Christmas Shopping Guide

Once upon a time I managed to do my Christmas shopping in October and I was so very smug about it.  Alas it has never happened again, so I think it’s time to get involved, it’s Christmas shopping time!!!

So here is my guide to shopping without getting all in a bother, fighting your way through the masses and standing in huge queues. Christmas shopping can be a much nicer experience and a social occasion too, if you think outside the box a little.  Remember too that where possible it is always advisable to mix shopping trips with eating cake.  A hungry shopper is a grumpy shopper!!

Happy Shopping all!!
Tori & Daisy x

fabulous events to attend

Handmade Nottingham Christmas Chalet
20th Nov – 24th dec, stall opposite Primark

Part of the Christmas market in Nottingham centre, a collective of 10 designers and makers selling bags, jewellery, homewares, cards and other handmade loveliness 

Pretty Dandy Flea
30th Nov and 1st Dec, Vintage Warehouse, Cranbrook St, Hockley, Nottingham

Vibrant market mixing vintage, crafts and design.  Good music playing and tasty food to eat too.  The Sunday will be a Winter Wonderland for those who are ready to embrace the Christmas spirit.

Escabeche Christmas Shopping
4th Dec , 3.30pm onwards, Bridgford Rd, West Bridgford
The upstairs room of Escabeche will be transformed into a Christmas shop full of delights, with a range of gifts and cards from Nottingham based designers and makers.  Come and enjoy a glass of something warming, some canapés and do your Christmas shopping at the same time.  Perfect if you ask me, eat, drink and shop, bring your friends along for a catch up and make an evening of it. Vouchers and special offers will be available for Escabeche too if you are planning a Christmas meal or party.

Minifolk Market 
7th Dec, 1-4pm, West Bridgford Community Hall 

A wonderful event for the whole family to enjoy, a lovely mix of stalls with gifts for everyone, craft activities for the minifolk, tea, cake and newspapers in the minimuch café for the big folk.  A personal favourite event of mine, even though I don't have my own stall this time my cards will be there.  I will be busy busy baking cakes for Daisy's 4th birthday party!

wonderful shops to shop in

Rainbows and Lemondrops 
Gordon Rd, West Bridgford

a beautiful shop, choc full of gorgeous gifts, homewares, jewellery cards.  Run by the lovely Fozia who has a brilliant eye for finding the most wonderfully pretty things for her shop
Shop is opposite No8 Deli so it would be wise to stop in for some home made brownies

A Room Full of Butterflies
Mansfield Rd, Sherwood, Nottingham

a fabulous gift shop and art gallery with the added bonus of a delicious café.  Do a spot of shopping then refuel with a cuppa and a slice of cake, perfect!

Locally Produced For You 
Central Avenue West Bridgford, above Hair Scene

a beautiful bijoux boutique of locally made and british crafts, gifts and cards run by the wonderful Kate, stop in for a browse and a natter.

Bird in Borrowed Feathers
West End Arcade, Nottingham

a small and lovely shop showcasing a wonderful selection of gifts, prints, homewares and jewellery made by local and british designers. Right next door to an amazing creperie too so a perfect excuse to shop and eat!  Mmmm pancakes 

Hopkinson Gallery
Station Street, Nottingham

a treasure trove of vintageness and crafts, you can get lost in here for hours.  Lovely cafe too, so why not meet with friends have a mooch and then eat cake?  Just a thought

Dezigne
Goose gate, Hockley, Nottingham

a brilliant new gift shop opening on 20th Nov, showcasing art, craft and design.  They will also host events and fairs, so watch this space

Totally Locally Pop up
Central Avenue, West Bridgford

Opening from 20th Nov until Christmas, showcasing local businesses