There is no doubt about it, 2020 has been the strangest year ...and it shows no signs of ending anytime soon. One of the big things we have noticed this year is how many are showing such love and support for their local businesses so, as things remain tough for so many, we wanted to help out some of our fellow local businesses here in Angus. Remember your local businesses and rather than handing cash to the Amazons of this world, spread some festive cheer and shop local. That's what we are doing!
Below are listed some of our friends who are offering Christmas gift ideas and suggestions. This is just a small selection of many, many small businesses who really need your support. To begin the search though, check out the following. Some of them are appearing at markets, both virtually and in person, visit their websites or Facebook pages or pop along to their shops, following the guidelines as you do. It is important to stay safe during this time of course. There are ways to support local though so give it a go!
Foodie Gifts
Redcastle - Toll House Sprits make incredible gins and are doing gift hampers too, all available to order online - www.redcastlegin.co.uk Or, if you are local, pop along to their unit and have a look at their products and a load of other amazing local gift ideas in their pop up shop. Check out their facebook page for details - https://www.facebook.com/redcastlegin
Fudge & Fancies - the best fudge ever!! Tara supplies her Mocha Fudge to us in bars and which you can buy in our onlne shop, but that is just the tip of the iceberg! Find her at markets, virtually and in the flesh, in the run up to Christmas. Check out her facebook page for details - https://www.facebook.com/FudgeFancies
Fudge & Fancies Fudge Selection
Gather Kitchen & Deli - The perfect place for hampers and other treats. And if you pop along in person, remember to factor in time for a coffee and cake! https://gatherkitchendeli.co.uk/
Artisana - totally divine and indulgent brownies and sweet treats. Ailsa's delicious hot chocolate is available on the website as we love it! Check out Artisana's facebook and instagram feeds for details of their honesty box treats and opening times and then pop along and indulge! htps://www.facebook.com/artisanaexquisitelydecadent or https://www.instagram.com/artisanaexquisitelydecadent/?hl=ent
Salted Caramel Brownies from Artisana - you know you want to!
Smithies - A must go for hampers, cheese boards and of course, Smithies awesome range of locally crafted gins including their own lovely gin range. Check out their website and Facebook pages for details of their bespoke offerings and private shopping nights - https://www.facebook.com/smithiesdeli1 or https://smithiesgin.com/
Mezzaluna - the most delicious Italian delights, from tiramisu (we may know something about the coffee in this!) to cannoli to arancini - oh yum! Chiara is a genius when it comes to pure Italian delights. Check out the website - https://www.mezzalunadundee.com/
Fournous - If Italian delights aren't your thing, what about a trip to Greece? Scrummy Greek treats made to order and fresh from Christina's kitchen! Check out her Facebook page for temptations galore https://www.facebook.com/fournosonline
Kourampiedes - the most divine, melt in the mouth Greek biscuit
Wee Cook - perfect pies, lovely takeaway meals, gift vouchers and oh so much more. These guys are fabulous. Check out their Facebok page for details of events and offers - Wee COOK - Home - Carnoustie, Angus - Menu, prices, restaurant reviews | Facebook
Arts/Gifts
Amy Anderson Arts - Amy is one of our talented local artists in Angus. We have worked with her lots during our 5 years of trading and are constantly bowled over by her talents. Check out her gift ideas on her Facebook or Instagram pages - here https://www.facebook.com/amyandersonarts
One of Amy Anderson's beautiful wood slice ornaments
The Candle Bothy - Sophie makes the most delicious candles. Check out her Facebook page for details of where to find her over the next few weeks and the scents available - https://www.facebook.com/thecandlebothy She is also to be found on Etsy.
Moja - the most divine earrings and the must have accessory in Angus just now! Go and marvel at these creations - https://www.facebook.com/mojajewels
Uan wool - Julie designs and hand crafts beautiful supportive wool pillows & warming wool gifts. Comfort & well being through huggable wool love. Her ponchos are fabulous too! Find her on Facebook and Etsy https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/UANWOOL
Small Bird - oodles of vintage and eclectic style for your home in the form of furniture, cards, prints and other small treasures. Find out more on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Smallbirdthingsulike And, if you are in Arbroath, pop along to Redcastle's pop up shop for a browse and you'll find Small Bird gifts on the shelves.
A Small Bird - Redcastle collaboration gift box
AquariusVirgoBlooms - cute crocheted earrings and handmade goods. Pop over and visit their Facebook page for inspiration . Find them on Etsy too. https://www.facebook.com/aquariusvirgoblooms
Rowan & Fern Lampshades - if you want something a bit more unique for the home, check out Karen's beautiful lampshades. The must have item for the home! See her Facebook page for details - https://www.facebook.com/rowanandfernlampshadedesign
Sea No Waste - for all of your zero waste needs be that gifts or food or whatever. If you live in Angus, pop into the Arbroath shop for a nosey and if you don't, Sammy does mail order. What's not to love?!! . Sea No Waste - Plastic Free Shopping