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A Sussex Gift Guide – Sussex made and inspired

 

Looking for the perfect gift for the Sussex lover in your life? Or maybe you just want to fill your basket with gorgeous Sussex gifts and support your local community? Here at Sussex Bloggers we’ve been searching the county from coast to countryside to bring you a fabulous Sussex gift guide packed with products crafted or inspired by East and West Sussex. 

This post may contain some compensated links which means, at no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you click through and buy. More info in our disclaimer.

 

The Sussex Gift Guide

 

Sussex has an ever-growing scene of independent craftspeople and producers offering all kinds of fabulousness from food and drink to arts, crafts, gorgeous accessories and unique homeware. Our guide showcases some of our favourites. Read on to find some beautiful, locally crafted and Sussex inspired gifts, both traditional and contemporary.

 

Gifts for the Home

Sussex Special Candles

 

 

 

Bring the fragrance of Sussex into your home with these hand crafted candles inspired by the Sussex coast and countryside. The Sussex Special Collection brings you the forests, river valleys, country gardens, historic towns and coastal landscapes of East and West Sussex and the aroma is delectable.

Seven Sisters is a favourite with top notes of Ozonic Marine Accord, Sea Salt, heart of Lily, Rose, Jasmine and a base with Cyclamen and Herbals whilst Arundel Heritage elevates any room with notes of Peppercorn, Black Pepper, heart of Vanilla Pods and Patchouli base.

These boutique candles are made in Sussex with a carefully selected blend of natural ingredients. Materials are ethically sourced from British suppliers. Soy wax is used with cotton paper wicks and the highest quality fragrance. You’ll find no chemicals, colourings or preservatives – the candles and vegan friendly and cruelty-free. All packaging is plastic-free and recyclable.

Buy online at Sussex Special and find on Instagram

 

Gifts for Art Lovers

Iconic Sussex scenes from Sussex Art Prints

 

Sussex Art Beachy Head

 

Inspired by local landscapes, nature and abstracts. East Sussex graphic designers, Stefan Mucha and Amanda Lewis-Clements, produce some wonderful wall art, prints and cards. The Giclée fine art prints are from original artwork of well-known Sussex landscapes and landmarks. The quality of the prints is excellent and they’re available framed and unframed. Paired down, pale and gorgeous, I have two at home on my wall. 

Buy online at Sussex Art Prints and find them on Instagram

 

Monochrome Location Letter prints by ‘Lucy Loves This’

 

Monochrome letter prints by 'Lucy loves this'

 

Designed by Lucy Stephens, in the studio at the bottom of her garden, these location letter prints celebrate everything local. Using monochrome typography and drawings Lucy draws on local treasures that make each town unique. Currently, there are three Sussex letter prints; Brighton, Chichester and Hastings, with two more – East Sussex and West Sussex – scheduled for early next year. The prints are made in the UK, printed on recycled paper, easily postable and under £25.00 if unframed, or £55.00 if framed. 

Buy online at LucyLovesThis and check out their 200 plus other prints if you’re looking for towns and cities further afield.

 

In-person and online Mandala Art Classes by ‘Mandala Meadow’

Have you ever seen a mandala and wondered how it is made? Join a live online art class or an in-person workshop in West Sussex with Sussex based artist (and co-founder of Sussex Bloggers) Kathryn Burrington and find out exactly how to craft one yourself. As Kathryn explains “Mandalas are an ancient art form originally from Napel and India. Drawing them is now widely recognised as a wonderful aid to relaxation. Once you know a few simple techniques, they’re a lot easier to draw than you think.”

GUft vouchers for online art classes with Sussex based artist, Kathryn Burrington

Gift vouchers are available for Kathryn’s classes costing from £18 per person for a 90-minute lesson. Large private group classes are also available, perfect for corporate groups, hen parties and family gatherings no matter where you are in the world. 

Buy gift vouchers online at Mandala Meadow.

 

 

Gifts for Sussex Bookworms

My mantra for buying Christmas gifts is ‘something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read’ and it works well. I’m always happy to receive a book and if it’s a book with a Sussex theme then I’m doubly happy. From local folklore and legend to Sussex cookbooks and murder mysteries here are a few titles that’ll whet your Sussex whistle.

