December 7, 2018 | Posted in blog


The seasonal madness has started off with a bang, and it’s easy to be left behind trying to find that perfect individual gift.  “Things” get forgotten about… “Stuff” doesn’t last… So what can you buy friends and family this year that will truly stand out?
I’ve compiled a list of meaningful gift ideas for Horsham families, which anyone would be delighted to receive.

Why buy gifts from a local business?


So what’s in it for you? Well, I can think of a few reasons…

  • Small businesses don’t have quite the same marketing capital as big corporate chains, so in order to reach their clientele they rely on referrals and recommendations from actual human beings like you and I.
  • You will be supporting a local family rather than contributing towards a big CEO’s third holiday home.
  • Independent services and experiences (such as learning a skill) are often gifts that keep on giving.
  • Handmade products have had a lot of thought put into them, and are often better quality than the cheap plastic toys you find these days.
  • The family can enjoy many of these gifts together, so won’t be put aside and forgotten.
  • Customisable gifts offer something unique that nobody else has.

If you find this list useful, or you agree with the concept of #shoplocal, please share it with your parents, friends, colleagues and family to give them some gift ideas this Christmas too.

Christmas gift ideas for West Sussex families


Family Photography Gift Vouchers
Family Photography Gift Vouchers from Umoya Photography

An Umoya Photography Photoshoot Experience

My newly-launched Mini Session Vouchers are a wonderful introduction to the idea of having a professional family photoshoot, for those that have never experienced one before or have up until now been a little nervous to try.
They are especially useful for moms, dads, and grandparents who aren’t usually present in photos WITH their loved ones, to record special family moments that can be passed on to future generations.

Priced at just £95, they incorporate everything you can expect from a regular photo session, but provide more of a “taster”. A private 30-minute mini portrait session and five high-resolution, print-ready images are included in the price, and the vouchers can be redeemed at any time (subject to my availability) during 2019.

This package offers a considerable saving on my usual location session fee and digital collections, and there are no extra costs for your recipient to pay. 
Only FIVE vouchers are available for sale this Christmas, so if you’d like one, please get in touch via my contact form, or email me on umoyaphotography@gmail.com BEFORE Monday 10th December to secure yours.

Unique Cards and Artwork

Truly unique mixed media artwork from Ali Imperiale – bringing together Ali’s love of all things found, together with words and images for a personal touch, including cards, canvasses, mugs, postcards, magnets and original art.
Visit Alison’s Facebook page for more information, or visit her Etsy shop.

Painting Experience or Personal Artwork Commission

Gift certificates are available from Raymond Warren Art, for children’s painting classes/parties, adult paint nights and corporate well-being events.
Or have a beautiful commission created by Raymond, a professional artist who specialises in privately commissioned realism graphite portraits and oil landscapes.
Get in touch via Raymond’s Facebook page.


Beach Family Photoshoot West Sussex
Family photos at Goring beach during the Summer

Beauty Salon Vouchers

I don’t know many mums (or dads!) that don’t love some grown up time away from it all!
A relaxing pampering experience from Beautylicious – a privately owned beauty salon in Horsham offering lots of treatments including “24 days of Beautylishmas” – limited deals and packages for gifts over 24 days.
You can purchase vouchers directly from Sharon: https://www.beautylicious.co.uk
Or follow her Facebook Page for the latest deals and offers.

Handmade Creations

Susan loves arts, crafts and painting – she offers one-off commissions as well as unique decorative items.
Contact Susan via her Facebook Page for more information.


Family in front of red Autumn leaves
An Autumn family photoshoot at Nonsuch Park, Surrey

Family Adventure Sessions

Enjoy quality time as a family, learning new bushcraft skills whilst enjoying nature and tasty campfire snacks, with Bluebell Bushcraft at their locations in Billingshurst and Ashington.
Contact Matthew via their Facebook page for gift vouchers.

Educational Toys

Arlo’s Toy Shop, run by husband and wife team Emma and Andy with a little help from 1 year old Arlo – offering high quality and educational toys with a difference.
For more information visit: https://arlostoyshop.com, or follow their Facebook page for the latest updates.

Pre- & Postnatal Classes

A great option for new mums or expectant mums. Jen at Buzzylizzy runs pre- and postnatal fitness classes (baby comes too) and fab baby classes… everything from baby massage to signing, music, yoga and art & craft. It also offers a lovely community of new mum friends.
For more information visit: https://busylizzyhorshamandcrawley.co.uk, or to book email Jen@busylizzy.co.uk.


Dad with newborn twins
Proud dad with newborn twins

Ceramic Lessons

Julia from Ceramic Spirit runs regular lessons each week for adults and children from her studio in North Horsham.  Each lesson teaches different techniques on producing ceramic ware – a skill well worth learning to make your own gifts.
Vouchers can be brought for a two hour lesson which costs £30 for adults and £15 for a child.
For more information, visit https://ceramicspirit.co.uk, or follow Julia’s Facebook page.

Quality Treasures

If you’ve ever needed a dress up costume for your child, you’ll understand the frustration that comes with the cheaply-made stuff you can find online or at party shops… Well look no further!

From beautiful teepees to high quality dressing up (and very reasonable pricing), Little Gems Treasures is one stop shop for great, unique and fun gifts for children of all ages.
Contact Gemma for more information: https://www.littlegemstreasures.com

Fairtrade & Ethical

FairKind Child is an independent family owned childhood shop in Horsham, offering ethically-sourced items for babies and children.
Their stock range includes Fairtrade, hand crafted, recycled & sustainably produced children’s toys, games, gifts, nursery/bedroom furnishings as well as personalised art, and custom clothing & decorations by local artists and artisans.
For more information visit Trish’s Facebook page, or website: https://shop.fairkindchild.co.uk


Little blonde girl with curls
Playing amongst nature at Wakehurst Place, West Sussex – one of my favourite locations to photograph at.

Lego Hats

Who doesn’t have a Lego fan in their family?
Brick Hats sells a snapback cap that you can build on with LEGO® and most other toy bricks! Create a scene, write your name with bricks, or just build something awesome.
For more information contact Steve: https://www.brickhats.co.uk, or follow his Facebook page.

Ceramic Painting

A fun day out with the family at Ceramic Shack, which offers ceramic painting as well as parties. Not just for the kids though – be sure to enquire about their Pottery & Cocktails evenings!
Contact Natasha via https://ceramicshack.co.uk for more information.

Have you found anything useful from this list? 
I’d love to know what you have bought – please comment below!
Horsham has an abundance of talented people, and anything you can contribute towards helping them stay in business will always be appreciated.


Have a wonderful Christmas!
x Kelly

1 Comment

  1. R.A Technologies
    December 15, 2023

    One of the unique aspects of gift-giving is its ability to create a connection between individuals. When selecting a gift, people often consider the recipient’s preferences, interests, and needs. This thoughtful process reflects a genuine desire to understand and acknowledge the other person, strengthening the bond between them.

Leave a Reply


You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

*


error: Content is protected !!
%d bloggers like this: