Alana’s Guide to Gift Giving

Gift the gift of Norfolk this Year!

Sometimes it can be hard to find the entrepreneurial buzz concealed within the Norfolk countryside. However, I have witnessed the growth of many deserving young Norfolk-based/involved businesses and brands. Here is a list of some of my favourites and why they would make great gifts.

Here are Alana’s top 10 Norfolk businesses which she thinks you may love for finding gifts for loved ones this year.

Whatahoot Gin

Whatahoot Gin

Whatahoot was founded in Norfolk by husband-and-wife pair Nicky and Jason Crown, who now sell vodka and a variety of gins. This includes their Signature Dry Gin, which incorporates Norfolk samphire and lavender flavours, as well as fruity and powerful gins. They also sell garnish game changers, such as dried orange, lemon, lime, strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry, which will level up any drink.

Alana’s Guide to Gift Giving

Scented Barn

As seen on the EDP, Vogue and many more, The Scented Barn is an extremely popular company, winning the title of “best lifestyle store in Norfolk” just 4 months after opening. I was a newbie to wax melts before I found The Scented Barn, these truly transform your space starting from just £2.50! The wax melts are all hand-poured using 100% Ecosoya wax, a natural plant-based wax which is sustainable, vegan and biodegradable. There are so many gift options to choose from- candles, jesmonite stoneware, wax melts, essential oils, and diffusers, all with seasonal fragrances and touches.

Alana’s Guide to Gift Giving

Southwood Living

Hayley Southwood established Southwood Living, which sells a wide selection of homeware items, from new to vintage. I particularly enjoy the glazed clay ‘slow you down’ collection, which was created in partnership with excellent Norfolk-based ceramicist Eleanor Torbati. Any of these pieces would make an excellent addition to a home since they signify the finest of Norfolk life.

Alana’s Guide to Gift Giving

Iris & I

Iris & I jewellery was founded by Iris Croft, who found her love for jewellery when she was nine, on holiday in Greece. Iris’ modern and well-priced pieces are delicately crafted in Norfolk and sold online or at pop-up shops. Her website shows many of her one-of-a-kind designs, which are gold-plated and tarnish-free, making them ideal for those who love the Norfolk Coast!

Alana’s Guide to Gift Giving

Toms trunks

Many of you may be familiar with this brand, which has dominated youthful demographics in Norfolk since it launched in 2014. Their objective is to design the most comfortable beach and loungewear, while also caring for the environment and the people that live in it. Toms Trunks gives 10% of all orders to People + Planet and supports Tom’s Trust. They make trendy, sustainable clothing that anyone would appreciate receiving as a present.

Alana’s Guide to Gift Giving

The Pied Wagtail

The Pied Wagtail is a new business situated in Holt that combines three of the owner’s passions into one: gifts, photography, and well-being. She has some amazing prints of Norfolk and other places, as well as some excellent illustrated map art of Norfolk. There are various sections on the website dedicated to the issue of wellness, whether you’re looking for a podcast, coaching, or a blog to read.

Alana’s Guide to Gift Giving

Samuel Thomas art

With an A-level in fine arts, I am captivated by Samuel Thomas’s artwork, which is influenced by the Norfolk landscape and coast. If you enjoy art that expresses itself via colour and uplifts you, you should look at his work! His art is collected internationally due to interest sparked by his mixture of pop art, art deco and dreamscape portrayal. Samuel wants to connect us with the environment surrounding us, by improving our appreciation and excitement towards it. His primary goal is to provide “a reminder to keep persevering towards a brighter future”.

Alana’s Guide to Gift Giving

Cheeky nibble

Cheeky Nibble is a fun and snackable granola that is available to everyone as it is vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free. Marietta’s granola flavours are all inspired by traditional British desserts, making it an indulgent way to start your day. The large clusters of granola serve more purpose than just breakfast; they’re also perfect for a mid-workout snack or a cheeky bite on the go. This would be the perfect gift for any adventurous breakfast lover! Marietta has an incredible story about how creating this brand has helped her mental health.

Alana’s Guide to Gift Giving

Country House Flowers

Founded by Fen, Country House Flowers is a new high-street floristry, that uses locally grown flowers from a network of great flower farmers in Norfolk and Lincolnshire, as well as some cultivated from the owner’s garden. Flowers have always been significant and symbolic in the home; even the smallest jug of gathered blooms makes you feel instantly welcomed. Large English estates have a long tradition of producing flowers for floral elegance, meaning receiving flowers will always be a special gift, no matter what the occasion.

Alana’s Guide to Gift Giving

Hollyblocks

Andrea Maufe started Hollyblocks when she moved to Norfolk, as she was inspired by the beautiful flowers in Norfolk. Block printing is a particularly interesting technique, as it is an ancient craft that involves prints being carved into wooden blocks to be painted and stamped onto fabric. Andrea’s dedication to creating soft and ecological clothing is reinforced by the use of organic cotton from Jaipur in all Hollyblocks garments.  

Book Your Next Holiday Cottage Break With Us

If you are planning a getaway over the winter, why not take a look at our hand-picked selection of Norfolk holiday cottages? To discuss your perfect break, and to hear more about how we can tailor your holiday to you, get in touch with us at Norfolk Cottage Agency and we will be more than happy to help you.