Rutland is full of local creatives, makers and small business owners that sell beautiful handmade gifts. Shop local this Christmas and chose to support independent businesses from across the county.

Here are some of our top picks: 

Ebony Fawn

Bourne-based business Ebony Fawn is run by Heidi Pleasance, up-cycled pottery pieces, handmade bowls and paintings. 

Heidi has run her Rutland-based small business in 2022 to make new pieces for her home (Photo: Ebony Fawn)

According to Heidi: "I started the business in Summer 2022 when my partner and I had just bought our first home. After searching for decor and failing to find what I envisioned, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create them myself. Each piece is handcrafted by me in my home studio." 

Her pottery pieces use upcycled clay to make beautiful new creations (Photo: Ebony Fawn)

Heidi's pieces have a neutral and textured appearance, giving character and interest to any room and use techniques such as upcycling to reduce waste and give life to old, unloved items. 

You can check out Heidi's work on her website and Instagram page @ebony_fawn 

Connie Taylor Ceramics 

Connie Taylor has a shop on Mill Street in Oakham Town Centre selling her unique handcrafted ceramic pieces. She sells a selection of gifts including unique mugs and beautiful homeware pieces. Drop by her shop for a browse of the handcrafted delights she has on offer. 

Connie Taylor is known locally for her unique ceramics shop in Oakham Town Centre (Photo: Connie Taylor Ceramics)

Handcrafted by Tee Lee

Artist Tracey Lee rediscovered her love for creating last winter after a long break due to difficulties with her health.  

She initially started making wire-wrap jewellery while living in Nicaragua, inspired by the local community, flora and fauna. 

Tracey learnt wire wrapping and developed her skills from there (Photo: Tracey Lee)

She quickly got to grips with making wire wrap jewellery before expanding into other areas. 

All of the jewellery Tracey makes is handmade and one of a kind. She enjoys working with upcycled items and uses recycled sterling silver and semi-precious stones in her work. 

Tracey displayed her works at Oakham Late Night Shopping this year (Photo: Tracey Lee)

Tracey's work is available on her Etsy shop. She also posts on her Facebook @Tee Lee and on Instagram @handcraftedbyteelee.

Hookapoo 

If you have a dog or know someone that does, you will be familiar with the problem of carrying poo bags. Tom founded Hookapoo to address the issue of carrying disposable poo bags in areas without convenient disposal locations.  

Hookapoo is full designed and 3D printed in Oakham (Photo: Hookapoo)

Hookapoo serves as a hands-free solution which clips onto your dog lead, allowing the user to carry the used bag hands free until they find a bin. 

This simple yet effective design has been fully designed and 3D printed in his home in Oakham, making it the perfect gift for the dog-lover in your life. 

This locally made product is a great non-traditional Christmas gift (Photo: Hookapoo)

Quirky Bird Gifts 

If there's someone on your list that you're not sure what to buy for, take a trip to Quirky Bird Gifts in Oakham. This shop is a treasure trove of gifts, trinkets, lovingly made items and unique pieces, making it the ideal place to get some last minute presents. 

Visit Quirky Bird Gifts in Oakham for your last minute Christmas shopping (Photo: Quirky Bird Gifts)

From candles, soap and cosmetics, to cosy scarfs, cushions and hilarious greeting cards, this shop truly has everything you could want from a local gift shop. 

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