Have you written your wish list yet? Maybe you’re nearly there with your Christmas shopping but here’s what I’ll be asking Santa for this Christmas (for me and members of my fam!) from some of my favourite Southwell independents and UK wide businesses.
I’m officially obsessed with Johanna Sands and have a few of her made to order dresses. Johanna makes small batches and releases them via Instagram on her website! You have to be quick but I love the sustainable element of this. Buy less, buy well. Yes please to another one Santa!
WODEN BOOTS
Real Clothing is one of my favourite independents and these boots are on my wish list for those frosty walks over Christmas. Say goodbye to uncomfortable wellington boots...walking, strolling in the woods, kicking the autumn leaves, all of this will be so much better, drier and more stylish this year - all thanks to the Magda boot from Woden. I’m all in!!
SCENTED CANDLES
If you’re not buying our own iconic candle (buy here!) then I’m literally obsessed with the NG25 range from NG25 Home. Southwell is quite literally the home to some of the best British Independents and I love this gorgeous interiors shop and how cool are their vegan friendly candles?
CARAMEL LIQUEUR
Want to know the Tipple we’ve been giving in the boutique this Christmas? It’s this beauty from our local favourite wine merchant Mr and Mrs Fine Wine. A delicious salted caramel liqueur that makes a perfect after dinner drink. The saltiness works beautifully with the caramel sweetness, try chilled, poured over ice cream, or try your hand at some cocktails. Less sweet then Bailey’s and will sit pretty on your drinks trolley!
CHRISTMAS BAKING KITS
You can’t beat a Terry’s Choc Orange at Chrimbo… it’s the taste of Christmas right?! Our local Southwell AMAZING bake shop is literally full of goodies for you to make at home. Helen has the best customer service and Southwell is very blessed to have such a gorgeous baking shop in our town. It has to be the best cake bake shop in the UK! We will be making this! What a perfect stocking filler too??
BATH BOMB
My daughter is still obsessed with bath bombs and we are lucky enough to have the most fabulous soap and bath bomb shop in Southwell selling gorgeous handmade by artisans bath bombs that will put the fizz into any Christmas stocking!!
THE CHEESE HAMPER
Cheese has to be my all time fave. I’ll take cheese over chocolate any day. It’s my all time Christmas must have and Southwell’s famous Old Theatre Deli has THE best selection. Some of the cheese is even made locally on the owners farm. I’ll just drop this cheese bomb here so you can fill your fridge…
CHRISTMAS FLORALS
Beautiful arrangements, gorgeous gifts and the perfect place to get your Christmas florals from! Their Christmas Wreath workshops are always sold out and you’ve most likely missed out this year but pop in the diary for 2023. Meanwhile, decorate your Christmas table with a beautiful arrangement and bring some floral loveliness into your home with Gigil and Bloom in Southwell.
CHRISTMAS FASHION
I’ve ordered so many gorgeous pieces from Studio B from Daily Sleeper pjs to fabulous Stine Goya dresses and jumpers! I’ve asked Santa for a jumper from here this Christmas! The best online independent for the best clothes brands. It’s official… Last Night I Dreamt loves Studio B!
VINTAGE FURNITURE
I’m obsessed with The Hen House! Lots of my display around the shop has come from this stunning interiors shop. I cannot speak more highly of Kelly and her gorgeous boutique in Southwell. Farrow & Ball stockist but it doesn’t stop there, Kelly sources the most gorgeous antique pieces. As a vintage lover and a chair lover I could spend a fortune in here!! One of my favourite independent shops in Southwell.
VINTAGE CLOTHING
I can’t talk vintage without giving a huge shout outs to one of my favourite independent retailers in the area, Vintage Vixen in Newark. The best vintage clothes in the UK and my go to when it comes to satisfying my love of 1970s dresses. I’ve just purchased this beauty. A one off and I cannot wait to wear it. If you love vintage then you will simply adore Vintage Vixen.
TEDDY LOVE
My daughter is OBSESSED with Jellycat and our favourite local gift shop in Southwell, Burley’s stocks the ultimate Jellycat collection. Bea had been collecting these bunnies since birth, I’m thinking she may require a Christmas one! Plus Carolyn is lovely and as with all our Southwell shops, gives the best customer service. Southwell independent shops really do kick ass.
MUST HAVE SLIPPERS
Christmas slippers are a given right? I’m obsessing over these EMU slippers from Violet Rose in Southwell! The most gorgeous snuggly slice of comfort for your toes! In fact do check out the loungewear in Violet Rose. We love all their Chalk range. The perfect chill out items for in between Christmas and New Year!
THE PARTY OUTFIT
They have EVERYTHING from toys to baby grows to kids pjs and it’s all organic! Plus for the little Christmas party girl Hattie and Moo house the best brand for kids tutus, Bob and Blossom. These beauties can be purchased instore but online soon. Check out all their other gorgeousness from Plan Toys to kids books to stocking fillers. Last Night I Dreamt’s go to for kids.
MENS CLOTHING
Their website is coming soon so I can’t link them but this boutique for men and women has some STUNNING pieces. You can find Core Southwell on Instagram here!! On my wish list are the leather trousers. Marian will give you the warmest welcome, has the biggest heart and the lushest clothes!
LUXURIOUS LOUNGEWEAR
Look no further! Julie is an expert bra fitter and Studio Lingerie and resort holds the best brands for all shapes and sizes. Their swimwear flies out all year round, not to mention their beautiful pjs! So yes, I’m shouting out about them for their lingerie and fitting service but you can literally kit yourself out there from loungewear and dressing gowns to bikinis and kaftans! We love this Southwell independent allot!
THE NATIVITY
I got my mum and dad the most gorgeous white nativity scene from Country Home Interiors. I do love Christmas decorations and Country Home Interiors in Southwell has the most gorgeous offering this Christmas. Check out their shop on Market Square in Southwell. Another gorgeous independent.
We hope you enjoyed our guide to shopping at our favourite independents this Christmas. Southwell has the best shops and is buzzing at this time of year so do pay us a visit. You can also shop our very own Christmas guide here.
Have a lovely, magical Christmas.
Love Rebecca x