Why You Should Buy Your Christmas Gifts Locally, Whenever Possible

As the festive season approaches, the excitement of gift-giving begins to build. 

Whether you're seeking the perfect present for a loved one or a unique token of appreciation for a colleague, there is one decision that can truly make a difference this year: buying locally. 

Supporting local businesses offers numerous benefits, not just for you as the consumer, but also for your community and the environment. Here’s why you should consider doing your Christmas shopping close to home this year.

1. Support Your Local Economy

When you purchase from independent shops or local artisans, the money stays within your community. These small businesses are often the backbone of your town or city’s economy. By choosing to spend your money locally, you're directly helping to sustain jobs and ensure that these businesses continue to thrive. It’s a fantastic way to contribute to the prosperity of your area and ensure that local shops remain an integral part of your community for years to come.

2. Unique and Thoughtful Gifts

One of the joys of shopping locally is discovering unique and one-of-a-kind items that simply can’t be found in large chain stores or online giants. Local shops often stock handcrafted or carefully curated products that make for special, thoughtful gifts. These gifts often come with stories – whether it’s a handmade scarf woven by a local artisan or an exclusive piece of art from a nearby gallery, they show your loved ones that you’ve put thought and effort into finding something truly special.

3. Environmental Benefits

Shopping locally can also be a more sustainable option. When you buy gifts from nearby stores, the products are less likely to have travelled long distances, reducing the carbon footprint of your purchase. Many local businesses also pride themselves on using eco-friendly packaging or sourcing products from sustainable materials. Plus, by cutting down on the need for excessive shipping and packaging waste, you're doing your bit to make this Christmas a little greener.

4. Personalised Customer Service

One of the greatest advantages of local shopping is the personalised service you receive. Independent shop owners often go above and beyond to ensure their customers have a positive experience. Whether it’s offering gift-wrapping services, giving personalised recommendations, or even remembering your previous purchases, shopping locally can feel more like a bespoke experience. This level of service adds to the festive joy and helps you find the perfect gift without the stress.

5. Strengthening Community Bonds

Shopping at local businesses often leads to encounters with neighbours, friends, and other community members. It’s an opportunity to connect with those around you and foster a sense of belonging. The bustling atmosphere of local markets or high streets during the festive season can enhance your Christmas spirit and remind you of the importance of community. By supporting local shops, you’re also contributing to keeping your town vibrant and full of life.

6. Avoid the Stress of Delays

We’ve all heard the horror stories of online orders delayed, arriving damaged, or not showing up at all due to the surge in deliveries during the holiday season. When you buy locally, you can eliminate much of this worry. You can physically see and inspect the product before purchase, ensuring it meets your expectations. Plus, you won’t have to worry about shipping deadlines or lost parcels, making for a smoother, stress-free shopping experience.

7. Encourage Creativity and Entrepreneurship

By supporting local businesses, you're also nurturing creativity and entrepreneurship. Many local shops are run by individuals who are passionate about their craft and want to share their unique creations with the world. Your support enables these creative minds to continue doing what they love and encourages a diverse and vibrant business landscape in your area.

This Christmas, consider giving more than just a gift – give back to your community by shopping locally. Not only will you find unique, high-quality presents, but you'll also be supporting local businesses, reducing your environmental impact, and strengthening the bonds within your community. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.

So, when you head out on your Christmas shopping adventure this year, remember: local is the way to go!

Why You Should Support Local, Independent Bookshops This Christmas

As the Christmas season draws near, thoughts of presents and festive cheer fill our minds. 

While it might be tempting to jump online for the convenience of next-day delivery, this Christmas offers a perfect opportunity to rethink your shopping habits and support local, independent bookshops. 

Here’s why doing so can bring both personal satisfaction and community benefits.

1. Personalised Service with a Personal Touch

Independent bookshops are the antithesis of anonymous, so-called big-box retailers. When you step into a local bookshop, you are greeted by staff who are often passionate about books and knowledgeable about their collections. 

These booksellers can offer personalised recommendations that algorithms simply can't match. They take the time to get to know you, your preferences, and the perfect book that would suit your needs – whether it’s for a loved one or a treat for yourself.

Additionally, independent shops often take pride in curating unique and diverse selections. You’re likely to find hidden gems, rare editions, or locally published works that you wouldn’t come across in a typical online search. It’s this personal connection that turns gift-buying into a more meaningful experience.

2. Supporting the Local Economy

Every time you spend money at a local, independent bookshop, a larger proportion of that money stays in your community. By choosing to support a local business, you contribute to the livelihoods of your neighbours and help keep your high street vibrant. This is especially important as many small businesses, including bookshops, face increasing pressure from online giants.

The ripple effect of your purchase goes beyond the bookshop itself. Independent bookshops often collaborate with local authors, publishers, and other businesses. By buying locally, you help sustain this network and contribute to a thriving literary culture in your community.

3. A More Ethical and Sustainable Choice

Supporting independent bookshops is often a more ethical and sustainable option compared to shopping with large online retailers. Independent shops tend to prioritise quality over quantity, stocking books that align with the values of their community, including works by underrepresented authors and publishers.

