The historic city of York has become home to a plethora of unique specialist shops where you can find those oddly specific must-have items to gift yourself or your loved ones during this upcoming festive period. From traditional gin all the way to every cat themed item you could possibly imagine to a beautifully cheesy experience, the list of fun specialist shops in York is never ending. Get started on your holiday shopping, or treat yourself, by visiting one of these amazing shops in the city centre…
Rae & Rae Opticians
Located in the heart of the city along Bishopthorpe Road is an optician like no other. Rae & Rae Opticians provides affordable and friendly eye services including a fashionable eyewear boutique and NHS eye tests. If you’re looking for a new pair of specs their dedicated eyewear consultants are more than happy to help you find the perfect pair for you that will suit your face shape, personality and style. Eyewear collections available here include ECO eyewear, Bird, WOOW and l.a.Eyeworks. An eyewear consultation is available and free of charge to customers who have just had an eye test as well as those who already have a preexisting, up-to-date prescription.
The Cat Gallery
If you are looking for a perfect gift for your cat loving friends and their beloved cats, look no further as The Cat Gallery has what you need. Everything and anything cat related can be found in their shop along Low Petergate. Gifts for cats range from cat food, treats and toys to health, hygiene and products to help control unwanted behaviour. Gifts for owners include themed clothes, jewellery, bags and accessories as well as home and garden products. This is the perfect stop to add to your list when Christmas shopping in the city!
York Gin
Treat yourself to a delicious traditionally distilled gin from the award winning York Gin. Their city centre location on Pavement makes stopping in quick and easy. Taste the history of York with their gins inspired by York’s Roman beginnings, its chocolatey heritage, and the infamous villains and ghosts that roamed the streets. Flavours include Roman Fruit, Outlaw – Navy Strength and Chocolate & Orange. Their engraved personalised bottles for £55 – £61 and their mini gins for £30 are great gift ideas for the upcoming festive season.
Sore Thumb Retro Games
Thousands of games titles from the 80s all the way up to 7th generation consoles can be found at the gaming haven, Sore Thumb Retro Games. This retro gaming store is located on Gillygate and is the perfect gift shopping location if you’re in need of a gift for your gaming fanatic loved ones. Sore Thumb Retro Games stocks Mega Drive, Master System, Saturn, Dreamcast, NES, SNES, N64 and Japanese imports. There will be something amazing for every gaming lover so make sure you pop in next time you find yourself in the city centre.
Duttons for Buttons
If you love getting crafty with a needle and thread, head on over to Coppergate in the city centre to find the charming Duttons for Buttons. Founded in 1906 as a trimming merchants in Leeds, Duttons for Buttons has since expanded across Yorkshire and embraced the changing trends in needlework. Everything from buttons, patterns and ribbon to crafty kits, lace, trimmings and yarn is available online and in store.
Earworm Records
Earworm Records is a small record store located in Powells Yard that puts quality over quantity. They buy and sell new and second hand vinyl records of all different genres of music. Every music lover, record connoisseur and vinyl newbie can find a vinyl record that they will love, or even discover something new. This is the perfect spot to start your vinyl journey or find a gift for a friend that they can jam out to.
Gilles Fabric
For over 55 years Gilles Fabric has been operating in the centre of the beautiful city York stocking a wide variety of fabrics, patterns and haberdashery. Machines such as Husqvarna Viking and Babylock are also stocked and sold by Gilles Fabric. Their friendly and welcoming team are more than happy to help you out with any project you take on, whether it is small, medium, or extravagant! Expert knowledge is also provided by well-seasoned professionals.
Love Cheese
Take your love of cheese to the next level at Love Cheese’s Speakcheesy found along Gillygate in the heart of the city. Indulge in some fabulous wine and cheese at this cosy location with a range of cheese boards, nibbles, toasties and pizza (on Fridays and Saturdays) available on the menu. For an extra special experience book a table at the Secret Garden hidden away at the back of the shop. This beautiful garden peers on top of the breathtaking York Minster and is surrounded by the historic York Walls. This extra special cheesy experience is not one you want to miss out on!
Photos: Duttons for Buttons, Gillies Fabrics, York Gin
