As Christmas approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the rush, with the lists of people to buy for, coupled with a constant bombardment of commercialised ads and offers.
Christmas shopping can be stressful and you might just want it done. But at Just Makers, we are here to help you find gifts for your loved ones that are just that little bit different. Gifts they won't find everywhere else.
When you choose to buy something handmade and locally made, you are buying into a story, supporting an artist or artisan and your purchase won't just bring a smile to its recipient, it will bring a bit of joy to our makers and to us.
Why Handmade Make the Best Gifts
Handmade gifts carry something you’ll never find on the shelves of the big stores... and that's true thoughtfulness.
Each piece that we sell has been designed and created with time and care. It’s made by someone skilful who loves what they do and not by a machine designed for mass production.
Whether it’s a hand-thrown mug, a stitched landscape or a piece of turned oak, every item has its own character.
In truth, you will be giving something that brings with it a little bit of the personality of the maker behind it.
Shopping Locally Made, Not Just Locally Bought
The 'shop local' movement is critical to us and all the small businesses like ours who rely on people not buying everything from big online corporations and still buying from their local shops and businesses.
But at Just Makers, we believe that there's another layer to the 'shop local' message and that is to 'shop locally made'. It's when you do this that your money truly stays in the local community, where it makes the most difference.
When you buy from Just Makers, you’re supporting Yorkshire artists and craftspeople who pour their skill into every piece. Your purchase might support an artist in Harrogate, a wood turner in Huddersfield or a ceramicist in Nidderdale. Real people who are keeping the region’s traditional creative skills alive.
The gifts you buy from us will be local through and through... from studio to shop shelf to being wrapped up and ready under your tree.
Supporting Small Businesses at Christmas
Christmas is a make or break time for many small shops and independent artists, artisans and makers. Each time you buy from one, you are helping someone pay their shop rent, buy new materials and simply to keep doing what they do best.
The ripple effect from that is then huge. Small business owners support other local suppliers, framers, printers, packagers.. or perhaps the coffee shops where the makers grab their much needed brew! It truly does become a circular economy where your money stays local and keeps your local community thriving.
Choosing locally handmade means that your money spreads extra Christmas kindness and joy where it's most needed.
Gift Ideas that Mean More
"I'll just get them an M&S voucher as I never know what they want".
We get it. You are not alone in this approach to gift buying.
But a handmade gift shows thought and without having to perfectly guess what they might like. The love is evident in the product and the thought you put into it will shine through, even if they might not have chosen it for themselves.
That said, here are a few gift ideas from our shelves:
- For the homebody - a hand-poured candle or cosy ceramic mug
- For the creative - an art print, craft kit or workshop voucher
- For the one who has everything - a small original piece of art or sculpture... something they will treasure and that will last for years
And if you still can't decide... rather than falling back on M&S vouchers, we do offer a Just Makers gift voucher that your recipient can spend online or in the shop, on physical products or workshops. That way, your recipient still has the opportunity to enjoy something truly handmade and you will still be supporting our Yorkshire artists and makers, as well as helping us to stay open.
Gifts with a Story
This Christmas, aim to move away from the last minute voucher dash or buying from the same online giants.
Choose gifts that carry care, connection and that have a story behind them.
Christmas is about giving something thoughtful, heartfelt and human. At Just Makers, we believe that the gifts that have been locally handmade right here in Yorkshire are definitely the best kind!!
Browse our Christmas collection online and explore the maker's profiles behind the products or pop into our shop in Ripley to see what's new in.
We are always happy to help with ideas for gifts. You only have to ask.
Let's make this a handmade Christmas in Yorkshire!
