Hamper and pamper

Spirit of Christmas bottles

After giving up his career as an award winning advertising executive to be a freelance writer and stay-at-home dad, Andy Poplar’s creative brain was still bursting with ideas and his Eureka moment came on one of his daily walks around Harrogate.

“I was pushing my daughter’s pushchair when I was struck with an idea for etching glass and that’s how it all started,” he says.

Now his business Vinegar and Brown Paper has stockists in the UK, Australia and America. The range includes Art Deco mirrors etched with phrases like ‘Time to Reflect’, but it’s his Spirit of Christmas bottles which are sure to be a bestseller.

Prices start from £15. Stockists include Lime Lace in Harrogate, The Imaginarium on Blake Street, York, The Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge or online at www.vinegarandbrownpaper.co.uk

Neom Organics Home Candle

Bring the great winter outdoors indoors, evoking the scent of crisp winter forest walks with a Harmonise Home Candle from Harrogate-based Neom Organics, which uses natural vegetable wax, pure essential oils – and nothing else.

The festive pine and eucalyptus fragrance comes in a gorgeous silver glass jar, and costs £42 for the 380g candle (total weight, 1kg).

There is also a Christmas Wish Diffuser, which is £37, with £1 going to the Make A Wish Foundation. Both from www.neomorganics.com.

Abana Bath and Body range from Ella Georgia

Abahna is a British luxury brand that sources natural ingredients to create products to enhance mood and well-being, from nourishing bath oils to subtle home fragrances, with elegant packaging and thoughtful touches. Fragrances include Frangipani & Orange Blossom and White Grapefruit & May Chang and prices cost from £4, from Yorkshire based ethical clothing and gift company Ella Georgia on www.ellageorgia.com.

Whitby Jet jewellery

Crafted in Whitby, these beautiful jet pieces of jewellery make the most stunning gifts. The W Hamond Cross Heart Collection comes in a choice of silver and gold, with hand shaped and set gemstones featuring the signature Whitby Jet, with prices from £468. Available at W Hamond, The Original Whitby Jet Shop, Whitby, and its new boutique in the Victoria Quarter Leeds.

Alpaca socks and hot water bottle covers

Gorgeously warm and luxuriously cosy, made from the softest Alpaca fleece and in cute pastel shades, these snowflake bed socks are £47, while the matching hot water bottle covers are £47 and there are also knee socks for £35. They can be found at CocoonU, Montpellier Mews in Harrogate.

David Mellor ‘Embassy’ Decanter

If you want elegant design, then the one firm you can count on his Sheffield-based company David Mellor. This beautiful decanter, priced £65, is a new design by Corin Mellor, son of the original founder. Hand-blown in lead free crystal and specially shaped for decanting a fine vintage, the spectacular stopper is precision turned in solid aluminium and is available in silver or purple. It’s sure to make a statement on any festive dining table.

David Mellor’s Country Shop is at Hathersage in Derbyshire or alternatively order online at www.davidmellor.co.uk

Cartwright and Butler Hamper

Nothing says Christmas like a hamper and there are some lovely ones being put together by Cartwright and Butler. Established in 1981, the Beverley-based firm began selling just homemade jam.

Fast forward a couple of decades and its range has expanded to biscuits, chutneys and marmalade.

With an emphasis on the traditional, the brand has recently undergone a bit of a makeover and it shows. Hampers start from £56 and can be bought direct from their flagship store in Trinity Street. Otherwise order online (the last order date is December 20 for free delivery on December 23 or 24) at www.cartwrightandbutlerhampers.com or call 01482 213446.

Janet Wass Spice Cuff

We don’t talk about bracelets any more. No, 2013 is all about the cuff and among the most striking are those made by Sheffield designer Janet Wass. Made from acrylic, the designs are engraved by laser, and the cuffs come in blue, brown or grey. The basic design costs £28, but if you want a little luxury, those including photo-etched silver panels cost £90. To see the full range go to www.janetwass.com

Whitby Tealight Lantern

Hebden Bridge-based artist Kate Lycett is best-known for her landscapes and townscapes painted in rich colours and decorated with thread and gold leaf. She also makes these tealight lanterns, including this one featuring Whitby. They cost £14 each from Kate’s website www.katelycett.co.uk or you can buy them at Radiance Lighting, Market Street, Hebden Bridge, www.radiancelighting.co.uk

Betty’s Christmas Box

If all else fails, you can always rely on Betty’s to rustle up a few festive treats like this Christmas Box featuring illustrations by Yorkshire artist Emily Sutton. Inside there’s Bettys Christmas Coffee, Spiced Christmas Tea, Milk Chocolate Selection, Christmas Fruit Cake Portion, Spiced Christmas Shortbread and Peppermint Mendiants. Buy in store or order online at www.bettys.co.uk