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December starts tomorrow, so I thought I had better get my Orkney gift guideposts! While orkney.com has compiled a list of some of the bigger names, I’ve taken a look at some of the really peedie businesses in Orkney and their festive offers.
Last year I bought knitwear from Judith Glue, gin from Orkney Distillery, and toys from Grooves. And this year, well I’ll tell you that next year as I don't want to spoil anyone’s surprises!
So, let’s get on with the gift guide for this year....
Ann Mackie Knitwear
I adore Ann’s knitwear with its bright and punchy colours, which are all knitted in pure organic lambswool. From clothing, to accessories to dog jackets. Why not get matching outfits for the whole family?! It’s worth noting that Ann also offers knitting made to measure.
Order from www.annmackieknittingservices.co.uk
JP Orkney
Now if it wouldn’t be Christmas without some chutneys, then JP Orkney has just the thing. They’ve put together plenty of hampers for you, or the option to create your own. Their produce has been developed through their love of working with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and it's all homemade in their Birsay kitchen by the sea.
Here’s some of what they have on offer:
Spirit of Orkney hamper £35
Salad hamper £15
Orkney craft hamper £20
Chef’s Christmas hamper £95
Sweet Chrsitmas hamper £25
Order online from www.jporkney.co.uk
Star Island Soap
Simone’s cold-processed soaps, shampoos and traditionally hand-made balms are created using carefully blended recipes packed with nourishing oils and butters to help care for skin, hair and scalp. The soaps and balms are made in small batches from her home on the beautiful island of Stronsay.
Scents include:
Green wave & kelp - lemongrass, eucalyptus, rosemary
Aurora - lemongrass, sandalwood, frankincense
Ring of Brodgar - nutmeg & tea tree
Sea pink shore (made with goat’s milk) - lavender and mango
Winter spice - cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, orange
Available from: www.orkneystarislandsoap.co.uk
Glaciale Jewellery
Josie creates handmade sea glass jewellery, using glass collected from the many beautiful beaches around the isles.
Available in her Etsy shop www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GlacialeByJosie
Elaine Ward’s Knitwear
100% wool knitwear featuring Celtic Knot and Pictish Key designs. Elaine has lived in Orkney all her life. Raised in the West Mainland, her mother taught her to hand knit when she was 5 years old.
Available from www.elaineward.co.uk
Orkney Glass Hut
Liz creates gorgeous fused glass works. Her first love of glass began at her home town where the beaches were scattered with sea glass deposited from Sunderland Glass Works. The ever changing weather, richness in fauna and flora as well as Orkney people and traditions, greatly influences her glass and art work.
Puffins £15
Ring of Brodgar £120
Isle of Auskerry
Auskerry is home to a flock of North Ronaldsay sheep. I really enjoyed meeting Teresa at the Christmas craft fairs this year. Teresa hand cures their sheepskins, creating stunning rugs that would make a beautiful feature in any room.
Shop here: www.isleofauskerry.com
Woolly Wally
Helen lives on North Ronaldsay and uses the leftover hair from the wool mill to make many of her creations. From needle felted ornaments to woven scarves and throws.
Woolly Wally hanging Christmas decoration £13
100% North Ronaldsay wool throw #45
Available on her facebook page www.facebook.com/woollywally
Britt Harcus Illustrations
Britt has lived in Orkney nearly all her life. Brought up on a farm in Quanterness. Her artwork is inspired by good cheer and the countryside.
2022 Calendar £9.50
Large tea towel £12.50
Artwork from £50
Artwork, books & gifts from brittharcus.co.uk
Deerness Distillery
Deerness distillery have put together some fab hampers for the gin-lover in your life (or maybe that’s you!). From £29.95 up to £78.95.
Their Sea Glass gin takes you on a pleasurable sensory journey through warm spices, hints of citrus and of course juniper.
Their Scuttled gin is juniper led, followed by a spicy lemon cassia bark with peppery middle notes. With a smooth lavender mint finish to cleanse the palate.
Visit their shop at www.deernessdistillery.com
Last but not least I have put together a hamper including some of my favourite Orkney makers:
Mulled pear and cranberry candle from Orkney Mangata
Hot chocolate bomb from Orkney Dairy
Macrame candy cane decoration for Jack & B
Sea-glass key ring from Orkney Sea Glass Crafts
All wrapped in festive tissue paper and packaged in a gift box, with a free handwritten Christmas card in sending direct.
Available here for £19.99
