Christmas shopping in the midst of a pandemic is enough to have even the staunchest of us panicking a little. Every year shopping for something that is meaningful and a bit different is hard, you either spend hours traipsing the streets or internet search engines and it can so easily become a stressful, unenjoyable activity. Well, if this all sounds a bit too familiar I have some really good news for you. My children’s school have arranged a fantastic online Christmas market showcasing some fab independent brands alongside several local, homemade producers that will make you a total winner this Christmas!
This fantastic online event has been arranged by the parents association (BPSA) of my children’s school.The BPSA is amazing at raising much needed funds for our lovely little school, and this year because of (sodding) covid, their fundraising capabilities have been exceptionally limited. A little outside of the box thinking has resulted in the creation of an AMAZING online Christmas market bringing together several exceptional local vendors meaning that you can do some much needed Christmas shopping safely and comfortably from your own home. Forget Amazon, this selection of sellers brings you an authentic alternative range of present ideas that have a much more personal feel. In this blog I’ll give a brief overview of all of the vendors signed up as well as information on how you can be a part of this shopping extravaganza.
This market is a ticketed event, a mere £2 will give you complete access to the market with 100% of that money going straight to the school for the children to benefit. Ticket holders will not only have access to the amazing vendors listed below but they will also automatically be entered into a raffle to win a lunch for 4 at the stunning Limewood Hotel, situated in the heart of the New Forest.
As well as showcasing a wide variety of products the vendors will be offering exclusive promotional codes and unique offers solely reserved for attendees. Several other local and online businesses have also provided exclusive promotions and discounts for future purchases with them. Business like Conker Gin, New Forest Wine, Coven of Witches, The Tattooed Golf Coach and Bad Hand Coffee
Although we are all very sad that we can not put on our usual Christmas Market and interact with you all in person, moving online offers a HUGE potential for not only the sellers, but for our school in general. Virtual shopping means that we can reach a wider audience of people who can come along and safely shop from the comfort of their own home. What we need now is for as many people as possible to share this Christmas market, buy a ticket and pop back on Saturday 28th November to take advantage of not only some great offers but enjoy a fantastic safe shopping experience. We hope to see you there!!
AGrazing Platters
The most delicious array of grazing platters – just check out their website for some of the beautiful platters they create – I warn you though it will induce hunger!
Website: www.agrazingplatters.co.uk
Instagram: @agrazingplatters_
Butterfly Blessing
Does someone in your life love the healing energies of crystals do they also want their crystals ethically sourced? Then look no further. Butterfly Blessing is the one stop shop for all things crystal and holistic. The perfect gift to help someone see through the 2020 shit storm.
Facebook: @butterflyblessingX
Website: www.butterflyblessing.co.uk
Boutique in a bus
Lesley will be bringing her fabulous boutique bus online to showcase her boutique apparel and fantastic prices!
Website: www.boutiqueinabus.co.uk
Instagram: @boutiqueinabus
Cider Pantry – New Forest Cider
Everyone in Burley LOVES the Cider Pantry – they are also famous for their production of the famous New Forest Cider. Even if like me you claim to not like cider, you’d be hard pressed not to enjoy theirs!
Website: www.newforestcider.co.uk
Instagram: @newforest_cider
Ella’s Little Bookstall
Bringing an extensive collection of Usbourne books, this is a fantastic stall as a percentage of the sales goes directly to the school to increase their own library selection.
Facebook: @Ellaslittlebookstall
Website: www.org.usbornebooksathome.co.uk/ellaslittlebookstall/
Faith & Madison
Donna is introducing her unique homemade decor and gifts. I am a little bit in love with her Tassel Pals, these will be a very popular gift!
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/faithandmadison
Facebook: @faithandmadison
Gem Freeman Jewellery
Gem’s jewellery is absolutely beautiful, she has a much loved signature range but also creates the most stunning bespoke pieces. Working with both gold and silver there are pieces to suit every style and every budget. Her ‘Bit of Rough’ diamond collection is my personal favourite!
Facebook: @gemfreemanjewellery
Handmade Heaven
Bespoke jewellery made from recycling pre-loved pieces – Amy also loves a new challenge so if you have something in mind she will happily set about creating a bespoke piece tailored just for you!
