As we enter the festive season, I can hardly believe how quickly this year has flown by. It’s been such an incredible journey for Community in print, and I thank everyone who has supported me along the way. From working with The National Trust, to designing new prints, a lot has been done!

Reflecting on a busy November

Last month was filled with festive markets in and around Plymouth, which were a huge success! It was so lovely to meet so many new and familiar faces, giving the feeling of community spirit and warmth that makes this city so special. Shopping small really does make a difference. Did you know, that if everyone in the UK bought just one of their Christmas gifts from a small business instead of a large chain like Amazon, that small swap puts an extra £2.6 BILLION!! Into the local businesses, services and communities around where you live. That is an insane difference! (This is based on if each person put £50 into a small business.)

Shopping small in Plymouth this Christmas:

And so with that in mind, I thought it would be nice to collate a little local guide of the best places to shop small in Plymouth. I absolutely love Plymouth and there are so many great small businesses out there. If you’re still making those finishing touches to your Christmas list, there’s no better time to explore what is offered right on our doorstep. Plymouth is filled with independent businesses from gifts to hand-made clothing, food, and so much more, from people who pour love and care into everything they create. Such as:

The House That Jack Built, Barbican

Step inside this quirky, character-filled maze of independent shops and you’ll feel instantly immersed in the magic of shopping small at Christmas. The House That Jack Built is a treasure trove of creativity — every turn leads you to something unexpected, from handcrafted gifts to whimsical home décor and beautifully made accessories. It’s the perfect place to get lost for an hour (or two), discovering one-of-a-kind pieces that make truly meaningful presents.

Rockpool Trading, Barbican

Nestled among the Barbican’s historic streets, Rockpool Trading is a beautifully curated independent shop brimming with homeware, stationery, cards, and thoughtful gifts. Their collection celebrates ethical makers and small-batch brands, making it a fantastic stop for those wanting presents with purpose. Whether you’re after cosy seasonal décor, unique ceramics, or charming stocking fillers, Rockpool offers a warm and welcoming shopping experience.

Almanac Cafe, Bretonside

Plates of yummy food at the Almanac Cafe.

A cosy favourite in Plymouth’s creative scene, Almanac Café hosts a monthly market that’s bursting with charm, colour, and community spirit, usually across three floors! Their markets bring together a carefully curated selection of local makers from illustrators and ceramicists to small-batch bakers and eco-friendly craft producers. It’s the perfect place to warm up with a hot drink, chat with independent creatives, and find thoughtful gifts. With its welcoming atmosphere and ever-changing line-up of stalls, Almanac’s markets are a must-visit stop on your festive shopping trail. As a bonus it’s the perfect stop for a tasty lunch and a warming drink, serving a range of sustainable and local lunch options from soups to platters to sandwiches.

Real Ideas Native Makers, Devonport Guildhall

Bursting with local talent, the Real Ideas Native Makers is a festive highlight for anyone who loves supporting artists, designers and small businesses. The makers markets have been running for many years and are now a staple in the calendar. Here you’ll find stalls full of handcrafted jewellery, textiles, prints, and sustainable creations, all made by people who pour their heart into their craft. It’s a lively, feel-good space in the heart of Devonport, and as a bonus it is right next to the wonderful Terra Nova cafe which is worth a pitstop!

Find out more here.

Royal William Yard

Royal William Yard comes alive at Christmas, especially with its monthly market showcasing local makers, food producers and artisans. Between browsing the stalls, you can pop into Identity Fashion for stylish independent clothing, or treat yourself to something delicious from the Yard’s vibrant mix of cafés and eateries — including the much-loved Hutong Bagel Co. With its stunning waterfront backdrop and festive atmosphere, RWY is ideal for a slow, seasonal day of browsing and indulging.

Find the latest market dates here.

Mystic Moon, City Centre

For crystals, incense, tarot decks, and spiritual gifts, Mystic Moon is a magical haven in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect place to find something meaningful for the spiritual souls in your life or to treat yourself to a little grounding during the festive rush. Warm, welcoming and well-stocked with treasures, Mystic Moon adds a touch of enchantment to your Christmas shopping route.

