10 Shopping Days Left Until Christmas
A Christmas Market Stall in York, selling star shaped decorations.
With only 10 shopping days left until Christmas and if you still have presents to buy, here are some ideas to inspire you.
A quick dash to York might be just the ticket. The Shambles is the place to head to with plenty of independent shops selling delectable goodies. Here is the home of the biggest Christmas Shop of all is Kathe Wohlfahrt where they celebrate Christmas 365 days a year. You can immerse themselves in a magical Christmas world, with a wide selection of beautifully handmade and hand-painted Christmas decorations and gift ideas made of glass, wood and more. Experience a world that transports you back in time. As Käthe Wohlfahrt’s only shop in Great Britain this is the only place where you will find their most popular designs, which are developed in the company’s own artist workshop in Rothenburg, Germany. Experience the wonderful Cuckoo Clock room, where you will see a selection of exquisite, genuine cuckoo clocks made in the Black Forest region of Germany. Kathe Wohlfahrt, Mulberry Hall, 17-19 Stonegate, York
YO1 8ZW
Wander a little way further up Stonegate and you come to Pyramid Gallery. Established in 1982, Pyramid offers one of the country’s finest selections of British made contemporary crafts, jewellery and original prints. Pyramid Gallery is currently owned and managed by Terry Brett who took over the business in 1994. Pyramid Gallery, 43 Stonegate, York.
Another family business is Fosters Jewellers. Situated in a beautiful medieval building with the backdrop of York Minster behind, Fosters Jewellers have been providing exceptional Jewellery and Silverware for over 30 years. They offer a fine collection of new and antique Jewellery, Silverware, Clocks, Crystal and Objects D’art. Foster Jewellers, 12 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EH. www.fosters-jewellers.co.uk
The National Trust Shop in Goodramgate is stocked with lots of affordable gifts to suite everyone and is within a five-minute walk of the Shambles. If you want to avoid busy city or town centres then you can always visit the National Trust shops at Beningbrough Hall or Fountains Abbey who have excellent shops. Combine a spot of last-minute shopping with a walk around the grounds of either estate, then a festive meal in their tea rooms maybe just the ticket to get you in the mood for Christmas.
Or for another day out why not visit Malton which has lots of lovely independent shops to explore including Kemps Bookstore stocked with lots of lovely goodies that are made in Yorkshire or sourced from artists around the United Kingdom.
The Masham Gallery is another beautiful shop where you can find beautiful arts and crafts by Yorkshire artists and is the home of Ian Scott Massie, the well known Yorkshire artist. Masham is a beautiful market town, with lots of riverside walks, cafes and pubs and is home to the two of Yorkshire’s famous breweries, Theakstons and the Black Sheep Brewery. If you are stuck for a gift for any male friends or family and are looking for something a bit different the Theakstons has a great online shop. The Black Sheep too has a great shop at their brewery and both breweries offer gift vouchers and brewery tours that can be purchased in advance.
Despite the devastation of the past two years Yorkshire Market Towns are thriving. Near Masham is the bustling Georgian town of Bedale which has some excellent independent shops. Dovetail Interiors is a homeware shop full of interesting gifts, House and Home is a mixture of all things from chinaware, hardware and upstairs a large toy department. Pippin and Purdey ladieswear pride themselves on sourcing British clothing and gifts and Ballantynes Chocolatiers offer the perfect present for those with a sweet tooth. For lovers of floral gifts Floral Elegance is an outstanding florist that will create colourful concoctions which will make any flower lover’s heart sing and Nickery Nook has an extensive stock of Christmas Cards, wrapping and assorted gifts ideal for stocking fillers and the local Co-op is also running a raffle to help hard up families this Christmas so by buying supporting this initiative you never know you may well win £100, a welcome bonus at this time of the year.
By shopping locally and sourcing local or UK products not only supports UK businesses, but also helps reduce our carbon footprints.
Check out our Events Page to see what’s going on this Christmas this year.
