It’s all too easy to take the approach of one-click shopping that arrives to your door. Sure, it has its place, but supporting homegrown retailers and independent businesses helps keep our high streets and community hubs alive and thriving, and you’ll know you’re directly supporting the people in your neighbourhoods. How about that for some Christmas cheer?

Local Markets & Fairs
Craft fairs and local town and Christmas markets are a great one-stop location to find loads of micro-businesses and small traders in one place, offering gifts and goodies that directly support Devon people.

Late Night Shopping
One barrier for many wanting to shop local but with busy lives is time to actually get to shops. Late night shopping dates help you plan ahead and many car parks will offer cheaper winter pricing to encourage visits to our town centres.

Support Devon Artists
Check out your local art galleries for paintings, sculptures and more, or for a truly unique gift, why not commission a local artist to create a bespoke item especially for your loved one? One place to choose from over 400 artists and galleries in Devon is the Devon Artist Network: www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk

Indie Gift Cards
Many independent shops, cafés, restaurants and attractions offer gift cards – a great idea for those people in your life who you know love a particular place but you want to give them the choice of what to choose and when. Not sure where to choose? The Exeter Independent Gift Card can be used in over 100 indies in and around the city giving maximum choice. You’ll feel good knowing you’ve helped a small business with cash flow helping them into another year of trading. 

Local Brews
Alcohol is a popular present at this time of year – why not support some of the fantastic local distilleries and breweries across the county by showing off the best Devon has to offer. Many also offer experiences where you can enjoy the activity of making your own.

Farm Shop Favourites
Special tipples, edible delights, hand-made decorations and so much more – our local farm shops are a treasure trove of distinctive gifts that tend to celebrate local producers. Not all are listed here, but a great place to see many of the farm shops near you is by using the map here: www.fabulousfarmshops.co.uk/devon 

Subscription Boxes
Some small businesses offer some fantastic subscription gift services, so you can give the gift that keeps on giving. There are independent Devon makers and suppliers offering organic fruit or veg boxes from their local farms, like Shillingford Organics, and others offering soaps or sweet treats, baked goods, or even monthly coffee drops.

Festive Pampering
Get glammed up for the festive season with gifts from local beauty salons. Or try gift cards for local spas and wellness centres. 

Pre-Loved Presents
Stop Christmas becoming synonymous with waste by considering second-hand items as gifts and give a new lease of life to items. That’s cash straight into the pocket of a member of your community too!

Go the Extra Mile
Love your experience shopping local this Christmas? Appreciate the service of a trade or business going above and beyond? Share the love! Sharing on socials or recommending to a friend is a gift we can give to all independent businesses this Christmas that doesn’t cost a penny.