This Christmas 2022, make your friends and family feel extra special – with SoGlos rounding up gorgeous Gloucestershire gift ideas from wonderful independent businesses across the county.
Christmas gifts from Ian Coley Sporting
Gift idea
For a Christmas gift that goes with a BANG, Ian Coley is offering gift vouchers for its clay shooting experiences and professional tuition at the renowned shooting school near Cheltenham this Christmas.
Gift-givers can choose from a range of all-inclusive tuition vouchers, catering for different abilities; while the Have-a-Go experiences are perfect for those who have never held a shotgun, offering a cost-effective way to try clay shooting for the first time – with a choice of 25 or 50 clays, costing £54 or £95. Suitable for ages 10 and above, they also make a lovely gift for a fun-loving family.
SoGlos loves
Perfect for a thoughtful – but last-minute – present, Ian Coley’s gift vouchers can be sent directly to the recipient with next day delivery options available.
To buy
Visit iancoley.co.uk/gift-vouchers.
Christmas gifts from Gloucestershire author, Alex Gardiner
Gift idea
Support local talent and surprise the literature lover in your life by picking up a copy of The Devil's Magistrate — a new thriller novel from Cheltenham-based author, Alex Gardiner, released just in time for filling up those Christmas stockings.
The Devil's Magistrate: His past is always present is Gardiner's debut novel, following a former agent and terrorist, who is living as a magistrate and landlord in Cheltenham, who mistakenly believes his other life is behind him. Packed with intriguing plot twists and turns, it's sure to keep the reader guessing until the very end.
SoGlos loves
Having served in the British Army, soldiered in the SAS with Andy McNab, and commanded the First Regiment of the Sultan’s Special Force in Southern Oman, Gardiner's novel is written with insider knowledge, drawing on his extensive military experience as well as his local links.
To buy
Visit amazon.co.uk/devils-magistrate.
Christmas gifts from the Everyman Theatre
Gift idea
Treat a theatre lover to a thoughtful gift this Christmas, with an exclusive year-long membership to the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.
The membership programme offers priority access perks for a whole year, including at least 24 hours advance notification of new events showing on stage, discounted tickets, exclusive special offers and even a birthday gift. An individual priority access membership costs £45 for the year.
SoGlos loves
Gift givers will be supporting a great cause, with proceeds from the membership programme supporting the Everyman Theatre in its commitment to community engagement. The theatre regularly works with local schools, libraries and youth theatre groups, as well as providing vital resources to local charities like The National Star College, Gloucestershire Hospital Education Service and Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees to help them engage disenfranchised people.
To buy
Visit everymantheatre.org.uk/membership.
Christmas gifts from Gloucester Quays
Gift idea
Can't decide what to buy? A Gloucester Quays gift card makes an excellent present this Christmas, giving the lucky recipient money to spend at a choice of over 40 designer and high street brands, all with up to 70 per cent off retail prices.
Fashion fans can treat themselves to a brand new wardrobe from the likes of All Saints, Barbour, Calvin Klein, Jack Wills, Levi’s, Ted Baker and Tommy Hilfiger; with Beauty Outlet, The Fragrance Shop, Molton Brown and The Cosmetics Company offering an impressive array of bath, body, perfume and beauty products.
For sporty types, there’s Adidas, Asics, Gloucester Rugby, Mountain Warehouse, Raging Bull, The North Face, Trespass and Weird Fish. Then there’s Denby, Le Creuset and ProCook for home and cookware fans; plus Hotel Chocolat and Lindt for those with a sweet tooth.
SoGlos loves
On top of all the fantastic brands and discounts available in store, Gloucester Quays also plays host to the Festive Orchard Street Market, taking place every weekend in the run up to Christmas from Saturday 5 November 2022. Grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine as you shop for the most unique Christmas gifts in the county, with the south west's best producers, crafters and makers selling everything from artisan cheese and chutney to handmade tree decorations.
If that wasn't enough, Gloucester Quays' much anticipated open-air ice rink returns from Thursday 24 November 2022, providing festive family fun and a magical atmosphere.
To buy
Gloucester Quays gift cards are available to buy from Customer Services when the centre is open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
Christmas gifts from Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Gift idea
For a heart-warming treat for animal lovers this Christmas, give the gift of sponsoring a dog, cat or small animal pen at Cheltenham Animal Shelter with its Pet Pen Sponsorship initiative.
Each Pet Pen Sponsorship donation supports the work of the shelter and helps to make each animal’s stay more comfortable – with the festive gift contributing towards the costs of cosy bedding, food, toys and veterinary care if needed.
