2020 North East Independent Christmas Gift Guide for Men
Whether for a family member, love interest or otherwise, here is my selection of the very best Christmas gifts for men from local independents in the North East for the 2020 festive season.
JOHN NICHOLS
OCTOBER 23, 2020
Christmas will soon be upon us. This year, it will certainly be stranger than most, but many of us are looking forward to the festive period in order to have a bit of respite from the awful pandemic that has dogged us since the year began.
Back in 2018, I wrote a Christmas Gift Guide featuring a mix of independents and high-street brands. This time around, all of the focus will be on local independents, so if you’re in the North East and looking for a great gift for a man in your life, this is the list for you!
#1 Jumper
As the cold winds of winter begin to blow, every man is in need of a good jumper. Derived from the traditional knitting pattern used by sailors around Robin Hoods Bay, Berties of Bay produce a traditional, hard-wearing 100% wool Gansey that will do more than enough to protect your recipient from the elements.
#2 Scarf
For when the air really starts to bite, a lovely hand-knitted scarf will keep the shudders away. Always Wear Red use only the highest quality, sustainable Italian Merino wool in every hand-knitted item, giving you a small slice of modern, earth-loving luxury unlike anything else.
#3 Shoes
Every man needs at least one good pair of quality shoes, and what better gift to give than the experience of having a pair made specifically for them? Hand Dyed Shoe Co. have exploded in popularity, even featuring on Dragons’ Den in early 2020, and with their hand-made, hand-dyed, fully-customizable range, their meteoric rise comes as no surprise!
If you want the perfect gifting option, why not go for one of their gift boxes? Including a pair of quality socks, style inspiration and a voucher to the value of your choice, this is an ideal way to introduce someone to a bespoke experience they will never forget.
#4 Beer
Who doesn’t enjoy a good brew at Christmas? Since 2017, Black Storm Brewery have developed into one of the UK’s fastest growing independent breweries, achieving multiple local and international accolades and becoming one of the region’s flagship producers.
From personal experience, their Porter is one of the finest you’ll find anywhere – a World Beer Award UK title and a 2-star Great Taste Award were certainly deserved!
If you’re after the ideal early gift, take a look at their Advent Calendar; 24 beers for £50 – an absolute steal!
#5 Gin
Not typically considered a fella’s tipple, who can say no to a crisp gin & tonic on a winter’s afternoon? Alongside a Pink Gin and an interesting Rhubarb & Ginger option, Newcastle Gin’s Original won a World Gin Award Gold earlier this year – so you know it’s of the very highest quality.
Their gift set features a bottle of this floral beauty with two 16oz goblets, ideal for allowing the recipient to share a cocktail with you!
#6 Watch
If you know me, I think you knew this was coming! Whilst not a well-known watchmaking region compared to what is coming out of neighbouring Scotland, there is one independent brand crafting strikingly modern timepieces with a retro flavour.
Glen Anthony Watches feature unique solutions such as interchangeable bezels and swivel-strap connectors to change the look of your watch on the fly. Add in that these are built-to-order and feature a mix of stainless steel, carbon fibre and titanium, and you realise they are truly unique pieces that any man would appreciate.
#7 Candles
Contrary to popular belief, men do like a good candle, and what better than one which evokes the scents of the regions rolling hills and craggy peaks? Notes of Northumberland have been hand-pouring small-batch candles alongside a range of wax melts, diffusers and more since 2017, all inspired by the region we know and love.
Alongside their dedicated festive range, they also have a range of gift sets – perfect for stocking-fillers. Hate wrapping? Why not go for a gift voucher, available in a wonderfully wrapped presentation box?
#8 Underwear
Turn that often gifted, little desired Christmas present into something which puts money towards some great causes. Founded in 2014, OddBalls have raised over £400,000 towards various charities, including donating 100% of their profits in the last four years to The OddBalls Foundation, which raises awareness of testicular cancer, whilst also supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.
Ensure your giftee never runs out of boxers or socks ever again by taking out a monthly subscription – only £9.99 per month for the funkiest underwear around!
#9 Whisky
If gin isn’t your thing, there’s some wonderful local whiskies of equally outstanding quality. The Lakes Distillery are one the the region’s very finest, and whether it’s single malt, blended, or intriguing sherry, port or orange wine cask-finished whiskies, there’s something out there for every whisky aficionado.
For a gift any whisky-lover would adore, opt for The Lakes Whisky Hamper, including a 70cl bottle of their Single Malt Whiskymaker’s Edition, an exclusive Quatrefoil water jug, and a pair of gift vouchers to enjoy their Single Malt Whisky Tour – sublime!
#10 Rum
Last, but by no means least, as an area that has such a connection to the coast, what better gift than locally-distilled rum? The Alnwick Rum Company was originally founded in 1914, and was revived in 2013 using their original distilling processes from a century prior.
A blend of eight Jamaican and Guyana rums aged for three years in oak casks, The Legendary Alnwick Rum got its name for a reason. Buy a bottle and let your giftee discover why!
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that this year has been a difficult one, especially so for the small, independent businesses whose craft gives our region quality, passion and a culture to be proud of.
Now more than ever, these local independents need our support, and if you can pick up a fantastic gift this Christmas whilst helping to keep their doors open, what’s not to love?
Published October 23, 2020.