A Guide to Secret Sussex

Secret Sussex Guide by Ellie SeymourSecret Sussex is the ultimate travel guide to Sussex unknown, taking you off the beaten path away from the tourist crowds in search of the unique, unusual and overlooked by local author Ellie Seymour.

It features 150 well-hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a lifelong local, an armchair traveller or curious visitor new to Sussex and want to get to know it better, This book for you.

Buy your copy of Secret Sussex and, or maybe Secret Brighton by Ellie Seymour.

Snake River Press

Snake River Press create beautiful little hardback books and guides about Sussex. Titles range from A Sussex Miscellany and An Eccentric Tour of Sussex to Salacious Sussex. There are around 20 in all.  I own Good Food and Drink in Sussex by Fizz Carr and will be adding more.

The books feature the county’s history, landscape, art and culture, which together paint a unique picture of Sussex life both past and present. Intelligently written and lovingly crafted with stylish design and imagery, the books make perfect Sussex gifts for friends and family, or self-indulgent treats for yourself. I’m guessing the name Snake River is inspired by the Cuckmere River – if anyone knows do let me know. 

See all the titles and shop online at Snake River Press

Sussex Gift Guide

 

A book of poems by Sussex writer Gabrielle Yetter

And The Clouds Parted is a special gift book of poems by former journalist Gabrielle Yetter, illustrated by Lucy Dean. The book provides insights into loss, love, hope, and promise, with glimpses into the souls of “invisible people”. Gabrielle studied people: elderly women who seemed invisible (Nobody), young men thought threatening (Buddy), and parents anticipating the arrival of their children (Waiting).

As one reader said, “She absorbs the mood, intuits the emotions at the core, and then transforms it, with her beautiful words and syntax, into a song on paper, cradling every subtle nuance of human emotion.” Buy it on Amazon.

Gifts for Her

360 Botanics – natural vegan skincare and wellness

 

360 Botanicals Lewes, East Sussex

 

At 360 Botanics it’s all about 100% natural skin care and wellness products. The therapeutic healing power of pure essential oils and natural plant-based ingredients go into making the cleansing oils, exfoliants, pink clay masks and super serums. Wellness products include soy wax candles, therapeutic bath salts and essential oil infused aroma mists. Every single product is hand blended and packaged in small batches, in Lewes East Sussex. It’s 100% vegan, cruelty free and free from chemicals.

Shop online at 360 Botanics 

 

Gifts for Foodies

Lots of Love, Sussex

Lots of Love Sussex are a family business who source the best quality foods from Sussex producers and deliver them to your doorstep.

 

 

Choose from tempting packages like ‘The Sussex’ for your every day essentials, ‘The Adventurer’ for those who want to try something a little different, ‘The Cheeseboard’ for the Sussex cheese lover or The Perfect Sunday – everything you’d need for the best Sussex breakfast.

The parcels make a wonderful gifts or care packages for someone special. We had The Sussex parcel delivered which was packed with generous sizes of the following high quality Sussex goodies…

  • Coco Hazelnut Butter from Katie’s Nuttery
  • Organic Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bar from Cocoa Loco
  • Brighton Salami from Curing Rebels
  • A jar of Blossom Honey from Sussex Bee Farm
  • Sussex Charmer Cheese and South Downs Salted Butter from Bookham Harrison Farm
  • Single Origin Colombian Coffee from Craft House Coffee

Lots of Love Sussex deliver for just £3 anywhere in Sussex and if you’re in RH12 and RH13 post codes it’s free. What’s not to love?!

 

Rowdy and Fancy’s Chocolate

Sussex has a clutch of independent chocolatiers and chocolate makers and you can read about them here in our guide to Sussex Chocolate. Among our favourites are Rowdy and Fancy chocolatiers who create especially tempting flavours in Forest Row. Their rose chocolate is the most sublime chocolate that’ll ever cross your lips. 

Buy online direct at Rowdy and Fancy or at a range of stockists throughout Sussex. Say hello to them on Instagram

Rose Chocolate by Rowdy and Fancy

 

J Cocoa

James Hull is the name behind J Cocoa. This empassioned chocolate maker works from his studio in Hassocks, West Sussex and is the only chocolate maker in Sussex that we know who makes bean to bar chocolate, ethically, sustainably and with zero-waste packaging. What’s not to love?

