19 minute read
AAH Christmas Gifts Feature
With a world of choice at our finger tips, buying local isn’t always a priority. However, there is a fine selection of independent shops and craftspeople in the Horsham District, with many selling unique products.
If you are still searching for the perfect gift for a loved one - something that shows a little more consideration than a click of the mouse - then perhaps you will find the inspiration you’re looking for in this special feature.
We’ve highlighted 35 businesses with something different to offer, be it traditional children’s toys, experiences, festive food and drink, high-quality crafts or fashionable clothing. Amongst our list, you’ll find festive wreaths, parkour clothing, hand-crafted glass robins, Raku ceramics, kiln-fired jewellery, hedgehogs in Harris tweed, wildlife safaris and books signed by famous authors.
If it’s too late for you this year, make a note of your favourites and seek them out in the New Year Sales. Or wait until next Christmas, as it’ll come round again soon enough...
SMIFFY BEARS
74 Cobblestone Walk, Steyning www.facebook.com/SMIFFYBEARS/
Smiffy Bears sells quality Teddy bears by leading names including Steiff and Merrythought. Owner Jackie Smith also runs a bear hospital, repairing cuddly friends that have been loved for many years.
For Christmas... Any Teddy bear is a lovely, endearing present that will bring someone comfort forever, not just at Christmas.
A Favourite Independent... Slipped Discs in Cobblestone Walk. Owner James Anderson sells all kinds of records from all the eras.
Jackie at Smiffy Bears, Steyning
AAH/Toby Phillips Photography
GOBSMACK COMICS
67 Swan Walk, Horsham www.gobsmackcomics.co.uk
Gobsmack Comics opened in Pires Place in 2015 before moving to Swan Walk. The shop is owned by Drew Dewsall and sells comics, collectibles, action figures, Pokemon, clothing and posters. It recently added Warhammer, board games and video games.
For Christmas... We have many excellent gifts. For kids, there’s the amazing Playmobil Ghostbusters Firehouse and for bigger kids our selection of replica Star Wars and Marvel helmets are fun.
Beyond Christmas... There are some incredible graphic novels with stunning artwork, for people of all ages. We’re always happy to recommend a suitable comic.
A Favourite Independent... MacMan in Park Street. They have upgraded and repaired our Apple devices at great prices to keep us up and running on numerous occasions. www.macman.co.uk/horsham/
Drew at Gobsmack Comics
AAH/Toby Phillips Photography
STEYNING BOOKSHOP
106 High Street, Steyning www.steyningbookshop.co.uk
The Steyning Bookshop is a small, familyrun shop created by Sara and Robin Bowers in 1984. It stocks a wide range of new fiction and non-fiction, with a particular specialisation in children’s books and local-interest books. It also sells a beautiful array of cards, wrap, stationery and book-related gifts and toys. Local author Julia Donaldson has recently been exclusively signing and dedicating her three latest books and other books bought alongside those.
For Christmas... The three latest picture books by Julia Donaldson (Counting Creatures, The Teeny Weeny Genie and The Hospital Dog) can be specially signed and namededicated when ordered via our website. A fab and exclusive gift!
Beyond Christmas... The Private Eye Annual always provides lots of post-Christmas browsing and humour. The wonderful Secret Britain: Unearthing our Mysterious Past by anthropologist and social historian Mary-Ann Ochota is a beautiful book to dip into.
A Favourite Independent (or two!) The Sussex Produce Company, run by the hard-working Nick Hempleman. The Basement is a fantastic little gallery providing a showcase for local artists and craftspeople. Indian gift shop Sakala is wonderful too. Steyning has many great independents!
MAVERICK ARTS
City Business Centre, Horsham www.maverickbooks.co.uk
Maverick Arts Publishing is an independent children's publisher, with over 300 titles in print. It was started in 2009 by Steve Bicknell and publishes picture books, junior fiction, books for reluctant readers and operates a successful guided reading scheme.
For Christmas... Our picture books and junior fiction make wonderful gifts. They’re perfect for Christmas Eve boxes, to share at bedtime.
Beyond Christmas... Trailblazer is a book about Lily Parr, a women’s football star. It is written by Storrington author Elizabeth Dale.
A Favourite Independent... Seofon Business Services in Horsham. A great team who help local businesses. www.seofon.co.uk
Steve and Kim at Maverick
AAH/Toby Phillips Photography
FAIRKIND CHILD
26 Piries Place, Horsham www.shop.fairkindchild.co.uk
Hiding down a little alleyway in Piries Place, FairKind Child is filled to bursting with a colourful collection of wooden toys, games and crafts that inspire children to learn through play.
