This Christmas 2024, make your friends and family feel extra special while supporting local businesses and charities at the same time — with SoGlos rounding up gorgeous Gloucestershire gift ideas from across the county.
Gloucestershire gifts for art lovers
Handmade Christmas gifts from New Brewery Arts
Christmas gift idea
Find bespoke Christmas gifts galore at New Brewery Arts, from the quirky to the classic — with products created by hundreds of artisans and makers being showcased from Saturday 26 October right up until Christmas Eve 2024.
Browse the brand-new JOY! Christmas collection to stock up on handmade Christmas cards, all printed in the UK, and handpick the perfect gift from its range of stunning jewellery, unique interior design pieces, eco-friendly textiles and colourful ceramics.
There's also the specially designed new tote bag to get your hands on, featuring a unique illustration of New Brewery Arts by illustrator and pattern specialist, Katy Welsh. Screen-printed in the UK and made from 100 per cent cotton canvas, the bag makes a wonderful present — or a sustainable way to wrap a gift to give to a beloved friend or family member on the big day.
SoGlos loves
Cross off the pickier people on your Christmas gift list with a voucher for New Brewery Arts that's valid for a purchase in the craft shop or for a place on one of the many amazing workshops and courses on offer at the centre in Cirencester — giving them the incredibly valuable gift of a new skill this year!
Where to buy
The JOY! Christmas collection can be browsed at the New Brewery Arts gallery and shop, as well as online via newbreweryarts.org.uk.
Gloucestershire gift experiences
Christmas gifts from the Everyman Theatre
Christmas gift idea
Treat a theatre lover to a truly thoughtful present this Christmas, with a gift voucher for the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham — providing the opportunity to see plenty of show-stopping performances on stage.
Each gift voucher is a passport to some of the best theatre and live entertainment Gloucestershire has to offer, whether you're looking for light-hearted musicals and slapstick comedies or high-profile shows and world-premieres — county dwellers get to see them all here first.
The theatre recommends a minimum of a £70 voucher to cover the cost of two of the best seats in the main auditorium for most shows. Each voucher is valid for two years from date of purchase.
SoGlos loves
A much-loved theatre that’s been entertaining audiences since 1891, Cheltenham's Everyman is an architectural gem both inside and out. With the auditorium designed by prolific theatre architect Frank Matcham, the space has inspired performers for generations, making it a must-see for locals and visitors.
Where to buy
Visit everymantheatre.org.uk/everyman-gift-vouchers or visit the Everyman's box office.
Christmas gifts from Longborough Festival Opera
Christmas gift idea
If you're stuck for present ideas, why not consider the gift of opera? This Christmas, give loved ones the chance to experience opera in intimate and beautiful surroundings at Longborough Festival Opera, with a thoughtful gift voucher — perfect for the opera lover in your life.
Longborough offers world-class opera in a purpose-built theatre, nestled in a beautiful Cotswold village just minutes away from Stow-on-the-Wold.
The 2025 summer season runs from May to August, and includes Rossini's comedy The Barber of Seville; Debussy's beautiful Pelléas et Mélisande; a barnstorming Dido and Aeneas; and the UK premiere of the groundbreaking Wahnfried.
All operas will be sung in their original languages, with subtitles in English.
Longborough is perfect for both newcomers and opera veterans: a high-quality experience in lovely surroundings. Bring a picnic for the interval and enjoy the spectacular views, or make your visit extra special by dining in the on-site restaurant.
Gift vouchers are available in any amount and can be sent digitally — great for meaningful, last-minute gifts — or presented in a printed card. Plus, there's free postage on all orders placed before Christmas.
SoGlos loves
Alternatively, the opera lover in your life may enjoy a book about the history of Longborough Festival Opera. Longborough Festival Opera: the first 30 years is packed full of anecdotes, recollections and photographs, from the early days in a stable yard to the triumphant staging of Wagner’s Ring cycle in a purpose-built theatre in the Cotswolds.
Where to buy
Call the Longborough Festival Opera box office on (01451) 830292 from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm, or visit lfo.org.uk/gifts.
Christmas gift vouchers from Gloucester Guildhall
Christmas gift idea
Save the socks this Christmas 2024 and give your special someone an incredible experience that they can look forward to in the new year with a gift voucher from Gloucester Guildhall.
Gift vouchers come in denominations of £10, £20, £30 and £50, so you can opt for a simple stocking filler or buy multiple vouchers for a real showstopper — and feel good about supporting this valuable grassroots venue with every gift you buy.
