We can all agree that this year has been a weird one. However, the promise of Christmas is like the light at the end of the tunnel, and one that we are keen to speed ahead to.

Our local shops have suffered massively over the past few months, so with that in mind, We pledge to make a greater effort to shop locally. To support our high street businesses and champion the artisans.

Thinking of doing the same? To help, We've pulled together a handful of smaller businesses based in Kent, that offer high quality and unique products.

⭑ The Green Duck Emporium

This treasure trove is based in the heart of Tunbridge Wells and the self-proclaimed purveyors of interesting things. So if you find yourself at a loss, gift-hunting for the person who has everything, We suggest dropping into the emporium, or visiting their newly launched online shop, for some serious inspiration - who knows what you’ll come across! @greenduckrtw

⭑ TW Coffee Roastery

We all know that one coffee aficionado, the person who takes their coffee very seriously - and rightly so! So to appease their finely tuned taste buds we suggest visiting the Tunbridge Wells Coffee Roastery. Hand roasted in this very town, the coffee is high quality and ethically sourced - giving you fresh and flavourful coffee.

TW Coffee Roastery has kindly offered one of our readers the chance to win not one, but two bags of their Christmas Roast - Keep an eye on our Instagram page as further details will follow. @tw_coffee_roastery

⭑ Temper Temper

A family-owned business based in Southborough specialises in all things Chocolate - seriously, what a dream! Aside from offering chocolate-making parties, they also retail products to order and you're sure to find something to satisfy that sweet tooth. We're particularly entranced by their Advent Calendar - but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, they are more than happy to work with you on something more bespoke. @temper_temper_chocolate

⭑ The Daily Clay

Designed and handmade by Florence, The Daily Clay began life as a passion project and a way of keeping busy during the lockdown. Fast forward a few months and the orders are still coming in. These vibrant and eye-catching earrings are made from lightweight polymer clay making them truly unique. Florence designs small batch collections to launch via Instagram so keep an eye out! @the_daily_clay

Florence has also kindly offered an exclusive OTW discount - Receive 20% off when you purchase two or more pairs of earrings. Available between 27th November - 17th December. Use the code: FEELINFESTIVEOTW

⭑ Gemma Keith

Inspired by nature, Gemma Keiths’ home and giftwares are lovingly illustrated and drawn by hand. Gemma is passionate about creating things that people use and enjoy every day - think handmade cushions, cotton tote bags, hand-printed bone china mugs, and cotton tea towels, to the new necessity - Face masks. A beautiful and thoughtful gift for the animal lover in your life. @gemmakeithdesigns

Gemma has also offered an exclusive discount for our readers. Use the code: TWELLS10 when making a purchase to receive 10% off - excludes portraits.

⭑ Ollie & Roo

Eye Catching patterns and a frenzy of colours have become synonymous with Zoe’s designs. We’re especially drawn to the cosmetic bags, in particular the Night Jungle Leopard print - leopards and neon pink?! A mix we never knew we wanted. These make great stocking fillers, secret Santa gifts, or even just a ‘from me to me’. @ollieandroo

⭑ Romney Marsh Wools

They have got comfort down to a fine art. Purveyors of British Wool, Romney Marsh Wools, a family-run company, have firm beliefs on the benefits of using wool: renewable, sustainable, and extremely versatile. They have some terrific gifting options, from throws, blankets, and cushions to scarves, moccasins, and even toiletries. Perfect for the person who likes to be cozy. Note to self: must remember that we’re shopping for others and not ourselves. @romneymarshwools

They have also kindly offered a 10% discount to our readers on any purchases made online between 27th November - 24th December. The code is: OTW10

⭑ Liv Thurlwell

A true treasure based in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Liv Thurlwells’ jewellery are truly pieces of art. Ethically sourced and handmade, the pieces are inspired by her travels, nature, and architecture. This is also the perfect option if you’re looking for something a little more bespoke. @livthurlwelljewellery

Liv has kindly offered our readers an exclusive code for 10% off - just enter KENTLIFE10 when purchasing through her website.

⭑ Bridget Marchi

These insanely beautiful and calming glass bowls are hand molded by Bridget at her studio in Crowborough. With great care and passion placed into each bowl, these are truly individual pieces of art. The colours are inspired by coastal views to inspire you to seek time to breathe - a very important reminder in these current times. @bridgetmarchiglass

⭑ The Cove

and last, but certainly not least, The Cove offers a smorgasbord of gin, chocolate, flower arrangements, gin - oh wait did we already mention that one? A store of dreams and a relatively new addition to our high street, they champion local suppliers and small-batched goods, all beautifully curated and housed under one roof. @thecove_shop

Throughout December we will be running giveaways on our Instagram page - including a few from the independent businesses mentioned above! To be in with a chance of winning, make sure you are following us Instagram. @officialtunbridgewells

N.B - This post was not sponsored, we simply picked our favourites and shared them with you. We are passionate about supporting our local makers, small businesses and the places we love.

This blog post was written by Ellie Gray, a local content creator, and all-around lovely lass. Follow her @ellieevegray

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