Visit J.Cocoa’s website for your next chocolate fix or drop by their Instagram feed.

 

Goodwood Cheeses

A Sussex gift guide would not be complete without cheese! The Goodwood estate is renowned for its fabulous organic produce and you can now buy a range of meat and dairy products from their farm shop. We’re particularly fond of their creamy soft white Levin Down, their rich mature Charlton Cheese and the award-winning Molecomb Blue. Pre-order and collect Good Cheeses from their online shop.

Sussex Charmer

Sussex Charmer is a newish cheese from Bookham Harrison Farms. The cheese is a cross between Cheddar and Parmesan and made from morning milk from a single grass feed herd in Rudgewick. Buy Sussex Charmer online.

 

Sussex Gift Guide- cheeseboard with olives and salami

 

Alsop and Walker

Alsop and Walker really have got it right when it comes to making top-notch artisan cheeses. With such a superb range, there is a cheesy nibble for everyone. Their platters are a great gift for cheese-lovers. Visit the Alsop and Walker’s website to feast your eyes on the full range. They also sell and Borough Market and supplied cheese for Kate and William’s wedding breakfast.

I’m beginning to think we need to dedicate a whole post to Sussex cheeses – there’s a huge range of local producers.

 

Gifts for Tipplers

Sussex Gin

There’s a huge range of locally produced gins to choose from. So many, in fact, that we were inspired to write a whole article featuring some of our favourite Sussex Gins.

 

Sussex Gins - two bottles of Slake Gin set in grass and honeysuckle

 

For our gift guide we’re featuring Slake Gin. This independent artisan gin distillery is solar powered with many of the botanicals foraged in the countryside near Shoreham-by-Sea where the gin is made. Slake Hedgerow Gin packs a punch of warm peppery, spicy flavours which makes it a fabulous winter warmer. Perfect after Sunday autumn walks, cosy fireside tipples and a must on any Sussex gift guide.

Buy online at Slake Spirits 

A wine tour or tasting at Rathfinny wine estate

Rathfinny wine estate near Alfriston in East Sussex is home of Sussex Sparklilng. A bottle, or even two, of this fabulous English sparkling wine or Rathfinny’s Cradle Valley wine make for a a beautifully Sussex themed gift. Alternatively, book a wine tasting or wine tour at the Rathfinny Estate. Don’t forget to pop into nearby Alfriston to Rathfinny’s Gun Room for a a peek at their range of wine and wine themed gifts before you leave. Read this review of the Rathfinny wine tour with lunch to see why you should book up today.

 

Rathfinny wine estate

 

Harvey’s Brewery

The oldest independent brewery is the perfect place to get your hands on the gift of beer. Harvey’s Brewery has been brewing fine ales to the family recipe for seven generations. Pay a visit to the brewery on your next trip to Lewes and then pop into the shop for supplies and gifts including beer, wine, gin and Harvey’s merchandise. Online shopping is also available along with pre-ordering and customer collection.

Shop Harvey’s online  or visit at 6 Cliffe High Street, Lewes, BN7 2AH

 

Tinwood Estate Sparkling Wines & Gift Vouchers

Situated in the heart of West Sussex at the foot of the South Downs National Park, Tinwood has a reputation for producing some of the finest English sparkling wines. You can purchase their wines online as well as gift vouchers for wine tasting, afternoon tea and overnight stays in one of their luxurious lodges.

Visit Tinwood Estate’s online shop.

 

Langham Brewery

Langham Brewery is an award-winning independent steam-powered microbrewery in Lodsworth near Petworth, West Sussex. In addition to their exquisite cask-conditioned craft beer, they sale a range of merchandise in their online gift shop as well as gift vouchers for their brewery tours.

 

Langham Brewery, Lodsworth, West Sussex,

Visit Langham Brewery’s online shop to find out more about their home delivery or drive-through services.

