KENTMAS
GLORIOUS GIFT SHOPS AND INSPIRING INDIES
Although Kent is best known for its fresh produce perfect for our plate , this county is also celebrated for being one of the most creative . With seaside towns such as Folkestone and Margate famous for their thriving arts scene , Kent also has a plethora of artisan markets brimming with boutiques , independent gift , homeware , antique shops and more . In Kent , festive shoppers are certain to find gifts to give that will be treasured .
insideKENT ’ S TOP PLACES TO VISIT FOR UNIQUE GIFTS
Folkestone ’ s Creative Quarter www . creativefolkestone . org . uk
Here you will find galleries galore with local artists selling their pieces including goldsmiths and talented jewellers such as Aimee Craddock . As well as artists and makers , the Creative Quarter is home to lots of indie gift shops and unique creative businesses ideal for alternative gifts . These include vintage clothes shops such as Ben ’ s Vintage , and incredible high-end gift shops selling everything from artistic interior pieces to quirky crockery such as The Great British Shop , Whimsy & Bloom and Folkestone Rocks . If you ’ re shopping for little ones , Folkestone ’ s Creative Quarter will be the answer to your Christmas prayers – Moo Like a Monkey and Custard HQ , as well as many others , stock plenty of lovely presents and sweet stocking fillers for children .
For those difficult to buy for types , Folkestone also has your answer in the form of Foras . Foras ’ s owner Alex , makes smallbatch unisex fragrances that smell utterly divine and take inspiration from the natural world . From eau de parfum and soap to skincare and oils , no matter the personality of who you might be buying for , they are sure to love a Foras ’ s product . Foras also sell Kentish brand Pelegrims , which is also crafted by Alex . Products include their award-winning anti-ageing balm and each is made from the grapes of Westwell Wines . Given together or individually , Foras and Pelegrims make beautiful Kentish gifts that will enchant anyone .
The Pantiles Market and Chapel Place , Tunbridge Wells
As well as The Pantiles Festive Market , which offers an array of food and drink , artisan goods and ingenious Kentish gifts ( think scented candles melted into Whitsable oysters !), Tunbridge Wells is full of eclectic independent shops that will have you browsing in awe for hours . Stop by at Le Petit Jardin , a garden-inspired gift and homeware shop that is certain to satisfy even the most difficult of recipients . insideKENT particularly recommends the Fer á Cheval gentled perfumed soap in honey and almond . Just across the street is Settle Home , in which you will find larger interior items ideal to give as bigger , more extravagant gifts . Think stunning lamps , beautiful crockery and statement mirrors .
Everyone loves a good book at Christmas , so stop by Hall ’ s Bookshop in Chapel Place . Selling everything from current
bestsellers and cookbooks to niche collectables and annuals , get ready to be swept away at this reader ’ s haven .
Don ’ t forget the pets ! Wolfit is a family run business with pet shops in both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge that were established over 25 years ago . Guaranteed to have all the cute treats and toys to let your pet know they are loved this Christmas .
Rochester
As well as plenty of history and the Dickensian Christmas Market , Rochester has lots of brilliant independent shops that are perfect for Christmas gift hunting . Our favourites include I Dig Dinos , which specialises in fossils , minerals and history-based gifts , Baggins Books Bazaar , England ’ s largest secondhand bookshop , and Kaizen Antiques & Jewellery , a treasure trove of beautiful jewellery , antique furniture , silver , paintings and ceramics , with people often comparing the shop to an Aladdin ’ s cave .
Kiss Kiss Heart and Rocket and The Plant Room are two distinct boutique shops under one ownership , each with its own distinct personality . Rocket is a fun shop with a mix of modern trendy fashion , homeware and giftware embracing all things vintage with a strong love for the 1950s . Kiss Kiss Heart is thoughtful brands with strong ethical and quality values that make them a bit more special than usual . A huge selection of lighting , furniture , home fragrance , ornaments and faux flowers spanning styles from industrial to hygge .
One of the newest arrivals on Rochestser ’ s High Street is Get Ready Comics . A fun shop selling American comics , subscriptions , graphic novels , comic supplies , action figures , t-shirts , pop vinyl and cult entertainment merchandise , this is the place to go if you want to buy merchandise featuring a giftee ’ s favourite characters !
For those looking for more expensive gifts to last generations , visit Fieldstaff Antiques . Established on Rochester ’ s High Street for over 30 years , this shop offers three floors of showrooms . Get ready to browse antiques and collectables including a wide variety of furniture , silver , glass , ceramics , records , costume jewellery and vintage clothing and accessories .
FOLKESTONE ’ S CREATIVE QUARTER
THE PANTILES MARKET AND CHAPEL PLACE
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