Suffolk has a lot to offer, not least unusual and authentic businesses. If you get the chance, why not shop local and support these retailers. Here is my pick of some local businesses I love.
From Suffolk With Love
This company features planet conscious, plastic free gift boxes of carefully selected hand-picked items from some of the best small producers in Suffolk. The Pretty Things box includes a handmade sterling silver earrings set with Suffolk sea glass, a purse, a Flamingo Art Print and Adnams Copper House Dry Gin chocolate bar. There is even a Digital Detox Box, Bearded Bloke Box and Kids Bliss Box - complete with unicorn horn bath bomb! Whether for a thank you, a message of support, a birthday gift or even a ‘just because’ these boxes of goodness are perfect for helping to share your well wishes and love. Visit www.fromsuffolkwithlove.co.uk for more.
Jo's Word Art
Jo's Word Art is a local business selling designs that are created for personal word art pictures. Tell Jo your words and the image you'd like. From Teacher thank you cards to family memory pictures, you can get anything personalised - making the perfect gift.
The Suffolk Candle Co
The Suffolk Candle Co offers artisan products, handmade in small batches, near the beautiful Suffolk coast using high quality natural wax and fine fragrances. A friend gave me the Shingle Street candle and it was my favourite candle ever. It had a revitalising blend of seaside air, seashells and driftwood. It was hand poured near the Suffolk coast, using pure clean-burning soy wax. I also loved the packaging.
Hyrst Furniture
Hyrst is an Old English word for copse, the woods. They make a small collection of sustainable furniture and homewares, all designed and made here on the Suffolk coast. All of the wood is bought through Sutton Timber, in Suffolk. The food boards, in British elm and sycamore, are handcrafted at HMP Warren Hill in Suffolk, as part of a programme to rehabilitate individuals for reintegration into everyday life. Income paid by Hyrst to Warren Hill is used to fund training qualifications that will reskill residents in preparation for their release.
A Swedish Home
This family-run business near the coast in Suffolk offers a wide range of ecofriendly Scandi influenced rugs made from natural fibres, most of which are carefully machine washable. Great for any home and especially suitable for landlords of B&Bs, AirB&Bs and holiday homes along the coast. They also sell other Swedish gifts. https://aswedishhome.co.uk/
You can find more Suffolk shops and services at www.shopsuffolk.co.uk