I want to do my best to help our local Dorset small businesses this Christmas. Why? As this is the time of year that they will gain most of their income. We are in a society that we are always looking for new quirky gifts, something different that stands out and shopping small can not only do that but help put a smile on someone else’s face. Here is my 2019 list of small shops and businesses in Dorset to buy from this Christmas.
Gin
Gin is still very popular and Dorset is very lucky to have a small selection on companies that produce or sell it.
- Conker – Bournemouth based – https://www.conkerspirit.co.uk
- Pothercary – Christchurch based – pothecarygin.co.uk
- Smith & Weston – Dorset Coast based – https://www.smithandwestondrinks.co.uk
- Minster Gin – Wimborne based – https://beaucroftbeverages.com/product/minster-gin
- Viper Gin – Cerne Abbas based – https://viperspirit.co.uk
Artists and Craft Makers
Dorset has a some very talented artists and here are some of my favourites. Your find Christmas cards, prints and much more than just a basic present for those you love. From Cow face selfies to hand painted Christmas Baubles who can’t go wrong.
- Lucy Tidbury – Swanage based – https://www.lucysfarm.co.uk
- Lisa Berkshire Design – somewhere in the Dorset countryside – https://www.theillustratedworldoflisaberkshire.co.uk
- Rosanne Bell – https://www.rozanne-bell.com
- Mt Nest Crafts –www.mtnestcrafts.co.uk
- The Rhubarb Candle Company – Dorchester based – https://therhubarbcandlecompany.co.uk
- Rhubarb Hill Crafts – Dorchester based – https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Rhubarbhillcrafts/items
- Stars and Raindrops – not Dorset, but a South Coast Devon based small business – https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Starsandraindrops?ref
- Handmade Dorset – https://www.handmadedorset.co.uk
- The Art of Dorset Words – https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheArtofWordsDorset
- Tide Dorset – Weymouth based – https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TideDorset
Beauty
Beauty isn’t just about making yourself look good or feel good, but it’s also about you being able to have some you time and there are many small businesses in Dorset who can help you out.
- BH beauty room – Poole based – https://www.facebook.com/bhbeautyroom/
- Blushington Beauty – Poole based – https://www.facebook.com/blushingtonbeauty/
- West Dorset Soap – https://www.westdorsetsoap.com
- Lush – Originally founded in Poole – https://uk.lush.com
- My Antidote Massage – Poole based – https://myantidotemassage.com
- Bao Skin Care – Poole based – https://www.baoskincare.co.uk
Food and Drinks
Now to the good stuff. The food and the drink. The stuff that makes Christmas in my eyes and to be fair most of these little treasures you’ll find all year round if you go to the Dorset food festivals and in most Deli’s or Farm shops around the county. At Chrsitmas though you will find some new flavours, specials and of course Christmas puds.
- Forest Edge Roasting Co – On the board of both Dorset and Hampshire –https://forestedgeroasting.co.uk
- Lyme Bay Winery – Some will say edge of Dorset, some will say Devon – https://www.lymebaywinery.co.uk
- Black cow Vodka – West Dorset – https://www.blackcow.co.uk
- Dorset Ginger – Poole based – https://www.dorsetginger.ltd
- Dorset Tea – Ferndown based – https://www.dorsettea.co.uk
- Gilded Teapot – Dorchester based – https://www.thegildedteapot.com
- A Jar Of – Sturminster Newton – https://www.ajar-of.co.uk
- Chococo – Swanage based – https://www.chococo.co.uk
- Ma Bolton Produce – Bournemouth based – https://www.mabolton.co.uk
- Bayside Bakery – West Dorset based – https://baysidebakery.co.uk
- Dorset Blue Vinney – Sturminstr Newton – https://www.dorsetblue.com
- Pamphill – Wimborne based – https://www.pamphilldairy.co.uk
- Dorset Chilli Shop – Bournemouth based – https://www.dorsetchillishop.co.uk
Other
There are many other things that you can buy this year including vouchers, gifts for Pets, baby bits & bobs or some new clothes. There is a small shop for all.
- Loving by Nature – Dorchester based – https://www.lbndorset.com
- Made in Harmony – Dorchester based – https://www.facebook.com/MadeInHarmonyUK
- The Dog and I – https://www.thedogandi.co.uk
- Dorset Cruises – Poole based – https://dorsetcruises.co.uk
- Dorset Alpaca Walking – Dorset Countryside – dorsetalpacawalking.co.uk/
- Wyvern Alpacas –Dorset Countryside – https://wyvernalpacas.com
- Brewhouse and Kitchen – Dorchester, Bournemouth, Poole – https://www.brewhouseandkitchen.com
- Craft Cow Co – Poole based – https://www.thecraftycowco.com
- Treasure Vinyl’s – Poole based – https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TreasureVinyls
ginandcoast.co.uk 