We sent our intrepid reporter, Michele Hier, out onto the streets of Primrose Hill to bring you inspiring and unusual gift ideas for Christmas from our Market Place retailers. For opening times seen the Primrose Hill Market Place page.
Primrose Bakery
Not only cakes, but also inspirational books for the budding or seasoned baker: the Christmas Book is £20, and Everyday Baking £25. Also find mugs and aprons, which make very practical and fun gifts. primrose-bakery.co.uk
Pamela Shiffer
Another perfect source of great presents and outfits. I fell in love with this woven navy leather shoulder bag with chain detailing that can take you from day to night (£90). There are plenty of other lovely accessories to choose from: hats, scarves, beaded bags, boots and jewellery. pamelashiffer.com
Sew Much Fun
Well known for their brilliant sewing classes, here are the finished results from some sewing kits for children aged 5+, which make inspiringly creative and affordable presents. Children will be occupied for hours making their own soft toy or cushion. Prices from £6 to £20. Sew Much Fun (on Facebook)
Whites
Whites’ gift ideas include hand-made Italian brushes, hand-crafted leather accessories, Davines hair products and gift vouchers. whitesofwhitecross.co.uk
Sweet Pea
Drool over these eight individually priced rings, costing from £350 each. One is a combination of 18ct gold with baguette diamonds; another pairs a diamond with a pearl, which is classically beautiful. More reasonable designs start at £60. sweetpeajewellery.com
Primrose Hill Books
You simply cannot go wrong with giving books at Christmas, so make your selection for family and friends of all ages. A special local treat would be a signed copy of Alan Bennett’s book of the film ‘The Lady in the Van’ (£15). primrosehillbooks.com
Keturah Brown Lingerie
From jaw-dropping outfits like this one by Italian brand Exilia, to perfect sleepwear, stockings, tights, ‘invisible’ knickers, this shop is lingerie heaven! Keturah stocks the best brands on the market and is loved for her bespoke pieces at reasonable prices. You cannot fail to choose a gift for the woman in your life, even if that woman is you! Keturah Brown Lingerie (on Facebook)
Aesthetics Lab
The ground-breaking combination of ultrasound and radio frequencies on this latest machine promises to contour face and body by reducing stubborn fat and cellulite whilst tightening skin and wrinkles. Four sessions guarantee that you’ll look better in any type of stockings this festive season. No treatments involve anything sharp or invasive. Prices start at £300. www.aestheticslab.co.uk
Fitzroy Flowers
Patricia’s flower shop is brimming with gifts and Christmas decorations, like a sensory treasure trove. Order your ‘drop free’ blue pine wreaths and festive table centrepieces from £35 upwards. Add any extra stylish toppings to your heart
Cave Interiors
They have wonderful new ceramic pieces (£45-£100), a lovely selection of scented candles, e.g. Rose & Frankincense and Dark Amber (£22), luxurious winter throws (£195) and a range of cushions by Eleanor Pritchard. caveinteriors.com
Primrose Interiors
Get 10% discount on all the beautiful curtains and wallpapers during December and January. These contemporary sheer curtains will bring understated glamour to any home. primrose-interiors.com
ANNA
This stunning top is a taste of what you can expect to find in Anna’s to wear for the party season and beyond. The shop is bursting with great gifts for women of all ages, from sumptuous or cosy scarves and jumpers, to perfume and contemporary. shopatanna.com
Clare’s Cornish Kitchen
Fill your own mouth-watering Christmas hamper from a large selection of delicious Cornish produce, with help from Clare if you need it. You’ll be welcomed with open arms wherever you go! clareskitchen.co.uk
Beside the Wave
A set of framed limited edition prints by artist Myles Oxenford are great value at £125. Here’s ‘Black Dog Watching’ 1/50, also available unframed for £75. Vanessa Bullick’s pots are also proving popular as gifts, priced at £49-£61 each. beside-the-wave.co.uk
Gallery 196
What’s not to love about everything in this shop! Gifts start from £10 for the jewellery trunk pictured. Choose from shelves laden with gorgeous, affordable jewellery, trinkets, bags, purses, silk ribbons (£1), hand-made scarves and hand-blown glass Christmas decorations.gallery196.com
Prim Nail & Beauty Salon
How about a pamper package for Christmas. An Ultimate Relaxing Treat (£150), Teen Treat (£60), Men’s Unwind Package (£70) or for the women in your life the Mother & Daughter selection (£60). Gift vouchers are available by value or treatment which includes manicures and pedicures. primuk.com
Text by Michele Hier. Photography by Lars Christiansen