SoGlos loves
A thoughtful present that lasts a whole year, sponsors will receive regular pet updates about the animals in their pen, as well as a personalised thank you certificate. The sponsorship can be given either as a recurring gift for £5 per month or alternatively can be purchased for 12-months for a single one-off payment of £60, for either yourself or a friend!
Cheltenham Animal Shelter also offers Christmas cards and 2023 calendars for gifting, too.
To buy
Visit gawa.org.uk or pop in to the Cheltenham Animal Shelter reception.
Christmas gifts from Made in Gloucestershire
Gift idea
What better way to celebrate Christmas in Gloucestershire than by giving the gift of incredible local produce? For fantastic foodie presents, head to the Made in Gloucestershire website to discover a smorgasbord of county businesses that have its seal of approval.
For friends and family who like a tipple, there's gin from the likes of Sibling Distillery in Cheltenham, Fox's Kiln in Gloucester and Twisting Spirits in Tewkesbury; rum from The Boutique Distillery in Quedgeley; locally produced wine from Woodchester Valley Vineyard; cider from Orchard Revival; and beers from Bespoke Brewery in the Forest of Dean, Gloucester Brewery and Stroud Brewery.
Coffee aficionados will love receiving an Aeropress or V60 kit and some locally roasted coffee from Ethical Addictions in Cheltenham or Fire & Flow in Cirencester; while Forest Deli, Godsells Cheese, Kitchen Garden and The Artisan Kitchen have cheese and chutney covered. Naff and Tubby Tom's deliver the goods for hot sauce, barbecue and spice fans; Truffle Hunter has truffle-infused everything for those who enjoy the finer things in life; not forgetting Non Solo Pasta, whose traditional Italian panettone makes for a gorgeous - and tasty - gift.
SoGlos loves
As well as shopping for lovely presents, Made in Gloucestershire has plenty of inspiration on where to shop for your Christmas food too. With high quality meat on offer from Artisan Jack Cotswold butchers, Barrow Hill Farm, Cinderhill Farm, Eastington Farm Shop, Martins Meats and Todenham Manor Farm, as well as the aforementioned businesses selling artisan cheese, chutney, wine, beer, spirits and so much more, fill your festive table with incredible Gloucestershire produce and say cheers to our beautiful county this Christmas.
To buy
To see the full list of Made in Gloucestershire members, visit madeingloucestershire.com.
Christmas gifts from New Brewery Arts
Gift idea
For beautiful and sustainable Christmas gifts, head to New Brewery Arts in Cirencester for its A Crafted Christmas event, where 100 UK-based crafters and makers are selling their wares right up until Christmas Eve.
From handmade wooden Christmas decorations and carefully crafted ceramics to hand-printed fabrics and unique jewellery, there's an eclectic mix of products to browse, with all of them designed to last a lifetime. Plus, there's a fantastic selection of items for under £30, proving that buying thoughtful, sustainable Christmas gifts doesn't have to cost the Earth.
SoGlos loves
New Brewery Arts is hosting two special events as part of A Crafted Christmas. The museum's expert team is offering 30-minute personal shopping experiences on Sunday 27 November 2022 to mark Museum Shop Sunday; while Making Merry on Thursday 8 December 2022 gives visitors the chance to enjoy late night shopping, free drop-in craft activities and festive treats from the Glaze Café.
To buy
Pop into A Crafted Christmas at New Brewery Arts from Saturday 29 October to Saturday 24 December 2022.
Christmas gifts and decorations from Trioscape Garden Centre
Gift idea
Trioscape Garden Centre’s Christmas department is open now – and it's packed with
gift ideas, stocking fillers galore, seasonal plants and a host of fabulous festive decorations.
The independent garden centre in Newent is home to baubles, tree decorations, artificial trees, magical lights and much more, so visitors can create their very own winter wonderland in the comfort of their home. It also sells gift vouchers for the shop and the restaurant, so you can treat someone special to afternoon tea, a tasty meal, or a shopping trip to get their garden looking gorgeous.
SoGlos loves
Visitors who've shopped ‘til they’ve dropped can head to Trioscape’s popular restaurant, where they can refuel on a range of festive food and drink. There’s Christmas lunch served every Tuesday and the chance for families to have breakfast with Santa on Saturday 17 December 2022, too!
To buy
Pop into Trioscape Garden Centre's Christmas department, which is open seven days a week, or visit trioscape.co.uk.
