How to turn Christmas shopping into an art…
Everyone moans about Christmas shopping but here in Hebden Bridge we think we have the answer. See it as a challenge if you like! We reckon you can get all of your Christmas presents here in Hebden Bridge and have a fine old time doing it. Just jump on the train and you’re off!
Start the day with breakfast – smashed avo on toast at Squeeze, a full English at Rendezvous or delicious vegan pancakes at Humblest of Pleasures.. then onwards:
For teenagers – one off handknitted pompom hats from Ribbon Circus, T shirts and kitsch from Hotcakes, Roka rucksacks.
For Mum – a Ruby Shoesday voucher for a massage or a treatment at Beauty By Grace, a brightly coloured rubber watch from Element or maybe a spiraliser and some red sequin slippers from Cook & coffee?
For Dad – a test ride on an Orange mountain bike, a selection of beers from drink? Vocation and a pair of HebTroCo moleskin trousers.
Mid morning coffee – many say the best coffee in town is served in Café Solo… or try turmeric latte @ Humblest or merry berry smoothie at squeeze as an alternative….
For your girlfriend/wife – lashings of great vintage gear – Hotcakes, Lucy & the Caterpillar and One Step Beyond (here, clever Jane also upcycles cashmere jumpers and cardies), fab jewels from Element, Heart (both also do exquisite gift wrapping!) or perhaps a stunning Ruby Creagh leather bag?
For your Boyfriend/husband – Ruby Creugh wallet or belt, Not the Full Shilling have some quirky sixpence and farthing cufflinks, stylist watches at Element and a voucher for a wet shave at Jack’s.
For Nana – Can’t beat Jules china (loads of Cornish Blue and Burleigh – reasonably priced), Bamboo or Tall poppies for scarves and accessories and maybe a new winter hat from Hat Therapy?
For Auntie – a St Eval scented candle from Fleur de Lys, a head massage at the Banyan tree and a few slices of yummy soap from the Yorkshire Soap Company.
Lunch: if you fancy soup and a sarnie – go to Greens, for the best sandwiches on the go – Pennine Cheese and wine – their sandwiches have a different theme each week…or if you need a warm up, grab some delicious fare from the Tibetan kitchen.
For Grandad – some toastie Bridgedale socks from Mountain Wild and a nice thermal baselayer from Rohan.
For the tinies – can’t go wrong for toys at Silly Billy’s, excellent picture bookselection at the Book Case and flensted mobiles from Wood & Wire.
For small girls – lovely jewellery from Tigerlily on the weekend market and in Heart and Element and some very cute bath products from Yorkshire soap.
For small boys – Totally Awesome – scooters, skateboards, kites and all manner of jiggery pokery.
For urban friends and rellies: breathtaking lights and shades from Radiance or Hothouse (vintage fabric covered shades), cutting edge designs from Wood& Wire, exquisite glass and ceramics from Snug Gallery.
Mid afternoon – time for a glass of craft beer and bubbles on tap in Drink?
Ace stocking fillers: hand carved mouse and cheese wooden door wedges at Bonsalls, brilliant baubles at Homely in Hebden, crafty supplies at Word of Mouth, chutneys, chocolate and pickles (great for DIY hampers!) from Pennine Provisions, Valley Organics, Saker and Blue Sky and a fantastic selection of books (check out the awesome local section!) at the BookCase.
For quirky friends: check out the jewellery and homeware (Standard Goods) at Hebble End and the Antique centre has some amazing and unusual collectibles at reasonable prices.
Best for local artists –in the run up to Christmas there’s a slew of craft and print fairs, Open Studios throughout December, Wainsgate Bazaar and chance to pick up some really special one off pieces from Northlight, Egg Factory. Spirals is a veritable treasure trove of local arts and quirky goods, clothes and homeware.
And there’s just time for some exquisite locally brewed craft beer and some tacos at Vocation as you head to the train station…
Christmas light switch on in Hebden Bridge is Friday 16th November from 4.30pm – 6pm so that would be a really magical place to come and do a recce and enjoy a few drinks and seasonal cheer.
For every £5 you spend anywhere in town, collect a sticker and Festive Fandango card – fill it an hand in to TIC for a fantastic voucher book to entice you back in January when you’ll really enjoy some post holiday eating and drinking and irresistible sale bargains!
Let us know how you get on. There might even be a prize for those of you who do manage to get all your shopping done in our magical little town. And remember to come back to Hebden Bridge on Christmas eve for our annual ritual – a screening of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at our scrumptious Art Deco cinema + beer and wine. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without it!