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.
Uniquely Sussex gifts
There are so many lovely Sussex-inspired and created gifts. Here are a few suggestions:
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
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. https://sussexartprints.co.uk/
Sussex Arts
Sussex Arts showcases the talents and creativity of Sussex artists and artisans. You can find their artists, art galleries, and exhibitions across the county but they are also online and stock a range of thoroughly Sussex gifts from tea towels to books and coasters. https://sussexarts.co.uk/
Two Faced Twins
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. https://www.twofacedtwins.com/
Brighton
Brighton is always a cool place to look for local art, from the North Laines and under-the-arches on the seafront to award-winning Serena Sussex who paints landscapes, seascapes and nature in oil and mixed media paintings on canvas. https://www.serenasussex.com/
Sussex books
If it’s a bookworm you’re buying for, you’re in luck, because we not only have lots of independent and specialist bookshops in Sussex but we have lots of books written about Sussex. So, if you’re looking for a Sussex book, try:
Snake River Press
Snake River Press has a whole section of fun books on Sussex which include 20 Sussex Walks, A South Downs Alphabet, A Sussex Miscellany, and lots more. https://www.snakeriverpress.co.uk/
Sussex Book Shop
This is an online store with a unique catalogue of books about anything Sussex. Choose your title and they redirect you to Amazon. http://www.sussex.co.uk/bookshop/
Sussex Book Club
Again, you can shop with this site online. Browse their titles and recommendations and then buy via their website. https://sussexbooks.co.uk/
Sussex home and garden gifts
Trugs
For anyone green-fingered, it really has to be a good old-fashioned trug! Believed to have originated in Sussex as long ago as the 1500s, you can buy a traditionally made trug in different sizes online from Hailsham in East Sussex. https://trugmakers.co.uk/
Candles
The Greatwood Candle Company is based in East Sussex and produces candles that are hand-poured in their Oast House kitchen. The scents have all been inspired by the coast, countryside and history of East Sussex. They also have a range of defusers and body lotions. https://www.greatwoodcandles.co.uk/
Sussex Pottery
The Sussex Guild showcases a diverse array of local talent and they have pottery of every size, shape and description. Again, you can shop online. www.thesussexguild.co.uk/ceramics-sussex-guild
For the Sussex foodies
For the Sussex food and drink lover in your life, there is a lot of choice.
Wine, spirits and beer tours
Obvious gift choices include a vineyard tour and tasting at one of our many vineyards. There is a vast choice but try:
- Tinwood (near Chichester)
- Rathfinny (near Eastbourne)
- Bolney (near Haywards Heath)
- Ridgeview (near Brighton)
A lot of Sussex gin and spirit producers also offer tours and or tasting experiences so try:
- Goldstone Rum (in Henfield)
- Slake Spirits (in Worthing)
- Brighton Gin (in Brighton but nearer Shoreham!)
Let’s not forget our Sussex beers. Breweries that offer tours include:
- Langham Brewer (near Petworth in West Sussex)
- Harveys Brewery (in Lewes)
- Long Man Brewery (not far from Eastbourne)
Something to eat
For something more edible, what about:
- A High Weald Dairy cheese tour and tasting
- A Sussex food hamper full of goodies
- Bread-making courses and chocolate masterclasses at The Artisan Bakehouse
- Afternoon Tea (at Ashdown Park or Tottington Manor)
Christmas gift experiences
For a loved one who has everything, an experience can be a great idea. A hot air balloon ride across Sussex is a fabulous way to see the county but for other ideas try:
Introductory Flying Lesson
One-to-one training with a Civil Aviation Authority licensed instructor with up to 30 minutes in the air (including taxiing and landing). Shoreham. £150. https://www.fivestardays.com/introductory-flying-lesson
Learn to Scuba Dive
The Sussex coast is well set up for those who want to learn to scuba dive. A basic taster session of an hour is £50 pp at Ocean View Diving in Lancing but there are also courses for the more experienced. https://www.oceanviewdiving.co.uk/diving-courses
A Cycling for Softies mini break
This has been on my list for a long time. The Cycling for Softies Indulgence| Sparking tour is 3 to 5 nights with stays at Ockenden Manor, Baliffscourt and The Spread Eagle and involves two vineyards tours and tastings with full e-bike hire and baggage transfer, and lots of luxury at these three gorgeous hotels. From £1,095 pp. https://www.cycling-for-softies.co.uk/cycling-holidays/destinations/uk-england/sussex/indulgence-sussex-sparkling-e-bike.
One Night Sussex Weald Break with Tree Top Challenge for Two
Perfect for thrill seekers, you’ll find yourself taking on tree-to-tree crossings, free-fall Tarzan swings and super-fast zips way up in the treetop canopy. You stay in Ticehurst. https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/product/night-break-at-dale-hill-hotel-with-tree-top-challenge-for-two
Murder Mystery Evening with Dinner for Two
Enjoy being part of a murder mystery event over a three-course dinner in Arundel. Play along as the plot unfolds. A number of professional actors play the central characters including the victims and suspects. The actors will mingle with the guests throughout the evening as you ask them questions to solve the mystery. https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/product/murder-mystery-evening-for-2
Ghost walk and cellar dinner at The Old Ship Hotel
This includes an 80-minute tour of Brighton’s celebrated Ghost Walk of the Lanes, Brighton’s oldest and most haunted quarter, in the company of Silas the Ghost Walker. This is followed by a welcome drink at the Old Ship Hotel and a three-course meal with a glass of wine in the hotel’s historic cellars. Tickets start at £55 per person. https://www.oldshipbrighton.co.uk/promotions.html
Quirky, vintage, shopping on a budget and a Christmas day out
If you are looking for unique Christmas gift ideas, are on a budget or just need some inspiration and want a nice day out, head to one of the Sussex flea markets, emporiums or vintage stores.
Hastings Old Town
In Hastings Old Town you are spoilt for choice. Try:
- Butler & George
- Butler’s Emporium
- Robert’s Rummage
- Arthur Green’s
All these are in the Old Town. There are lots of other independent shops in Hastings Old Town and if you want to turn your Christmas shopping into a good day out, try visiting one of the museums or ending the day with fish and chips from Rock-a-Nore.
Lewes
There are lots of independent boutiques and bric-a-brac stores in Lewes but our favourites have to be:
- Pastorale Antiques (Malling Street)
- Needlemakers (West Street)
- Lewes Antiques Centre (High Street)
Combine your Christmas shopping here with a tour of Harvey’s Brewery or a visit to the castle.
Brighton and Hove
Brighton is a great place for bargain hunting and unusual gifts. You could lose yourself for days on end here but try:
- Snoopers Paradise (Kensington Gardens)
- Brighton Flea Market (Upper St James’s Street, Kemptown)
- North Laine Bazaar
Chichester
Another great place for some retro finds is Chichester. Here are three recommendations:
- Heritage Antiques (St Pancras)
- Almshouse Arcade (The Hornet and opposite Draper’s Yard)
- Peter Hancock’s (West Street).
In Chichester, you really have to combine any Christmas shopping with a visit to the theatre.
If you’re still looking for Sussex Christmas gifts and all round festive inspiration, you’ll like these posts:
