It's that time of year again! And this year this blog is more important than ever - so many of our wonderful small business are facing massive challenges due to the continuing COVID restrictions - even if they're allowed to open, so many regions near here are in Tier 3 that few people will be able to travel.
BUT we can still support them by shopping online. Trust me, Jeff Bezos won't be worrying about where his Christmas lunch is coming from, or whether he'll still be in business next year, but plenty of small business right across the country will.
Here's my pick of some of the finest gifts and ideas from around Cumbria:
1. Grassmere Gingerbread
How about an absolutely unique taste of the Lake District delivered right to your door? Grassmere Gingerbread is legendary and as well as tasting great it always arrives perfectly packed too!
Click here to visit Grasmere Gingerbread
2. Go Your Own Way
Zoe and Andy at Shed 1 gin are great friends of ours, which could make you think I'm biased, but it's not just me that loves their gin. This year they have won another armful of awards, launched their new gin experiences AND found time to support the local community. Their shop is brimming over with great gift ideas!
Click here to visit the Shed 1 shop
5. Jo's Little People
At Jo's Little People you can find the perfect little person for anyone in your life - paramedic, bride and groom and a whole host of others, as well as lots of cute little animals to choose from too. All personally handmade with oodles of love!
Click here to visit Jo's Little People
6. Unsworths Brewery
So many of us have missed visiting the pub this year, so how about bringing the pub to you? Unsworth's Brewery were a HUGE support to us when we were writing the Brewers Loop book (out spring 2021) - a bottle of Last Wolf was definitely a big treat for me at the end of a long day! They have plenty of beers to choose from and they are all made in the heart of Cartmel village.
Click here to visit Unsworth's Brewery
7. Sam Read Books