 

Gifts for History Buffs

Sussex has more than its fair share of monuments, castles, abbeys and historical sights. An annual membership to English Heritage is a wonderful way to to visit some of Sussex’s best. If you’re quick you can get discounts on gift and annual memberships. Visit English Heritage and use code EH202 for 15% off. I suggest you start with a visit to Battle Abbey – not that I’m biased…

 

Battle Abbey, English Heritage


Gifts for Walkers and Hikers

Sussex walk guide books 

If you know someone who likes walking and likes pubs then this Guide to East Sussex Pub Walks is perfect for popping in their pocket next time they’re out for a hike with a pub stop. If it’s West Sussex you’re looking for then we’ve got you covered with West Sussex Pub Walks: 20 Circular Walking Routes & the Best Places to Stop… There are a whole range of Sussex walks including pub stops, circular walks and dog walks. Check out the complete list…

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordnance survey maps with a personal touch

For map lovers, Ordnance Survey has you covered. Their explorer maps feature car parks, contour lines, campsites, pubs, and much more. Every map comes with a free digital download for your devices which you can use while you’re out and about. Alternatively, just buy the GPS downloads for your device. Always handy to have a paper map though in case you lose your signal. 

I’m intrigued by the Great British Adventure map and personalised maps which can be centralised to anywhere in Great Britain or Gift Vouchers are always useful. 


Guided Sussex Walks

If you’re looking for a guided walk then our very own Sussex Bloggers co-founder, Kathryn, offers walks to Halnaker tree tunnel and windmill and also around Arundel (April to November). Walks are embellished with snippets of local history and stories from Sussex folktales and legends with information about plants and animals spotted along the way. She also offers a downloadable self-guided treasure trail around the town of Arundel – perfect for the whole family.

 

Mill Lane, Halnaker nr Chichester

 

Gifts for Gardeners

The Sussex Trug

 

Sussex Trug for a Sussex gift guideCredit: sussextrugs.com

 

Every gardener worth their salt should have a Sussex Trug. The traditional wooden basket is used for harvesting produce and flowers. The handle and rim are made of coppiced sweet chestnut wood and the body of willow. Sussex trugs originate in the Herstmonceux area of East Sussex and have been made since the 1820s. The trugs are based on an idea dating back to Anglo Saxon times. A genuine Sussex trug will last a long time – mine’s still going strong after 15 years. It’s the perfect practical and sustainable gift for the gardener in your life. Beware of cheap immitations.

Find out more about genuine at Sussex Trugs the original Sussex trug maker. 

And something a little saucy!

Sussex Sea Swimmers Calendar 2022

A group of Felpham and Bognor Regis sea swimmers, wanting to raise funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice near Chichester, have made a fabulous calendar for 2022. 

The calendar features the ladies in various states of undress at the local beaches where they swim between Littlehampton and Pagham. The photographs are taken by Sussex photographer, Jacqueline Rackham and the calendar is sponsored by local business, Gorilla Robes, who make ethical changing robes, another great gift perfect for any water sports enthusiast.

Above: The ladies from Felpham Dippers raising funds for St Wilfred’s and hoping to put a smile on your face!

Our calendar girls are asking for a suggested donation of £10 per calendar (with 10% off for orders of more than one) plus postage and packing. 100% of the profits will go to St Wilfred’s a place close to many of the swimmers’ hearts.

To order your copy, please email [email protected], for further details. Please include your name and address.

 

 

We hope you’ve found some cool and unusual presents in our Sussex gift guide. Happy shopping! If you know of a Sussex business that would compliment our gift guide do drop us a line so we can consider including them. If you like this post please share it with your friends and on social media and support our local Sussex businesses.

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Sussex gift guide - gifts from small businesses in East and West Sussex

 

 

Janette La Bella

Monday 16th of August 2021

I was hoping I could find a birthday present for my friend in Hastings on this page

Suzanne Jones

Wednesday 18th of August 2021

Maybe a Hastings print from Lucy Loves this? They're lovely.

Carol Hunter

Monday 4th of January 2021

Good morning and Happy New Year. I was wondering if you might have room for a small home-made soap company on your website. I am based in Worthing. The Soap Dish Vegan soaps using UK based products.

Kathryn Burrington

Monday 4th of January 2021

Hi Carol, Thanks for getting in touch. We'll contact you via email.