The Guildhall's programme is eclectic, with live events including the buzzing Cajun and Zydeco Festival; Underground Festival, which brings the biggest names in rock, punk, emo and local bands to the city; a mesmerising evening of magic and juggling from Gandini Juggling; moving spoken word poetry from Lemn Sissay; The Moomins 80th anniversary celebrations; and the intimate Live at Llanthony sessions all coming up in 2025.
SoGlos loves
As well as being the home of live music and dance for Gloucester, the Gloucester Guildhall Cinema is a real hidden gem, too — so those vouchers make a great gift for the film fan in your life.
One of the smallest big screens in the county, the intimate auditorium seats 75 and features exquisite period features; while the programme features everything from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to local indie films and live event cinema, too.
Where to buy
Visit gloucesterguildhall.co.uk/christmas.
Christmas gifts from Prosperity Holistics
Christmas gift idea
A thoughtful way to help loved ones prioritise their health and vitality this season, give the gift of wellness and rejuvenation with two special gift vouchers from Gloucester's Prosperity Holistics this Christmas.
Each voucher can be redeemed for one of the hubs transformative treatments; included in the Christmas Gift Voucher, choose from reflexology, massage, sports massage, reiki, or even a month of yoga and breathwork classes; alternatively, the Luxury Christmas Gift Voucher features a soothing full-body massage and a mini deep tissue facial massage — the perfect way to unwind from head to toe.
Vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
SoGlos loves
Winter can often leave us feeling sluggish, stressed, and in need of a little extra care — and Prosperity Holistics has curated a range of accessible holistic therapies designed to help you feel revitalised and rejuvenated as we move into the colder months.
Where to buy
Visit prosperityholistics.bigcartel.com.
If you would like to upgrade your voucher from digital to physical, email holisticevents@prosperitycare.co.uk.
Gloucestershire gifts for families
Christmas gifts from Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum
Christmas gift idea
A Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum membership is a wonderful year-round Christmas gift for any outdoorsy person, with the famous Westonbirt Arboretum being home to a world-class tree collection, beautiful spring florals and spectacular autumn colour.
Costing £45 for single membership (with a £30 option for young people aged 18 to 25) and £85 for joint membership, treat your loved ones to a host of benefits, including:
- Free entry into Westonbirt Arboretum to enjoy every season
- Free entry for up to four children or grandchildren
- 10 per cent off at the Westonbirt shop, which stocks everything from hand-crafted homewares to luxury skincare — and even dog treats and accessories
- Early bird booking for Forest Live concerts and Christmas at Westonbirt, plus free event parking for one car
Plus, by gifting a Friend of Westonbirt Arboretum membership, you'll be supporting the important work of the arboretum to conserve, protect and research trees.
SoGlos loves
Ditch the cliche Christmas card and send your season's greetings along with an entire digital acre of the arboretum, with the option to Support a Square of Westonbirt Arboretum for £25 a year — a great Christmas gift for anyone who cherishes a particular part of the arboretum.
Where to buy
Visit fowa.org.uk/become-a-member.
Christmas gifts from Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Christmas gift idea
For a heart-warming treat that's not just for Christmas, give yourself or an animal lover the gift of sponsoring a pet pen at Cheltenham Animal Shelter.
The shelter, based on Gardners Lane, helps hundreds of pets each year, taking in abandoned, rehomed or mistreated dogs, cats and small animals. Each sponsorship helps towards the cost of providing everything a pet needs, including cosy bedding, food, toys and veterinary care — all helping to make the shelter's furry friends in need feel safe, comfortable and loved during their stay.
SoGlos loves
A thoughtful present that lasts a whole year, you can choose if you want to sponsor a dog, cat or small animal pen — and sponsors will receive regular pet updates about the animals in their pen, as well as a welcome pack, photo, personalised thank you certificate and the shelter's newsletter.
The sponsorship can be given either as a recurring gift for £5 per month or purchased for 12-months as a single one-off payment of £60, perfect for yourself, a family member or a friend! Cheltenham Animal Shelter also sells Christmas cards and a range of toys for pets in its shop, too.
Where to buy
Visit gawa.org.uk/sponsor-a-pet-pen or pop into the Cheltenham Animal Shelter reception on Gardners Lane.
Christmas gifts from Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Christmas gift idea
Treat wildlife lovers to a real feelgood gift this Christmas, with a year-long membership to WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre.
Giving members unlimited entry to Slimbridge for a whole year — as well as access to the other nine WWT sites, an exclusive welcome pack and latest issues of Waterlife magazine — an individual adult membership costs from £54, while prices start at £81 for a joint membership and £87 for a family membership.