For Christmas... Our Tonie Boxes have been a huge hit for Christmas. Designed as audio players for children aged 3 - 10, there are no buttons or disks, just a range of adorable collectable characters that sit on top of your Tonie box to make it come to life with audio books, music or your own stories. It also allows for family members to record messages for loved ones from anywhere in the world. Pop in for a demo and a discount! Another favourite is our Lanka Kade wooden Christmas figures and nativities!
Beyond Christmas... Our Play & Learn Subscription Boxes are a lovely way to treat a little one to a surprise selection of our best hand-picked toys all year round. Sign up online.
A Favourite Independent... Our neighbours Ceramic Shack. You can create personalised gifts and keepsakes there.
Fairkind Child
AAH/Toby Phillips Photography
PIGLET IN BED
Partridge Barn, Floodgates Farm, West Grinstead www.pigletinbed.com
Jessica Mason started Piglet in her mother's garden shed in 2017. It started small, selling linen duvet covers and pillowcases in a few calming shades. By tapping into increasing demand for sustainably-sourced fabrics and by maintaining a focus on personal customer service, the business has flourished. Piglet now sells a wider range of bedding, sleepwear, homeware and accessories focused on natural comfort. As well as its base on the Knepp estate, Piglet has established a second site in Illinois, USA to meet growing demand in North America.
For Christmas... Our sleepwear range is perfect! Our blueberry linen pyjama trouser set is made with 100% natural stonewashed flax. For kids, our Little Piglet Christmas Bundle includes linen pyjamas and a children's book.
Beyond Christmas... Our cream linen throw is made with our signature soft linen and perfect for adding a layered, textured look to your bed or sofa.
A Favourite Independent... Cocoa Loco! Our neighbours at Knepp make the most delicious organic, Fairtrade chocolate.
The Piglet in Bed team
AAH/Toby Phillips Photography
VACALOLA
Unit 65, Swan Walk, Horsham www.vacalola.co.uk
Vacalola is an independent shop providing stylish, comfortable and unique clothing and footwear for children from newborn to 14-years-old. The business was founded by Raquel Adrados in 2018 and moved to Swan Walk last year. The shop stocks high quality European brands including Mayoral, Froddo, Biomecanics and Hummel and specialises in shoe fitting, including school shoes. Vacalola aims to provide exceptional customer service and make the experience of shoe fitting fun and stress-free.
For Christmas... This season is all about tartan! We have a beautiful range of Mayoral clothing for children, perfect for Christmas. Beyond Christmas... We have some lovely gifts for parents-to-be and new babies, stylish tops for girls and boys, pretty dresses and much more! We also offer gift cards. A Favourite Independent... D&D Coffee and More is located close to us in Swan Walk and provide fantastic coffee and great customer service.
RC-APPAREL
Based in Horsham www.rc-apparel.co.uk
RC-Apparel is a new business, founded by Rob Clift in September. It offers a small selection of unisex T-shirts made with 100% organic cotton and manufactured with renewable energy. Rob plans to expand on his initial designs with a wider selection of clothing next year.
For Christmas... We have three designs. There’s the black Infinite T-shirt, blue Origins and the white Reverb, which is perhaps my personal favourite!
A Favourite Independent... All Paws & More is a brilliant dog walking and pet services company that I’ve used many times.
APACHE MENSWEAR
9 Bishopric, Horsham www.apacheonline.co.uk
Apache Menswear was founded in Horsham in 1993 and hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to men’s fashion. From the revival of classic shirts by the likes of Fred Perry to stylish suits by Mark Darcy, to Peaky Blinders-inspired designs, Stuart Gordon and Lee Hurst offer it all at Apache.
For Christmas... A popular gift is the Fred Perry M3600 Twin-Tipped Polo Shirt. We have it available in over 20 colours, with sizes from Small to 3XL, making it ideal for lads and dads. Beyond Christmas... With gift vouchers, people can treat themselves to anything from a Failsworth Harris tweed cap to a stylish new shirt! A Favourite Independent... La Vida Boutique. Great clothing and amazing product knowledge!
LA VIDA BOUTIQUE
5 The Courtyard, Stans Way, Horsham www.lavidaboutique.co.uk
At La Vida, fashion is about attitude, not age! The boutique specialises in affordable luxury in ladies fashion and accessories. Owner Donna Camera only buys collections in limited quantities so customers can enjoy unique pieces. Donna's personal shopping service is popular too.
For Christmas... We have beautiful printed scarves, sparkly jewellery and fun face masks. The Frida Kahlo socks are a perfect stocking filler!
