This season’s local gifting guide

This year’s guide from Produced in Kent

Kicking off our list are the experts in the game – Produced in Kent. Every year, we wait in anticipation for their Christmas guide, full to the brim with unique ideas that’ll make the season sparkle. Support your local businesses and have a read through their gifting guide, where days out, hampers, foodie experiences and more await.

Tick off the list in Thanet

Shopping can certainly be done stress-free, in style. Just ask our friends over in Thanet, who have got plenty of options on where to go to find that perfect present for kids from 1 to 92. And with plenty of places to stop off along the way for a warming drink and hearty bite to eat, we can’t think of anywhere better to finish up our Christmas gifting.

Westgate Hall

16^th & 30^th November, 1^st & 15^th December

One of our favourite markets in Canterbury, the Westgate Hall, is home to some of our favourite local producers (hey, Corkk Wines!), and there’s no time like now to show the love. Year-round they bring us beautifully crafted food, drink, jewellery, artwork, décor, beauty products, plants (the list goes on…), and this month sees the start of their festive specials. So, grab your favourite shopping buddy, head to Canterbury, and get ready to check those lists, and tick a few things off.

Margate Old Town

While we’re on the subject of those “It’s really got everything you need” spots, we’d be remiss not to mention Margate’s Old Town. Tucked away off the coastline, just a ten-minute walk from the train station, this cosy spot will have you exploring lanes filled with independent shops, peering through windows at original artwork, and even stopping off for a bite to eat once all the hard work is done. A vintage jumper for Dad from Breuer & Dawson, the latest off your best friend’s Goodreads list from The Margate Bookshop, or a brand new bow tie for your furry friend from Hiro + Wolf, so they look extra dapper come the holidays? Margate, you truly have it all…

Festive Gift & Food Show

At the Kent Event Centre, 15^th-17^th November

With the region’s biggest festive shopping fair being hosted in November, this is one weekend you’ll want to keep clear. Head down to the Kent Event Centre to take in the fantastic range of goodies at their Festive Gift & Food Show. Packed with Christmas gifts for all ages, delicious food and drink, and plenty of gifting inspiration (for even the toughest people to buy for!), this is your shopping experience, made fun.

Petticoat Lane Emporium

So, this is Christmas…and one thing we’ve most certainly done is made a trip to the Petticoat Lane Emporium – Kent’s largest indoor marketplace. Where better to find those hidden gems, the unforgettably unique stocking fillers, the gifts that your loved ones will truly cherish, than within these 200+ stalls? This Ramsgate present-treasure trove will have everything you’re looking for and more – vintage, retro, craft, fashion, art, antiques…time to get browsing!  

Christmas Markets

And for even more inspiration on gift getting, we’ve put together a list of the top festive markets across the county, from a winter wonderland in the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, to a Christmas cracker of a day out by the seaside. Stocking fillers, unforgettable gifts, and even a treat for yourself? They’ve got it…

Mixing it up at The Falstaff

Give the gift that keeps on giving, with an evening Cocktail Masterclass at one of Canterbury’s most luxurious venues. Hop off the train, and within minutes you’ll find yourself stepping through the doors of The Falstaff and into its warm and welcoming bar. Learn from the mixologists and try your hand and shaking, stirring, and sipping some delicious local tipples. Take away some fantastic knowledge, and you’ve learnt some lifelong skills that’ll impress forever!

Outdoors adventure with Canoe Wild

One thing we love about giving an experience, is that the lead up to the day is just as exciting as the gift itself. That certainly rings true when it comes to a voucher with Canoe Wild, which will give that lucky someone a day in the diary to look forward to, come spring. Kayak, canoe, and explore the Kentish outdoors, heading off on an adventure that’ll see you enjoying our beautiful landscape. Plus, with Black Friday and Christmas deals coming soon, you can save on some unmissable gifts.

Walking in the Winter at WonderWorks

From its beginnings as the Hornby Visitor Centre, allow us to welcome you to the reimagined world of WonderWorks, where a day out for everyone awaits. Born from a passion to engage, educate, and let creativity run free, we can’t recommend a trip here enough. Rediscover your sense of wonder and get stuck into the miniature models, interactive displays, and even build your own creations. But don’t forget – you’re here looking for a gift! Why not browse the collection in their shop or, better yet, gift an experience here? Afternoon tea, anyone…?

Relax and restore with Boys Hall

Centuries of stories can be found at Boys Hall, a carefully restored 17^th century house within the Kent countryside that is calling our name this winter. Whether you’re treating a loved one to a night away, or you’re overdue a staycation, the team at Boys Hall are ready to bring you a night away that will have you feeling relaxed and restored. Be pampered beyond belief, tuck into delicious locally sourced meals, and experience our county to the fullest. With plenty of experiences on offer both on site and in the area, you can count on this trip being one to remember…

Macknade

Helping us with those Christmas wish lists, Macknade's seasonal collection has got our mouths watering and our bellies rumbling. With local at the heart of their craft, you can rest assured that each of the makers in this Faversham food hall will bring their best to the table, putting together a festive hamper straight out of your dreams. A slice of creamy Kentish blue on a cracker, a serving roasted sprouts grown just down the road, or perhaps a taste of some pancetta, brought from a little further afield? Yes, please!

Battle of Britain Memorial

History buff in the family? In need of a unique Christmas gift? Look no further…not only is The Battle of Britain Memorial one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon in Kent, but their visitor centre has plenty of gifting options for you to choose from. Inside The Wing, after you’ve browsed their books, prints, first aid covers, model aircrafts, and more (all signed by one or more of the aircrew who took part in the Battle!), we’re sure you’ll find that perfect present.

Penshurst Place

While the house and gardens may be closed for winter, Penshurst Place itself is the gift that keeps on giving – with their café and gift shop open year-round, we’ve got just the place in mind to stock up on some of those presents. Unique gifts from local brands await - an ornament to suit any tree, a fabulous cashmere scarf, or some stunning home décor. Top it all off with a cake and hot drink in their café, and that’s the day made!

The Saltworks

It’s not Christmas without the smells, and the team at The Saltworks is helping you this year to level up your scent gifting game. Handmade candles, soaps, diffusers, and even a dedicated gifting set are all on our giving list this year (and maybe our wishlists too!). Oh, and did we mention their cruelty free, vegan, and sustainable? Boxes, ticked.