Shop for Dorset this Christmas

Shop Dorset and it’s a win, win – not only will your gift please the recipient but by shopping locally online in these difficult times you’ll be helping our Dorset businesses.

Below are just a few ideas for Christmas gifts and goodies.

Cheesed off? – Well check out Delicious, the Weymouth deli that will deliver cheeses and wines to your Dorset door. Craig’s Dairy Farm Shop and Chalbury Food & Wine are open and well-stocked with tasty local foods and drinks, perfect for gifts or to enjoy all year round.

Animal lover? Why not think about adopting a primate at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre; or perhaps adopt one of the animals at Weymouth’s Sealife Adventure Park. And get those tales wagging with doggy treats from Pet Experience, Weymouth.

Military men to buy for? Dorchester’s Keep Military Museum has, amongst its numerous gifts, a new and fascinating book entitled ‘The Keep in 50 Objects’. Or take a look at the Tank Museum’s online shop where there’s a selection of Christmas-themed gifts.

Petrol heads would appreciate a 2021 ticket either to Beaulieu or to Haynes Motor Museum, where they can wander amongst some of the most iconic cars of yesteryear.

Picture this – a stunning Dorset view on your wall all year round. Local photographer, Chris Jones has some fabulous canvas prints and framed images of local scenes which make memorable gifts (if you can bear to give them away!)

Tickets, or an annual / seasonal pass to one of Dorset’s fabulous visitor attractions or gardens makes an ideal family gift. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park; Swanage Railway; Splashdown at Poole; Weymouth Sealife Adventure Park; Compton Acres; Abbotsbury Swannery and Sub-tropical Gardens; Bennett’s Water Gardens; Sherborne Castle & Gardens; Highcliffe Castle; the Nothe Fort; Wimborne Model Town; Bournemouth’s Oceanarium; Adventure Wonderland. Phew, there are so many to choose from!

Experiences also make novel and thrilling gifts. Why not treat someone to a tall ship sailing excursion with Moonfleet Adventure Sailing. Or perhaps a friend would love to try their hand at glass blowing with master craftsman, Stuart Wiltshire.  Bella Ceramics offers a range of pottery and painting workshops for all ages. And of course a sumptuous afternoon tea at a local hotel or restaurant would go down well!

Check out your local toy shops; most offer online shopping so why not buy close to home and help your high street? And don’t forget to look up those independent art galleries, gift shops, and home accessory retailers for inspiration.