Beyond Christmas... Our pretty One Hundred Stars Kimonos make the perfect gift and are easy to post to friends as they wrap up small!
A Favourite Independent... Carmela's Deli in the Carfax: great food and wonderful coffee!
Donna at La Vida
Toby Phillips Photography/AAH
ELIZABETH WELCH
Mettle Studios, Roundstone Bypass, Angmering www.elizabethwelchglass.com
Elizabeth set up her business in 2012 with the aid of The Princes Trust, moving to a workshop in Angmering in 2016. She creates beautiful, hand-crafted glass and jewellery pieces and is now a member of The Sussex Guild.
For Christmas... I recommend the robin for Christmas. My glass octopus makes a statement too, with coiling arms and swirls of colour!
Beyond Christmas... Lots of people love puffins and the long tailed tit and wren are favourites too.
A Favourite Independent... Fleur Grenier is a wonderful designer and Pewtersmith, working in the studio next to me. Sarah Dudley also springs to mind when it comes to Christmas gifts. www.fleurgrenier.co.uk
Art by Elizabeth Welch
STITCHNSHENANIGANS
Based in Pulborough www.stitchnshenanigans.com
Sarah Dudley makes quirky textile collectables based on British wildlife, including badgers, foxes, mice, frogs and hares. She uses Harris tweed, linens, vintage French cotton and linens, with lace and trims. Characters are collectables rather than toys for children.
For Christmas... My quilted Christmas stockings. There’s a choice of a cute mouse, badger, hedgehog or hare peeping over the top! I also have decorations made from French linen of hares, Westie dogs and geese.
Beyond Christmas... I'm happy to do commissions of your favourite animal, as every character is unique!
A Favourite Independent... Yvonne Kirk of Sage Ceramics. She creates a myriad of designs with a price range to suit all. www.sageceramics.co.uk
WOW DESIGNS BY MARIA
Based in Warnham www.wow-designs.co.uk
Maria Phillips makes bespoke wreaths and decorations. The wreaths are made with natural products and foraged items including conkers, chestnuts and pine cones from Ashdown Forest. Having successfully worked in the events industry for 20 years, Maria’s regular work has been impacted by the pandemic. So, she has used her creative skills to make decorations for Christmas, birthdays and other special occasions.
For Christmas... All my wreaths would make a great Christmas gift. They are made to last and come with a wreath storage box, so you can re-use them year after year. My hanging stars wall decoration also makes a delightful gift.
Beyond Christmas... Themed wreaths are ideal for all sorts of occasions. I take custom orders for themes and also colour combinations. I post new ideas on my Facebook and Instagram pages @wowdesignsbymaria
A Favourite Independent... I recommend The Horsham Cellar in the Carfax and LoveStruckByRebecca, a Warnham-based jewellery maker who promotes her work on Etsy.
Maria Phillips
Toby Phillips Photography
PARKMINSTER PRODUCTS
The Bull Pen, Randolphs Farm, Hurstpierpoint www.parkminster.co.uk
Parkminster Products has made candles and home fragrances since 2010, when Krystyna Patey followed her dream and founded her own business in Partridge Green. Parkminster supplies over 300 shops in the UK and now delivers across Europe and as far away as Japan. The business has grown to such an extent that it is now run from two workshops in Hurstpierpoint and Cornwall.
For Christmas... Our Noel candle is a blend of orange, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. It truly is Christmas in a candle! It costs £5.95 for a small candle (burn time 15hrs) and £19.95 for a large candle (50-60 hrs).
Beyond Christmas... Our reed diffusers are the perfect way to freshen up the house!
A Favourite Independent... We supply Leonardslee Gardens. They have the most amazing Christmas illuminations in December!
Krystyna at Parkminster Products
Toby Phillips Photography
MENEAR CERAMICS
The Pottery, Amberley Museum, New Barn Road, Amberley www.menearceramics.com
Keith and Debra Menear are current potters-in-residence at Amberley Museum, having taken on the workshop seven years ago. Keith makes mainly wheel thrown pieces while Debra shapes delicate porcelain items.
For Christmas... Debra’s porcelain tea light holders and festive decorations look wonderful on a Christmas tree. They are embossed and imprinted with a maker’s mark.
Beyond Christmas... Keith specialises in Raku ware, an ancient Japanese ceramic technique. Pots are glazed and removed from the kiln while red hot and plunged into sawdust. The resulting flames interact with the glaze to give dramatic copper and turquoise colours.
