We know for some Christmas shopping can be your worst nightmare, and you might be tempted to open your laptop and browse online. But with so many shops to visit here in Kent, we thought we’d help by providing some great suggestions on how you can shop away and find lots of wonderful gift ideas. Okay, for those who really aren’t convinced about the whole ‘Christmas shopping day out’ idea, we’ve thrown in a couple of ideas where you can purchase some goodies online.
Looking for more ways to make the most of Christmas in Kent? Check out Produce in Kent Christmas Directory, providing you with more Christmas gift ideas, foodies spots and experiences! Step into Christmas in Kent.
What’s first up on our Christmas shopping list…
Ashford Designer Outlet
It’s a no-brainer, a trip to Ashford Designer Outlet is a MUST at this time of year! You can quite easily get through your whole Christmas list here with over 100 shops, from clothing and jewellery to accessories and technology. What’s more, after your busy morning shopping, you can grab a bite to eat from one of the restaurants or chill out with a coffee and reward yourself for getting through a 10 page shopping list.
Anno Distillers at Bluewater
Now, do you have a member of the family whose favourite choice of tipple is rum or gin? Or perhaps it’s one of your friends go-to drinks on a night out? So why not gift them with a special bottle this Christmas. We’re loving the sound of the Anno Candlelight Pink Rhubarb Rum, or the Anno Cranberry & Gin, aren’t you? You can find Anno Distillers in Bluewater Shopping Centre (that’s a bonus, you can grab some other bits whilst you’re there!) or have a browse online and discover more.
Westwood Cross
Next up on our Christmas shopping list is a day out at Westwood Cross. Here you’ll find all your big brands like JD Sports, Primark and Next so there’s plenty of shops to explore when you’re hunting for the perfect gift. With jewellery stores and perfume stores too, it might just be the place where you tick off that gift for a special someone (the most important gift of them all!). You can quite easily make a day of it here and decide to grab some lunch before heading to the cinema to relax after all your hard work. Plus the shops are open until 7:30pm on a weekday so there's time to fit in some Christmas shopping after work!
Photo credit: Matt Wilson
Shopping in Canterbury
Ah Canterbury at Christmas. The twinkling lights up above, the smell of the festive goodies from the market stalls and the feel-good vibe in the air, there’s no doubt that a shopping day in Canterbury is happening this Christmas. Whitefriars Shopping Centre has plenty of shops where you can find gifts for the whole family, plus the Christmas Market has festive huts full of unique gifts, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a browse around a Christmas market at this time of year.
Curious Brewery
From gift sets to gift vouchers, Curious Brewery are in full festive mode this Christmas, offering a variety of wonderful stocking fillers. Their gift set is perfect for the lager lover, or perhaps a mix up box might go down a treat, or you could always purchase a gift voucher for a tour of the brewery or a delicious meal at the restaurant.
Shop til you drop in Maidstone
So, you’re exploring Maidstone on the hunt to find the ultimate gift this Christmas? Luckily for you, Maidstone has plenty of options from The Mall and Fremlin Walk, as well as many of the excellent independent stores in town. And their opening hours are extended so your shopping trip can take place under the twinkling festive lights. Maidstone Distillery is another wonderful idea for a gift this Christmas, with vouchers, hampers and gift sets all available.
Shepherd Neame
Whether it’s a delicious meal or a cosy night away, Shepherd Neame knows how to provide you with a wonderful experience. And of course, there’s no exception when it comes to Christmas gifts. Browse their online shop and you’ll come across a selection of beers, ciders, and ales as well as a variety of Shepherd Neame gifts from golf gift sets to home bar bundles. But the thing you really want to hear about is their special Christmas Ale – the perfect gift this Christmas.
Penshurst Place
Although Penshurst Place and Gardens are now closed for the winter months, you can still head there to browse their Gift Shop which has been transformed into a winter wonderland full of treats in time for Christmas. Providing a selection of homeware, cards, gifts, Kentish goodies and more, if you need to purchase some stocking fillers or a special present then it’s worth checking out! Whilst you’re there nip into the Porcupine Pantry Café and treat yourself to a yummy cake. “Go on then, as it’s Christmas”.
Chapel Down
Celebrate Christmas with Chapel Down and find the ultimate gift for those wine lovers. From luxury, festive hampers to mixed cases of their favourite tipples, you’re spoilt for choice so it’s time to spoil your loved one! Their festive offers are now on, so it’s time to get browsing!
Tudor Peacock
Does Kentish wine make a wonderful festive gift? Why of course it does! Shop Tutor Peacock's online selection of your favourite Kentish wines, from Biddenden to Balfour. Pop it in a festive gift bag and remind the lucky recipient to share a glass with you this Christmas!
