Sustainable, Eco-friendly and Handmade Shopping
Our latest shopping guide is brought to you by Melissa @ Rock the Cotswolds...
Long gone are the days that we thought nothing of buying gifts and not caring about its origin but today there are a ton of presents that are not only beautiful but also sustainable, eco-friendly and handmade.
Cirencester is full of talented artists, creators and innovators and here we take a look at some of the items they’ve got on offer this Christmas. Whether you want to treat yourself, or someone special, there’s a huge selection to choose from.
This divine range of skincare products is made with love in Cirencester. ANI skincare was created when founder Joanna just could not find the perfect range with natural, pure ingredients that made her skin feel clean and soft. She has made the most wonderful, luxurious men and women’s products for every budget.
They are vegan friendly and smell sublime, so you feel wonderfully uplifted as well as looking refreshed. From single products, such as the divine facial cleanser and body polish, to candles and diffusers or why not pack a few items with bespoke gift sets.
The museum is one of Cirencester’s treasures and the shop is full of gifts, from prints and pencils to jewellery and scarves.
There is also the sustainable present of all time: adopting an object. This unique gift ranges from brooches to entire gold hoards and helps to complete the museum’s ‘Stone Age to Corinium’ project with prices ranging from £10 to £1,000. You’ll receive a certificate, image and description of the adopted object and all donors are acknowledged on the museum’s website. There’s also a free ticket to take a closer look and the adoption lasts for two years.
The Cotswold Creator offers the softest fabric products with personality. From cute pooches to sweet bees there is a fantastic range of products with countryside and animal themes that are perfect for adults and children. You’ll find festive robin fabric coasters, sausage dog cushions and shark scooter and bike bags for children to keep soft toys and snacks.
Take a look at the Etsy store and you’ll find ideas for everyone from mobile phone and stationery cases, bunting, cushions and aprons. All washable and beautifully made.
At Festival trade you’ll find the perfect gift for music lovers.
There are new and used records and CDs to suit every taste in music You can have the pieces personalised too with their ‘Art on Vinyl’ range where each record is cut manually to showcase the artist. It comes with a certificate of authenticity in a black frame and will look stunning on any wall. So if there’s a song you love or something that brings back a memory, this is the perfect bespoke, up-cycled gift with stunning vinyl for every generation of music from ACDC to Frank Zappa,
Here you will find a fantastic range of the most original and stunning, timeless gifts for every budget. There are presents for all ages including slippers and rugs and stylish clothing from gorgeous sweaters, hoodies to winged denim jackets. There are also beautiful pure wool items such as the gorgeous soft Welsh throws in a range of colours, perfect for any time of year.
Take a look at their award-winning furniture too including the stunning Tree House bunk bed - seamlessly crafted in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Animal lovers have absolutely come to the right place when they see what local eco-artist Jen Winnett has in store. There are fabulous items such as brightly coloured chopping boards, eco-bags, laptop sleeves and brightly coloured personalised name prints.
If you’ve got a particular favourite, take a look at the animal alphabetical listing on Jen’s website you’ll find gifts for every adorable creature possible such as Ava the Alpaca mugs, bee-friendly tea towels and wall clocks all the way through to Tranquility the Turtle mini bags to pretty Zig and Zag Zebra prints.
M.a.d.e is an absolutely treasure trove of beautiful items that have been chosen by owners Louise and Sheena with care and attention. You’ll find an eclectic range of goodies that suit every style and taste whether bold or more conservative. There are books, prints, jewellery, wrist warmers and eye marks as well as vegan products such as the stylish Breton make up bags.
This gorgeous store is perfect for every budget and person and if you’re stuck for ideas, don’t hesitate to ask.
Here you’ll find wonderful art and craft pieces for every taste. Items are carefully sourced from all over the UK and Tracey and the team are on hand to help guide you if you’re not sure where to start. There is beautiful delicate jewellery from talent such as Yasemin Sweet’s silver heart designs, delicate decorations such as Cirencester’s Jo Moreman mosaic hearts.
There are sculptures, pottery, scarves and original artwork. If you’d rather the lucky recipient chose something themselves, you can give them a voucher to spend in the shop or on one of the fabulous courses.
This wonderful emporium at #now vintage is a heavenly shopping experience and Sarah, the founder, has a huge range of items from a variety of traders. There’s something very special about owning a piece of vintage furniture or retro glass sets and as soon as you enter you’re on a journey through history with beautiful prints and paintings and furniture of all sizes.
There are wonderful collections of clothing, jewellery and accessories to discover so be sure to leave enough time to explore as you’ll undoubtedly get swept away in time and beauty.
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