Santa is coming to town . . . in exactly 11 days, so you better have your gifts ready! If you are still struggling and need some inspiration, please go ahead, and get inspired, as here comes a sustainable edition of Christmas gifts list. Most of these tips are from local businesses, produced sustainably and quite original pieces – so perfect for some last-minute Christmas shopping.
Tynemouth Market
A 20-minute metro ride from Newcastle and you will find yourself standing in a haven for unique gifts. The variety of this market is exactly what you might be looking for. Ranging from clothes, pottery, prints, vinyls to some fun little trinkets. For me, this is where I am going to secure some smaller additions to accompany the bigger gifts I already have.
The market is in the Tynemouth metro station and runs from 9am to 3.30pm every Saturday and Sunday. Most of the stalls are second-hand or local businesses so you will not only support a small business but also take one step towards a greener economy.
Christmas Market Newcastle
While on the subject of markets, you cannot skip the Christmas market in Newcastle. With the first part being next to Grey’s Monument and the other in Eldon Square, the market offers a broad selection of things ready to be wrapped and gifted.
One stall that I have to mention in this sustainable edition, is right next to the Monument and it is The Eco Stall. They offer hand-made ecologically sourced merchandise. My favourite has got to be the lip balms they have – with many different flavours – it’s hard not to buy one.
And apart from this, the market still offers many other stalls of local businesses – jewellery, wood carvings, wool clothes and more. The market is open every day from 10am to 8pm, except for Sunday when the market closes at 5pm, so be sure to give it a visit the next time you are in the city centre.
Christmas market at Newcastle. Grey Street on the left and Grainger street on the right. Image credits: Anna Nix.
Charity shops
If you are looking to buy some full-proof sustainable gifts, then look no further than the many second-hand shops Newcastle has to offer. Whether you are looking to gift a funky Christmas sweater, a handbag, a board game or some books, the second-hand shops are the place to look. You will find an incredible selection in these shops, and you will contribute to a more sustainable Christmas this year, which is something all of us should strive towards.
I have recently compiled a list of some of my favourite second hand shops, which are all suited for some gift shopping, and most of them are within a student budget so be sure to check them out.
DIY
If, like me, you’re not a huge fan of blowing away all your money on Christmas, you should consider engaging in some DIY. Whereas I personally am not the most artsy of gift-givers, I still dip my toes in some creative practices. My go-to hand-made gifts are crocheted gifts, I have previously gifted many scarfs and some headbands, and this year I have stepped-up my game to a crocheted tote bag.
Crocheting is incredibly easy to learn, YouTube tutorials are quite helpful, and once you get the hang of it, it won’t even take up too much time. I usually pair my crocheting with a movie in the background and I am both relaxing and creating some original and from-the-heart pieces that will bring a smile to whomever I am gifting them.
And if you are looking to be extra environmentally friendly, how about thinking about the wrapping materials you use this year?