The Durham Christmas gift guide 2023

Shop local in Durham this Christmas where every gift you find is guaranteed to be as unique as the person receiving it.

Author

Stephen
December 04, 2023 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

The festive season brings with it the excitement of uncovering extraordinary and high-quality gifts, and there’s no better place to find these than in our own local shops and boutiques.

Away from the uniform offerings of mainstream retailers, local artisans and independent shops present a world of unique treasures, each crafted with a level of attention and care that speaks of quality and distinction.

Whether it’s handcrafted jewellery, artisanal foods, or bespoke homeware, these local gems offer an array of gifts that are not just special but also resonate with the skill and passion of their creators.

This Christmas, exploring Durham’s local stores is not just about shopping; it’s an adventure into a realm of distinctiveness and excellence, where every gift you find is guaranteed to be as unique as the person receiving it.

Why shop local? There are several reasons:

💰 It keeps money in our community
🌳 It helps the environment
🦇 It preserves local culture
❤️ It builds community

La Chocolatrice

Unit 1 Commercial Rd E, Coxhoe, Durham DH6 4LD

La Chocolatrice offers a magical Christmas gift idea for the discerning chocolate lover. From handcrafted artisan chocolates to immersive chocolate-making workshops, these gifts from County Durham are perfect for those who cherish unique and indulgent experiences.

Imagine crafting your own chocolate advent calendar or enjoying a private chocolate-making session — ideal for a festive treat or a special celebration. La Chocolatrice’s elegant and delicious offerings are a delightful way to add a touch of luxury to your Christmas gifting.

McColl’s Brewery

Randolph Industrial Estate, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, DL14 9SJ

McColl’s Brewery, established in 2016 by Daniel and Gemma McColl, embodies the spirit of the North East with its commitment to creating easy-drinking, quality craft beers. Based in the heart of Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, this brewery prides itself on its local roots and open hospitality.

With a 32 hectolitre brewhouse producing a diverse range of beers, McColl’s Brewery ensures each pint is crafted with care, from conception to dispense. Their passion is evident in every batch, promising a beer experience filled with rich flavour, aroma, and body, perfect for any beer enthusiast.

Durham Ginstitute

9 Silver St, Durham DH1 3RB

Step into the festive spirit with a gift from Durham Ginstitute, a haven for gin enthusiasts nestled in the heart of Durham. This charming store, owned by the knowledgeable Rob, offers a dazzling array of over 200 craft gins, ensuring a perfect pick for every palate. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of gin, Rob’s expertise will guide you to your ideal bottle.

For those who appreciate the artistry behind the spirits, the store also presents a unique selection of beautifully designed bottles and gin-related accessories. Durham Ginstitute is not just a shop; it’s an experience, making its offerings an ideal Christmas gift for those who cherish the finer things in life.

Woven

 21 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AA

Woven Durham presents an exquisite Christmas gift solution for the sartorially inclined. Nestled just off Elvet Bridge in Durham City, this award-winning Gentlemen’s Outfitters is the quintessential destination for those who appreciate the art of fine tailoring and classic style.

With Woven you step into a world where the elegance of bespoke suits meets the charm of casual wear, offering a plethora of gifting options. Whether it’s a made-to-measure service for a unique suit that speaks volumes of personal style or a selection from their diverse range of accessories and footwear, Woven ensures a gift that’s both personal and luxurious.

Elvet & Bailey

23 High St, Prince Bishops, Durham DH1 3UJ

This Christmas, discover the enchanting charm of Elvet Bailey in Durham, a treasure trove of artisanal delights perfect for those special festive gifts. Whether it’s handcrafted jewellery, bespoke home decor, or unique culinary creations, Elvet Bailey offers a meticulously curated selection that’s sure to captivate.

Each item tells a story of craftsmanship and local talent, making them more than just gifts – they’re keepsakes to be cherished. So, for a touch of Durham’s finest and a gift that stands out under the Christmas tree, Elvet Bailey is your go-to destination. Their offerings not only celebrate the festive spirit but also the artistry and uniqueness of Durham’s local artisans.

