North East Christmas Gift Guide 2023
It’s that time of the year again! Whether you’ve been picking up gifts throughout the year or you’re more of a last-minute shopper, one thing’s for sure - the big day is on your mind.
I’m sure many of us have rushed around at the last minute, purchasing gifts that might not be perfect, but simply tick a name off a list. To avoid that chaos and ensure every present is just right, take a look at my updated Christmas gift guide for 2023.
In this guide, I’ve got plenty of ideas for gifts from small businesses and sustainable brands. So, if you want to make more conscious shopping choices this Christmas, then this is definitely the gift guide for you!
Beautiful North East artwork
It wouldn’t be a Joanne Wishart gift guide without me mentioning my own original artwork. As usual, I have a full range of limited-edition prints available both on my website and in the Cullercoats gallery.
There's a print for everybody, from coastal scenes to wildlife and historic sites. Perhaps you’ve had a lovely family day out at Bamburgh or have family members who have moved away from the region? Give a piece of the region with a print.
Bamburgh Castle Limited Edition Print
All of these pieces are signed by myself and printed on white matt archival paper (230g) with high-quality Epson pigment inks.
For an extra special gift, our brand-new canvas prints could be just the ticket. A perfect centrepiece for any room, each canvas print is meticulously stretched around a sturdy wooden canvas frame, featuring a wraparound image design.
Choose a print with colours to suit a room in your loved ones’ home or a piece that reminds you of their favourite spot. Need some ideas? Drop us a message on Instagram or visit us in the gallery.
As canvas prints are made to order with a 2-3 week wait time, so it’s important to get in quickly if you hope to wrap one under the tree this Christmas. Learn more about my brand new range of canvas prints in this recent blog post.
Give the great outdoors
Now more than ever, people are aware of the waste and overall environmental impact of the festive season. With as much as 114,00 tonnes of plastic waste heading to landfill in the UK every Christmas, it’s important to make careful choices and work to reduce our output.
One way of doing this is to give the gift of experiences rather than products or food. This way, our loved ones can enjoy time together with one less packaging in the bin. Plus, experiences are often things people might not buy for themselves, so this is a kind and thoughtful way to show someone you care.
Both National Trust and English Heritage allow you to gift a membership. In fact, it’s become a family tradition in my house to buy my parents a National Trust pass every Christmas so we can meet up at Cragside.
You really can’t go wrong with a gift like this. For those with kids, you might also want to consider a ticket to Beamish, giving them a year’s pass to the fantastic Living Museum of the North.
For the magpies in your life
We all know someone who loves something a bit special, and my North East-inspired jewellery collection is just that. These Angel of the North earrings are a particularly special addition to the shop this year and would make a lovely present for someone who is living away from the North East and longs to see those open arms as they arrive in our special region.
Get creative
As an artist, I am a big advocate for crafty and homemade gifts. Nothing shows love quite like something you’ve made with your own hands. So, why not have a go at making a gift? You don’t have to be a professional to make something yourself. For example, crocheting has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, and even the simplest patterns can be learned quite quickly.
You might also want to take a friend or family member to make something together. How about a pottery class or even a still-life drawing session? The possibilities are endless, and this is such a great way to bring people together and get creative at the same time.
Stocking fillers
Gifts don’t have to be a big investment to mean something. If anything, the best presents are those that are useful to their recipients. With that in mind, my fine bone china mugs and coasters are a lovely stocking filler or Secret Santa gift that would please any tea lover. Or what about my brand new Newcastle in Pink cushion? An eye-catching piece finished with gorgeous pink piping.
Laser printed with original North East-inspired artwork, both the mugs and coasters are a colourful addition to any home. Whether your loved one is North East born and bred or has moved away from the region and missing home, these regional little gifts are such a lovely gesture.
Let them choose
Stuck on what to get your friends or family this year? A gift card is always an easy way to show your love without making a big decision on their behalf. Buy a gift card from my gallery or online store, and they can choose a piece that really speaks to them.
Say it with a card
Did you know that just one in four Christmas cards are recyclable? That’s because many cards these days include plastic and other non-renewable materials. So, if sustainability is important to you, then make sure to choose cards that speak for themselves.
All of my cards are made from… just that, card. It’s as simple as that. We send them naked, with no cellophane sleeve. With plenty of festive cards to choose from, you can either purchase one or two individually or a pack of six or 12 for a bulk discount. Browse my full collection of North East-inspired Christmas cards here.
Below is one of my favourite cards this year, showing two adorable Geordie snowmen… an ideal card for the Toon fans in your life. There’s even matching gift tags and wrapping!
Geordie Snowmen | Christmas Card
And, finally, it wouldn’t be a Joanne Wishart Christmas blog without a shout-out to my annual RNLI card. For the last four years, I have created an original piece of artwork to raise money for the Cullercoats RNLI. This year’s piece, entitled “Carols at Christmas”, will give a much-needed funding boost to support the wonderful volunteers at our local lifeboat station.
Cullercoats RNLI Christmas Card 2023
Still want some ideas or fancy doing some shopping in person? Come and visit us at the Cullercoats gallery on St Georges Road. We’re open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.