Moreover, by choosing to shop locally, you reduce the environmental impact of long-distance shipping, excess packaging, and emissions. Many independent bookshops offer sustainable packaging options or even gift wrapping, making your Christmas presents both thoughtful and eco-friendly.

4. Fostering Community Spirit

Independent bookshops are more than just retail spaces; they are hubs of cultural and intellectual life. Many bookshops host readings, book clubs, signings, and literary events. 

They provide a space for people to gather, share ideas, and build connections. When you choose to shop at your local bookshop, you help sustain these vibrant cultural spaces.

During the festive season, many independent bookshops go the extra mile to create a welcoming, magical atmosphere. Whether it’s twinkling lights, cosy nooks, or festive events, these shops make Christmas shopping a memorable experience rather than a hurried task.

5. The Gift of a Thoughtful Present

Books have a timeless quality that makes them excellent gifts. They’re personal, thoughtful, and can provide enjoyment long after the festive season ends. By choosing to buy from an independent bookshop, you add another layer of meaning to your gift. The recipient can take pride in knowing that their present supports local businesses, and that you’ve put time and care into finding something special for them.

This Christmas, consider slowing down, avoiding the rush of online shopping, and taking a trip to your local independent bookshop. You’ll not only find unique gifts with a personal touch, but you’ll also support your local economy, foster community spirit, and make more ethical choices.

Supporting local bookshops during the festive season helps ensure that they remain a vibrant part of our communities for years to come. So, whether it’s the latest bestseller or a treasured classic, make your gift a special one by shopping local this Christmas.

To find the details of your nearest bookshops you can use https://uk.bookshop.org

Have Yourself a Merry Local Christmas: Discover Delicious Food, Drink & Gifts at Hampshire Fare's Christmas Chalet

Hampshire Fare, the county food, drink and craft group, is running its popular 'Shop Local' Chalet from Monday 4th to Thursday, 21st December, at Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market. 

The Hampshire Fare Chalet showcases a continually changing choice of quality local produce, perfect for Christmas feasting and gifting, while providing artisan producers with the opportunity to have a presence at one of the best Christmas markets in the country.

Natasha Dochniak, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, says: “The Hampshire Fare Christmas Chalet is a really great example of what Hampshire Fare does, by providing support and opportunities for food, drink and craft producers to grow their businesses. Many of our producers return to the Hampshire Fare Chalet year on year, while others, encouraged by the success of a one-day pop-up, have gone on to run their own stalls at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market.”

The Hampshire Fare Chalet has a rota of 19 different local producers popping up and taking over the Chalet for one day. A wide range of local produce includes ales, alpaca coats, apple liqueurs, cheese souffles, cider, coffees, fudge, gins, meads, non-alcoholic cocktails, rums, smoked trout fillets and pâtés, and Hampshire sparkling wine, of course. Producers come from across the county, including Andover, Basingstoke, Bordon, Meon Valley, New Forest, Petersfield, Portsmouth, Southampton, Test Valley and Winchester.

Natasha continues: “The Hampshire Fare Chalet is very popular with visitors as buying food and gifts that have been made locally is part of the Christmas Market experience. At Hampshire Fare we have seen a growing interest in conscious consumerism, and local produce is increasingly sought out as one of the greenest and most sustainable options. By shopping local at the Hampshire Fare Christmas Chalet, visitors are also helping to support local businesses and communities, and making a difference while enjoying a wonderful seasonal experience at Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market.”

The Hampshire Fare Christmas Chalet for 2023 includes exciting new members and returning favourites:

Monday 4th December:

Watership Alpacas, Thruxton: alpaca wool coats

Tuesday 5th December:

Portsmouth Distillery: award-winning rum and gin

Wednesday 6th December:

Growling Gibbon, Hursley: craft beer

Thursday 7th December:

Blackmoor Estate, Selborne: Gospel Green sparkling cider

Friday 8th December:

River Coffee, Winchester: speciality coffee

Saturday 9th December:

Longdog Brewery, Basingstoke: handcrafted real ales

Sunday 10th December:

Fordingbridge Fudge, New Forest: homemade all-butter fudge

Monday 11th December:

Red Fox Cheese Souffles, Broughton: souffles to bake at home

Tuesday 12th December:

Hogmoor Distillery, Bordon: small batch gin and rum

Wednesday 13th December:

Forest Edge Roasting, New Forest: locally roasted coffee

Thursday 14th December:

The Flower Pots Brewery, Cheriton: cask ales and beers

Friday 15th December:

Hambledon Vineyard, Hambledon: fine English fizz

Saturday 16th December:

ChalkStream, Romsey: fresh and smoked trout

Sunday 17th December:

Gorilla Spirits, Upton Grey: award-winning craft spirits

Monday 18th December:

Kimpton Apple Press, Kimpton, near Andover: apple liqueur

Tuesday 19th December:

Big Hand Little Hand, Southampton: ethically sourced coffee

Wednesday 20th December:

Mavrik Drinks, Winchester: non-alcoholic cocktails

Thursday 21st December:

Butler Country Estates, Winchester: smoked trout fillets, pâtés and gravadlax

You will find the Hampshire Fare Christmas Chalet at No59, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. To find out more about shopping local visit www.hampshirefare.co.uk.