Love Local: The Best Christmas Presents Are Closer Than You Think

There are particular kinds of gift that no online retailer can match: things chosen with knowledge about what local people like, from someone who cares, in a place you can walk to. Poundbury has more of these than most people realise. With Christmas approaching, here's a tour of what your neighbours have on offer — before we reach for the laptop.

Start with an experience

The gift that is more than a physical thing is one many people love. Monart Spa in Queen Mother Square has one of the finest thermal suites in the UK — hydrotherapy pool, infrared sauna, salt grotto, caldarium, aroma steam and experience showers — plus an extensive range of treatments. Vouchers can be purchased online, or luxury gift card boxes can be collected at reception. Two special evenings are also coming up: Calming Christmas with Made for Life on 3 December, and Caring for Winter Skin with Pevonia skincare experts on 17 December. Note that Love Poundbury card holders can receive 10% off regular treatments on Thursdays.

Something for the home

Dovecote Trading Company by the Buttermarket makes it easy to arrive for one gift and leave with six — and Love Poundbury card holders receive 10% off.  Poundbury Gardens opposite the Queen Mother’s statue is the answer for anyone with a garden enthusiast on their list — and is worth visiting for its seasonal atmosphere alone. Rugs of Dorset, with 5% off to Love Poundbury card holders, offers not only gorgeous rugs from all over the world, but also lovely cushions. Glass of Murano on Victor Jackson Avenue brings handmade Venetian glass to Poundbury, and distinctive gifts. The Rhubarb Candle Company in Crown Square rounds out this category beautifully, with candles, diffusers, soaps and more.

Something to wear or discover

Yard and Dovecote by the Buttermarket offer carefully curated women's fashion and gifts that feel a world away from the high street. Cherryade Life Store on Bridport Road is the place for the person who appreciates something thoughtful and a little unexpected. Beyond the Pink Door, Sunshine et Buttercups and Marshmallow Avenue each reward a browse. And Boos Toyshop — the independent toy shop on Crown Square, is full of things that aren't on Amazon,

and deserves a place on every Poundbury parent's itinerary this season.

Something delicious

House of Dorchester fine chocolates makes beautifully packaged gifts, and the Dorset Wine Company is the obvious answer for the wine lover. Brace of Butchers is unbeatable for serious hamper-building or a spectacular Christmas joint. And Waitrose remains Waitrose — excellent for seasonal food, with the café a handy meeting point mid-shop.

Something indulgent

A voucher for hair or beauty is always well received. Poundbury has an extraordinary range: Afina, Allure, Capelli, Meraki, Redefine, Rooted and Sunset Boulevard for hair; Glow, Pure Beauty, Sandra Goodwin, Sarah Dale Aesthetics, Rosanna James Clinic, Aesthetics on the Square, and The Sanctuary of Poundbury for treatments and skincare; Hardy Barbers for the men on your list; Kirsten Sare for make up; and Panemorfii Nails and Beauty and for more. Whatever the indulgence, it's almost certainly available within walking distance.

And a date for your diary

On Friday 6 November, the Duchess of Cornwall Inn is hosting a Charity Day and Quiz Night — a lovely opportunity to shop while supporting the community. Our own Poundbury Good Things merchandise will be on sale, with profits going directly to community causes. Come along, pick up something special, and know that your purchase is doing good close to home.

Why it matters

Every pound spent in a local independent business has roughly three times the local economic impact of the same pound spent online. The shops, salons and studios in Poundbury are run by people who live here or nearby — people who are part of what makes this place what it is. Buying locally at Christmas isn't a compromise — it's usually more interesting, more personal, and more satisfying than the alternatives.

The full directory is at lovepoundbury.org/shopping-eating-services — you may be surprised how much of your list you can tick off without leaving our postcode!

And to see which and more of these locations offer Love Poundbury Member benefits, please click here.

Please also check out the shops and services in Dorchester, just a short bus ride away!