If you’ve a birthday coming up, or are gift-shopping during lockdown, there are lots of options for shopping locally. Local marketing expert Charlie Richards has put together a range of ideas that make brilliant gifts and support our local businesses.
Boka, on Crediton High Street, are a gift and homeware store who stock ‘some of the best in Great British brands’. Owner Beka (with the help of her assistant Monty, a rescue dog from Spain who regulars will know from the shop!) chooses eco-friendly, plastic free, Fair Trade and organic products wherever possible. Some favourites from the current range include the Solar Dandelion, an outdoor stake light shaped like the flower , a selection of pretty Melamine cups, bowls and plates by Danish homeware designer Rice and perfect for eating outside, and Chilly’s Bottles, which not only look cool, but keep drinks icy-cool for up to 24 hours.
Sandford Community Stores are good for presents – they sell handmade gifts, art, artisan foods, toiletries and a new range of children’s crafts. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for inspiration.
If you’re buying for someone who loves the ocean, Circle One are an iconic British heritage surf brand who have been shaping and designing boards in Crediton since the 1970’s. Visit their website for the fascinating story (and cool vintage photos) of the company and its founder, Jeff Townsley. Circle One make surfboards, paddle boards, wet-suits, ace skim boards for children and everything else you need to hit the waves. Also in Crediton The Bike Shed is our specialist bike shop, open for bikes, accessories and stellar all- things-bike-related advice for both adults and kids.
Say it with flowers (or houseplants)
Crediton florist Divine Flowers (on Crediton High Street) offer delivery of a beautiful range including best of British and spring pastel colours. Freelance florist The Flower Cellar can deliver bespoke bunches including sustainable and eco flowers. Visit each on instagram for pictures and ideas.
For a foodie
Newton St Cyres cheese makers Quicke’s have a fine reputation for their cheese-making skills, and is the cheese of choice for many chefs up and down the country. Watch how they make the cheddar here and then order a Cheddar Tasting Box, a Mighty & Moreish Box or create your own hamper. Other gift ideas include a stylish Tote Bag or Chef’s Apron.
If you’re buying for a foodie, Quicke’s are just one of our local world-class food and drink producers. Visit Sandford Orchards for a range of traditional, fine ciders and apple juice, and they’re also selling Creedy Carver duck through their website. Wine merchants Grape and Grain , on Crediton High Street, are wine experts who will recommend a bottle or two and deliver locally.
Green gifts
The Green House in Crediton offer gift vouchers, to be redeemed in either of their neighbouring shops, the grocery side, which includes organic groceries, world foods, teas, wines, chocolates and cakes, or saved for the gift and toiletries shop, which sells vegan-friendly, fair trade and often locally made soaps, make-up, homewear, bamboo clothing, bags, essential oils and home décor.
Take them in for dinner
Quiet night in? Order food from award-winning local eateries The Ring of Bells whose take-away menu which changes weekly (this week including Harissa Crab Cake, ‘Big Ring’ beefburger and a Thai Beef Salad), or from the Baobab Café , whose menus change daily and include items like slow-cooked Egyptian style Pork Belly, Kuosa Machshi (roasted courgette with Balahat chickpeas) and Yemeni chicken, always accompanied by a delicious choice of fresh, scrummy Northern African salads.
77Order now, pick up post lockdown
If you’re buying a gift for someone who is patient, and won’t mind an IOU, then email The Bookery with your book order which they’ll process and dispatch when the shop is open again.
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