Finding the perfect gift isn’t always easy, especially at this time of year, when you have to think of something special and meaningful for more than one person.
…And it doesn’t help that your best friend is extremely fussy, your parents have asked for underwear again, your partner won’t give you any clues what they want, and the kids will reject anything that isn’t more expensive than they deserve.
But don’t fret.
Gifts don’t have to always be what someone wants or expects – the original gift of a unique surprise still does exist.
To help you, we’ve come up with some of our favourite gift ideas.
And what’s even better is they are all local products or experiences, that support small businesses or artisans!
1) Food and Drink
Let’s be honest, you’ve done your best to attempt some form of a diet over the past few months, to compensate for the inevitable ‘mistakes & slip-ups’ that occur over the festive season…
And is it really Christmas if you don’t indulge in your favourite foods and drinks?
The Bank
To the unknowing eye, a restaurant might seem a little out of place in a blog about giving ‘gifts’…
And whilst there wouldn’t be anything wrong with treating a loved one to a meal here (in fact we highly recommend it), the reason we’re featuring this option, is that they also sell restaurant gift vouchers and special Xmas food hampers!
From homemade jams, curds and biscuits – to their exquisite menu, celebrating locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
We think it’s the perfect gift for a gourmet aficionado!
Visit their website for more info – www.thebankrestaurantbarmouth.co.uk
Dylandwad Wine
Wales doesn’t only provide a bounty of edible products, it is home to the creators of some wonderful boozy tipples, from craft beer & cider to whiskey, gin, rum and even wine produced from Welsh vineyards!
There are few people in our local area with more passion or better knowledge than Dylandwad Wine, to steer you in the direction of the perfect nectar to best suit your palette.
As well as their vast selection of Welsh alcohol brands, they stock a carefully curated collection of beverages from around the globe, with a focus on small scale producers.
They also cater for those who like a little snack with their drink, offering a delicious assortment of locally produced snacks including biscuits, chocolate & crisps.
And you’re looking for a truly special gift, you can choose from their selection of hand-picked hampers.
Check our their fantastic selection online – www.dylanwad.co.uk
2) Jewellery and handmade arts & crafts
When it comes to traditional gift-giving, we accept that there is something very special about opening a hand-wrapped gift that has been chosen with plenty of love and thought.
So if you’re searching for a gift to wrap up for Christmas Day, then you might consider some of these wonderful local products.
SWAX Jewellery
What says ‘I love you’ or ‘I care about you’ better than something shiny and expensive
(although it doesn’t always have to cost as much as it looks).
Whilst jewellery can often feel repetitive, this unique jewellery store located in the heart of Barmouth, prides itself in being an eclectic independent jewellery store, like no other!
And we can attest to their claim, having perused the neatly displayed cabinets on many an occasion.
Generally not overpriced and true to their word, SWAX offer many unique items we’ve not seen elsewhere – especially famed for their exclusive Barmouth Bridge Charm.
If you’re looking for a luxurious gift for someone special, we highly recommend a visit.
Oriel Gallery
We accept art appreciation is highly subjective.
What we like about this gallery is their celebration of local landscapes and landmarks, which should strike a cord with anyone who has visited North Wales.
Perhaps you have a friend or relative with a soft-spot for the sceneries of Snowdonia?
As well as original works by their talented feature artists, they offer prints, coasters, placemats, cards, as well as art originals.
This is the place to buy your unique Xmas cards!
If you stay at our sister site Madryn Castle, you’ll find one or two original pieces purchased from Oriel on display.
Have a look at their collection online – www.orielgallery.co.uk
3) Experiences
We are firm believers that experiences are as good, if not better than physical objects (which lose their appeal over time, or end up in the bin).
A unique experience can provide a wonderful opportunity to spend memorable quality time with the people you care about.
Here’s some inspiration for festive season experiences.
Dipsy Dragon
Perhaps you know someone who enjoys creating art and making things with their hands, as much as they enjoy looking at art?
As well as selling their own collection of ceramic artwork, together with artwork and cards by their local guest artists, they provide the opportunity to get creative and create a clay masterpiece of your very own, in their Dipsy studio.
Dipsy Dragon offers a truly unique gift experience – www.dipsydragon.wales
Talyllyn Railway
An especially unique and fun way to experience the beautiful scenery of North Wales, particularly for younger rail-passengers!
“Steaming from Tywyn into Southern Snowdonia since 1865”
They have a schedule of specific routes and journeys over the festive period that will particularly excite the younger rail-passengers including ‘Tinsel & Turkey Tuesdays’
But the highlight journey is taking a steam train all the way to Santa’s grotto!
Check out their timetables and book your tickets online – www.talyllyn.co.uk
Lastly, but certainly not least…
Whether you’re visiting the area to pick up some of these wonderful gifts, visiting local attractions or enjoying a day out, you are going to need somewhere to stay!
Sarnfaen provides the ultimate Five Star Escape, located on the beach close to Barmouth, at the edge of Snowdonia – its the ideal base for your adventure in Wales.
Currently we are offering a special festive discount on our luxury accommodation – just use the code ‘Winter10’ when booking online.
You can check prices and availability here.
You could also check out our sister site Madryn Castle, located at the heart of the stunning Llŷn Peninsula, which you can enjoy using the same discount code.
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