Christmas gifts from Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Gift idea
Treat wildlife lovers to a real feel-good gift this Christmas, with a year-long membership to WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre.
Giving members unlimited entry to Slimbridge for a whole year — as well as access to the other nine WWT sites, an exclusive membership pack and latest issues of Waterlife magazine — an individual adult membership costs £57, while it’s £87 for a joint membership and £96 for a family membership.
SoGlos loves
Gift givers will be supporting a great cause, as proceeds from the membership programme help the WWT to fund crucial projects at Slimbridge and its other wetland centres, maintaining habitats for the return of beautiful winter birds such as geese, golden plover and Bewick’s swans.
To buy
Visit wwt.org.uk/membership.
Christmas gifts from Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum
Gift idea
A Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum membership is a wonderful year-round Christmas gift that any outdoorsy person is sure to enjoy, with the famous Westonbirt Arboretum being home to a world-class tree collection with beautiful spring florals and spectacular autumn colour.
Entitling members to a whole host of benefits, including free entry into Westonbirt Arboretum so your loved ones can enjoy every season, a single Friends of Westonbirt membership costs £40 and joint memberships cost £78.
Other member benefits include free entry for up to four children or grandchildren; discounts with local partners such as Cotswold Outdoor and Go Ape, as well as at the Westonbirt shop; and Member Tuesdays – where members are allowed to bring a family member for free on Tuesdays during winter months. Members also benefit from early bird booking for Forest Live concerts and the ever-popular Enchanted Christmas trail.
SoGlos loves
Every single acre of Westonbirt Arboretum needs continuous care to keep it thriving for generations to come — and there's the option to support a square plot of the arboretum for £25 a year and even give it a name, which makes for a great Christmas gift if your special someone cherishes a particular part of the arboretum.
To buy
Visit fowa.org.uk/membership/christmas. Christmas memberships need to be purchased by midnight on Tuesday 13 December 2022 for guaranteed Christmas delivery.
Christmas gifts from Gloucestershire author, EK Brown
Gift idea
Settle down beside the fire with a new book this Christmas from Cotswolds author EK Brown.
Published earlier this year, Wild Space examines lives thrown into chaos during the global pandemic and answers the question; when everyday life is abandoned, what takes its place?
Full of simmering tension, the fast paced thriller centres around four housemates forced to face hidden secrets during the confines of lockdown.
The claustrophobic, pressure cooker environment creates twists and turns that lead to love, broken hearts and a trail of devastating consequences.
SoGlos loves
Written by SoGlos senior staff writer Emma Luther, under the pen name of EK Brown, Wild Space covers beauty spots across Gloucestershire and the south west.
Described by readers as a gripping page turner, Wild Space was written during the uncertain days of the pandemic and perfectly distills the spirit of the time.
To buy
Visit amazon.co.uk/wild-space
Christmas gifts for your dog from Cotswold RAW
Gift idea
Cotswold RAW is playing Santa Paws this Christmas, with its range of nutritious raw food and treats giving dogs something to celebrate, which is not only delicious but good for them, too.
Working closely with its veterinary and nutritional consultant to produce delicious raw food for dogs, Cotswold RAW has created the ‘Three Bird Raw’. Packed with organic and free-range chicken and turkey, it’s a play on the traditional three bird roast that’s pawfect for Christmas day.
The pup-passionate company also provides a great selection of raw food and natural treats full of nutrients, which would make an excellent present for your pooch — including the special Christmas treat box ‘Arthur’s 12 Days of Christmas’, bursting with their favourite flavours!
SoGlos loves
Launching just in time for Christmas in mid-November, dogs will also love lapping up Cotswold RAW's brand-new bone broth — a great source of protein, packed with minerals and nutrients, that's sure to get tails wagging.
To buy
Visit cotswoldraw.com.
Christmas gifts from Cheltenham Racecourse
Gift idea
New Year’s Day racing is a tradition at Cheltenham Racecourse and an excellent way to get some fresh air and catch up with friends and family, while researching which horses to back at The Festival in March.
Treat your loved ones to a fun day out, with tickets for the Best Mate enclosure costing £12, or the Club/Tatts enclosure costing £30 with family entertainment laid on, while under 18s can go racing for free with paying adults.
For en extra special treat, you can also upgrade to a hospitality package. Priced at £200 per person, the Gold Cup Restaurant Package includes a three-course buffet, light afternoon tea and a table for the day, plus admission and parking.
SoGlos loves
As well as being an excellent opportunity to get dressed up and even give some of those Christmas gifts an outing, New Year’s Day racing at Cheltenham Racecourse is super family-friendly.
