Christmas day is fast approaching and the closer it gets to the big day, the worse the gift shopping pressure gets. If you have left your Christmas shopping till the last minute, or are still struggling to come up with the perfect gift idea, or even shopping for an individual who is difficult to buy for, worry no more. There is a plethora of independent shops, stores and restaurants around Leeds stocking specialist, unique and amazing products that you can gift your loved ones. Here are some independent businesses you need to visit on your next Christmas shopping adventure…
Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant
Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant is an independent specialist wine and liquor store that stocks Yorkshire’s highest quality products. Wine sold here ranges from all different styles including red, white, dessert and sparkling, as well as ranging in certifications such as vegetarian, vegan and sustainable. There are around fifteen different types of spirits also available to buy with absinthe, whiskey and brandy included. Their Christmas wine cases are perfect for the holiday season to gift your loved ones and get them into the festive mood. These are the premium red wine case, premium white case, the party starter and the fantastic cases. Inside these cases are some of the store’s favourite wines perfect for the Christmas season. Gift vouchers with values up to £100 are also available for that perfect Christmas gift or stocking filler.
Music & Sound
If you’re shopping for a loved one who is a music connoisseur, there are a few shops in the city centre you need to check out on your next Christmas Shopping trip. Released Records is a new and pre-loved record shop in Leeds Corn Exchange stocked with amazing vinyls in a variety of genres that will make a perfect gift for everyone. Rock, reggae, pop, disco and fusion are a few of the genres available You can also explore something new with one of their label’s own artists or with a browse through their staff’s picks. Merch and gift vouchers with a value of £10 are also available.
Crash Records has been providing Leeds with CDs and vinyls specialising in indie, alternative, rock, punk, mental and more. This alternative paradise is the perfect store to find the right physical albums that will make amazing gifts for those friends and family who are dedicated to these genres. As well as CDs and vinyls, they also sell their own official merchandise as well as gig tickets for all the major venues in the area. The variety of gift and stocking filler options here are never ending. For something a bit different to gift a music lover, head on over to Wall of Sound to shop a variety of home technology products. Here they will help you find the right technology products that will be a perfect gift for your loved one to add to their audio setup.
Plant & Deck
Plant & Deck is an electronic music record shop with a twist. Whilst browsing for that perfect cold wave or dystopian electro record, you can also browse the countless types of houseplants that they also stock. From cacti, to monsteras, to alocasias, the variety of beautiful plants that will transform your loved one’s home is endless. They have everything an electronic massive lover and plant lover could possibly need with their wide collections. You will not leave the store disappointed and will find the best and most thoughtful gift for you friends or family.
The Plant Point
For even more stunning plant gifts and stocking filler options to make this Christmas magical, The Plant Point in Leeds Corn Exchange is a must visit stop to add to a busy day of shopping. Their gifting selection includes a wide selection of beautiful plants that would make a plant lovers’ Christmas day that extra bit special such as moss frame kits, blue myrtle cacti, terrariums and much more. If you are looking to give someone a unique experience with plants, The Plant Point has a few tickets left for their terrarium workshop in January so hurry before it sells out! Gift vouchers with values from £5 to £50 are also available if you’re not sure which plant is perfect.
Ok Comics
Make the search for that special comic book or graphic novel much easier this Christmas with a stress-free trip to Ok Comics. Here you can find genres popular amongst their regulars such as crime, horror, history and music. Amazing independent books, iconic superhero adventure books and much more can be found on their shelves. If there is a specific book or series you need to make someone’s Christmas amazing but are struggling to find, contact their team who can help get you what you want.
Giant Kitten
Giant Kitten is home to everything quirky and kawaii with home products, clothing, japanese goods and gifts available. If you are looking for a Christmas gift or stocking filler for that person obsessed with everything and anything cute, Giant Kitten has a huge variety of stock with the perfect present for everyone. Their ‘top 100 xmas gift ideas’ section on their website will help you find exactly what you are looking for with products ranging from Hello Kitty plushies to cute mugs and planters.
Chu’s Floral
Chu’s Floral in the heart of the city provides beautiful flower arrangements that make perfect gifts for any occasion, including Christmas.Give their favourite flowers a Christmas twist and incorporate seasonal and festive florals into their bouquet. Their bouquets make amazing gifts that will brighten up your loved one’s day and make them feel extra special.
Food & Drink vouchers
If your friend or loved one is difficult to buy for, give them a gift voucher to enjoy a meal out or relax with a few drinks. Treat them to some award-winning Kerala food at Tharavadu that maintains traditional flavours with a unique twist. Gift vouchers can be the value of £10 or £25 and can be delivered via email or to their house in their beautiful gift packaging.
If Kerala food isn’t what your friend or loved one fancies, Friends of Ham is another great venue that offers gift vouchers. Give the gift of ham with a gift voucher between the values of £10 and £50 that can either be delivered to you or straight to the person you are gifting it to. Here you can enjoy a meaty menu (with veggie options) and some delicious craft beers/
Simcha Gallery
Beautiful products handmade with love are what you can expect at Simcha Gallery. Their nature inspired contemporary jewellery, art cards, mixed media and textile products are amazing and imaginative options for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. Felted wool berets and wraps are also created in stores which will make a great gift for your loved ones to snuggle into and keep warm this winter. Shetland Stocked alongside all of their stunning handmade products are ceramics and glass art created by leading artists from around the UK. Hurry on over to the store to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for in time for Christmas.
Take It Easy Lab
Take It Easy Lab is the go to location in Leeds if you want film developing or to print digital photos to give the gift of precious memories this Christmas. To print 6×4 photos costs only 25p meaning you can create a collage or a book of your favourite memories. Alongside their printing services they also sell merchandise with cool designs ranging from t-shirts and tote bags to mugs and hats. Camera film and accessories are also stocked in their shop. If you’re not sure exactly what merch they would love to own or need to stock up on, digital gift cards from the value of £10 to £80 are also available to buy.
Photos: Chu’s Floral, Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchants, Released Records