Dec
10
2013

LOVE LOCAL: The Best of Brighton Boutique Shopping

An article by Claire

For a busy, full-time working Mum such as myself, Internet Christmas shopping is a gift of freedom and personal accomplishment. But deadlines for goods to be delivered in time for Christmas are fast approaching; in fact for that unique and quirky Etsy gift you’ve most likely missed the boat. But there’s still a chance to snag an amazing gift, away from the high street mainstream, in Brighton, in a real life shop.

It feels like Brighton’s shopping footfall has already increased in the city centre, notably at the weekends. A resident would be mad to venture to Church-hell Square shopping complex on a Saturday unless it is a dire emergency. It is an array of banal chain stores stocking generic, soulless items, sold by dubious companies by employees most likely on a 0 hours contract. It definitely does not feel like Christmas.

And there’s no need to go that deep into the retail jungle. Brighton is fortunate in this economic climate to just about be supporting smaller stores throughout neighbourhoods in the city. Savvy boutique owners are filling their shelves with a large variety of handmade, good value and specialised products to rival the Internet. The acknowledged intensity of creativity in the city benefits the shopper in a similar way that Etsy transformed cyber retail but without the shipping fees. This is my dream North Laine shopping route, with or without kids (the latter being quicker!).

Rocket Science – Trafalgar Street

Gifts galore for big kids and little kids.

This shop is a real find. It has an extremely well-selected range of educational toys, craft kits and adult games. Perfect for stocking fillers or larger gifts, I dare you not to love nearly every item on the shelves and not to part with a decent amount of cash. I particularly loved the range of decorative sticky tape, which will be glamorously holding together the newspaper I wrap presents in.

Mad Hatters - Trafalgar Street

Don’t lose your head trying to choose.

Not just your average Winter hat is on sale in this shop dedicated to all types of head gear. Whether it is for an occasion or just a fancy item to warm the head, the best thing about Mad Hatter is the impressive range of style and colours to suit all. I love it for the fact that berets are consistently available, the only hat that suits my slightly large head. Which means, I don’t have to wait for them to come back in fashion each season!

Daisy, Daisy – Sydney Street

Let Christmas puzzle you no more.

This shop has become a firm favourite for finding our party bag goodies or gifts for the endless round of kids birthday invites. You can find old favourites, such as the Sylvanian family range but also uncommon educational toys, jigsaw puzzles and classic children’s books. We love their relatively wide range of wooden toys, such as the kitchen equipment, tea sets, even cupcakes!

Brighton Bead Shop, Kerrie Berrie - Sydney Street

Just bead it.

I have been shopping in Brighton Bead Shop since my teens, indulging my lust for jewellery and desire to create. Kerrie Berrie popped up a few years ago in the rising tide of ‘Make-It-Yourself’ hobbies during this recession. The two stores compliment each other, offering a variety of ranges and ideas between them. Most notably, they sell kits to make your own item, which make a fabulous treat for a novice craftsperson.

Purple Heart - North Street and Gardner Street

Great Brighton bake shop.

If I use the term local institution more than once in this post, then forgive me. But this is (although founded in North London) plus a family run business. Purple Heart is a treasure cave of gifts and party knick-knacks for which I dread to think what the inventory taking is like. I can only imagine they shift surplus stock on their internet shop, which means the shopper gets access to an amazing number of different products in-store as on-line. A rarity indeed. They have cleverly embraced the trend in home-baking by dedicating their shop in Gardner Street to baking and decorating supplies.

Silverado - Bond Street

Silver-linings shopping stop.

Stocking their own selected items as well as championed designers, they make silver look better than I have ever seen it. If the intended present receptor is partial to simple, elegant designs then the store is worth mapping into your shopping route. The more unique designs sit at the higher end of the range if you feel like spoiling someone, the simplistic elegance of Dinny Hall’s range will appeal to a good deal of ladies or the wildlife inspired collection from Alex Monroe for the cutesy trendy factor. There’s earring and necklaces sets for those on modest budgets and the quality is made to last – I still wear pieces from Silverado bought years ago!

C & H Fabrics – Western Road

The Only Shop Worth Venturing Past The Clocktower For.

Only serial craft addicts may know that C & H stock a tremendous range of children’s toys and puzzles on the 2^nd floor. We found a Gruffalo floor puzzle and a First Sewing Kit that I strongly suspect will get some squeals on Christmas Day. Strictly not a boutique and with branches across the South East, not independent but the place oozes ideas, so I will happily brave the Wild Western Road for a trip. Breathe deep, focus on your route and weave like a ninja through the heaving masses for a stress-free journey to the destination.

Clearly, I have only scratched the surface when it comes to North Laine and Brighton boutique shopping. If you follow the route above, you will certainly stumble on twice the amount of delights – just allow plenty of time!