‘Shop Local’ for your Christmas star buys in Thame

WE know that Christmas is a vital time for boosting the turnover of small, independent shops like those that make Thame’s high street so special and unique, and to help you support your local economy – and save shoe leather and fuel travelling further afield for your Christmas shopping, we’ve asked a selection of Thame’s independent retailers to suggest Christmas present ideas for you.

Be it for the man or woman who has everything, that difficult-to-buy-for teenager or that very special someone who deserves something special at this time of the year, you really can find it in Thame.  And where better to start than with something edible, from the indulgent to a token of the festive spirit of sharing.

THE Deli @ No 5, in Buttermarket, Thame, is one of Thame’s independent gems, specialising in products from small, UK producers.  The young, enterprising couple behind this business, Joe and Hannah, have selected just three of the dozens of Christmas present ideas from this delightful little emporium. Scarlett and Mustard‘s Medium triangle box contains six jars of luxury condiments to complete your Christmas, including Fig Jam, Quince Jelly, Cranberry & Orange Jelly, Cracking Christmas Chutney, Boxing Day Pickle and New Year’s Day Relish. That’s the festive condiments sorted for £21.50.

It couldn’t be easier to make your own Lager, Cider or Berry Cider than with the Pub at Home kit; Just add water and 72 hours later, the lucky recipient of this gift, will be able to drink straight from the keg. The Pub at Home kit costs £24.99.

Or, if Gin is the preferred tipple, how about the Chase Gin gift set? Three 150ml bottles of Williams Elegant Gin, Chase Vodka and Chase Marmalade Vodka – Perfect for £24. 

Edible presents for non-meat eaters and others with special dietary needs

MORE and more of us are becoming vegetarian or even taking the final step into veganism (including celebrity vegans like Ellie Goulding and Jennifer Lopez) and Thame’s very own, family-run health food shop, Planet Health and Organics, has a wide selection of present ideas to cater for them, and for others with specialist dietary needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their award-winning Boojo Champaigne Truffles are organic, cholesterol-free, wheat-free, diary-free and gluten free! Or, how about, for the man in your life, something from the Natura Siberia range of mens’ facial and skin care from Russia?

These days there’s no need for the vegetarian or vegan member of the family to miss out on the traditional Christmas pudding, because Planet Organics stock a gluten-free, wheat-free and totally vegan Christmas Pud from Infinity Foods.

Clothes for the man in your life

FROM the classiest men’s wear shop in Thame.  Gallant in Greyhound Walk, has something stylish for the special man in your life; even that old Christmas present staple, socks, will be most acceptable when he opens his present and finds these beautiful Luxury cotton stretch socks from Italian company, Effio. Gallant offers several styles in all sorts of colours and patterns. Made in Italy, they retail at retail at £15.

 

 

 

 Or, how about this must-have, very fashionable, winter warmer? An exquisite quilted Jacket from Bavarian company, Handstich. Not only does it look good, but is made with a showerproof fabric and has a cosy fleece lining. The jacket retails at £650.

Every man loves a good shirt, and this 100% cotton shirt pictured below, beautifully made by Dutch company, Circle of Gentlemen, using Italian fabrics with contrast colour piping and buttons will make your special man look and feel fabulous. Individuality and quality for £139.95

Make-up for Her

IN case you’ve not noticed, Thame has its very own boutique store in Buttermarket, offering a broad range of niche brands in skincare, cosmetics and fragrance. Powder is packed with a mixed range of luxurious but affordable products and a wide selection of present-buying ideas for the special ladies in your life.

 

 

 

Miller Harris Gift Box for Her contains three fragrances including the bestselling Rose Silence fragrance, priced at £70.

 

 

Most ladies like to wear a bit of lippy at Christmas, especially for all those Christmas and new year parties. Check out Powder’s Delilah Colour Intense liquid Lipstick duo in a beautiful Christmas cracker. Choose either bold reds or subtle nudes. £28.

 

 

 

 

For those on a budget, or who might want to buy something special for a colleague or as a stocking-filler, pop into Powder and ask proprietor Karen to show you the REN stocking fillers. These travel-sized Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium or Moroccan Rose bath oils, are luxuriously rich and uplifting in scent, and will leave skin moisturised, supple and beautifully soft. The perfect gift for yourself or a loved one this Christmas. Price: £10

 

Handmade and unusual

fitch & fellows, after two years in East Street, Thame, moved to the Buttermarket this spring and is a treasure trove of all things handmade and unusual. Owned and run by ex-West End actress and singer Susannah Fellows, it focuses on the very best in creative talent from all over the UK. Here you’ll find jewellery, glassware, ceramics, sculpture, paintings and prints that span a wide range of prices – so there is always something for everybody.

Bob Crooks Colour-ball Candlesticks are a terrific splash of colour for your Christmas table or make great presents at £42. Each is individually made and signed by the maker. fitch & fellows also have other beautiful glass pieces made by Bob, in for the Christmas season – decanters, champagne glasses, bowls, jugs and vases – all in his distinctive style in a wide range of colours.

For the dog-lover in your life

 

Charlotte Lowe’s jewellery centres around the simple moments of pleasure in life – her love of family and dog walking! Couples walking on a sandy beach or night walks in the moonlight with your favourite four-legged friend are just some of her subjects. All her pieces are sterling silver – some with 22 carat gold plate – and start at £32.

 

 

Christian Marsden’s brick vases are individually handmade in slip-cast earthenware ceramic and finished in a variety of high gloss, on trend colours. Great fun, a bit edgy and modern and only £30!

Many of our contributing retailers are taking part in Saturday’s ‘Christmas Shopping Saturday’ event, sponsored by 21st Century Thame. Click HERE for more information and where to pick up a leaflet full of bargains, offers and treats throughout the day.