Can I do all my Christmas shopping in Seaton?
For a bit of fun last year I decided to see if I could do all my Christmas shopping locally and more importantly with my limited budget. With my shopping list in hand I set off on a crisp Saturday morning in mid November.
I started in Marine Place at Green Dragon Antiques, an Aladdin’s cave of vintage and unusual items. I bought a lovey set of vintage glasses for my sister. A few doors up the road is Amber Home of Colour where Liz always offers a friendly and bright welcome. I got a warm & snuggly blanket for my father-in-law.
Then next door to my favourite shop, Coastal Craft Collective - I have to say that as I work here!! I bought a selection of fused glass for my mother-in-law and some shortbread. This year we have Devon made Christmas themed shortbread and fudge.
Continuing my mission on Fore Street, I found a lovely silver semi-precious stone ring at Mandy’s Must Haves that I knew my best friend would love. Then to Itemdrop, a great place to buy gifts for teenagers where I got a T-shirt which I knew would be perfect for my nephew.
I visited Toni at Bras and Briefs to buy a gift voucher for my sister. Toni has a lovely range of lingerie and offers a brilliant bra measuring and fitting service. It's always a joy to visit Jenny at the Owl & Pyramid Book Shop. She's so knowledgeable. I got a book for my friend's son and then popped next door to see Wendy at Brogan Buzec where I bought a stylish pottery jug which I knew would go perfectly in my sister-in-law's kitchen.
Then to So Sophie for a beautiful bouquet of artificial flowers and Sarah at Fifi & Binx in Cross Street where I found a gorgeous mohair jumper that I knew would look great on mum. I popped into Triptych Gallery, Queen Street and found a lovely box of Christmas matches which I thought would make my hubby smile.
Of course, I couldn't leave our wonderful dog Piglet out of my festive spending spree. Animal Botanical offer a brilliant range of dog treats and toys and I found plenty there to keep her happy at Christmas. I even got her her own doggy advent calendar!
There are many more shops to choose from in Seaton, but as I’d managed to complete my present list I moved on to order my Christmas dinner. At the top of Fore Street you’ll find a wonderful butchers (now owned by Taste of Devon). I ordered my turkey & trimmings ready to collect just before Christmas Day. I then went to Little Gems Fruit & Veg in Cross Street. They have a great system, you complete an order form tick sheet which is so helpful in ensuring you don’t forget anything, then collect it all before the big day. This year they are also offering a free local delivery service.
I stopped for a coffee & mince pie in Passiflora on Cross Street & also managed to pick up a lovely plant at the same time.
The only thing I didn’t manage to purchase was alcohol so if you fancy opening a shop in Seaton you know what we’re missing!
Looking to celebrate our locality with your cards, decorations and gifts this year? At Coastal Crafts we have jolly Seaton Christmas cards, some beautiful new bone china Seaton & Devon baubles and Angela Wallwork Ceramics festive Seaton and Devon hearts.
Please come out and try and support your local traders this Christmas. The saying ‘use it or loose it’ has never been more accurate.
Victoria Moorey
Seaton Square at Christmas Image by Andrew Gwyn Davies