Move over characterless shopping malls. Whether you love or hate Christmas shopping, there is a better way. We’ve rounded up a whole host of Sussex Christmas gift ideas and shopping suggestions which you can do online from the comfort of your armchair or in person soaking up some of the personality of Sussex. Knowing that whatever way you shop, you’re supporting local and giving a gift that is uniquely Sussex.
There’s pretty much something for everyone here, so happy shopping.
Favourite places to shop
Well, you’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to great places with lots of independent boutiques, but three places that have really caught our eye as we’ve been exploring this year are:
Petworth: Apart from being hopelessly pretty and home to Petworth House (a National Trust property with a great Christmas display and a Christmas market at the Battery House Studio at Petworth House on the 29th /30th November 2025), Petworth has dozens of great shops. Start in the antique market, then make your way around the town, up East Street, down Lombard Street, around the square and up the High Street. It’s a small and compact town where you’ll get a lot of your shopping done.
The town also has a Christmas Cracker Event on Saturday 6 December with an array of stalls and festive food and drink from local providers, a Santa’s Grotto and lots of children’s activities. And don’t forget that on the 4th Saturday of the month, there is also a farmers market.
Rye: At the other end of the county, but equally as pretty, Rye is another great destination for Christmas shopping. And they host a Christmas in Rye Festival from 22 November right up to Christmas Day.
This includes Christmas markets and fairs, a ghost walk, wine tasting, a theatre production, a tree festival, Lamb House (National Trust) Christmas display, live music, afternoon tea and lots more. The festival spreads out across the surrounding villages, and on top of which they have some wonderful boutiques and gift shops.
Hanningtons Lane, Brighton: in the middle of the county, this was once part of Brighton’s famed Hanningtons department store but this year, the shop owners have come together and are putting on a stop scrolling and start strolling event through its cobbled lanes. This includes late-night shopping events, festive workshops, charity performances, competitions and artisan showcases. It all kicks off on 28 November with a light switch on and choir.
Sussex gift ideas
Looking for quick and easy ideas? Here are a few suggestions.
Sussex books
You can’t go wrong with a book, and there are lots of independent and specialist bookshops in Sussex. If you’re looking for a particular Sussex book, try Snake River Press which has a whole section of fun books on Sussex which include 20 Sussex Walks, A South Downs Alphabet, A Sussex Miscellany, and lots more. They make great stocking fillers. Other little books that we’ve enjoyed this year are The Fish, The Goatsucker and the Highwayman (produced by the South Downs National Park, Heathlands Reunited) which is a collection of short tales from in and around the heaths of Sussex. Also, walkers may enjoy the East and West Sussex pocket guides to local walks by Ben Giles (published by Pocket Mountains).
For a Christmas novella, try Famously Festive: a contemporary Christmas novella set between London and Brighton and by a local Horsham author. Available from Amazon on 26 November.
Something for him
If you’re shopping for the man who values quality and style this Christmas, head to RD1Clothing, Hastings’ very own independent 5-star menswear store. RD1 brings together the best of retro, mod and football casual fashion, with an impressive line-up of brands including Sergio Tacchini, Fila, Ellesse and Weekend Offender.
Loved for its personal service and loyal following, RD1 has become a go-to for timeless, authentic style. From classic polos and track tops to premium jackets, knits and T-shirts, every piece is carefully selected for its quality, comfort and standout style, with sizes available up to 4XL. Visit RD1 in Hastings or shop online to find a gift he’ll wear and love all season long.
To browse or buy: https://rd1clothing.co.uk/
Something for her
Head to Battle and the little boutique of Lifestyle Battle where they stock a whole host of wonderful brands, fashion and homewares. How about these boots for cold weather?
