It’s about time to start planning for Christmas — and although you’ll probably be getting everyone a box of cocktails — we thought it wouldn’t hurt to suggest some other businesses and brands we love.
Keen to keep things local to us, we’ve picked ten of the finest gifts on offer across East Anglia.
1. Body products by Sop
Sop is a Norfolk-based business inspired by the ‘meandering rivers, vast sandy beaches, and the serene spaces in between’. Their name is even an acronym for ‘Scents of Place’, such is their connection to the area and its natural beauty. We love how they’re shining a light on the local landscape and creating a range of products that more than do it justice.
Bodywashes, handwashes and more from £9.00.
www.sop.life
2. Christmas cards by Mabel & Co
Mabel & Co are a design and letterpress studio based in Thorpeness on the Suffolk Coast. With a focus on sustainability, their products are not only carefully considered and beautifully designed, but are often made using historic equipment and locally sourced materials. We love their simple typographic Christmas cards, but they also do a range of stationery and cards in their distinctive style.
Christmas cards from £2.50.
www.mabeland.co
3. Suffolk Blush Kombucha by LA Brewery and Adnams
If you’re not already a kombucha fan, you probably will be soon. The fermented drink is growing in popularity and LA Brewery have been flying the flag for Suffolk. Their new collaboration with Suffolk brewery Adnams is aptly called ‘Suffolk Blush’ and is a blend of their house kombucha with strawberries and tart rhubarb fruit. The perfect non-alcoholic fizz for a Christmas or new year celebration.
Adnams x L.A Brewery, Suffolk Blush Kombucha — £9.99.
www.labrewery.co.uk
4. Chocolate by Pump Street Chocolate
Superstars of Suffolk’s food and drink scene, Pump Street Bakery in Orford have gone from mastering naturally-leavened bread to being fine local chocolatiers. Their award-winning range features classics alongside flavours from the bakery such as Rye Crumb, Sourdough & Salt, and Gingerbread.
Bars from £6.25.
www.pumpstreetchocolate.com
5. Ceramics by Stick Ceramics
Despite his London address, Stick’s heritage and inspiration is firmly rooted in Suffolk, so we thought it would be remiss of us not to include him. He’ll be doing various Christmas markets in December as well as opening his online shop for a rare online sale — find out more about him in our recent As You Sip article, and follow him on Instagram to get the latest on where to find him.
Ceramics from £15.00.
www.stickceramics.co.uk
6. Dinner at Socius
If you want to save some wrapping, a promise of a great dinner out always goes down well, and Socius in Burnham Market would be top of our list. Featured in the Michelin Guide 2021, their locally sourced dishes are served on small plates — a modern British take on tapas. Not to mention it’s a great excuse for a day on the north Norfolk coast.
Vouchers available in any amount.
www.sociusnorfolk.co.uk
7. Candles by Concrete & Wax
Concrete & Wax have been hand-pouring their products (both the concrete and the wax) in Suffolk since 2018. With an experimental design approach and local focus, their range includes bold stacking candle holders (pictured) as well as a scented collection of diffusers and candles.
Candles and holders from £23.00.
www.concreteandwax.com
8. Beer by Malt Coast
East Anglia is rich with booze producers, but we recently discovered this small, farm-based brewery on the north Norfolk coastline. Brewing a ‘true expression of life on the coast’, the beers are as lovely as their packaging, which feature illustrations of the ‘Malt Coast’ landscapes they call home.
Cases of beer from £30.00.
www.maltcoast.com
9. A getaway to the Suffolk coast
Staycations have been pretty popular recently, haven’t they? And while it might be tempting to start looking at flights again, we’ve found the last couple of years have served as a timely reminder of the special places right on our doorstep. East Anglia is full of fantastic places to stay and visit, but we’ve picked out The Westleton Crown as a must-visit. With fantastic food, drink, and rooms, it’s a great base to explore our historic eastern coastline. The Chestnut Group have lots of other incredible properties around the county, any of which would make a great getaway gift — take your pick.
Rooms from £135.00 per night.
www.westletoncrown.co.uk
www.chestnutgroup.co.uk
10. Cocktails by Edmunds (naturally)
It does feel a bit cheeky to put ourselves on the list, not gonna lie. But it’s our list so we’ve done it anyway. As far as we know, a box of Edmunds has never been poorly received. You can treat someone to a box of six cocktails chosen to suit their taste, or if you’ve got a few cocktail fans to buy for, grab a box and give them a couple of bottles each — they make brilliant stocking fillers.
If you need something special for a true cocktail lover, you can gift them one of our subscriptions that last 3, 6, or 12 months.
That’s it for this year. We hope you’ve found something new, and have been encouraged to shop local and independent this Christmas. If you have any more ideas for us, please get in touch, we always love meeting new and interesting businesses local to us!