Durham Soap Company

23 High St, Prince Bishops, Durham DH1 3UJ

This Christmas, gift a touch of handmade luxury with Durham Soap Company’s artisanal soaps, balms, and bath salts. Crafted by Julie Gillson, each product is a testament to natural beauty, made in small batches using only the finest ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and pure essential oils. Coloured with botanicals and clays, these vegetarian, mostly vegan products are a treat for the skin and the senses.

With an eco-conscious approach, their packaging is plastic-free, recyclable, or compostable, aligning with a sustainable lifestyle. Find these charming products at Elvet & Bailey on High Street, Durham, a perfect stop for thoughtful, environmentally friendly Christmas gifts.

Canny Candy Gadgies

Delight your loved ones with sweet treats from Canny Candy Gadgies, an artisan confectionery from Seaham. Their handcrafted range includes over 70 varieties of luscious fudge, tantalising toffee brittles, munchy honeycombs, and the purest nougat, all crafted with traditional artisan methods.

With options from melt-in-the-mouth to crunchy textures, there’s a treat for every taste bud. For those with dietary preferences, their vegan-friendly products are free from dairy, gluten, artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence. This Christmas, Canny Candy Gadgies’ delightful confections are the perfect way to spread joy and sweetness.

Durham Coffee

AMR Building, Plawsworth Road, Sacriston, Durham, DH7 6JX

Durham Coffee presents a delightful Christmas gifting option for coffee enthusiasts. This independent speciality coffee roaster offers a range of unique and thoughtful gifts. From their heritage range gift boxes featuring a selection of globally sourced beans to the immersive Coffee Roasting Experience, there’s something for every coffee aficionado.

For those who appreciate the intersection of charitable giving and quality coffee, Durham Coffee’s charity partnership blends support meaningful causes. These gifts from Durham Coffee are not just about savouring exceptional coffee but also about connecting to the heart of the North East, making them an ideal choice for a special and impactful Christmas present.

Raby Castle membership

Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3AH

Step into a world of historical elegance this Christmas with a gift that keeps on giving – a membership to Raby Castle. Nestled in the heart of County Durham, Raby Castle offers an enchanting escape to history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. Imagine gifting your loved ones year-round access to the majestic Raby Castle, Deer Park, and the breathtaking High Force Waterfall. It’s more than just a gift; it’s an invitation to countless days filled with exploration and beauty, perfect for family outings or serene solo adventures.

Flat White Kitchen

40 Saddler Street, Durham, DH1 3NU

Delight your loved ones with a gift voucher from Flat White Kitchen, a gem nestled in the heart of Durham City. Renowned for its unique blend of rich history and exquisite culinary offerings, this bistro offers an experience that transcends the ordinary. Savour coffee brewed to perfection and indulge in cakes baked on-site daily, all within the charming ambience of the historic buildings of Durham. Flat White Kitchen’s gift vouchers are a thoughtful way to bring a piece of Durham’s vibrant culture to your festive celebrations.

Colliery Soap Studio

Colliery Soap Studio offers a unique and thoughtful Christmas gift idea for those who appreciate artisanal charm and eco-conscious living. Handcrafted with care in the North East of England, Colliery’s soaps are a testament to traditional craftsmanship, using the time-honoured cold process soap-making method.

Their soaps are a blend of locally sourced oils, butters, and salts, with many botanicals grown right in the North East. Each soap is a celebration of natural beauty and sustainability, wrapped in 100% recyclable and home-compostable materials, embodying the studio’s commitment to a plastic-free ethos.

Gifting from Colliery Soap Studio means offering a touch of handcrafted luxury, where each product is not only pleasing to the senses but also kind to the environment. Their range of body and bath products, all certified in line with UK cosmetic regulations, ensures that your Christmas gift is both safe and sumptuously indulgent. Ideal for those who cherish eco-friendly, sustainable beauty.