Last-minute Christmas shopping guide
Makers shops, artisan fayres and other places to support local artists
Years ago, someone told me - by swiping a line from When Harry Met Sally - that I am one of those women who thinks they’re low maintenance when actually they’re high maintenance. I pondered this for a long time before deciding that, when it comes to gifts at least, they are probably right. I always thought I was undemanding to buy for, because I don’t expect anything large or expensive. For me it is genuinely the thought that counts. On reflection though, I can see how that might be far more difficult than flowers or perfume.
I do practice what I preach though - or at least I hope I do. It’s very possible that while I’m busy putting myself in their shoes and imagining what unique gift they would really love to receive, they are wishing I would just get them a generic bottle of red wine or a large tin of Celebrations.
There are many, many gift guides out there, so instead I’ve put together more of a Christmas shopping guide of some of the places where you can find individual gifts by North West-based artists and makers. If you know of more - and don’t mind sharing your secret - please let us all know in the comments.
And if you have a culture-lover in your life, you could always opt for a gift subscription to Stored Honey.
Last-minute Christmas shopping guide
Local makers shops: These are treasure troves of handmade cards, tree decorations and unusual gifts. In Merseyside, try Dorothy on Jordan Street Liverpool, Bluecoat Display Centre, Merseymade in West Kirby, Lancashire Makers in Churchtown and Made in Huyton. In Greater Manchester, there’s Manchester Craft and Design Centre, Flock and Gaggle in Salford and Afflecks. Cedar Farm in Mawdsley and Grasmere Gather are also worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Art gallery gift shops: Pick any gallery these days and you’ll find a well-stocked gift shop helping to fund the exhibitions. Some of those I don’t seem to be able to walk through without my wallet coming out are at the Whitworth, Open Eye Gallery and the Whittaker in Rossendale. I also love the shop at Yorkshire Sculpture Park but that might be a bit far for a shopping trip this late in the day - although there’s still just about time for the post to get to you before Christmas.
Also don’t forget about selling galleries such as dot-art in Liverpool or Ascot Studios in Ribchester, where you could pick up a small print if your budget allows.
Craft fayres: There are still a few of these left before Christmas, including Wilmslow Artisan Market on Saturday, December 20, Lowther Gardens Craft Fair this weekend (December 13-14) and The Hunters Artisan Market in Preston, also this weekend.
Directly from artists and makers: Unless you have already come across a particular person’s work, and can just search for their name, this is trickier than visiting a shop or fayre and seeing what you can find. Instagram is your friend here - I usually search for the medium or practice and location e.g. “Ceramicist Manchester” and see what comes up. You won’t find everyone but it should give you a good place to start.
Memberships: Many galleries now have memberships that offer free or discounted entry - or a range of other perks. They include Manchester Art Gallery, National Museums Liverpool, The Whitworth, Lakeland Arts, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery and The Harris. Or you could go for a National Art Pass, which gives 50% off exhibitions at galleries across the UK.
Theatres with memberships include Lowry, Storyhouse Chester, St Helens Theatre Royal, The Dukes in Lancaster, HOME, Royal Exchange Theatre and ATG (which includes the Liverpool Empire, Manchester Palace and Opera House and Blackpool Grand). Concert venues include Opera North, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, The Bridgewater Hall and Royal Northern College of Music.
Gift vouchers: If you’re completely out of time or have a friend who likes to choose things for themselves, then you could stick with this old favourite. But instead of vouchers to high street chains, pick an independent option. You can get gift vouchers to spend at Manchester Craft Centre and at Bluecoat Display Centre. Many theatres have their own voucher scheme or you could give Theatre Tokens.
See your work featured in Stored Honey
If you’re an artist, actor, theatre maker, curator, director or producer, I’d love to hear more about your work. You can submit details of an exhibition, performance or cultural event via this short form or send me an email to laura@lauracdavis.com. If you would like to take part in Stored Honey’s regular Meet the Artist feature, please answer the questions in this Q&A.
In case you missed it
Opening this week
It’s 20 years since Antony Gormley’s Another Place sculpture was unveiled on Crosby Beach and The Atkinson in Southport is marking the occasion with an exhibition of Ron Davies’ photographs of the art work. It runs from Saturday, December 13 to Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Now booking
If you didn’t manage to get to Miss Saigon’s run at Manchester Palace Theatre last month, you’ll be glad to know that it is returning to the same venue for another week from Tuesday, August 4 to Saturday, August 8, 2026. It will also be touring to the Liverpool Empire from Tuesday, April 21 to Saturday, May 2.
Thank you for reading the 158th edition of Stored Honey. If you enjoyed what you read then please hit the ❤️ button as it helps to get it shown more widely.
I’m off now to wrestle with some wrapping paper. In the meantime, you can submit details of an exhibition, performance or cultural event via this short form or send me an email to laura@lauracdavis.com. If you would like to take part in Stored Honey’s regular Meet the Artist feature, answer the questions in this Q&A form.
Have a great week,
Laura
P.S. University artists’ football club sculpture unveiled
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