Christmas Gift Guide

08/12/2021

It really is the most wonderful time of the year! The nights may be colder and the days might be shorter, but Spitalfields has had a festive makeover to add a little sparkle to your visit – not to mention the huge selection of hot drinks and seasonal street food to warm the cockles and fuel your shopping. 

Whether you’ve already completed your Christmas shopping, you’re yet to get started or you’re somewhere in between, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for amongst our market, stores, boutiques, and salons. We’ve suggested some of our favourites below. 

The gift of life 

Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Why not give the gift of life and hope this year by adopting an elephant orphan from The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust on their behalf? For just £35 a year, the recipient will receive a personalised Christmas gift adoption certificate, monthly adoption updates, a monthly watercolour and access to exclusive photos and videos – not to mention the rewarding feeling of knowing they are helping to make a difference. 

Head to the Sheldrick Trust website for more information on adopting, or head down to Spitalfields and walk among the life-sized bronze herd of 21 sculptures and discover the stories of the real-life orphans they represent. Why not download the app and take part in our interactive quiz while you’re here?

Fine dining foodies 

Spoil the foodie in your family to a Galvin gift experience that they won’t forget. Choose from lunch or dinner for two at the French-inspired Bistrot and Bar, or go all out with a 7 course tasting menus at Michelin-Starred restaurant Galvin La Chapelle, and dine in the stunning 19th Century grade II listed St. Botolph’s Hall right here in the heart of Spitalfields. 

Sustainable skincare 

Allow us to introduce you to Yanga Natural, a British born, cruelty-free, West African skincare brand with a mission to develop skin and hair care products that are mindfully sourced to enhance your wellbeing. Supporting local farmers in Ghana, they work collaboratively in the creation of their products, from seedling to packaging, and their raw materials are ethically sourced, so you can look good and feel good too! 

From body balm to hair oil, their range has been formulated to care for even the most sensitive skin, so make sure to check them out in the Traders Market each weekend. 

For your soil-mate 

Plants make great presents. Not only do they last longer than flowers, but they are a brilliant way to bring life to your lounge, freshen up your front room and add a pop of colour to your kitchen. With plants ranging from needing a fully-fledged plant mom/dad to care for them to pretty much indestructible, The Plant Warehouse has more species of foliage than you can shake a trowel at. The lovely staff are always on hand to give tips on how to care for each one too – so make sure you ask for help if you need it.

Eye spy… 

…with my little eye something beginning with O. Treat your loved ones to a seasonal upgrade when it comes to their specs and sunglasses with a little help from Ollie Quinn. Seriously great service, stylish frames designed in-house and all priced at a purse-friendly £115, they are the one-stop shop for all your optical needs. Not quite sure which style suits them best? Grab a gift card here and let them do the choosing.