Our Christmas Gift Guide
‘Tis the season… from festive scents and warm-hearted gifts to wonderful experiences that give the gift of memories this Christmas. Discover our Christmas gift guide here…
A little note from me about Christmas.
Sometimes, I can struggle to get on board with the Christmas mania. As the festive season approaches, the to do list starts growing, the pressure piles up and it’s hard to not get swooped into the idea that buying presents brings happiness.
My idea of Christmas this year has changed, I have shifted my focus away from the people pleasing aspect of it and moved towards a slower, more meaningful side to the festive season. With that in mind, I have put together a little guide with items and experiences that I feel fits in with my new idea of Christmas.
Scent.
Give the gift of smell. Clare a Beau has created a Christmas collection that evokes that warm feeling that the festive season brings year upon year. Imagine walking through a Norwegian pine forest with the sound of snow crunching under your feet with the ‘Nordic Walks’ Candle or create the Christmassy feels with her signature ‘Gingerbread’ Wax Melts.
image, kindly borrowed with permission from Clare A Beau.
Support Dorset Indie’s.
Heart Deco, embedded in the town centre of Weymouth. Heart Deco is dedicated to putting the heart into your home sourcing products that offer a unique range of hand-picked gifts and interiors. Take some time to visit this little store, it promises a wonderful experience and offers gifts that last.
image, kindly borrowed with permission from Heart Deco.
Get into the Christmas spirit by visiting Poundbury, the urban extension of Dorchester. Grab an irresistible coffee from Finca and take some time to get lost in all of the local shops that this little town has to offer.
Cherryade, is an experience in itself. The design and decor draws you in and the essence of the store captures you. It’s the perfect shop to wander around in on a cosy winters morning, enjoying the ethos of simplistic giving for those you love most.
image, kindly borrowed with permission from Cherryade.
Have you ever walked through the doors of somewhere you’ve never been and instantly felt warm & cosy? This is the exact feeling I experienced the first time walking through the doors of The Rhubarb Company. Something I particularly love about this company is the subscription service that they offer, a gift that you can give all year long. Providing top quality items as well as supporting a family run business.
As you are already in Poundbury, be sure to treat yourself to an hour wandering around the local garden centre. A hive of horticultural activity in the centre of Poundbury, Dorset, set in the original farm buildings of Poundbury Farm & an absolute treat at Christmas time.
There is something so special about receiving a greeting card. There is an art to sitting down in the cosy part of your house to write your Christmas cards and send to those who have had an impact on you during the past year. Wardman & Wythe are a letterpress and design studio based in Dorset, and this year they have released a Christmas collection that has been lovingly created by this wonderful female led company. You can see the collection here…
image, kindly borrowed with permission from Wardman & Wythe.
Loving Life Lillie, a wise & pure soul that truly gives her all to her students. Lillie offers a blend of movement & meditative classes in the studio, on the beach, on zoom and in the Loving Life Lillie App. Lillie offers a range of well-being items in her shop, and also offers retreats that allow you to dive deeper into your spiritual journey and meet likeminded people.
image, kindly borrowed with permission from Loving Life Lillie.
The gift of an experience.
An authentic Finnish wood-fired sauna, located on Sandbanks beach. The Saltwater Sauna is the perfect excuse to escape, relax and enjoy the löyly. Arlene, the founder of the Saltwater Sauna has created a truly authentic Finnish experience that leaves you with the feeling of utter peace & serenity. If you know someone who loves cold-water therapy, gift this as an experience… I can promise you, it’s an unforgettable one.
image, kindly borrowed with permission from The Saltwater Sauna.
Give the gift of growth, with Healing Haven, based in Poole who offer a range of classes, from the more gentle style like beginners yoga & yin yoga to the more heated, fire-building dynamic vinyasa and ashtanga. Each teacher has a unique style and offers to bring a class focus, theme and intention to deepen your practise both spiritually and physically. Take a look at the classes available here…
image, kindly borrowed with permission from Healing Haven, Poole.
Sarah Mac Photography, a story telling photographer for the nature lovers and salty souls specialising in Motherhood, Maternity, Newborn & Family photoshoots.
image kindly borrowed with permission from Sarah Mac Photography.
For the little ones.
Oh isn’t Christmas all about the little ones that we have in our life? There really isn’t anything quite like the look on their faces when you speak to them about the magic of Christmas.
The Mutha Hub, a store that was born out of a lovely for all things sustainable and bohemian. Kora, the founder of this store sources products and brands that bring high quality without a compromise to the environment, she has worked with new mums and babies for over 7 years and she has truly created a wonderful collection of products for the little ones in our lives…
image kindly borrowed with permission from The Mutha Hub.
& finally, my last note about Christmas.
Before you buy ‘stuff’ for your family & friends, try asking them what they really do need… Maybe they need help with a utility bill, car payment or rent. Maybe they need a child-free night and could use a trusted babysitter. Maybe they need a night off cooking, and could use a fresh home-cooked meal. Maybe they need a night out with friends or a good catch up over a cup of coffee. Maybe they need help in some other way than receiving a present, so before you buy - ask your loved ones what they truly need this festive season, rather than buying more ‘stuff.'
