Here are just 10 of our favourite present ideas from outlets on your doorstep.
1. Pigeon Books, Southsea
Catering for all your reading needs, Pigeon Books, which is located at 1 Albert Road, Southsea, has a variety of books in store and online for you to choose from. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email owners Phil and Mel Davies ([email protected]) who will happily order a book for you.
The shop is open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-4pm. They also offer free delivery in Southsea. Go to pigeonbooks.co.uk or call 07311 186312. Photo: Sarah Standing
2. Elise Tel Illustration
Working out of her home in Southsea, Elise Tel’s intricate and detailed illustrations are inspired by the things she loves most, from vintage tins to flowers. Paying homage to her Dutch roots, one of Elise’s popular prints is called Delft tiles while another favourite is her Normal People print, featuring memorable objects from Sally Rooney’s novel which was transformed into the hit BBC Three show earlier this year.
On her Etsy shop, you will also find still life illustrations of food – pictured above – and prints start from £15. Elise has also created two new Christmas cards this winter (see middle-left box on page one) that can be bought in packs or individually.
Find Elise on Instagram, @elisetelillustration, and shop online at etsy.com/uk/shop/elisetelillustration. Photo: Elise Tel
3. Waxy Wonders
Created by Portsmouth schoolgirls Anastazia Odor and Savannah Paterson, Waxy Wonders is their cruelty-free soy candle and wax melt business selling a variety of scents, from golden berries and frankincense to gingerbread.
To see their full collection and Christmas gifts from £11, go to waxy-wonders.com or @waxywondercandles on Instagram. Photo: Waxy Wonders
4. Spice Island Chilli
Nurtured from home-made recipes by Liam Coleman, from Portsmouth, Spice Island Chilli is a range of condiments which can be used as cooking sauces, dips and marinades. Each fantastic flavour is inspired by events in Portsmouth’s maritime history, circa 1580-1805. From £4.50, enjoy a bottle of Hardy’s Kiss, a mixture of jalapeño and lime, or spicy Ghost Ship. Offering free delivery in Portsmouth, shop at spiceislandchilli.com. Photo: Liam Coleman