Gift givers will be supporting a great cause, as proceeds from the membership programme help the WWT to fund crucial projects at Slimbridge and its other wetland centres, maintaining habitats for the return of beautiful winter birds such as geese, golden plover and Bewick’s swans.
SoGlos loves
For creative types, a place on one of Slimbridge's upcoming craft courses makes a unique Christmas gift and something wholesome to look forward to in the new year.
Choose from collaging, photography and aromatherapy workshops to encourage your artistic friend to try something new; while other top picks include learning the art of batik with artist Jo Whiteland, and an introduction to the world of pottery, with an air-dry clay workshop.
Where to buy
Visit wwt.org.uk/membership to purchase a gift membership, or wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/whats-on to book Slimbridge's craft courses.
Christmas gifts from The Brewery Quarter
Christmas gift idea
Scandi-inspired home and gift shop Søstrene Grene has hygge gifts galore, from stocking fillers like trinket bowls and Gua Sha stones; decorative homewares like scented candles, ceramics and coffee table books; to festive decor including baubles, garlands, Advent candle holders and Christmas ornaments, all at cheerfully affordable prices.
New addition Menkind has Christmas gifts aplenty for fans of quirky collectibles, with everything from Star Wars, Marvel and Harry Potter movie merchandise to an exclusive range of Funko Pop! Vinyls, LEGO sets, drones, gadgets and games.
Urban Outfitters has the hottest trends in fashion, accessories, homeware and self care, with the likes of Stanley Quenchers in oh-so-demure colourways; retro-inspired screen-free digital cameras; Ugg slippers; cosy knits, beanies, socks and handwarmers; and even Taylor Swift and Harry Styles crochet kits.
While GO Outdoors has everything for the adventurer in your life, from kids' and adults' clothing to rucksacks and camping gear from brands including Berghaus, Merrell and Rab.
SoGlos loves
Christmas shopping is hungry and thirsty work. Thankfully, The Brewery Quarter is brimming with delicious festive food options, spanning classic Christmas feasts to twists on the traditional from the likes of The Alchemist, BrewDog, Brewhouse & Kitchen, The Botanist, Cosy Club, Hub Box, Pizza Express and Prezzo.
Or if you're fed up with festive menus, Five Guys, Nando's, Mowgli, Pho and Son of Steak have you covered.
Where to buy
To buy gifts, pop into The Brewery Quarter on Cheltenham High Street.
For more information, or to book restaurant tables, visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Gloucestershire gifts for foodies
Christmas gifts from The Kings Head Hotel
Christmas gift ideas
Looking to gift something tasty from the Cotswolds this Christmas? Or an evening sampling tipples from around the world? Or maybe you know someone who'd appreciate a relaxing night away or some luxury pampering come January?
The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester has you covered, with a choice of gift vouchers available for its impressive range of produce and access to its luxurious facilities.
Offering everything from handmade bakes to Cotswolds-produced cheese and charcuterie, the hotel's Corn Hall Deli has all the ingredients to have any foodie behaving like a kid in a sweetshop, with products from the best local brands including Cotswold Curer, The Gloucester Biltong Company, Truffle Hunter and Costello + Hellerstein, along with local beers and ciders from the likes of Stroud Brewery and Bushel and Peck.
Handpicked by in-house experts, the Corn Hall Cellars offers wines from local vineyards like Woodchester Valley and Poulton Hill Estate and premium Cotswolds spirits including Sibling, Brennen & Brown and 6 O’Clock Gin, along with tipples from as far away as South Africa.
Gift vouchers for the Corn Hall include a deli and wine shop voucher, with options for £25, £50, £75 and £100.
You can also gift access to the Kings Head's luxury hotel and spa for Christmas, with monetary vouchers covering everything from rooms to food, from £50 to £1,000; and a special 'time for you' voucher offering signature treatments in the hotel's vaulted spa.
With scented candles, exposed brickwork and relaxing treatments with Elemis products, you can gift time in the spa from £85 for 55 minutes of treatment, £100 for 75 minutes or £125 for 90 minutes.
SoGlos loves
The Corn Hall Cellars also hosts Friday Night Wine Club events, giving aficionados the chance to try five wines of their choosing for just £18 per person. You can buy vouchers for the wine club, too, costing £18 for one, £36 for two, £54 for three, or £72 for four people or events.
To buy
Visit kingshead-hotel.com/vouchers.
