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Our Top Independent Shops For Gifts In Surrey!
With Christmas almost within touching distance we wanted to remind people that there is a wonderful world of unique and imaginative gifts right on our doorsteps…
So we thought it would be great to run a feature on brilliant independently owned shops and stores offering fantastic and imaginative Christmas gift ideas right across Surrey!
To give it a little bit of a twist we put the word out on our many Surrey based social media channels and asked the Surrey public for their recommendations!
The response was incredible and, to cut a long story short, we are delighted to confirm our final ‘Best Independent Shops For Gifts In Surrey’ as chosen by the residents of Surrey!
Congratulations to all the winners in the face of very stiff competition!
And here they are, in no particular order, our Top Independent Shops For Gifts In Surrey!
Pip & Gray
Pip & Gray are situated at 3 Church Street, a beautiful historic street in Cobham, Surrey.
The concept for the shop was created just over three years ago to compliment the Curtain Agency, Curtain Call, which Interior Designer Alicia Wall has run for 9 years.
The shop has grown since then from selling homeware to a huge range of gifts and now clothes in a newly build extension to the showroom.
Alicia’s expert eye sources unusual and beautiful pieces to dress the shop which has a wonderful atmosphere and the most friendly staff around.
Pip & Gray have a huge variety from cards, jewellery, homeware throws, scarves, clothing, mugs, candles, and being dog friendly shop they also have a selection of gifts covering different dog breeds, xmas dog and cat hampers etc.
We recently spoke to owner Alicia who was delighted to share with us the news that Pip & Gray had won the best retail window in Cobham from the Cobham Chambers of Commerce and was presented with their prizes at the turning on the lights extravaganza!
The shop is open Mondays – Thursday 10 am to 5pm and Friday and Saturdays from 9.30 and Sundays 10.30 am to 4pm.
Do pay them a visit soon, they have fantastic ideas for Christmas presents and you can bring your dogs shopping with you too!
3 Church Street, Cobham, KT11 3EG
01932 860919
https://www.instagram.com/pipandgray/
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Bumbles
You can find Bumbles on The Street in Ashtead and inside you will find a treasure trove of gifts for quite literally all occasions!
Bumbles are very well stocked with imaginative items for the home (including some wonderful glassware items – the gorgeous glass cheese dome is a personal favourite!), wellbeing/pamper gifts such as candles and fragrances, gift ideas for him, for her and little ones (I defy you not to coo at the baby fox slippers, gifts for those special occasions as well as a wide range of clothing, accessories, hats, bags and jewellery!
We spoke to the Manager, Alice, who said:
“Bumbles is the perfect place to find something different, every item has been personally selected for its quality, design and individuality.
We offer a wide range of products that you won’t find on the High Street. Our staff are knowledgeable, friendly and efficient.
All items are personally selected with care and consideration for our customers.”
90 The Street, Ashtead, KT21 1AW
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm
01372 276219
Bumbles have a great website with detailed product descriptions and clear photographs so if you can’t make it to Ashtead why not take a look!
https://www.bumblesonline.co.uk/
www.twitter.co.uk/bumblesashtead
www.facebook.com/bumblesashtead
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Ceramica Claygate
If you’re looking for something to do to wile away a few hours, pop into Ceramica on The Parade in Claygate where you can relax and get creative by painting your own ceramics – its the perfect way to create the perfect gift especially when those paintbrushes are wielded by little hands for the future enjoyment of parents or grandparents!
They have a selection of over 100 ceramic pieces for you to choose from – from mugs, plates and bowls to moneyboxes, photo frames and flowerpots!
We’ll now handover to Hannah (and Milo) to tell you a little bit more…
“We will provide all the instruction that you need and we have plenty of samples, stencils and books to give you ideas. Our studio is bright and colourful and designed to inspire even the most unartistic! It really is the ideal place for a creative get-together.
