Shopping Small For Christmas: Gift Guide
In a world that is becoming increasingly dominated by generic profit-hungry superstores that look the same, think the same and act the same, the small independent businesses inject a much-needed sense of creativity and heart into our local high streets.
With their unique product offering and bespoke service, they breathe new life into the shopping experience and make the community what it is, which is why if you’re yet to start your Christmas shopping, you might want to consider championing your local gems over the giants this year.
From the quirky and eclectic to the downright delectable, have a look at some of the independent stores in Brighton that are encouraging us to shop small this Christmas.
Dowse
Located in the heart of Brighton’s bustling North Laine, Dowse is our go-to destination for handpicked art, paper goods, unique ceramics and design-led gifts.
Where to find it:
27 Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AQ
Our Faves:
Sand Foil Printed Face Notebook
InHouse Space
A unique collection of contemporary home furnishings, candles, recycled goods and kitchenware from around the world. If you’re looking for something you won’t find in your bog-standard department store, InHouse Space is your guy.
Where to find it:
28 Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AQ
Our Faves:
Spanish Fig & Nutmeg Bath Soak
Handcrafted Tea Light Holder – Brighton Pavilion
Abode
Homemakers, be warned! You won’t be able to resist the allure of Abode’s interiors collection. The beautiful edit of small furniture pieces and original home accessories is what makes this place stand out in all the best ways.
Where to find it:
32 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL
Our Faves:
Fellowstead Nature Strand Soy Candle
Papersmiths
Stationery geeks, rejoice. This place is home to the best-looking pens you’ll ever have the pleasure of holding. And not just pens but magazines, books, notepads, diaries and greeting cards, too. It’s got it all.
Where to find it:
21 Sydney St, Brighton BN1 4EN
Our Faves:
Hold
A new addition to one of Brighton’s prettiest streets, Hold is a cosy independent lifestyle boutique brimming with hand-picked products designed to love and last.
Where to find it:
14, Bond Street, Brighton, BN1 1RD
Our Faves:
Flore Candle, Mist & Lilac Blossom
Workshop Living
Passionate about simple design, Workshop Living has cemented its place in the Brighton Lanes as the place to shop for minimalist, functional goods for everyday living.
Where to find it:
13a Prince Albert St, Brighton BN1 1HE
Our Faves:
SOH Melbourne Libertine Candle
Lavender Room
We wish we could bottle the smell of this place and send it to you but for the sake of this feature, you’re just going to have to trust us when we say it’s a real nostril-pleaser. The perfect excuse to come to Brighton and sniff it out for yourself.
Where to find it:
16 Bond Street, Brighton, BN1 1RD
Our Faves:
*Set Of 2 Smoke Grey & Gold Champagne Coupe Glasses
*Small Natural Plant Wax Scented Candle
*Blush & Terracotta GO Duo Bamboo Snack Box
Present in the Laine
A lovingly curated mix of colourful gifts, clothing and accessories, most of which are from local independent suppliers.
Where to find it:
34 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN
Our Faves:
Golden Fury S’well Water Bottle
Orange & Yellow Check Cosy Scarf
Tidy Street General Store
Situated on the corner of one of Brighton’s most Instagramable streets, Tidy Street General Store is a household name. Run by mother-daughter duo Claudia and Florence, this one-off shop stocks a discerning edit of slow & eclectic wardrobe staples and reimagined home goods.
Where to find it:
102 Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 4AP
Our Faves:
Lucy and Yak
Born out of a caravan called Yak, this is a real home-grown story of a little fashion start up with huge ambitions. The hype is real. Discover their beautiful selection of handmade dungarees asap!
Where to find it:
101 Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AP
Our Faves:
‘The Organic Original’ Corduroy Dungarees in Ash Pink
‘Phoebe’ Organic Cotton Calf Length Socks in Rainbow Stripes
Our Daily Edit
Stocking the likes of Ganni, Grenson Shoes and LF Markey to menswear classics from Kestin Hare and Saturdays NYC, this independent clothing and homeware store offers a beautiful curated collection of inspiring makers, brands and gender-neutral wear.
It also places a special emphasis on working with consciously-aware brands such as Maison Louis Marie and The Nude Label.
Where to find it:
23 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AD
Our Faves:
Veja Campo Chromefree Leather Trainers
Le Bon Shoppe Her Socks In Desert Rose
Valet Studio Ursula Shell Clips
Maison Louis Marie Perfume Oil In No. 04 Bois De Balincourt
The Nude Label Cut Out Bra In Black
Lola James Harper Room Spray – Bomboneria
Hotel Magique ‘Pool Lines’ A3 Print
Barney’s Delicatessan
Just pure, local, artisanal goodness. Available in-store only but it’s worth a trip to Brighton for Bareny’s Deli alone because cheese is life. Get the truffle cheese, you won’t regret it.
Where to find it:
39 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL
BeChocolat
Produced daily using the best quality cocoa and handmade by internationally renowned maître chocolatier, Michel Clement. Vegan chocolate, whatyousaying?
Where to find it:
15 Duke St, Brighton BN1 1AH
Our Faves:
