The closure of all non-essential shops doesn’t mean you can’t treat your loved ones to something special this Christmas. There’s no better time to shop local, when smaller independents are struggling to compete with online conglomerates like Amazon – and there are so many businesses right here in Liverpool that deserve your support.
Try a locally distilled spirit. How better to brew those festive cocktails than with a spirit distilled in the heart of the city? Try Lost Dock Rum – which won Silver in the World Rum Awards for its label design – as the perfect boozy gift this year. You can build your own luxury gift box to add glasses, mixers and coasters on the website www.lostdockrum.co.uk/shop, and it’s free delivery.
Gin-lovers, meanwhile, might want to opt for Albert Dock favourites Turncoat, who produce an adorable set of five miniatures to get you started. www.turncoatdistillery.com/shop
Immerse yourself in culture with a gift from National Museums Liverpool. Whether you’re after something from the lauded Linda McCartney Retrospective exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery or a mini super lambanana to sit on your desk during Zoom calls, the museum website has you covered. (https://shop.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk)
In the market for a Christmas hamper? LIDS delivery service offer a wide range of foodie options. Whether you have a hankering for cheeses from The Liverpool Cheese Company (and who wouldn’t want a gift bag brimming with cheese?), local coffees from 92 Degrees or a Christmassy jam selection from The Liverpool Jam Company, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. (https://www.thelids.co.uk/shop/)
Still not satisfied your sweet tooth? Try Desserts by Dre: a bespoke cake-maker which will have your mouth watering just by looking at the menu. Seriously. I can’t read the words ‘rocky road brownie’ without a snack already in hand! If you can’t make your mind up, just go for the Treat Box, which compiles five different dessert options each weekend: but once a combo’s gone, it’s gone forever. Order here: www.dessertsbydre.co.uk
Buy a book from an independent seller. Community bookshop News From Nowhere, located on Bold Street, is taking online orders across its impressive collection of radical literature. Treat the bookworm in your family to a bestseller like When the Crawdads Sing or delve deeper into where exactly 2020 went wrong with a political non-fiction read. (www.newsfromnowhere.org.uk/)
Treat your inner Scouse bird to an indulgent prezzie. Crosby-based gift shop Scouse Bird Shop ships internationally, and has everything a Scouser could ever wish for. The store opened in February last year and has gone from strength to strength, offering LFC and EFC merchandise, Liverpudlian collectables, and plenty of funky face masks for these strange times. (www.scousebirdshop.com/collections/liverpool-gifts)
Beat the blues with some… blues. Or rock. Or good old fashioned country. Whatever your taste, Dig Vinyl on Bold Street has some great musical offerings, and is open for click and collect from 12pm-3pm Monday-Saturday – just order online through Discogs. They’ll deliver, too! (www.digliverpool.co.uk)
Why shouldn’t your skin have as amazing a Christmas as you this year? That Nakery Girl Natalie Shilton, owner of Berry Street’s vegan bakery, has just launched a brand new organic skincare range, including two gorgeous face masks. The Nakery Skin offers DIY sets with pre-measured ingredients to make up the masks at home, and you can opt for the Glow Getter or Cacao and Rose. Each mask has a base of Moroccan red clay and uses completely natural ingredients; they’re available here: www.thatnakerygirl.selz.com
We might not be able to host a traditional Christmas party this year, but that’s no reason to skimp on looking glam. Luckily, local earring artisans ALOË have enough stunning pieces to complement any outfit. The globally influenced collection focuses on prints, patterns and plants – and each is handcrafted and so completely unique. You can find them here: www.aloeearrings.co.uk
If you’re looking for something to spruce up your home this winter, look no further than local crafter MelyssaMakes. From decoupaged plant pots to custom-made birdhouses, items are delivered to your door with no fuss. Melyssa also has a super cute range of painted Christmas decorations on Etsy, available here: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MelyssaMakes
2020 has been hard, there’s no denying it, and it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself. Liverpool company Sweetpea and Little Wolf are self-care specialists with an emphasis on healing crystals, from clear quartz to citrine. They also have a delicious herbal tea range and plenty of beautiful homeware pieces – I definitely have my eye on the crescent moon mirror! Little Wolf apparel has some great winter gear for a chilly British day, and for every 15 items sold they’ll plant a tree. Browse their catalogue here: www.sweetpeaandlittlewolf.com/collections/all
Litherland-based hair extension guru Hair Choice believes that although we may be in lockdown, your hair doesn’t have to be. Its impressive range of clip-ins, tape extensions, and signature lace wefts are perfect for getting dolled up on the big day, or for last-minute drinkies when the lockdown is finally lifted! Hair Choice prides itself on staying on trend and offering quality extensions: it offers worldwide shipping and payment plans with Klarna. See more here: www.hairchoiceextensions.com
Luckily, Boris is still allowing unlimited exercise this lockdown, so take the time to up your fitness game with local men’s sportswear experts Montirex. From tees and hoodies to running shorts, Montirex aims to empower athletes across the world by enhancing performance and building confidence. (www.montirex.com/)
For the girls, check out Flo Fitness, which offers stylish, comfortable sportswear perfect for hitting the gym (when it reopens!). (www.flofitness.co.uk)
Travel options might be limited right now, but salve your wounded wanderlust with some spectacular photography from locals Lens Liverpool. If just looking at their Instagram page doesn’t convince you to invest in a print, you might be interested to know that you can get some breathtaking shots on a phone case for iPhones and Samsung mobiles. Kit your phone out with LFC’s latest victory or reflect on the calm of Crosby Beach at sunset here (www.lensliverpool.com/)
Written by Jess Phillips
