Stokey’s indies have sparkle aplenty this Christmas

Looking for inspiration this Christmas? Stoke Newington’s independents have got you covered!

From bespoke hampers packed with yummy food and drink to locally-made artwork – N16’s stores are brimming with gifts that scream ‘unique’ and they won’t break the bank.

Heidi Early, Chair of Stoke Newington Business Association, said: “Forget Oxford St this Christmas and definitely scrap Amazon – start your Christmas shop at the Growing Communities Farmers’ Market, work your way down the High St and then Church St – there is something to suit everyone. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome - no self-service check out here; just good old fashioned customer service from people who really care

“These stores are part of the fabric of community life in Stokey – and they rely on Christmas trade to keep going year-round.”

We’ve been researching what’s on offer and the following gems made our favourite list!

The Ark has a brilliant selection of Chilli’s water bottles, travel mugs and Roka cycling bags and we love their celebrity Andy Warhol-style mugs.

These leggy plant pot holders by Sophie MacBain made us smile!  They have a brilliant range of quirky gifts – stunning plant pots, wacky candle-holders and more.

Did you know Meat N16 has so much more than turkeys? They also offer a brilliant selection of quality cheeses or, if you’re looking to gift an experience, why not buy a voucher for their Weber Grill Academy (teaching how to prepare food and grill to perfection).

Looking for local stocking fillers? From Stokey mugs to coasters and decorations by Jessica Hogarth, Earlybird has plenty of options. They also have a brilliant selection of cards.

We love these Snoopy mugs at Prep cookware store – in fact if you’re buying for a foodie you’ll be spoilt for choice here.

Kitchen Provisions has two stores on Church St – one will a brilliant range of Japanese sweets and sauces and the other stocking Japanese knives designed to last a lifetime. They also have a good range of gifts – including this Sloe Gin Makers Kit.

For the book-lovers, Stoke Newington Bookshop has a beautiful selection for all ages. For non-fiction, owner Jo Adams' recommends The Book You Want Everyone You Love To Read (by Philippa Perry), her number one children's book is How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? (Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen) and her top adult fiction is The Bee Sting (by Paul Murray).

Whatever your budget, you’ll find something special at Stokey’s local jewellery stores. 

We love this silver necklace by Metal Crumble and these moon and star earrings by Cult of Youth.

Rouge recently celebrated 18 years on Stoke Newington High St – this place is a treasure trove – we’re particularly fond of these bohemian French cotton dressing gowns by Les Touristes. 

Whether lounging around at the weekend or cosying up after a bath, these beautiful fabrics add a touch of class to your down-time.

Stoke Newington Toy Shop has plenty to offer the little people in your life – from fantastic marble runs and IQ games to Jellycat soft toys and Djeco art sets.

Stokey’s Delicatessen on Church St has a brilliant range of hampers packed with edible and drinkable goodies – they start from £20 and you can customise yourself or grab one ready-made.

If it’s art you’re after, Everyday Sunshine has beautiful screen prints – made by the shop’s founders graphic designers Abi and Rupert Meats. The newly-opened Art@Archie Foal has a good selection too. 

Menswear store Array has a good range of accessories (like this cable-knit scarf) and backpacks as well as clothing.  Just up the road, Hub has beautiful womenswear, including stunning knits and gifts and Ivory on the High St also has a beautiful selection of clothes and accessories.

New-kid-on-the-Stokey-block The Good Neighbour has a great selection of sustainably sourced menswear. We love their jumpers!

These slippers from Folka on Church St are wonderful - they're super-soft sheepskin, hand sewn and embroidered in Poland.

We love these Stokey tea-towels by Know and Love. This local shop has a stunning selection of homeware, toys, candles, Christmas decorations, cards and more.

For the crafter in your life, Knit with Attitude is packed with gifts - from beautiful yarns to tools that will excite the most talented knitters and special storage bags.

Popular Stokey store Revere the Residence has an in-houe design team of 16 - 30 year olds with learning disabilities. The store is brimming with gifts that will warm your heart and make you smile. Their in-house artist Florence Poppy Deary designed this fabulous ring.

Shop local and save with a Local Buyers Club membership card. Dozens of Stokey shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are part of this local discount club, offering savings of 10% or more when you shop local. Join for half price using code SEEYOUINSTOKEY.

Did you know that for every pound you spend with a local independent business, between an estimated 63p circulates back into your local economy – supporting traders, providing employment improving communities?

Shopping online or out-of-town may save you a little time but for every £1 you spend, only around 5p comes back into your local economy.

So please shop local this winter and keep Stoke Newington’s high streets open for business.