A collection of ideas
Winter’s Moon in North Street in Chichester town centre is an independent gift and homewares shop mixing modern, fairtrade and vintage items to create a collection of beautiful things for living and giving. The shop is open 7 days a week and you can also buy online. They’ve got a wonderful selection of gifts from greeting cards to lighting, books, advent calendars, rugs, mugs, jugs, bags, prints, dishes, fabrics and much, much more. If you’re looking for inspiration and lots of great little gifts, this is a must visit: www.wintersmoon.co.uk
Sussex art
With an amazing breadth and depth of creative talent in Sussex, an art-inspired gift is always special. You’ll find lots of local art on offer at the various artisan markets in the forthcoming weeks but other places to look out for are:
- Sussex Art Prints are in Seaford but are also online and have an expanding portfolio of artworks inspired by their local Sussex and Downs landscapes. We just love their hare in front of the moon.
- For brightly coloured art that’s modern and Sussex inspired head to Worthing and the Two Faced Twins gallery and shop right on the seafront. They also sell other homewares. There are lots of other galleries in Worthing so well worth a visit.
- Lewes is always a cool place to look for local art and artisans. Head to Sussex Guild Shop at Southover Grange, The Needlemakers or Star Brewery.
Why not give the gift of the outdoors this Christmas?
Treat someone special to a memorable and inspiring adventure in the outdoors – whether for a solo escape or a shared experience. A Pied A Terre gift voucher can be purchased in an amount to suit your budget, are valid for 12 months and can be used towards most of their outdoor adventures, walking holidays and skills courses. Perfect for enjoying nature, exploring our wonderful countryside or for learning a new skill in 2026!
Buy at: https://patadventures.com/gift-vouchers/
Sussex scents
Candles are always a quick win and a great way to give the gift of atmosphere. And you can buy a gorgeous range of candles from West Sussex Scents: https://www.westsussexscents.com/
A gift from the Devil himself…
Devil’s Dyke Distillery is inspired by the landmark of the same name and the folklore that surrounds it. They make a London Dry gin and have a great range of gift options too.
The Sussex Gourmand
A very different hamper company, Sussex Gourmand boxes and hampers come with a handwritten gift card and tasting notes, which are packed with ice sheets and sheep wool insulation in a recyclable cardboard box. The insulation can be reused for animal bedding, insulating pipes and protecting garden plants over winter.
Their hampers feature Sussex Gourmands products – canapé kits, beef and venison bresaola along with Sussex cheeses, smoked salmon, honey products, chocolates and wine. For those who want to make their gift extra special, there’s a solid pewter condiment spoon, made by local pewter smith Fleur Grenier.
You can see the range of gift boxes and hampers online at https://sussexgourmand.com/shop
Sussex home and garden gifts – The Gift of Craftsmanship
Greenfields Wood Store, based in the picturesque village of Bodiam, East Sussex, specialises in premium-quality, handcrafted workbenches, tables, and bars — all made with responsibly sourced timber. Whether you’re looking to surprise a DIY enthusiast, a budding chef, or a garden lover, they’ve got the perfect gift for everyone.
Their range of products includes everything from sturdy workbenches and foldaway bars to potting tables and mud kitchens for kids. With options like adjustable height, width, shelves, vices, and backboards, you can create a piece that works just right for you to customise at home in your chosen finish.
- Workbenches: A must-have for any DIY enthusiast or craftsman.
- Foldaway Bars: Perfect for creating a pop-up home bar in your garden or garage.
- Potting Tables: For the green-thumbed gardener.
- Pizza Oven Tables & BBQ Tables: Perfect for outdoor entertaining.
- Jeweller’s Benches: For those who love intricate work and precision.
- Children’s Workbenches and Mud Kitchens: Encourage creativity and hands-on play.
- Gift Vouchers: The perfect option for those who want to choose their own!
Browse their full range of products online at www.greenfieldswoodstore.co.uk and discover how easy it is to give the gift of quality craftsmanship this holiday season. And they’ve got 15% off!
If you’re still looking for Sussex Christmas gifts and all-round festive inspiration, you’ll like these posts:
