One of a kind: Secret Santa sorted with these unique designer-maker Christmas gifts
The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
CONSULT THE CRAFT AND DESIGN BIBLE
David Mellor Design, 14 New Cavendish Street, W1; also Sloane Square, SW1
Here is the West End’s biggest spread of designer crafts. Founded in 1969, Corin Mellor then took up where his famous father left off. This Marylebone emporium in a fabulous Arts & Crafts building stocks Britain’s top pottery, glass, wood and metalware, cork, slate, horn and even melamine. The chunky catalogue is free — and it’s a craft/design bible.
We’ve found the perfect gift for discerning children — a colourful David Mellor cutlery set, £36.
NO MORE CRAWLING THE WALLS FOR IDEAS
Aram Store, 110 Drury Lane, WC2
Ruth Aram, daughter of store founder Zeev, tirelessly sources gift ideas for this huge family-run design store. Flying out are paper wall sculptures — like this trendy beetle, £8.50. Clever flat-pack paper covers turn a bottle into a vase. Also find quirky ceramics by Ingela Parrhenius, of Sweden.
COME TO A FREE PARTY
Heal’s, 196 Tottenham Court Road, W1
This lovely design store’s Christmas Market has top brands including luxury crackers from Nancy & Betty Studio, £35, plus cashmere cushions, sheepskin rugs and pink champagne. The free Christmas party is on Thursday 7 December from 6pm to 9pm.
GET GREENERY AND GIFTS IN ONE HIT
A unique parade of independent stores lines this vibrant market with its Christmas greenery, flowers, palms, orchids, lavender and more. See exquisite crafts from Vietnam at Nom, including blue-marbled ceramics, from £8; traditional ceramics at A Portuguese Love Affair; printed velvet cushions, £45, at HM Jones and glam household essentials at Epitome.
EVERYONE NEEDS A NEON FLAMINGO
Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank, SE1
Walk the metal galleries on both sides of this industrial building, where you’ll find 25 design studios and workshops with everything from woven scarves and jewellery to door handles and clocks, plus lots of nifty Christmas gift ideas. We were thrilled pink by this pretty neon flamingo, available from Locomocean, £50.
SHOP THE STALLS AND ENJOY THE SOUNDS
London’s jolliest craft fairs mix live music, drinks and workshops with original handmade goods. There’s a venue to suit you this year — the schedule includes: Dec 9-10, 11am-5pm, CLF Art Café, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 (60 traders daily); Dec 14, Geffrye Museum Night Market, 4pm-9pm, 136 Kingsland Road, London, E2 (50 traders); Dec 16, 11am-5pm Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 (25 traders).
UNIQUE LONDON POTTERY PIECES
Morley Gallery, 61 Westminster Bridge Road, SE1
For serious ceramics buffs, here is an unequalled spread of 90 London potters, in a special selling show until December 13. Work is on sale now, with prices from £20 (average price £60 to £150). Or contact makers for alternative stock. This earthenware pot by Carol Gilbert is £175.
SECRET SANTA? NOT A PROBLEM
The Secret Santa Shop, Boxpark, Bethnal Green Rd, E1
Kitsch and colourful, there are items galore to sort the office Secret Santa in this shipping container fuelled by Shoreditch cult store, Maiden. Rock stars on tea towels (£12.50) include George Michael, Bowie, Prince, Freddie Mercury and Amy Winehouse. Cards flaunt Beyoncé, Drake, Rihanna, Kim K and Kanye, while Prosecco Pong, this year’s hit party game, is £12.50. Make your own “neon” name/slogan, £16.
FROM ARTISTS ALL OVER THE WORLD — TO YOU
Etsy online shop
A global marketplace for individual makers, Etsy has 1.9 million sellers worldwide, 31.7 million shoppers every year and 45 million items online — happily with a curated gift guide upfront. Goods are individual, idiosyncratic and original, often with lovely packaging. You can print “downloadable art” by YoYoStudio at home, including this cat, to solve a last-minute gift crisis. From £5.30. Order internationally with confidence — delivery is speedy.