This festive season has undoubtedly been a haze of madness. After the Christmas of 2020, everyone seems to want this year to be perfect, and so do we. Sometimes finding the little stocking fillers can be the hardest part if you don’t know where to look, thankfully we know just the places you need to visit. Whether you’re filling up a stocking for a little one, a teenager, a partner or anyone else, these independents are sure to help.
If you’re shopping for someone over the age of 18 and you know they love a good tipple, Latitude Wine and Liquor Merchants on Cherry Tree Walk will become your new favourite hidden gem. Nestled underneath rail tracks is a haven of spirits, beers and wines, and has become successful in stocking many of Yorkshire’s bars and wine lists with the best they have to offer. Alongside their Christmas recommendations, they have a ‘Leeds Indie Beer Gift Pack’ which includes beers and ales from Kirkstall Brewery and North Brewing Co. If you’re buying for someone who loves locally brewed ales, Latitude Wine can certainly help you out.
Music can always be a fun gift to give, and Crash Records on The Headrow are stocked up with a broad range of CDs, vinyls, merch and tickets. Specialising in indie, alternative, rock, punk, metal and other genres, you can be sure to find exclusive vinyls, band t-shirts of their favourite artists or you can buy them tickets to a gig in Leeds.
Truman Books is an independent bookshop in Farsley bursting with popular titles, new releases and old favourites for people of all ages. With so many options for children and adults, you can find something for everyone in their wide selection of genres including science, poetry, graphic novels, local authors, fiction, children’s books and so many other choices.
Tandem in Meanwood has been around since 2017 and is an independent gift and lifestyle store. Inside you’ll be transported to a new world of gifts as you can find anything and everything inside their little space. From quirky homeware pieces to handmade jewellery, bath and body products, candles and garden essentials, you’re sure to find some amazing stocking fillers in there.
Now, Bowery in Headingley may look like a coffee shop from the outside, and it is, but if you step in you can find some quirky little pieces and gift ideas like statement earrings, ceramic burners, cocktail glasses and funky prints.
If you’re looking for something truly unique and handmade, Glasshouse Gallery in Chapel Allerton is otherwise known as an Aladdin’s Cave of exquisite jewellery and unique handcrafted gifts from around the world. You can find personalised ceramic tiles, crystal books, stained glass creations and jewellery if you’re wanting something magical and beautiful in the Christmas stocking.
Sometimes perfume and fragrances can be a wonderful stocking filler idea. Penhaligon’s in Victoria Quarter have some amazing Christmas inspired gift ideas including their ‘Hearts and Humbugs Discovery Collection’ which includes a mix of 10 sweet scents, the perfect gift for both men and women who are looking to discover their new favourite scent. Or you can find ‘The Nose Twitchers’, four amazingly scented candles.
Images: Bowery, Tandem, Penhaligons, Truman Books
