18 Original Cumbrian Gift Ideas - Shop Local!
There are a plethora of options for you to buy pre-packaged, standardised lakeland hampers and gift box sets full of treats and treasures, and with Christmas looming, this can seem like an easy option. But if you have time on your side, and you really want to get the best of lakeland produce to create a personalised gift box for someone special, then this is our ultimate list of the ‘Cream of the Cumbrian Crop’! Pick and choose from this list to create a special bundle of surprises that your friends or family will cherish, or treat yourself to some quality produce, safe in the knowledge that you are supporting genuine, independent Cumbrian artists and producers!
1. ‘Earned It’ Medals
Reward your friends and family with these brilliantly designed, high-quality achievement medals for the peaks they have successfully bagged - they’ve earned it! You can buy unique designs for each of the most famous and challenging mountains, including Scafell Pike, and the ‘Wainwrights Club’ (that’s all 214!). Do you know anyone who can rightly claim them all?
2. Hawkshead Relish
With so many products to choose from for all seasons, Hawkshead Relish is a great starting point for adding a tasty treat to your gift set! With everything from Christmas marmalade to damson ketchup, and salted caramel fudge to hot garlic pickle, there’s a jar of joy for every palette!
3. Ceramic Jewellery
We are lucky in Cumbria to have talented artists of every kind in great abundance! One of our favourite local ceramicists, Katie Plumb, makes hand-crafted pendants, brooches, and necklaces, inspired by the elements that dominate and change our landscape. Each piece is unique and offers fantastic value for money.
4. Fell Brewery
If you are looking to send someone a true taste of Cumbria, then what else could be better than some fantastic locally brewed beer, to remind your lucky friend of that thirst-quenching pint they had after a long day out in the fells! For some truly local stuff, we recommend ‘Ghyll’ from Fell Brewery.
5. Cumbrian Pottery
Interlude Ceramics offer courses, vouchers, days out, and sublime products made at their pottery in Penrith. Choose from their vases, jugs, plates, and decorations which all reflect the deep natural colours of the Cumbrian valleys, fells, and lakes.
6. Ascendancy Apparel
Nothing quite shouts Cumbria like an iconic shirt, beanie, or hoodie from Cumbria’s very own apparel range. Each of these quality garments are designed, and hand printed here in the lakes and provide an extra cosy layer for days out on the fells, whilst looking sharp and stylish. A great way to support another local business!
7. Cumbrian Chorizo
For the meat eaters amongst us, it’s now more important than ever to support local farmers and high quality produce, and no one does it quite like the Stonehouse Smokery near Carlisle. Their range of products represent a labour of love, a culture of quality farming, and a reputation for ambition when it comes to creating the best quality meats. The Cumbrian chorizo is perfect for a gift set, it is made from the Smokehouse’s very own free range rare breed pigs and their unique blend of Spanish spices.
8. Pubstop Map of the Lake District
You may have seen this classic Pubstop Map on the wall of your favourite watering hole, and while they may seem like a bit of a gimmick, they are actually great for encouraging you to explore new corners of the Lakes! A fun gift for the beer connoisseurs out there!
9. Candles
Beautifully scented candles inspired by different areas of the lakes, so you can personalise your gift to suit your favourite area! The Lakeland Lights Company is based in the Western Lakes and the candles are designed and handmade by husband and wife, Jo and James.
10. Mountain Print Poster
These stylish prints of some of Lakeland’s more recognisable and classic fells are a stylish and subtle reminder of those memorable days you’ve had out conquering the Cumbrian heights!
11. Mission Complete Mountain Patch
A collectors item for the regular crag rats, or a one off stylish addition to a favourite travelling backpack, these sew-on patches look fantastic! The striking designs ensure people can see just what an adventurer you are!
12. Herdwick Wool Products
If you’re wanting to splash out on something long-lasting, and Cumbrian to the core, then a Herdwick bag, hat, accessory, or cushion from Herdwick Ltd. (Based at Near Sawrey) will be just the ticket. Herdwicks have long been the symbol of Lakeland, and you can help support the farmers who remain loyal to this hardy breed by investing in a premium quality Herdwick tweed item.
13. Monopoly - Lake District Style!
If you have found yourself wandering around the many well-stocked gift shops of Ambleside or Keswick in the past few years, then you have no doubt stumbled across this familiar adaptation of the classic board game, Monopoly! Featuring locations such as Ravenglass Station, The Keswick Pencil Museum, Scafell Pike, and the Windermere Ferry, this version of the nation’s favourite board game is a great present for Lakes lovers everywhere! Available from herdy online, or in store at Kendal, Grasmere, Keswick, or Bowness.
14. Soaps & Smellies
There are loads of brilliant independent soap companies in Cumbria, but our favourite is Bain & Savon - a family run, artisan soap company based in Whitehaven. The team maintain the highest environmental standards; their products are vegan, cruelty free, contain no SLS, no parabens, no palm oil, are 100% biodegradable, use only natural ingredients, and have no plastic packaging! They also make your skin feel great, and they smell divine! Take a peek at their product range and make sure you pop something in your basket!
15. Lakeland Book Collections
Sometimes the classics are the best - if there’s a Wainwright-sized gap on your bookshelf, or a child in your life who is yet to hear the wondrous tales of Beatrix Potter, then you know what you need to do! While the entire collections can be a big investment, they will bring you joy for many years to come and make a great gift.
16. Jewellery
Acorn to Oak design and make sterling silver jewellery inspired by nature and adventure here in the Lake District. Their designs are inspired by the amazing surrounding landscapes and their hand-crafted collections include charms, pendants, earrings and cufflinks. Each piece is beautifully detailed, handmade in 925 sterling silver and comes in an individually numbered presentation box.
17. Farrer’s Coffee
Farrer’s Coffee of Kendal has been established since 1819 and is the supplier of choice at many of the most popular coffee shops in the Lake District. You can choose from a wide array of quality Farrer’s Coffee, tea, and chocolate products, or even sign up to their coffee subscription service to make sure your coffee tin never runs low!
18. Blind Chocolatier
Stuart Hann has been a pastry Chef in the English Lake District since 2007 and has been at the heart of a team winning multiple awards including 2 Rosette Standard. In July 2015 Stuart was diagnosed with a rare eye condition meaning he is now registered legally blind, however this hasn't stopped him from being able to perform his magic in the kitchen. Chef Hann now brings you "The Blind Chocolatier", following his dream of finally running a Chocolate shop in his hometown of Staveley. Check out the online shop for some beautifully hand-crafted chocolates!