Among the free family fun to be had, Paddington, The Snowman and The Snow Dog will be in attendance, there’ll also be walking pet balloons, face painting, Christmas unicorns and bouncy castles to keep smiles on little ones’ faces.
To buy
Visit thejockeyclub.co.uk.
Christmas gifts from Longborough Festival Opera
Gift idea
If you're stuck for present ideas, why not consider the gift of opera? This Christmas, give loved ones the chance to experience opera in intimate and beautiful surroundings at Longborough Festival Opera, with a thoughtful gift voucher – perfect for the opera lover in your life.
Filled with poetic stories, dancing and singing, the unique summer festival takes place in a 500-seat theatre and welcomes opera performances created especially for the festival every year – all
enjoyed against stunning views of the Evenlode Valley.
SoGlos loves
Gift vouchers are available in any amount and can either be sent digitally – great for meaningful, but last minute gifts – or presented in a printed card. Plus, there's free postage on all orders placed before Christmas.
To buy
Call the Longborough Festival Opera box office on (01451) 830292 from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm, or visit lfo.org.uk.
Christmas gifts for your dog from Be More Bob
Gift idea
Make it a merry Christmas for your four-legged friend, by treating them to some festive goodies from Be More Bob, Cheltenham's specialist dog store.
There's something to suit every pooch, from stuffed toys to snuggle up with and bouncy balls for playing fetch; to natural treats and meaty snacks to enjoy while the humans tuck into their Christmas dinner.
Plus, as a premier Ruffwear stockist with one of the biggest try-on zones in the country, Be More Bob also has a huge range of apparel for keeping dogs warm on Christmassy walks, with waterproof coats, stylish sweaters and fleeces for pups of all shapes and sizes.
SoGlos loves
Shop dog Bob has his pals sorted this Christmas with his curated selection of gift bundles. Playful pups will love Bob's Brilliant Fun Bundle, featuring Christmas-themed toys and pigs in blanket treats; while hungry hounds will find plenty of pleasure in making their way through the Chompy Christmas Bundle, including pure meat sticks, gourmet chipolata sausages and no-hide turkey chew.
To buy
Visit Be More Bob's store on Winchcombe Street in Cheltenham, open from 10.30am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 11am to 4pm on Sundays; or place an order online via bemorebob.co.uk.
Christmas gifts from The Fairview Gardener
Gift idea
If you have a green-fingered friend or family member, why not surprise them with a gift voucher for Gloucester's award-winning garden centre, The Fairview Gardener, this Christmas?
These thoughtful vouchers can be used to purchase a wide selection of tools, potted arrangements, seeds and bulbs to help keep the garden in pristine shape; they can also be exchanged for a delightful afternoon tea at The Tea Room; or to buy clothing such as wellies, or scarves for keeping snug through the winter!
SoGlos loves
Plus, The Fairview Gardener's gift shop - winner of the SoGlos Homes and Interiors business of the year in 2019 - offers a brilliant selection of handpicked items for loved ones, including pictures, seasonal gifts, local artisan crafters' work and other unique presents.
To buy
Visit fairviewgardener.co.uk or visit the store in person.
Christmas gifts from Hetty's Kitchen
Gift idea
Giving Santa's elves a run for their money, Hetty's brownie wizards have been hard at work, creating a brand-new Christmas collection of festive fudgey treats.
Swap the traditional Terry's Chocolate Orange for Hetty's Choccy Oranges – brownie balls filled with tangy orange marmalade truffle, which are much easier to bite into – or trade your gingerbread house for Hetty's Brownie Tree and Truffle Kit, with the chance to create a decorated brownie tree and a selection of brownie truffles, as well as Christmas paper crafts.
Keep sweet-toothed friends and family satisfied with boxes of Hetty's fudgey brownies and blondies including slabs of mince pie blondies. This month's Christmas-themed lucky dip box features flavours like caramel coin brownie and gingerbread blondie as well as the option to order a whole box of your favourite festive flavour, too.
SoGlos loves
For hardcore brownie lovers, a Hetty's gift subscription makes the perfect Christmas gift. Choose from three, six or 12 months – or extend the generosity to keep the brownies coming on a rolling basis – to treat them to a monthly lucky dip box of either five or 10 slices, with exciting new flavours to try every month.
To buy
Visit hettyskitchen.co.uk/festive to order for UK-wide delivery or collection from Hetty's Kitchen Café and Bakery on Morelands Trading Estate in Gloucester.