Our services include studio painting sessions; an annual membership scheme; gift vouchers; baby hand and foot print sessions; birthday parties; evening painting sessions for adults; off-site functions; ‘take home’ packs; and commissions.
There is a £5.00 studio fee per painter, per visit, which covers the cost of the paint, the glazing and the firing. We aim to cater for all budgets by stocking a variety of items and pieces start from £5.00. Our range of stock is often updated, particularly at seasonal times of the year when we get themed items in.
Come and pay us a visit…… set your imagination free and create a work of art!
The studio is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm.
Hopefully see you soon!”
7 The Parade, Claygate, Esher, KT10 0PD
01372 462447
hannah@ceramica-claygate.co.uk
http://www.ceramica-claygate.co.uk/
Twitter: @CeramicaEsher
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CeramicaClaygate
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Two Ducks
Two Ducks are an award-winning independent boutique in St John’s village, Surrey and are the very epitome of a stylish, independent store!
With subtle lighting features from Denmark, Plum and Ashby candles and body products, contemporary designer jewellery and our absolute favourite (which we will be buying!) a miniature winter village as pictured below.
If its unique and stylish you are looking for Two Ducks tick all the boxes – and then some.
We asked owner Claire to tell us a little about Two Ducks
“Two Ducks is a lifestyle store based in the heart of St.John’s village on the outskirts of Woking. We stock unique gifts curated from across the globe including fashion, jewellery, handbags, shoes, gifts, home decor and stationery. We’re really delighted to have been selected as one of the top 20 independent shops in Surrey, particularly as this was picked by your readers!
Oh, and the name? That’s courtesy of my daughter! Whilst dreaming of owning a gift shop I decided that my daughter should name it and when I asked she simply replied ‘ducks’. She was just two years old at the time so the name was settled: Two Ducks.”
Facebook: twoducksgifts
Instagram: clairetwoducks
5 St Johns Rd, Woking GU21 7SE
01483 385827
http://www.two-ducks.co.uk/
hello@two-ducks.co.uk
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The Dinky Dove
The Dinky Dove are situated in the Sainsbury Centre in Chertsey and have really got into the spirit of Christmas with some wonderful Christmas decorations (with the most dainty glass Christmas tree baubles you will ever see!)
They have also started offering their own label candles and reed diffusers with scents as varied as ‘Parisian Cafe’, ‘Wild Lime and Rose Tea’, ‘Fresh Linen’ ‘Fresh Cut Herbs’ among many others!
We asked owner Claire about The Dinky Dove:
“The Dinky Dove opened in December 2013 and hasn’t looked back! We have a wide range of gifts and cards for all occasions and Christmas is one of our favourite times of year with a fantastic selection of decorations and festive bits and bobs!
We look forward to seeing you!”
6 The Sainsbury Centre, Chertsey KT16 9AG
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm
01932 564700
http://www.thedinkydove.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/thedinkydove/
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The Lemon Tree
The Lemon Tree shops are the perfect place to shop for that unique gift or special treat. A family run business with a reputation for excellent customer service. Shops in Banstead, Cobham, Dorking, Reigate and West Wickham offering unique gifts for all ages and pocket, quality greetings cards, sought after jewellery, fabulous wall art.
Here is The Lemon Tree in the words of company director Ivor:
“The Lemon Tree is a treasure trove of unique and individually picked gifts for all occasions. Sara, the owner and buyer has been inspiring customers for 20 years and testament to this is all our lovely feedback and kind comments we have received.
Backed up by our amazing staff, we’re happy to just have a chat and love getting to know and serve our community. We offer free gift wrapping and free local delivery for our larger items.
We also have our Stamp Card Loyalty scheme as a thank you for all your support.”
New website is launching in December: www.thelemontreeshop.com and you can follow them:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelemontreeshop/
Twitter: @lemontreeshop
Instgram: www.instagram.com/thelemontreeshop/
We love you for loving local!
