christmas tree, on a wall, or even on a door knob. The sustainable plywood will add a rustic touch and is scratch and water-resistant.
5. Classic Artisan Collection Box, £47, The Cheese Shop
Filled with four cheeses, relishes, and crackers, this is everything a cheese fiend could want. It includes Colston Bassett blue stilton and Mr Pitchfork’s red onion chutney, which are both locally made. If you want to curate your own gift box, it’s well worth popping into the shop on Flying Horse Walk.
6. Croc Socks, £8, Bruce Asbestos
Local artist Bruce Asbestos has brought his quirky and colourful design style to these vibrant socks. They're subtly festive with their green colour, but are versatile enough to wear all year around. As well as this, they come in sizes small, medium, and large.
7. Duet Candle Holder, £7, ConcreteandSawdust
You can't go wrong with chic, minimalist decor, and this candle holder will work in any style home. We love the subtle marbling and the sturdy material, which is long-lasting and strong enough to handle two chunky candlesticks. Â
8. Gingerbread Dog Collar, from £14, Posh Paws
You can't forget your furry friend when shopping for Christmas gifts. Get them into the festive spirit with this sweet collar, which comes in four sizes and is machine washable. The site has a range of other patterns, as well as harnesses and leashes.Â
9. Macrame Christmas Wreath Kit, £28, Make and Fable
Whether your giftee is a full-time crafter or not, this kit makes the whole thing as easy to do as possible, with a full instruction booklet that includes a link to a video tutorial, as well as all the craft materials. The finished product is a pretty wreath that can say they’ve made themselves.
10. The Puzzle of Positivity, £16, Katie Abey
Katie Abey’s colourful designs are so joyful and vibrant, and this puzzle is no exception. The puzzle board is made of 100% recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice, too. It could be a fun gift for a little one or for someone who loves doing mindful activities.Â
11. Reflections of Old Market Square Print, from £58, Andrea Palmer
The city centre attraction always looks gorgeous when the water fountains are on. This art print captures that brilliantly, with bold colours that will stand out on any wall in the home. It would make a lovely gift it to a local loved one (or even yourself!).
12. Spinning Ring, £85, Cocobelle JewelleryÂ
Fidget jewellery is very popular at the moment. If you know someone with stress and anxiety, this is a clever way for them to focus on something else. The main band is made from recycled silver and the spinner rings are copper.
13. Tea Temperature Coaster, £4.50, Dukki Gifts
Still searching for a Secret Santa gift? This cheeky coaster comes in at just under a fiver, which is a total bargain. Dukki has lots of gifts with regional dialect, making it a great place to shop for anyone who is a Nottinghamian through and through.
14. The Ultimate Hamper, £90, Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates
Shopping for someone with a sweet tooth? Luisa’s is an ethical chocolate maker that creates gorgeous chocolates. The hamper lives up to its name, with four chocolate wreaths, two boxes, and four bars. You could always grab the hamper and break everything up to create individual gifts if you want to be more budget-friendly.
15. University of Clough Jumper, £45, Art of Football
Did you know that this football clothing brand is nestled right here in Sneinton Market? Fashion lovers and football lovers will all be able to appreciate this cosy jumper that celebrates the city’s most iconic manager: Brian Clough. If you’re shopping for someone who isn’t a Forest fan, the shop does clothing and prints for lots of other teams, too.
No matter who you’re buying for, Nottingham has a huge range of creators that can make it all. If you are looking for gifts last-minute gift in town, we also highly recommend looking in Handmade Nottingham and The Tokenhouse for presents with plenty of charm. Happy gifting!