Christmas gifts from Woodchester Valley Vineyard
Christmas gift idea
You'll be a shoe-in for the nice list if you give a gift from Woodchester Valley Vineyard this Christmas.
There are numerous different options to choose from, whether the recipient has a sure favourite or they prefer to sample a range of flavours, there's something every wine lover will enjoy — including gift vouchers for those dreaming of a luxurious day out that’s packed with wine-filled experiences.
With the Festive Essentials Collection — consisting of six bottles that are a mix of whites, rosés, reds and a sparkling topper — they'll be able to pull out a dazzling selection from their cupboard whenever the mood strikes.
There's also the incredible Medal Winning Collection which offers a taste of success, with a case of six of the vineyard's award-winning wines showcasing the very best of Woodchester. You can even add a pair of branded wine glasses to ensure stylish sipping.
Or for a tailor-made gift to suit exacting tastes, you can build your own gift box. Choose from a single wine luxury gift box or a luxury gift box with two Dartington glasses — just select your choice of wine and the Woodchester Valley team will do the rest!
SoGlos loves
For loved ones on your list that prefer experiences, Woodchester Valley also has gift vouchers for tours and tastings available, too.
The lucky recipients of these fabulous presents will be able to explore the glorious grounds of the Cotswolds vineyard before enjoying a tasting led by one of the experts.
There's even the opportunity to book a mini break at the vineyard for a showstopping gift for that very special someone.
Where to buy
Stop by the Cellar Door Shop at Woodchester Valley Vineyard, or visit the online store at woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk/christmas-gifts.
Cake making classes at Cake & Sugarcraft Boutique
Christmas gift idea
One of the best things about Christmas is all the sweet treats and confections — and this year, you can give the sweet-tooth in your life the gift of a new skill, with a cake making class at Cake & Sugarcraft Boutique.
They'll get to visit the studio in Cheltenham and learn to create personalised cakes with the help of expert bakers, using a wide variety of decorating techniques that are bound to impress friends and family. It's two gifts in one if you count the cake they'll get to take home!
SoGlos loves
The hands-on sessions cover everything from baking the perfect sponge to advanced decoration techniques, all learnt from some of the most experienced cake makers in Gloucestershire.
Discover the art of flawless frosting, fondant modelling and intricate sugarcraft that will take baking skills to the next level, in a warm and welcoming environment.
And a variety of levels are covered, from beginners to specialised skill workshops for those wanting to expand their abilities.
Where to buy
Gift vouchers are available to purchase via email at info@cakeandsugarcraftboutique.co.uk or via phone on 07850 546515, and classes are available to book online via cakeandsugarcraftboutique.co.uk/classes.
Gloucestershire gifts for gardeners
Christmas gifts from The Fairview Gardener
Christmas gift idea
If you have a green-fingered friend or family member, why not surprise them with a gift voucher for Gloucester's award-winning garden centre, The Fairview Gardener, this Christmas?
These thoughtful vouchers can be used to purchase a wide selection of tools, potted arrangements, seeds and bulbs to help keep the garden in pristine shape; they can also be exchanged for a delightful afternoon tea at The Tea Room; or to buy clothing such as wellies, or scarves for keeping snug through the winter!
SoGlos loves
The Fairview Gardener's gift shop offers a brilliant selection of handpicked items for loved ones, including pictures, seasonal gifts, artisan crafters' work, such as the Longhope-based Bear Necessity, along with Grand Illusion and Gisela Graham, and other unique presents.
Where to buy
Visit fairviewgardener.co.uk or visit the store in person.
Gloucestershire gifts for pets
Christmas gifts for your pets from Cotswold RAW
Christmas gift idea
Cotswold RAW is playing Santa Paws this Christmas, with its range of nutritious raw food and treats giving dogs something to celebrate — and it's not only delicious but good for them, too!
Working closely with its veterinary and nutritional consultant to produce delicious raw food for dogs, Cotswold RAW's ‘Three Bird Raw’ — packed with organic and free-range chicken and turkey — is a play on the traditional three bird roast that’s paw-fect for Christmas Day.
The pup-passionate company also provides a broad selection of raw food and natural treats full of nutrients, which all make excellent presents for your pooch, including its warming and protein-rich chicken bone broth, flavoured with turmeric and parsley.
SoGlos loves
It's not just dogs that can enjoy a Christmas dinner on Cotswold RAW this year, with the brand also offering raw food for cats. Ideal for the season, there's a turkey mince flavour that your feline friend can tuck into as you carve the turkey on the big day.
Where to buy
Visit cotswoldraw.com.
