7 Ways to Shop Local in Suffolk this Christmas

As the last pumpkins get taken in and the Halloween decorations put away for another year, November has brought with it a definite chill in the air to Suffolk this week. But let’s not dwell on those colder darker mornings, instead let’s embrace the beginning of the most exciting celebration winter brings us – Christmas! Have you started your festive shopping yet? Are you a one-day wonder getting it all done in a major shopping spree, arms laden with bags? Or do you pop in and out of town, steadily ticking items off your list throughout the lead up? However you do it, I wanted to share with you my new favourite places to find some fantastic present ideas for your loved ones – not from big retailers either, but smaller local shops all right here in Suffolk, in Ipswich town centre.

So, whether it’s a one stop day out you are looking for, or some new independent shops to browse for those tricky to buy for on your Christmas list:

Here are my top picks of independent shops in Ipswich town centre, bursting with gift ideas for Christmas 2022…

1. Coes

Beautiful displays are obviously their forte in Coes, I was impressed as soon as I opened the door. As an independent department store with multiple sections, this felt a great shop to start in, when Christmas shopping. With so many different offerings all under one roof, this is certainly one of those shops you could tick lots of different family members off the present list in one fell swoop.

I started in their men’s department, where they have an array of classic brands across different traditional Christmas present offerings, such as wallets and watches. Their sock display especially, was full of funky colours and prints for fun stocking stuffers. This leads into the drinks section, again an impressive variety of premium alcohol on offer, including many of Suffolk’s own Adnam’s spirits to choose from.

The standout department in Coes for me though, was their homeware gifts. The neon rainbow of colour hits you immediately with an eclectic range of interesting gifts to choose from. I loved all the different candles especially – from dip die marble to metallic bubble blocks, these coupled with the artfully packaged matches, look a great gift option.

2.Twist n Shout

Another Ipswich independent full of Christmas gift ideas was Twist n Shout. A menswear shop catering to lots of different styles, it certainly couldn’t be described as boring. With their stretch of brightly coloured shirts on display as soon as you step in the door – it’s full of fab Christmas night out inspiration and gift ideas for men. There’s also some tailored pieces, including stylish winter suits, plus a large collection of retro clothes including Lambretta parkers upstairs.

3. Craftability & Crafty Baba

If you are creative or crafty and haven’t visited Craftibility in Ipswich, then you are in for a treat. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I was walking down the little entrance passageway – but you soon come into a bustling store crammed full of craft supplies.

There are kits and sets already to go, or you could put together your own package for the crafty recipient on your Christmas list. There’s a large unit full of letters and figures to decoupage for example, with rows and rows of different papers to choose from. Another shop to visit is Crafty Baba. With different coloured wool covering the length of this little shop, Crafty Baba is another great one to visit if you are after sewing or knitting gifts.

4. Carats Jewellers

Moving onto jewellery. As something that’s such a special and personal gift to give at Christmas, the independent jewellers Carats was full of beautiful pieces when I visited. From classic gold and silver to a wide selection of premium watches – there’s lots to choose from when it comes to picking a gift for someone to treasure.

As well as the classic jewellery on display, there were some lovely cheaper sets too, featuring different animals, that I think would be a great option for teens especially. The titanium collections too, offered something a little bit different, with some great colour pieces with unusual designs.

5. Cromwells and Zest

How about gifting some preloved finds as presents this Christmas? It was my first time going to Cromwells on Nicholas Street this week and it’s an absolute gold mine. The sun was streaming in through the window when I visited. The rays bouncing off and breathing new life into the glitzy brooches and retro crockery, as I had a lovely time wandering around the vintage displays.

Another second-hand shop full of gift ideas was Zest. Not only did they have an impressive wall of clothes, perfect for those looking to embrace 90’s fashion again for the second time around, but also some new products, namely handmade naturel soaps and lots of eco-friendly products such as cloths and sponges all nicely packaged up, ideal for presents.

6. Zeebra Chic

Along with Christmas presents, the festive decorations are now coming out in full force in Ipswich’s shops. One such shop fully stocked of traditional and contemporary decorations is Zeebra Chic. Alongside rails of women’s clothes and lots of lovely homeware gift items, there’s a big variety of Christmas decorations to suit all manner of Christmas decorating colour schemes.

7. Loveone and Mauds Attic

The last two independent boutiques I really enjoyed browsing were close together on St Peters Street – Mauds Attic and Loveone. Both packed with beautiful Christmas gift ideas, you could certainly tick a few different people off your lists in either of these. Mauds Attic was full of rich vibrant colours with packed with beautiful cushions and soft furnishings as well as unusual jewellery pieces. Loveone likewise has an eclectic range of products. From adorable unusual soft toys, to plants and luxury bars of Christmas spiced chocolate, there were lots of different gift options to consider.