Saturday 3rd December saw Small Business Saturday celebrated across the UK, so we’re back with our annual round-up of ten great Xmas present ideas which all help you to support North East businesses this year. All gifts featured are under £50, too. We’ll also be updating our full #BuyLocal list, so keep an eye on our socials for more info!
1. Stargazing Experience | The Twice Brewed Inn
Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic…
If you’re looking for an experience with a difference, check out the stargazing events from Twice Brewed Inn in Northumberland. General admission gets you an expert guide and all of the equipment you’ll need, or upgrade to a package that includes supper, or an overnight stay. Family-friendly options are also available.
from £30.00
2. Durham Blend Cider | Elvet Cider
Made entirely from donated County Durham apples, Durham Blend from Elvet Cider will change year to year as a reflection of the season. This 2021 vintage is fresh and zingy with notes of green grass and lime aromas, floral pear notes in the mouth, and a dry finish combined with lingering hints of English rhubarb and gooseberry. Yum!
Elvet Cider is available to buy from Fram Ferment and selected retailers across the North East. They’ll also be popping up at the Xmas edition of Jesmond Food Market on Saturday 17th December (10am – 3pm).
£4.00
3. Gig Tickets | The Cluny
Overdue a catch-up with family or friends? Why not buy some tickets to a gig and get the gang back together?! Whether it’s reminiscing about music from your younger days, or discovering your new favourite band, there’s a multitude of gigs across a variety of genres at The Cluny and Cluny 2.
You can also help to support North East indie gig spaces by buying tickets to events happening during Independent Venue Week (30th January – 5th February 2023).
£Various
4. Beer Hamper | Brewis Beer Co.
The bad news: Brewis Beer Co. doesn’t have an online shop.
The good news: it’s the perfect excuse to go and pay their wonderful family-run brewery and taproom up in Amble a visit (open Thursday to Sunday).
£Various
5. Victoria Tunnel Tours | Ouseburn Trust
For family or friends who like to explore (and aren’t afraid of dark, enclosed spaces), take a trip to The Victoria Tunnel. This preserved 19th-century waggonway stretches from the Town Moor to the river Tyne. Originally built to transport coal from Spital Tongues (Leazes Main) Colliery to the river, it operated between 1842 and the 1860s. Join a guided tour to learn more about its history.
£10.00
6. Cask Aged Gin | Durham Distillery
The latest edition of Durham Distillery’s Cask Aged Gin sees the ever-popular Durham Gin rested in American Bourbon and Spanish Sherry casks for almost 18 months. The 3 casks produced just over 1,000 bottles of the 46% ABV. spirit, and have given the gin a wonderful richness of colour and amazing depth of flavour.
£40.00
7. Way to Grow Seeds | Suzie Winsor Studio
The most stylish packet of seeds we’ve seen, these make a perfect stocking filler for flower fans. The 2g pack of native UK seeds includes a corncockle, chamomile, cornflower, marigold, field forget-me-not, corn poppy, and field pansy mix, all enclosed in FSC-certified paper.
£5.00
8. The Mini Christmas Treats Hamper | Coastal Hampers
If you spied loads of great local businesses on Small Business Saturday, and want a way to support several in one go, take a look at these hampers from Coastal Hampers. Set up during the pandemic to help support local businesses, the company partnered with the NHS to provide over 12,000 hampers for their staff.
This mini hamper features a delicious range of festive chocolates, biscuits, fudge, and more!
£29.95
9. Schooner Glass | Elder Beer Café
Q: What do you get the beer fan who has everything?
A: New glassware to drink their favourite beers from!
Elder Beer Café has some lovely glassware, plus enamel pins and tote bags, all featuring their beautiful branding. Stop by their place in Heaton, or buy online (where you can peruse a great range of bottles and cans, too).
£5.00
10. Karahi Dish Gift Set | Mazzeh Spice
If you’re looking for a local gift for a food-lover, check out Mazzeh Spice, with delicious kits to help you to create authentic, traditional Parsi food at home. A firm favourite from our visits to Jesmond Food Market, you can even choose the spice level you’d prefer, and there’s a gluten-free option available.
The Karahi gift set contains an enamel 26cm Karahi dish, a tea towel, a packet of Bombay Mix, a box of incense sticks, and two spice mixes, all wrapped in a satin ribbon with a gift tag.
£25.00
Support Small Business Saturday
If you’re buying local, tag us in your photos to help share the North East love. Looking for more local businesses to support? Check out our Breweries list and our Bottle Shops directory.
Want to learn more about Small Business Saturday, or sign your business up for next year? Visit their website here or follow them on socials via the links below:
Please note: all items featured are because we think they’d make great gifts. We don’t use affiliate links, and we don’t make money from any of our blog posts. Any profits from running pop-up bars or from sales of our merch are donated to East End Women.