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year”
6 High St, Cobham KT11 3DY
01932 868689
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Ashton House
Ashton House was opened in November 1974 by Margaret and her sister-in-law Annie as a cookware and gift shop, at their original premises in Hampton Hill.
Now situated in Hersham, Ashton House is currently run by Margaret’s daughters Nicola and Debra.
Margaret, although now retired is still often in the shop lending a hand!
Debra’s daughter Kerry, and Nicola’s daughters Rosie and Polly also work in the business in various capacities, as well as Hilary, who has been with them for over twenty years, and Megan who has been there for six years.
“Here at Ashton House, we are lucky enough to be able to provide you with products from some fantastic companies. We deal with some very popular fashion brands including The Masai Clothing Company, Joules, Seasalt and Adini.
We deal with a number of different gift and homeware companies, and numerous jewellery companies to ensure we can provide you with something different every time. We often source new ranges, and endeavour to bring you new items all year round, meaning we always have something new for you to look at!
If you have seen an item in store, but can no longer spot it, please come into our shop and speak to a member of staff. On occasion, it may be possible to re-order the product, so please dont hesitate to ask!”
2 The Hersham Centre, Hersham, KT12 4HL
01932 252244
http://www.ashtonhouseliving.co.uk/
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Born from Necessity
Not strictly a gift shop per se but if a fantastic local enterprise offering a wide range of organic products that you could put together for an eco-friendly Christmas hamper for that special person!
They store pulses, grains, rices, pastas, nuts, seeds, spices, a dedicated gluten free section, fresh bread, organic fruit, vegetables and herbs.
But it’s the non-food products (all vegan and only tested on humans!) that really captures the imagination:
Fig hand soap, Rose hand soap, Naturally Thinking Shine Radiance Shampoo, Naturally Thinking Geranium and Lavender Conditioner, Unrefined shea butter bar as well as mix your own bath salts and Bamboo Toothbrushes (Adult and child sizes)
“We are providing our communities with a place to shop differently.
Our unique eco refill shop is the first of its kind in our area. We want to encourage shopping that is environmentally sound, community focussed and fairly priced, making it accessible to everyone. Especially helping educate our young children within the family.
Lets think about how we shop and the way items are packaged, what we throw away and how this is impacting our environment now and in the future.”
8A Buckingham Avenue, West Molesey, KT81TG
07792412452
https://www.bornfromnecessity.co.uk/
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The Haslemere Bookshop
I’m a bit biased here as I believe every community should have an independent bookshop run by people passionate about books.
Put down your Kindle, log off of Amazon and please do pop by The Haslemere Bookshop on The Causeway in Haslemere – I have no doubt that you will end up leaving with an absolute gem that you would never have previously thought of!
2 Causewayside, High Street, Haslemere, GU27 2JZ
01428 652952
https://www.facebook.com/HaslemereBookshop
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Cat & Mouse Boutique
Cat & Mouse Boutique has traded in Claygate for nine years.
Run by Gary and Mary, it sells good quality seasonal women’s clothes, jewellery, accessories, gifts and cards at excellent value prices.
Cat & Mouse sell online at www.catandmouse.boutique too.
Claygate is a pretty village, which has a wonderfully diverse selection of fifty mainly independent shops, salons, cafes and pubs.
The shops are just outside Claygate Station with plenty of parking.
6 The Parade, Claygate, Surrey KT10 0NU
01372 463833
info@catandmouse.boutique
Facebook: @CatandMouseBoutique
Twitter: @catandmousebout
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The Walton Rotary Club Father Christmas Sleigh
As always the Walton Rotary Club will be touring their Father Christmas Sleigh across the streets of Walton-on-Thames and Hersham
We have (deep breaths) the full route of the fantastic and much loved Walton Rotary Club Father Christmas Sleigh!
The Rotary Club Father Christmas Sleigh Tour
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Surrey Christmas Fairs and Markets
Wherever you live in this wonderful county of ours wrap up warm and get yourself out and about to one of the many Christmas Fairs and Markets going on locally.
