Winter makers fair - the gift guide
In just over a week’s time, we open the doors to our very first Winter/Christmas Fair for 2024! We’ve got 4 events spread across 6 dates this year and we kick off at the British Engineerium in Hove on 23rd and 24th November. Not only is it a new venue for us (and all our makers as it’s been closed for almost 20 years) but it’s our biggest event to date - so no pressure there!
I’ve really enjoyed curating and creating all the prep for this event and with over 100 exhibitors joining us, it was difficult to decide who to feature in the gift guide! However, I do hope you enjoy this guide and that it’ll give you a little inspiration for the upcoming festive season.
gifts for her
featuring: LAURA DANBy, lloren, beadu rituals & jess game knits
All exhibiting across the weekend - 23rd & 24th November except Jess who is exhibiting on Sunday 24th November.
Laura Danby creates hand crafted, small batch collections of colour filled statement acrylic jewellery, bold homewares, illustrated tote bags & purses plus more - they are all uniquely designed to lift your mood and make you smile which is why I think they’d make the perfect gift for a friend or family member. These would look amazing teamed up with a sparkly dress over the party season. Lloren makes simple yet elegant leather products and this card pouch is ideal for a gift. If you’re searching for a gift for someone who’s really into their skincare or baths, then head to Baedu Rituals. Her range features beautiful botanical blends that are infused with aromatherapy oils. Scarves make a great present and this abstract lambswool scarf by Jess Game Knits has such a luxurious feel/look to it!
Gifts for him
Featuring Deej Carter Designs, Wired and Water, Hawkswell Wood & Dedbest Distillery
All exhibiting across the weekend - 23rd & 24th November except Dedbest who are exhibiting Sunday 24th November.
If you’re looking for a truly unique gift for a guitarist or music lover, then look no further! Deej Carter makes beautiful wooden clocks and pic pots. Deej doesn’t just stop at guitars though, so be sure to check his stand out to see all his wooden creations on offer.
If you know someone who enjoys paddle boarding, then check out Wired and Water’s original artwork. Each one is a one-off and she has paddle boarders with or without dogs. Or perhaps you know someone who is keen in the kitchen - Hawkswell Wood has some beautiful chopping boards & coasters - all at very reasonable prices too. Or maybe they just prefer a little tipple in the evening - this charcoal filtered vodka from Dedbest Distillery sure sounds intriguing!
GIFTS FOR COUPLES
Featuring Moonlit Worthing & Julie Ingham Design
Moonlit Worthing is exhibiting across the weekend & Julie Ingham Design is exhibiting Sunday 24th November
It’s candle season (hurrah!), there’s nothing better than cosying up with a candle or two in the cold wintery evenings. I love these candles by Moonlit Worthing because you can re-use the ceramic pots once you’ve finished with them - it’s effectively two gifts in one plus the aromatherapy blends smell divine!
If you're stuck on ideas for a couple, why not seek out a piece of art that will mean something to them? Such as a place they met/got married or where they live! Julie Ingham has created several designs inspired by the local area - the one featured here is of Palmeria Square, Hove.
make your own hamper featuring:
Wicker Basket, Joe’s Chilli Sauce, J.Cocoa and Savvy Ferments
All exhibiting across the weekend - 23rd & 24th November
Gift the ultimate foodie a wonderful hamper filled with small batch and award-winning food & drink items from the food hall area (which is located on the first floor of the Engineerium). I’ve featured Wicker Basket - delicious alcoholic teas (I have tried and tested these and they are GREAT), Joes Chilli Sauce - a must for someone who’s spicy 🌶️, Savvy Ferments - tasty & good for gut health, its a no brainer & J.Cocoa - bean to bar chocolatier who produces a range of great flavours and cocoa percentages.
However, be sure to check out the full food & drink range over the weekend because you’ll find lots of other bits you could include such as some local gin & rum, loose leaf teas and so much more! A food & drink lovers heaven.
Gifts for little ones
Featuring Curly Lulu and Clothesline Kids Co
Both exhibiting across the weekend - 23rd & 24th November
If you haven’t discovered The Pants Gang yet, then you need to head to Curly Lulu’s stall! She makes hand sewn bears made from soft linen - all CE tested too. They’re each individually named, ready to go to their new homes - a great gift for little ones! Clothesline Kids Co makes super cool clothing for little ones and babies, from beanies to checked shirts.
STOCKING FILLERS
FEATURING COTTON CANDY CABOODLE, LOUISA KAZIG, Hannah Turpin Designs AND BLANKA SOAP.
All exhibiting across the weekend - 23rd & 24th November
You can pick up so many stocking fillers and little bits from our Winter Makers Fair! Keyrings are a great option and I love these sparkly ones from Cotton Candy Caboodle for a little personalised gift! Check out Louisa Kazig’s stall for colourful and cheeky gifts - I love her notepads and think this would make a cute stocking filler for a friend who likes being organised!
Calendars! A great stocking filler for someone who still likes to use a traditional one! Hannah Turpin’s Seasonal Fruit & Veg calendar doesn’t just look lovely with all the illustrations, but it can also help you eat fresh, seasonal fruit and veg every month too! Blanka Soap does’t just look lovely and smell amazing, but they’re filled with natural ingredients that will nurture the skin.
Be sure to come along to the Winter Makers Fair on 23rd and 24th November and discover lots of thoughtful gifts from 85 exhibitors. This is just a tiny selection from thousands of quality products all lovingly handmade on offer - make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to explore them all! For full event details, please visit the event page here.