Teesside's best independent shops: Tell us your favourite local businesses to support this Christmas

The festive season is upon us in Teesside, and we've asked our readers to give a shout out to their favourite local businesses for those Christmas shopping needs.

By choosing to shop locally this Christmas, you're not only supporting the Teesside economy but also ensuring that money spent stays within the community. Numerous studies have confirmed this, highlighting the benefits of shopping with independent, local businesses.

Not only does it keep more money within the community, benefiting more Teessiders, but Teesside shops also offer unique items! So, by keeping it local this Christmas, you're not only helping the environment and boosting the local economy, but you're also likely to find something truly special for your loved ones.

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The best part? You're supporting your community. Even if your purchases don't single-handedly save the high street, shopping with smaller local businesses this Christmas will undoubtedly bring a smile to someone's face.

Whether it's the owner, delivery driver, or shop assistant, you're doing your bit to support local people when you choose to support local businesses. Here's some of the business that were name dropped on our independent business post which received more than 700 comments.

Commenter Jessica Hornby suggests: “Evelyn's Emporium for all your goodies for Christmas and all year round! Run by the best lady in ten towns! PJs, cosy items, crafts, kids items, baby items she has it all.”

Tracey Gamble loves: “Feedem Pet Supermarket in Guisborough for all your pet essentials & Christmas treats. Also for the hard to buy for humans there are lots of wild bird feeders, seeds & treats which make a great gift hamper.”

Nikki Masterman likes: “STEEL RIVER Drinks, a fab product with a brand that is strong on local history too.” Daley Delights boasts: “We have the most delicious Christmas bakes!”

Holl Parkinson recommends: “Icy Scents for all your handmade wax melts, candles, bath bombs and so much more, you'll never be disappointed.” CJ Maitland also offers: “Moo Melts, 100% recommend Moo Melts they do beautiful wax melt products as well as toilet and mop fizzers ,carpet fresheners, candles, hoover discs, room sprays and much more for such an affordable price and the products are amazing quality. They do hampers and gift sets too.”

Nicola Reading mentions her favourite cafe: “Choco-Latte great little cafe! The owner is lovely.”

Katie Ross has all you need for Christmas: “Katie's Kards & Balloons, we have our normal store and a Christmas shop next door.” For a range of local artists pop along to Michelle Corbin Design’s recommendation: “Yarm Christmas Market which is run by Froggy Goes To Market. It’s on 30 Nov - 1 Dec and will be filled with local Artisan small businesses. It’s at Worsall Village Hall from 10am - 3.30pm.”

Gina Shelby wants you to know about: “The House of Sadiq - By Alisha Sadiq I always recommend her shop to EVERYONE always something in for someone whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day forever my favourite shop.”

For an all round shopping experience try Daisy Fawcett’s idea: “Creation Saltburn, there are 70 local makers under one roof! It’s in Diamond Street, Saltburn. The Northern Potter is there too.”

If you have a sports fan in the family try Ian Fish’s favourite shop: “Good Team On Paper for Boro, Hartlepool, Darlington & Stockton football and sports gifts.” For all your Christmas flowers try Kera Embleton’s suggestion: “Forevergracie Flowers. She has the most beautiful artificial flower arrangements and Christmas decorations.”

Are you planning to shop locally this Christmas? Where are your favourite shopping spots? Let us know in our comments section.

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