Christmas is just around the corner, which means you need to get your shopping started.
However, instead of heading straight to Amazon or eBay have you considered shopping locally this year?
There are plenty of fantastic Cumbrian businesses that need your support this Christmas.
We have tracked down some local Etsy sellers with some fantastic products for sale.
Their products would make amazing and unique Christmas gift ideas for even the fussiest person in your life.
Here are just five Cumbrian businesses on Etsy which are selling some really terrific products:
Wax melts and self-care packages
I think we could all benefit from a little self-care after the year we have experienced.
Luckily for you, Carlisle-based Owl and Bee Company is all about self-care and their products are aimed at improving mental health.
Along with handmade wax melts, candles and bath salts, the company also sell unique hampers which would be the ideal secret Santa present.
Their £10 festive wax melt hamper would be a great Christmas gift and the £12.99 Christmas Eve hamper is ideal for young children as a pre-Christmas present.
Browse the Owl and Bee Company Etsy site.
Hand-sewn book covers
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for the book worm in your life, then these products could be ideal.
Sewn By Rebecca Louise is a Penrith-based company who makes padded book sleeves.
These come in a variety of designs and are used to prevent your favourite books getting damaged.
The unique gift ideas don’t end there as the Etsy company is also selling a Christmas Book Box which includes a book sleeve, one Christmas book, a boomark, hot chocolate, a chocolate bar and two winter scented tea light candles.
Browse the full range of book covers available on the Sewn By Rebecca Louise Etsy site.
Scented candles with a quirky twist
Candles are a classic Christmas gift.
They can be used as a stocking filler or even as secret Santa present.
However, Carlisle-based Fiction Wicks are unique in that they are based on your favourite fictional character.
For instance, the Villanelle candle is based on the hit BBC series Killing Eve; the fruity scent and bright pink colour are meant to represent the character’s personality.
However, the company also sell generic candles such as the mince pie scented Christmas Fairy candle, which can also be personalised.
Browse the range of unique candles on the Fiction Wicks Etsy site.
Handcrafted jewellery
Jewellery is a great gift idea and all of the product on the Miamba Boutique Etsy site are all handmade.
The business specialises in earrings but they also have some bracelets and necklaces available.
Browse the full product range on the Miamba Boutique Etsy site.
Handmade gifts for your dog
Are you shopping for a dog-lover? Maybe you own a pooch and want to get them a Christmas present?
If so, then you might appreciate the products on offer at Workington business, Ollie's Pawtique.
Katriana Brennan runs the business which sells a range of items including dog bandanas, scrunchies, headbands, Christmas stockings and more.
She added: “We set our business up in the first lockdown as a mean to provide income due to myself not working.
“We have grown massively over the six months and have a large Instagram base.
“Our favourite item is our BioThane collars; they come in a range of colours, they are waterproof and simply wipe clean after walks.
“Each one is hand crafted to order which allows for choice over colours and hardware.”
Browse the full product range on Etsy.
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