A Favourite Independent... We admire the work of fellow ceramicist Iveta Goddard who makes clocks and animals. www.ivetagoddard.co.uk
Ceramics by Keith Menear
FIRED CREATIONS
Based in Horsham www.firedcreations.co.uk
Glass artist Angela Jenkinson uses a kiln to create colourful glass art and sparkling jewellery. Angela has run the business from a studio at her Horsham home and is a regular at the Carfax Market on Saturdays, which will hopefully resume on 5 December.
For Christmas... Framed fused glass, for example my agapanthus framed wall art, makes for a lovely gift. I also make curved candle screens depicting Christmas trees.
Beyond Christmas... I suggest a pendant or earrings, as every piece that comes out of the kiln is unique!
A Favourite Independent... Tiara Stars. Jenny Hirst creates beautiful jewellery from semiprecious stones. www.tiarastars.co.uk
Crafts by Fired Creations
Palmer Sport
Based in Southwater www.palmersport.com
The legendary PalmerSport driving event offers a heart-stopping, unforgettable motorsport experience like no other. The business was founded 30 years ago by former F1 driver, BBC commentator and race circuit owner Jonathan Palmer.
For Christmas... Drive an exclusive collection of performance cars in our eight-activity programme, with coaching from expert instructors. Based at the Bedford Autodrome complex, participants drive Formula 3000, BMW M2 Competition and Palmer JP-LM racing cars among others, in a full-day course.
Beyond Christmas... PalmerSport is currently offering 10% off premium gift vouchers, valid for 24 months. For a limited period, they come with a free SuperRide worth £65.
A Favourite Independent... We recommend The Little Tea House in Lintot Square, Southwater. They keep us well fuelled!
F3000 driving experience
BEAUTY SECRETS SPA
34 East Street, Horsham www.beautysecretsspa.co.uk
Beauty Secrets was founded in 1985 by Beryl Martin, initially at her home in Loxwood. The multi-award-winning business now has three salons and Beryl’s legacy continues to flourish under the watchful eye of daughter Karen and her amazing team.
For Christmas... We have great gift sets with prices starting at only £10. We have Decleor, Elemis and Guinot products, including a Decleor advent calendar and Elemis Pro-Collagen Stars of the Show gift set.
Beyond Christmas... The ‘All I Want For Christmas’ package is perfect. It includes a full Jessica Luxury Gel Manicure, Jessica Luxury Gel Pedicure, Hands-On Facial, Body Massage and a brow tidy for only £199 (saving £67).
A Favourite Independent... Deja Style in Park Street is a fantastic shop!
KNEPP WILDLAND PROJECT
New Barn Farm, Swallows Lane, Dial Post www.kneppsafaris.co.uk
The Knepp Wildland Project is a pioneering experiment in habitat creation, founded by estate owners Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree 20 years ago. Their loss-making arable and dairy farm was handed over to nature and the 3,500-acre estate is now one of the UK’s most successful rewilding projects. It is a breeding hotspot for critically endangered nightingales, turtle doves and purple emperor butterflies. Recently, white storks on the estate became the first to breed in the UK for 600 years.
For Christmas... Our wildlife safaris and glamping stays make wonderful, eco-friendly gifts. Give loved ones a long weekend in a luxury tree house with private wood-fired bath, a nightingale dinner, or a safari with an expert guide.
Beyond Christmas... Our Wild Range meat is perfect for foodies and ethical consumers alike. www.kneppwildrangemeat.co.uk
A Favourite Independent... During our open season, we run the pop-up Stork Café, which uses organic coffee from the excellent Horsham Coffee Roasters.
Knepp Safari
BEN LAUGHTON SMITH
Based in Horsham www.benlaughtonsmith.com
Ben is a brilliant professional artist specialising in oil painting. He works from a studio in Horsham, producing contemporary works of art in the classical tradition.
For Christmas... Portraits make unique presents and are not as expensive as you might think. I can work from photographs or from life, and the resulting work is something to be lived with, enjoyed and handed down through generations.
A Favourite Independent (or three!)... I would recommend an Italian-inspired hamper from Carmela Deli, a cocktail making session with Oscar at Cocoon Bars or a bespoke dog collar from www.quartersofsussexparacord.co.uk
Ben Laughton Smith
Toby Phillips Photography/AAH
HORSHAM FORGE
Hillier Garden Centre, Brighton Rd, Horsham www.horshamforge.co.uk
Founded in 1991, Horsham Forge offers a range of furniture and lighting in an industrial, reclaimed, upcycled style. The Forge also offers gates and railings, fire baskets and general fabrication.
For Christmas... Pete Barnes, known as the Metal Bender, makes wonderful lamps from pipe men, sometimes riding motorcycles.
