The North East Christmas Gift Guide

When it comes to buying Christmas gifts I try very hard to shop local wherever I can, treating friends to presents that are made in or inspired by the North East. Believe me nothing beats presenting your loved one with something truly unique from under the tree (although I try and forget about the year I confused my entire family by buying them Stotties from Greggs in my determination to take a little piece of the North East back to Norfolk)!

I hope you take some inspiration from my North East Gift Guide and if you have any ideas yourself I would love to hear them.

For the Bairns

Could there be anything cuter than a baby proudly sporting a "Shy Bairns Get Nowt" bib? I think not. Geordie Genes create baby vest and bibs and kids tees designed for kids with North East roots wherever in the world they may live.  Their collection includes "Worky Ticket" hoodies, "Alreet Pet" tees and my personal favourite "Howay Mam" baby vests.  Perfect for causing confusion as soon as you leave the county!

For the Proud Geordie

Wear your Geordie Badge with pride with an eye catching pin from Pin Club. These little cuties look so smart decorating a jacket or bag and their regional inspired pins include an Angel of the North, a Vegan Greggs Sausage Roll, a Radgie pin and one that simply says "Mint". I have my eye on so many of these, it's only a matter of time before I'm completely covered in them.

For the Gin fan

The popularity of gin doesn't seem to be fading and if you know a fan it really does make a great present. There are a number of gins made here in the North East so I was a little spoilt for choice when putting this Christmas Guide together, but I have decided that when it comes to pretty as a picture bottles and beautiful flavours you really can't beat Poetic Licence Gin. Poetic Licence is a small independent distillery based in Sunderland who have some truly wonderful creations including Strawberry and Cream Gin and Fireside Spiced Gin as well as some delicious gin based liqueurs.

For a North East Christmas Shopping Experience

Although buying pressies online is the most effortless way to shop I still love the buzz of getting out and about into the shops to purchase gifts and perusing some of my favourite local gift shops in the run up to Christmas is such a joy compared to the busy high street.

The National Trust is a great place to start if you're looking for the perfect present and Seaton Delaval Hall has some exclusive gifts created in the North East to celebrate the region's greatest party planners, the Delavals. They have some great stocking stuffers including a pocket mirror and tote bag but my personal favourite is their "you'll always find me in the stables at parties" tea towel. A cheeky little nod to one of their infamous parties where guests showed up to a party at the hall, only to find the place in complete darkness - cross and about to leave, the doors of the stable were suddenly thrown open to reveal an incredible feast ... now that's my kind of party!

Some of my other favourite local stores to delve into include For the Love of the North where you will find a great range of prints, tees and pins created in the North East and Glamorous Owl (hidden down one of the cutest little cobbled streets in Newcastle) who stock some beautiful jewellery as well as ceramics, glass and textiles.

For the Coffee Lover

If you have a coffee lover in your life then some goodies from Pilgrims Coffee will definitely be a great way to impress. We discovered Pilgrims on our adventures to Holy Island earlier this year and they roast some of the very best coffee in the North East. Their bags of coffee make a really great and unique present and although you can buy them from their online store, it's also a great excuse to head over to the island and try some of their fabulous coffee and cake while you're there.

For the Fahonista

Top of my Christmas wish list this year is some new things for my wardrobe from A City By the Sea who celebrate Newcastle and its close proximity to the North Sea through the most beatiful visual storytelling. They do colourful prints featuring some of my favourite parts of the North Tyneside coast as well as tote bags and mugs but it's their collection of sweaters and t-shirts that have really caught my eye.  With fun designs and cheeky little nods (only a true Geordie will understand the meaning behind their "HWTL" slogan tee!) I can't wait to stroll around the Toon in one of their creations!

For your Love

Running out of present ideas for your other half? Why not treat them to something special at Walwick Hall?  We discovered the boutique hotel hidden in the Hadrians Wall countryside this year and we have become more than a little obsessed. Treat your love to a massage, afternoon tea, five course tasting menu or, if you're feeling very generous, a weekend away in one of their beautiful suites.  The best part about this present?  You get to enjoy it too! You can take a look at all of their available gift cards here.

For the Home Interiors 

Lines Behind have had some truly incredible collaborations this year - from decorating a coffee machine at Tynemouth Coffee to designing beer cans for Fat Hippo, the chances are you will have come across their designs perhaps without even realising it! Their quirky drawings and slogans make me smile every day and if you want a really special gift for someone their North East prints make eye catching gallery walls - perfect for anyone on your present list who loves styling their home.

I really hope my North East Christmas Guide has encouraged you to shop local this year and if you have any tips of your own to share, I'd love to hear them!