Stocking Fillers

The festive season creeps ever closer and soon you won’t be able to step outside without tripping up over a bauble or a getting snared in some fairy lights! So, for once, we have decided to embrace Christmas early to bring you our top picks for where to shop if you are looking to fill your stockings with a selection of beautifully crafted gifts.

Slow Living Market: 4th-5th November

The season kicks off with the Slow Living Market: 4th-5th November, a beautiful market showcasing a selection of unique artisans from Suffolk and beyond that is held at Orford Town Hall every autumn. This year, there is also the opportunity to take part in a range of demonstrations including a Darning and Visible Mending Workshop by Lark and Bower and the Decorative Art of Calligraphy run by Lucy Berridge – but be quick as spaces are limited.

who’s about

LOVE.cO: 10th-11th November

This is followed by LOVE.cO: 10th-11th November, hosted at the yoga and meditation studio Vida Haus, where you can also expect great coffee from the First Cafe. This pop-up focusses on sustainability and wellbeing so there will be some fabulous pre-loved clothing from the Worn Works and Tonya’s Pre-loved, vintage treasures for the home from No1 East Lane and Msika Home, stunning floral wreaths from Olgaskavos Botaanika’s own garden, and ethically sourced gifts from Bily at Vida Haus.

Thrive Collective: 16th November-17th December

The following week, Thrive Collective: 16th

Nov-17th Dec, reopens at Helmingham Hall in time for the festivities and their Illuminated Garden Trail. Run by Megan Rose Clark, this exquisite little shop is a true gem, fit to bursting with gorgeous gifts from crafters and makers that she sources from across East Anglia. She also sells a collection of her own delicately painted botanical prints and cards, and the courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and warm mince pie from the café.

Fête de Noël: 18th-26th November

Another must-visit is the Fête de Noël: 18th-26th November, at the Boule-in over in Bildeston. A spectacularly theatrical shopping event selling decorative French treasures, lifestyle accessories and authentic who’s about

French antiques. Curated and styled by Cathy and her husband Peter, expect to fill your basket with a selection of pretty coloured glasses, huge glazed baubles, French candlesticks and a mix of antique tureens for the Christmas table. They also always have a lovely collection of bistro table and chairs and chippy metal benches sourced from their many shopping trips to France so make sure you have plenty of room in the boot!

Aldeburgh Yacht Club Christmas

Gift Fair: 1st December

As we move into December, the countdown really does begin and first up is the Aldeburgh Yacht Club Christmas Gift Fair: 1st December. Rasing money for charities, the AYC Schools Sailing Trust and Big Kid Foundation, the fair is a carefully curated mix of stalls offering unique Christmas gifts for interiors, clothing, antiques, jewellery, Christmas food and decorations.

Abbey Hall Christmas Fair: 1st-2nd December

On the same weekend, you can also take a trip to the Abbey Hall Christmas Fair: 1st-2nd December. Every year this wonderful 15th century hall is transformed into the most beautiful setting for their Christmas fair. We recommend visiting on the Friday night as the space looks magical in the candlelight, and the shopping will not disappoint either: jewellery, interiors and textiles, vintage clothing, sheepskin rugs, Christmas decorations, wreaths and floristy, antiques and collectibles – all under one roof.

Wingfield Barns Christmas Market: 2nd-3rd December

Wingfield Barns opens its doors to their Christmas Market: 2nd-3rd December, where over forty stalls will be selling a lovely range of festive gifts, crafts and toys. This is a great one for all the family as there is plenty of parking and there will also be entertainment, hot food and mulled wine to warm you up.

Orford Festive Makers Market: 3rd December

On the Sunday, Orford Town Hall hosts the Orford Festive Makers Market: 3rd December – which is not easy to say if you have had a few mulled wines! – and here you will find plenty to fill your stockings, as there will stalls selling candles, ceramics, clothing, jewellery, soaps, stationery and textiles.

Converge: 5th-17th December

And finally, the popular Converge: 5th-17th December, returns to 10 Church Street, Framlingham with its usual beautifully curated selection of local artisans selling a mix of hand crafted jewellery, beauty products, original artwork, pottery, woodworks, canvas bags and basketry.

We hope this inspires you to get organised early this year as there really are some amazing gifts, all from independents who are offering something unique. So forget the boring chains or armchair amazon scrolling and get out and get Christmas wrapped!