Facebook: @handmadeheaven
Hermitage Beauty
For all things beauty and pampering – If you want to treat someone special they also do gift vouchers which could be the ideal gift.
Website: www.hermitagebeauty.com
Hoops and Blooms
Hoops and Blooms make beautifully romantic, floral inspired pieces of home decor. Perfect as a gift but also to add some gorgeous alternative Christmas decorations to your collection!
Facebook: @hoopsandblooms
Jill Bee Prints
Gorgeous framed prints designed by Jill.
Facebook: @jill_bee_prints
Instagram: @jill_bee_prints
Kirsty’s Sewing Room
Kirsty is my very good friend who is a wizard on the sewing machine I have bought many items from her and they are both gorgeous and extremely practical be sure to check her range out!
Facebook: @Kirsty.sew
Jules Carpenter Pottery
If beautiful hand made ceramics is your kryptonite then Jules Carpenter Pottery is about to become your new obsession.
Facebook: @julescreamics
Laura & Fauna
Laura makes nature inspired handprinted accessories, New Forest collages and commission house and family collages. Laura & Fauna are a relatively new start up so ticket holders are in for a real treat with a first look at some of the beautiful personalised artwork they will have on display.
Instagram: @lauraandfaunaintheforest
Mama B’s Cakery
Cakes and cupcakes for all occasions – Enough said if you love cake then the Cakery is for you!
Facebook: @mama.bs.cakes
Mild West Heroes
These guys print the most amazing tee shirts showcasing many different artists on their various designs, Mild West Heroes is a true artistic collaboration. I have seen them at Frome Market and can say that their range is both unique, ethical and exceptionally high quality.
Website: www.mildwestheroes.co.uk
Facebook: @MildWestHeroes
Milksok
Hi, this is my brand! I make children’s hats designed to stand out from the crowd. I hope you enjoy my imaginative designs I have many hand made and hand painted items that are completely unique but also super practical and designed so that kids will want to keep them on their damn heads!
Facebook: @milksok
Instagram: @milksok.uk
Perks Home Bakes
Delicious home cooked food – they offer the finest home cooked foods for your indulgence…
Website: www.perkshomebakes.co.uk
Facebook: @Perkshomebakes
Shappen Stores
Shappen Stores is our fantastic local convenience store they offer everything from a pint of milk, meat from the butcher to artisan gin. They are always in full support of our school and the community as a whole. It is always stocked with fabulous locally sourced produce and their locally sourced booze selection is second to none!
Facebook: @shappenstoresburley
Instagram: @shappenstores_burley
Shin Korean Cookery
I am a huge fan of Shin Korean Cookery and Young’s kimchi is the best I have ever tasted. She is a genius in the kitchen and as well as jarring her signature kimchi, she offers a weekly Korean takeaway which is absolutely delicious and highly recommended!
Facebook: @ShinKoreanCookery
Email:shinkimchi70@gmail.com
Suzy’s Biscuit Box
Suzy bakes the most delicious biscuits that not only look like pieces of art but they taste amazing too. Check out her gift box sets that are conveniently letter boxed sized – the perfect gift for any biscuit lover.
Facebook: @suzysbiscuitsbox
The Book & Bucket Cheese Company
For all you fellow cheese lovers these guys are making the most wonderful artisan cheeses from the finest sheep and cow’s milk in the heart of Dorset. It doesn’t get cheddar than this!
Facebook: @thebookandbucket
Website: www.thebookandbucketcheesecompany.co.uk
The Forest Foodie
The Forest Foodie produce the most gorgeous hampers specialising in fresh, locally sourced produce from small local businesses. The perfect gift for the foodie in your life!
Website: www.theforestfoodie.com
Facebook: @theforestfoodie2020
Tints of Nature / Herb UK
Lockdown has taught us all a lot about the importance of access to decent hair care!! Tints of Nature offers ammonia-free hair colour and hair care products. Their products are proudly made with the maximum amount of natural and certified organic ingredients.
Facebook: @TintsofNatureGlobal
So there we have it a fantastic range of sellers – with even more still to be announced we hope to see you all there!
Email burleybpsa@gmail.com to buy tickets or ping a message over on our school FB page @BurleyPrimarySchoolAssosiation