Gifting at Christmas is an age-old tradition, however it has gone through some changes over recent years. Over the past few decades Christmas has become a rather commercial enterprise with many spending hundreds of pounds on presents. Over the past couple of years with our environmental impact on the globe becoming more apparent, many are thinking more about gifting in a more sustainable way. Food has become a popular gift idea with many choosing either luxury or more unusual products which someone might not treat themselves to.
Choosing locally made products whether food or independently designed or made is a lovely way to treat a loved one whilst also supporting local businesses and producers. We try and support a range of local artisans producing a whole range of products from beer, gin, fudge, biscuits, jams and chutneys, and other foodies items to locally designed cards, textiles and other gift and homewares.
Many of our suppliers offer Christmas gift packs and packaging, and we offer pre-made as well as made to our food hampers for that extra special touch. You can also find a huge range of local and regional wines and spirits in the Farm Shop from across Dorset and the surrounding counties. These are often incorporated in our hampers such as our “Beer n Snacks” Hamper featuring a selection of Dorset’s finest beers with some unique locally produced flavoured proper crackling and flavoured nuts, perfect for the man in your life who might be tricky to buy for.
Buying British wine has become more popular over the past few years as our warmer weather has allowed more producers to grow crops similar to those grown in the French regions. We go one step further but stocking something completely different to the normal wines you find in the supermarket by stocking a huge range of fruit wines. These make a truly great gift as many people often don’t want to take the gamble buying something so different, however the feedback from customers after they have tried some of the unique flavours from Lyme Bay Winery are wonderful.
farm shops are a great way to see many of these products.
Another way to buy unique gifts is to look for less well known brands by independent designers and makers, and farm shops are a great way to see many of these products in the flesh. We love to support not just local but independent designers whose products are often made here in Britain rather than being imported. A few of our favourites this year include Katie Cardew Illustrations whose bright and colourful designs have a quirky edge, along with the more traditional cottage garden designs by Annabel Rose from Somerset.
So, whether you’re looking for a gift for uncle and aunties, grandparents, work colleagues or friends we have a huge range of options to suit all budgets. Browse instore our farmshop, online at www.vinescountry.co.uk or feel free to call or email us for bespoke hampers and corporate options.
