Huge department stores are vying for your custom, all offering much the same thing at apparently bargain prices.
Faced with the discomfort of fighting with the heaving crowds for the privilege of buying mass produced 'seasonal' novelties and specially packaged (and priced) gift sets, I decided that before I subject myself to this torture it might be worth looking at what can be found a bit closer to home.
Jewellery is always a favourite at Christmas, and Tony Strowger Jewellers of Haverhill, offers the finest quality bespoke and designer jewellery. Handcrafted, unique pieces you won't find in any catalogue or Sunday supplement insert sit alongside designer jewellery of the highest quality. Tony Strowger is a qualified Goldsmith and Jeweller with many years of experience, working as far afield as South Africa and America and uses innovative setting and engraving techniques to produce fresh, exciting and contemporary jewellery. And from now until 31st December you can get 30% off Cuffs of Love bracelets. These stunning corded bracelets fasten with White Gold plated cuffs and are available in circular or heart shaped designs of varying sizes. The perfect, affordable gift for a loved one, or a sneaky treat for yourself! Details can be found on our Offers page.
Everybody loves a beautiful home, full of beautiful things. Yet so often we look longingly at gorgeous homewares and our recession hit budget and cannot justify buying what we want over what we need. Christmas is the perfect time to do just that. Finishing Touch Interiors - The Boutique is an online Aladdin's cave of breathtaking vintage inspired homewares. Owned by Haverhill interior designer Sarah Gibbs expect to find home accessories for kitchen, bathroom and living room, and the cutest selection of childrens cooking sets, recipe books and aprons.
From cushions to candles, a fabulously festive (and very affordable!) Christmas range and an inspirational range of gift ideas all chosen by Sarah's expert eye you can shop in comfort. Find the store in our business pages, follow the link, pour yourself a nice glass of wine and prepare to be spoilt for choice!
Whether it's time for the kid's first bike, or the family have just been inspired by the Olympics, you'll find a massive range of cycling and cycling accessories at Aerocycles. Based on Falconer Road in Haverhill they have mountain bikes, road bikes, BMX and hybrid bikes. What's more their prices sit competitively alongside the national chains and in many cases are even cheaper! If your garage already houses a full set of family wheels, you can bring them bang up to date with the latest accessories, forks, tyres, bar grips and saddles - lights, locks, mudguards and mirrors, Aerocycles has got the lot. And for those who like to look the part you'll find helmets, gloves, eyewear and a very fetching range of lycra!
All the technology in the world will never replace the joy of turning the fresh pages of a book. Teddy Bears Bookshop is run by Haverhill resident and childcare specialist Angie Ranshaw. Local stockist for Usborne children's books Angie's online store opens up a world of storytelling and education for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers. Baby books, arts and crafts and early years books to guide them through their developing years; Encyclopedias, dictionaries, languages, maths and Internet linked books to educate and inform in a fun and interesting way. And a range of Usborne fiction to keep them entertained and enthralled. You can buy online or even hold a Teddy Bears Bookshop party in your Haverhill home, school or playgroup and enjoy free children's books and exclusive offers?
As with all the above, you can find more details on thebestof Haverhill's Business Guide, possibly along with a whole host of Christmas ideas from food to photos, all enabling you to support local businesses and make Christmas that little bit easier for you!