Beyond Christmas... Our furniture is made of reclaimed wood and raw steel. The wood is sanded to a smooth finish without removing the character, so each piece is unique.
A Favourite Independent... We are fond of Panino Cafe in the Carfax. They bought some of our furniture for the cafe and are thoroughly decent people!
LOST IN THE LOFT
Based in Southwater www.lostintheloft.com
Vic Chase specialises in the transfer of analogue formats into digital. Using broadcast-standard equipment and software such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro, Vic restores footage from VHS, Hi-8, Video8, MiniDV and 8mm Cine Film and converts it to DVD or memory stick.
For Christmas... Converting a loved one’s videos to modern formats makes for a thoughtful gift. It could be a family holiday, school play, birthday or wedding. People want to re-visit happier times after what’s happened this year! The DVDs are professionally produced with titles, personalised covers and labels.
A Favourite Independent... Woodstock IT in Faygate. I’ve had fantastic service from them over the years, fixing my PC problems.
Vic Chase at Lost in the Loft
Toby Phillips Photography/AAH
SINGING HIMALAYA
Cobblestone Walk, Steyning www.singinghimalaya.com
The shop is only small, but you could spend hours looking at the fascinating range of hand-beaten singing bowls from Nepal and India. The bowls are good for relaxation and come with a choice of beater and cushion.
For Christmas... Singing Bowls make unique and unusual gifts that people can interact with. They’re good for focusing and mindfulness, helping to induce a state of calm. They are a gift to last a lifetime!
Beyond Christmas... Singing Earth is our second unit, just opposite. There, we sell modern quartz crystal singing bowls in Chakra colours and the seven notes of the scale, making them ideal gifts for sound therapy.
A Favourite Independent... Another Cobblestone Walk trader, John Wakefield, for his inspiring and uplifting nature and imaginative artwork. www.jwakefield.co.uk
Singing Himalaya
Toby Phillips Photography/AAH
BEE COSMETICS
Based in Horsham www.beecosmetics.co.uk
Bee Cosmetics is a producer of natural skincare, founded and run by Derek and Elizabeth Ready and their son, Joseph. They started beekeeping in 2002, taking on about 50 hives. After reading about the natural skincare properties of honey and beeswax and suffering from sensitive skin herself, Elizabeth started experimenting and their products now range from facial serums and creams to spa products and body care.
For Christmas... Our gift sets include a Beeswax Soap Set (£20), Gardener’s Gift Sets (£15) and a Luxury Full Body Pamper Gift Box (£33). Our gifts come with the option to add a personal hand-written message.
Beyond Christmas... All our skincare products are suitable all year round. Our beeswax lip balms are popular in winter months.
A Favourite Independent... The Cake Tasting Club, run by the wonderful Vikki, who delivers hand-made cakes by post every month! www.thecaketastingclub.com
The Ready Family
WAKEFIELDS
11 West Street, Horsham www.wakefieldsjewellers.co.uk
The family-run business was founded in 1911 and continues to offer the finest range of jewellery and watches, as well as servicing and repairs. In 2012, Wakefields was proud to become an official Rolex retail partner.
For Christmas... Clogau offer beautiful silver jewellery designs, including rare Welsh Gold detailing. The brand’s best-selling Tree of Life collection features twisted vines and leaf embellishments, celebrating relationships new and old.
Beyond Christmas... The rainbow has become the symbol of 2020, so we’ve hand-selected our own collection of rainbow-inspired fine jewellery, including a range of pendants, earrings and rings. These include the 18ct Rose Gold Rainbow Sapphire Necklace (£2150). The collection is adorned with a spectrum of natural coloured sapphires and set in yellow, white or rose gold.
A Favourite Independent... Beauty Secrets in East Street has worked hard to create a Covid-safe environment and we’d highly recommend them.
18ct Rose Gold Rainbow Sapphire Necklace
SUSSEX LIGHTING
West Point, Springfield Road, Horsham www.sussexlighting.co.uk
Sussex Lighting is truly a destination shop, owned by Andy and Suzie Coe. It offers interior and exterior lighting, glassware, furnishings and art of the highest quality. Items are often unique, always exclusive and truly creative.
For Christmas... Just browsing around our shop can inspire countless ideas. Gifts range from Isle of Wight glass and Clare Wright art to lava lamps and animal sculptures.
Beyond Christmas.. We have a stunning collection of lighting, from tiffany lamps to Swarovski chandeliers.
A Favourite Independent (or three!)... There are so many, but Wakefields go above and beyond what’s expected. Crates Local and Horsham Markets are also firm favourites!
Sussex Lighting
AAH/Toby Phillips Photography