Plymouth Market, City Centre

Just a short stroll from the city centre, Plymouth Market is a bustling celebration of local business with over 150 stalls! It offers everything from handmade crafts and artisan gifts to fresh produce, baked treats, and delicious street food. Shopping here feels like being part of the community and every purchase supports a local trader. You’ll often find gifts you simply won’t see anywhere else. It’s a perfect spot to browse on a cold December day.

Green spaces hub, Mutley Plain

Green Spaces Hub in Mutley is a warm, community-minded space that champions local makers, sustainable living, and creative connection. Their shop is a brilliant place to find eco-friendly gifts, handmade crafts, and nature-inspired treasures all created by independent artists and small businesses with a passion for environmental care. Whether you’re picking up a zero-waste stocking filler or a beautiful handcrafted piece, the Green Spaces Hub offers a calm, welcoming alternative to the festive rush and a wonderful opportunity to support grassroots creativity. And a bonus, some of Community in print’s work is featured there!

Kaya Gallery, Barbican

Kaya Gallery is a jewel of the Barbican, offering a beautifully curated selection of artwork created by local and regional artists. From vibrant paintings and limited-edition prints to ceramics, glasswork, and sculpture, the gallery is full of pieces that celebrate creativity and craft. It’s the perfect place to find a meaningful, one-of-a-kind gift the sort that carries the story of the artist along with it. Warm, welcoming, and wonderfully independent, Kaya Gallery brings a touch of artistic magic to your festive shopping.

Queer Out Loud, The Plot, Stonehouse

Queer Out Loud within Nudge Community Builder’s The Plot is a vibrant, community-focused shop that champions LGBTQ+ makers, creatives, and small businesses. Find a mix of art, zines, crafts, prints, and handmade gifts, each piece bursting with individuality and pride. It’s a warm, inclusive space where you can meet local queer creators, support grassroots talent, and find out about LGBTQ+ events happening in the city. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, Queer Out Loud brings colour, creativity, and community spirit to your festive season.

Plymouth’s independent scene is thriving, and this list is only a small glimpse into what the city has to offer. From makers and markets to quirky shops and creative spaces, there are countless places waiting to be explored this festive season and each one makes the joy of giving feel even more special.

Top tips!

Top tips for supporting local this Christmas, whether or not you can (or want to) brave the busy high street, there are online options too:

Shop online from independent creators, if you don’t want to go in-person to a shop. Many Plymouth-based artists, like myself, have online stores, making it easy to purchase from the comfort of your own home. My range of prints and Christmas cards are available to order online until 10th December for guaranteed pre-Christmas delivery, so don’t leave it too late! And many other small creatives are the same.
Visit local markets and pop-ups – Plymouth’s festive markets are full of treasures so make sure you take a stroll through the stalls, you never know what you might find (the perfect gift hopefully).
Choose independent shops – skip the big chains and pop into the smaller shops, where every purchase directly supports someone’s dream! The Barbican is a great place to find little shops hiding away!
Spread the word – supporting local doesn’t have to cost money. Sharing your favourite small businesses on social media, leaving a great review, or recommending them to people are all valued ways that support us to grow but don’t cost a penny! They really do make a difference as a small business but cost nothing and take very little time to do. So if you don’t already, maybe follow @communityinprint on Instagram?

Why this matters

Shopping local isn’t just about making a purchase, it’s about investing in your community. Research from the Federation of Small Businesses shows that for every £1 spent with a local business, around 63p stays in the local economy, compared with far less when buying from national chains or large online retailers. Small and independent businesses also account for about 60% of UK private-sector employment, meaning your spending directly supports local jobs and helps keep Plymouth’s creative and family-run enterprises alive, especially during the busy Christmas season.

Local shops are also vital social hubs: the 2024 Local Shop Report found that 32% of customers know their local shop owner personally, and 80% of local stores take part in community activities. With the UK losing an average of 37 shops a day in 2024, choosing independents helps protect the character and vibrancy of high streets like Plymouth’s. By shopping local this Christmas, you’re helping sustain creativity, community, and the unique places that make Plymouth feel like home.

Looking ahead

As 2026 draws closer, I’m excited to share new designs, creative projects and local events with you all. Community in print has so much planned, and I can’t wait to see what the next year has in store!

This Christmas, let’s celebrate local businesses and all that Plymouth has to offer!

Wishing you all a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Supporting local this Christmas: a Community in print festive guide to shopping small in Plymouth