Christmas, Curated
BE COOL, SHOP LOCAL…
In the midst of Lockdown 2, the clever folk of Folkestone’s High Old Street have launched a brand new website to allow shoppers to browse the best shops in Folkie from home.
To show a little small biz love, I thought I’d curate a Christmas Gift List – all available from the online shops of these stores.
Pandemic Schandemic. Nothing need thwart your festive gifting so grab a mince pie, curl up on the sofa and have a browse. Let’s try to look on the bright side…this way you don’t have to hike up the hill, sweating in your winter layers, you can drink wine whilst you shop (you can do that in town but it is frowned upon) and you can do it in PJs.
THESE are the businesses that really need our support this year – and lets face it, it’s not exactly a big ask, their stuff is just epic.
So here’s my pick of the unique and beautiful and cool pressies from our lovely Old High St…if you like, please give this blog a share…every click helps!

(Objectables are also very lolz on Insta if you want to give them a follow)
CLICK BASKET TO SHOP...
CLICK BASKET TO SHOP...
Printed to order using the Giclee Process to the Fine Art Trade Guild Standard for printmaking using certified acid-free papers and archival inks. From £22.
CLICK BASKET TO BELOW TO SHOP
CLICK BASKET TO SHOP
This kit is suitable for older children (7 yrs + ) and adults alike. It is a great activity to make together with your loved ones! Box measures - 140 x 200 x 50mm.
CLICK BASKET TO SHOP...
£24
CLICK BASKET TO SHOP...
As the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, following the trend set by Italy and Spain, thousands of hand-painted rainbows started to appear in windows across the country. Children, who could no longer go to school because of social distancing and quarantine measures, were encouraged to paint rainbows and hang them in their windows, spreading hope and positivity to passersby.
The rainbow often represents diversity and inclusiveness, and has been used as the flag for LGBTQIA pride since the 1970s. For thousands of years, it’s been a symbol of hope. There’s even one in the story of Noah’s Ark. This particular rainbow, an original watercolour by Kent-based artist Bethany Ward, is a reminder that –whatever you’re going through– better days are coming.
Original Artwork by Bethany Ward @bethartwork
£25.
CLICK BASKET TO SHOP...
Each print is hand signed and inserted into a picture mount designed to fit standard sized high street frames
All prints use archival pigment inks with a life expectancy of over 100 years. Please hang out of direct sunlight.
Available in the following sizes:
A5 in 10×8″ mount
A4 in 14×11″ mount
A3 in 20×16″ mount
From £10.
CLICK BASKET TO BELOW TO SHOP
CLICK BASKET TO SHOP...
Now, I’m all for a bit of reality. One-click, next day delivery on your Amazon account is easy. No one is saying it isn’t the most convenient way to shop, and many an Amazon parcel will also be landing on my doorstep over the next month as I get organised.
BUT if there’s any year to make the choice that benefits the small business over your own convenience, it’s this one – it’s a group effort, we’re all responsible for saving the the shops and services that we want to exist the other side of this shit-show of a year.
So I’m not saying you have to get everything here, but if you’re local (or not) and you can make a few switches out for gifts from a local small business over the big brands then you can rest easy knowing you’ve done your bit. And also, isn’t it all just gorgeous?!
And it is pretty easy to be fair, I mean, the Old High St gang have all put themselves in one little corner of the internet, and I’ve done the browsing for you…just click and pay my friends, click and pay…