There are plenty of Christmas events being run by local school’s as well as Christmas Fairs and Markets from Ashtead to Oxted, Weybridge to Dorking and, of course, our very own Hersham Village Fair….
Surrey Christmas Fairs and Markets
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Bluebell 33
Launched in 2003 Bluebell 33 is a ‘Wonderfully British’ design business born & being raised in Great Britain.
Bluebell 33 offer a wide range of cards, stationary and giftware as well as specialising in location specific gifts in there ‘Love Where You Live’ range.
“We take pride in using the finest quality materials and are passionate about making everything, where we can find it, in Britain. We work with some brilliant UK based manufacturers & suppliers and have also recently set up our own manufacturing facility in the Essex countryside.
We believe in ‘type not hype’ and keep it simple to deliver refreshingly clean, crisp stand out design. By combining classic fonts, clever language and iconic imagery we have designed and made products which are bright, fun, bold, quirky, funny, contemporary, sophisticated, witty, stylish, colourful, clever & distinctive. We love them and hope you do too!”
37 Baker Street
Weybridge
Surrey
KT13 8AE
01932 506406
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Clova
Clova are a fashion and accessories store that also supply school uniform, dance and ballet wear – the perfect gifts for nieces or god daughters!
We love Clova’s emphasis on ‘fair, natural and ethical’ suppliers and in their own words “…aim to stock styles that are just that little bit different…”
“Have a look at the styles on our fashion page. We have chosen just a few to give an idea of some of the beautiful fashions & accessories we sell. With an emphasis on natural fibres and on trend styling we can guarantee that you’ll always find something you love. If you spot an item on the website and can’t get here straight away then just contact us and provided it’s in stock we’ll put it to one side until you can make it.”
78 Weyhill, Haslemere, GU27 1HN
07759 948074
heather@clovahaslemere.co.uk
https://clovahaslemere.co.uk/
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Creative Quilting
“Creative Quilting was founded back in 1989. Starting with about 5 bolts of brown fabrics, things have somewhat changed a bit…
We now stock about 2,000 bolts of fabrics. We have hundreds of books, notions and all sorts of tempting goodies to make quilts. We also stock beads, buttons, wool felt, ribbons among other things.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10am til 5pm and Sunday 12noon til 4pm.
All members of staff do know which end of a needle to thread and, even if we are not all professional quilters, we always do our best to help you achieve the quilt of your dreams.”
30-32 Bridge Road, Hampton Court Village, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9HA
0208 941 7075
isabelle@creativequilting.co.uk
http://www.creativequilting.co.uk/
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Evie Loves Toast
Evie loves Toast was first opened in Cobham High Street, Surrey in March 2010 by a mother and two daughters. Since then, it has become one of the most popular stores in the busy high street attracting many loyal customers. Following this success a sister store in Wimbledon Village was opened in April 2015. Selling British and Scandinavian brands of contemporary clothing, jewellery and accessories.
1 Oakdene Parade, Cobham, KT11 2LP
01932 588 854
customerservice@evielovestoast.com
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Joulberry
A luxurious and personable British jewellery Brand, founded in 2010, Joulberry opened its first Boutique in 2014.
Designing and creating elegant jewellery, Joulberry’s pieces are renowned for their timeless elegance, understated beauty and distinctive design, each piece speaking thousands of words.
From Joulberry’s signature sphere designs in gold to scrolls in sterling silver, fine diamonds set in rose gold to precious stones earrings and beautiful personalised creations using quality pearls to augment the collection.
“The Joulberry experience is rather a special one. The attention to detail is evident from the first Joulberry design sketches, the visual and verbal communication, to the finished British crafted and packaged piece.
Original, heartwarming, emotive, celebratory or just because… choose Joulberry for considered, thoughtful and individual pieces.”
28 Bridge Rd, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9HA
020 8979 5774
studio@joulberry.com
http://www.joulberry.com/
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