Supporting independent and local businesses in the run up to Christmas.
Our vibrant city has long been a home for the most extraordinary independent and local businesses. These have shaped the soul of our city ever since. Unfortunately, the year 2020 has been unprecedented and presented many local independent businesses with challenges and hardship.
Unfortunately, many of our local businesses have had to close their doors. Some permanently and some temporarily – in line with government guidelines for lockdown 2.0. In the spirit of preserving this industry that makes our city thrive, it seems more important than ever to support them. Especially throughout the upcoming festive season.
Make this Christmas special by surprising your loved ones whilst supporting your local community at the same time. Consider this run up to Christmas your greatest deed! Shop local, order online, buy handmade goodies or gift vouchers for local shops/experiences. Consider this your cup of kindnesses to all those passion-driven businesses. They are counting on our support to survive this current crisis.
Support Local
For this lockdown, many businesses have had to close their doors, but remember many are still allowed to operate, whether for take-away, delivery or click and collect.
If your favourite shops and restaurants are closed, remember to look them up online to see if they are offering anything. Whether in-store or through the web, the most important thing, especially this year, is to support our local independent community, so we can have them back once this pandemic goes away for good.
Independent and local businesses:
1. Shop local and independent on-line
Click-It local has come to Cambridge and is showcasing a fantastic array of local independents. Not only can you order amazing local food and drink but also great gifts, our favourites include Small and Green (beautiful houseplants and pots) and lighthouse toys (ideal for the kids this Christmas).
Check out Etsy – Support independent creators. Cambridge has some fantastic artists/creators selling on Etsy, support someone local this Christmas.
One of our favourites is: Frankie and the Sewing Machine. Check out her fab personalised cushions and Christmas stockings. There was a Cambridge Etsy fair in 2018, obviously, there can’t be one this year but here’s a list of some other fantastic local sellers with the most amazing and unique local products that might make a very special gift this Christmas.
Histon Handmade marketplace, is new for 2020. In the last couple of years, Histon Handmade had become the place to go for local artisan gifts. Unable to go ahead this year the organiser, Claire, has developed an online marketplace where you can shop local for Christmas gifts for others (or yourself).
Books are a popular Christmas gift and with all the bookshops closed it would be so easy to head to Amazon for all your literary needs. Not this year!! Independent bookshops have joined forces to rival the likes of Amazon and other multinational sellers. Bookshop.org is a great place to go for books this Christmas. Or, alternatively, you could opt for a walk through our city to collect your favourite books at the door of our local bookshops – check online to see which are offering a Click and Collect service.
2. Shop local gift vouchers
With the uncertainty of current events, in many cases, the local community is opting for a wider validity of their gift vouchers. Moreover, guaranteeing to extend it if required (as we are here at Let’s Go Punting). In our opinion experience, gift vouchers are a great way to give a special gift experience this Christmas while supporting a local business.
Love Cambridge is offering a generic Love Cambridge Gift Card which can be accepted in a huge range of local businesses such as shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and salons.
For extra fun, you can always opt for an experience gift voucher such as our popular: gift voucher for a relaxing punting tour! Select your favourite tour, add individual picnic boxes and have an amazing time punting with Let’s Go Punting!
You can contact us to add a personalised message on your voucher! All vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase. However, this validity can be extended upon request due to the current situation. Please ensure that the gift voucher recipient contacts us to confirm availability and pre-book a specific date and time. Our most popular gift vouchers are displayed but if you want something different just let us know!
Other local experience gift vouchers include: Lockhouse Escape Rooms, The Varsity Hotel (for their SPA, Afternoon Tea or Dinner Experiences) and Cocktail Making at the Hidden Rooms. All gifts I’d love to receive this Christmas.
Support local and independent businesses!
Even though the run up to Christmas calls out for gifts and treats remember to try and shop local wherever possible. It may take more time but rest assured you will be making someone’s day.
Whether utilising the click and collect services or using local delivery companies such as Click it Local, your shopping will support small businesses through these tough and unpredictable times. So if you can, shop local and spread kindness; empowering our city’s passion-driven local and independent businesses.