Unique Dorset gift ideas can make Christmas extra special – shop small with the help of our guide to thoughtful and local festive shopping
The big day is fast approaching, and the search for a meaningful gift can be overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’ve done the legwork. From Dorset and a touch further afield, our selection is full of ideas to please even the fussiest of loved ones. And when you buy local, you’re not only supporting local small businesses, but also giving back to the rural economy.
Feed the reindeer
Reindeer are not just for December and they survive on a bit more than carrots on Christmas Eve! You can learn about, meet and feed these magical creatures at their farm near Yeovil all year round. Somerset Reindeer Ranch also offers Fox Fascination experiences – ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. There are even a few skunks, emus and other furry creatures on the ranch, so your visit will be full of fun.
Warm feet and cosy socks
You can never have enough socks – even the person who has everything needs socks. There are some cosy alpaca house sock and cushion-soled walking socks, perfect over breeks or inside wellies and riding boots, available online from South Paddocks Farm at Winterborne Houghton, and at some markets and Christmas events.
Alpaca gardening socks from Salisbury-based Horatio’s Garden are another practical gift and will support this wonderful spinal injuries charity.
Hats, bags and waterproofs
From flat caps and fishing bags to some very fetching cosy hats for a day at the races, Conyers is a treasure trove of gifts for outdoorsy types. There’s so much more than practical waterproofs (although these are very welcome gifts). Gorgeous glassware etched with deer and game birds (£16), pewter spoons with pheasants (£24), and even cow themed handkerchiefs (£16) are just a few of the tempting gift ideas from one of Blandford’s oldest shops.
Give the art of learning
The opportunity to learn a new skill can spark a lifetime of creativity. A blacksmithing experience day is an excellent way to create a range of items and get an insight into this craft. Ian Thackray runs experience days at Chettle.
Willow work is another great gift, especially for gardeners. At Welig, near Shaftesbury, learn to make a willow foraging basket, pheasant – or even a reindeer. Finally, a taster course in stained glass work will get those creative juices flowing. Experiment with decorations or panels at the Dorset Stained Glass workshops in Marnhull (from £60).
Channel your inner Daarset
If you know someone who would enjoy brushing up on their Dorset dialect skills, the William Barnes Society has an eclectic range of gift ideas. Choose from a Dorset dialect or Linden Lea mug for your festive cuppa, both available from the Dorset Museum Shop in Dorchester at £11 (only in person).
And don’t forget to browse the wonderful range of books by Dorset writers when you visit. Proceeds from the dialect and Linden Lea mugs support the Barnes for All campaign.
Splash out on homewares
Treat someone to a new item for their home from a local artisan. 1855 in Sturminster Newton has goodies from more than 100 local makers, including brightly coloured glass chopping boards inspired by Dorset landscapes from MarchMadeArt and a range of chicken-themed tea towels and mugs from The Cheeky Hen – the Christmas ceramic poultry decorations are perfect (£6.50).
You’ll find all these and so much more in 1855.
Special pottery painting
Christmas is a wonderful time for creating those magical moments with children, so what about making a few more during the year?
Sophie’s Ceramics Pottery Cafe in Blandford and Shaftesbury has a range of creative ideas from baby footprints to painting sessions.
Gift vouchers are ideal for shared grandparent-and-grandchild pottery painting afternoons, where those spontaneous creative designs will be something to treasure forever. And if you are looking for a stocking filler, check out the cute Christmas penguin painting kits.
Celebrate nature
For the nature enthusiast, gifts featuring the natural world or made from sustainable sources always go down well. Folde in Shaftesbury is packed with inspirational ideas, from pewter acorn earrings to hand-crafted Shaker-style boxes (from £34), and decorative notebooks and cards. And if you are looking for a challenging family game for the festive season, try the wood-themed puzzles and memory games. Dikes of Stalbridge has an amazing range of hampers – including one dedicated to feeding garden birds (£49).
Give a Letterbox Gift
Finally, with the price of postage becoming more prohibitive, some businesses have adapted by selling gifts that slip through the letterbox, perfect for distant friends. Annings of Dorset has delightful hand crafted seashell shaped soaps packaged in a ready to post box. Similarly, Seasons Green in Corfe Castle has a lovely range of letterbox suitable gifts, all available to order online – choose from locally-made notebooks, make-up bags or even a pair of mini garden shears.
