From local experiences that can be enjoyed by the whole family and eco-friendly products from our favourite Cornish suppliers to non-materialistic present ideas, here’s our 2021 Christmas gift guide for the conscientious and the Cornwall lovers.

Experiences

Save on wrapping paper and packaging, and invest in quality time with your loved ones this Christmas. Whether you’re thinking of gifting a solo experience to enrich their lives, or you’re searching for something that you can enjoy together, Cornwall is certainly not short on creative workshops, days out and places to get away.

Some of our favourite local experiences include Botanical Atelier’s illustration workshops in Falmouth, Yallah’s coffee classes, Koru Kayaking experiences on the Helford River and Sam Mark’s pottery workshops.

For an experience like no other, a surprise trip away to Cornwall for just you and your favourite person (and maybe your four-legged friend) is bound to give you multiple brownie points, as well as something spectacular for you both to look forward to in the new year. Browse our curated collection of Cornish cottages based in Falmouth and the Helford area and start planning your happy holiday in Cornwall. Some of our personal romantic retreats in Cornwall include The Brig, The Giggle, The Studio and Willow Cottage.

New but Sustainable

Buying recycled and handmade gifts may be an easy way to stay conscious this Christmas, but we know that some of our nearest and dearest will wish for something new and shiny. Luckily you can still be generous with your gift-giving without feeling guilty, by bestowing zero-waste products that can replace single-use items.

It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to sustainable switches. If you’re struggling to understand where to begin, we recommend browsing Un-rap’s online or in-store shop. From reusable razors and washing up, utensils to loofahs and lunchboxes, this glorious waste-free store in Falmouth has numerous sustainable-solution gifts for this Christmas.

Handmade, Artisan and Recycled

Make Christmas shopping a local and hand-made affair and help make more than just the recipient jolly this Christmas. During the pandemic, many independent businesses and makers have faced an uncertain future, with sales and footfall dropping far below average. But as the festive season arrives once more, so does the opportunity to support local and artisan over big names, and boost buys for your favourite small businesses.

In Cornwall, and notably Falmouth, we are fortunate to have numerous artisan businesses based both online and on the high street. Some of our favourites include Uneeka, Willow & Stone, Parade, Naked Generation, Inspire Makers, (which sits below our wonderful Maker’s Loft) and Falmouth Bookseller.

A wide collection of artisan makers can also always be found at Cornwall’s wonderful Christmas markets, some of which are Old Brewery Yard Christmas Market, Jubilee Wharf’s Christmas Fair in Penryn and Made in Cornwall Christmas Market.

For those in search of gifts made from recycled and sustainable materials, LIGA uses beautiful materials such as ethically-sourced Cork, recycled papers, vegan wax, compostable cloth, recycled EVA plastics and ceramics to create their affordable products useable for everyday living.

Giving the Gift of Time

If you seek to move away from the commercialism of the holidays and celebrate a more lightweight and meaningful Christmas, choosing to go non-material through gifting your time can be one of the most precious presents.

Collecting treasured family recipes in a pretty box is a priceless bestowal, and offering to help a friend or loved one using your creative talents or hard work might be far more appreciated than you’d expect. Giving the gift of a monthly meal date with an elderly relative or offering to babysit your friend’s children could be one of the nicest things you can do. And volunteering your time to help at a local charity will always leave you feeling full of kindness.