All the Black Friday offers might be tempting and there’s always the ease of sorting everything out online, but don’t overlook all our great local businesses.
We are spoilt for gift shops with The Present near Hadley Green has a huge range of gift items for the whole family and their own range of luxurious scented candles. Room 89 in Union Street stocks many handcrafted, unique or imaginatively sourced items, The Pink Shop has a regularly changing selection of craftware and jewellery and around the corner near Break Shear House, Applebee House has many stylish items for the home.
Don’t forget Hopscotch a retro sweet shop brimming with tempting treats and first class loose-leaf tea. Also check out their baking section for festive cake decorations. The Sound Garden music shop has instruments (guitars especially), equipment and offers tuition and Barnet Gallery has a massive selection of art materials perfect for creative friends and children. Floral and Hardy in Greenhill Parade offers beautiful gifts, homeware and handmade cards as well floristry services.
Beauty
Near Hadley Green Odette Beauty features tip top treatments, boutique beauty brands and organic products and offers a Christmas wish list service (genius!). Other local beauty salons Orchid Retreat, HC Med Spa also offer gift vouchers for more welcome treats just a stroll or short drive away.
Shoes, Outdoorwear and Accessories
Wanders Shoes stocks fine leather accessories and slippers as well as a comprehensive range of footwear, and Cover has great value walking boots, toasty hats and gloves and other equipment for outdoor pursuits (particularly good paired with gift vouchers for The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead).
Toys, Books and Household
Toy Galaxy in the High Street and Waterstone’s in The Spires have conveniently helped me cross board games and books off my daughter’s wish list without having to resort to Amazon. Waterstone’s multi-deals keep prices keen and you can place orders for books too (and many are signed by the author – not possible on Amazon!). Toy Galaxy is also good for Hama Beads no longer stocked by John Lewis. Robert Dyas is handy for Christmas lights, Kilner jars, bottles and other packaging for home made foodie gifts as well as useful household items.
There’s so much here practically on your doorstep – please keep supporting your local businesses.
