Christmas is certainly here and we’re only a few days away until December 25th, so it’s time to start filling up those stockings and finding some last minute gifts. York is full of so many quirky independent shops, and sometimes it’s nice to find something new and different to give someone in their stocking.

Here are some of the places we recommend visiting to find the best last minute stocking fillers…

HEIMA on Gillygate is an independent brick and mortar shop which was born from a love of making, improving and creating. The team have built up a wondrous array of products that are both useful and conscious of the environment. You can find some incredible homeware pieces inside as well as pampering essentials like Epsom bath salts, beeswax soap and reusable facial pads.

Frankie and Johnny’s Cookshop on Bishopthorpe Road is an emporium of gifts selling fabulous cookware, bakeware and sustainable and affordable gifts. If you’re filling up a stocking for someone who has a passion for cooking, Frankie and Johnny’s will become your go-to place. Anything you can think of from utensils, gadgets, tea cosies, cafetieres will be available to buy in their store.

2 Many Wines is a fairly new independent business set up as well on Bishopthorpe Road who sell and deliver wines, cocktails and a small selection of beers and healthy drinks. Cyriaque and Benjy will help you find the perfect wine to gift and you can even stop in for a glass of wine or two at their wine bar whilst you’re shopping.

Kemps in Malton is a beautiful and unusual emporium curated from a range of imaginative and UK made products. The place is designed for people to browse and lose themselves in, they have an extensive selection of products that will certainly fill up those stockings. With everything from ceramics, crafts, eco products, kids toys, stationary and Yorkshire themed gifts, you’ll find yourself returning for gifts every Christmas.

Thora and the Prince is an independently owned gift and homestyle shop based in Haxby, York. They offer an eclectic mix of British brands and local artisan makers, sourcing their stock ethically and enjoy seeking unusual finds. This little boutique is full of delights such as quirky gifts, artwork, accessories, children’s wear and handmade cards.

If you’re shopping for someone with a serious sweet tooth, The Great Yorkshire Sweet Shop on Church Street is a very traditional pick and mix shop. You can find over 300 types of sweets inside including many classics like Rhubarb & Custards, boiled sweets, handmade fudge, midget gems and so many others. It’s the perfect simple, but delicious stocking filler.

On Bootham in York is Just Smile Designs, a beautiful shop selling self-illustrated cards, Christmas products and accessories. Even if you haven’t bought your Christmas stocking yet, you can find some in Just Smile Designs in different prints like gingerbread people, santa gnomes and polar bears.

Images: Thora and the Prince, Heima, Frankie & Johnny’s Cookshop, Kemps General Store