The Create Gift Love workshop is in Ringwood, a market town on the edge of the beautiful New Forest, down on the south coast of England. We’re right on the Hampshire/Dorset border and we’re so lucky to be so near the seaside in Bournemouth and the gorgeous Dorset countryside. It’s a really wonderful place to be.
The last year and a half has shown us all, more than ever, the importance of local communities and supporting small local businesses. As our team is made up of (self-proclaimed!) south coast experts we’ve put together some recommendations of our favourite local businesses in the Ringwood, Bournemouth and Poole area. Do pop in to say hello if you’re about and leave us a comment with your favourite local business recommendations so we can add to our list!
Calm Amongst The Chaos, Ringwood
Calm Amongst The Chaos is another Ringwood based indie business like us, with a studio and shop right on the high street in the centre of town. They are a sustainable small brand creating carefully considered clothing which is all handmade by their talented studio team.
MIIKO, Poole
MIIKO is nourishment bar serving up delicious and nutritious food, drinks and takeaways in their gorgeous shop in Poole. The coffee alone is worth a visit, but if that wasn’t enough to tempt you they also have an on-site shop selling eclectic homeware, beauty and lifestyle pieces.
Alter Jewellery, New Milton
Alter Jewellery is a relatively new local small business based in New Milton, in the New Forest, creating beautiful handcrafted sterling silver jewellery inspired by imagery of the sea and exploring local coastlines. You can shop their full collection on the Alter website.
PEN Gallery, Poole
PEN Gallery is part of the new KINGLAND shopping district in Poole, a reinvigorated high street dedicated to supporting indie retailers. PEN is an independent gallery and store supporting local makers, hosting events and exhibitions that are well worth a visit.
Urban Reef, Boscombe
Urban Reef is just along from Boscombe pier and is a great spot for coffee and lunch with a view. Food, drink and sun (sometimes) at the seaside, what more could you need? In normal times Urban Reef host some great events throughout the year, including Create Gift Love’s own company birthday celebrations several years back.
Wild Roots, Poole
Wild Roots is another new shop in KINGLAND, full to the brim with beautiful plants, interiors and lots and lots of greenery. If you’re in need of a houseplant (who isn’t, let’s be honest), Wild Roots is the place to go.
Buy Wear Swap Repeat, Poole
Buy Wear Swap Repeat is a thrift shop in Poole offering curated collections of second hand clothing to help keep more clothes in circulation and extend their life, getting the most wears as possible with every garment. They regularly drop new collections on their website or you can visit their high street boutique.
Happyccino at the Mill, WImborne
Happyccino is a family fun coffee and brunch bar with a focus on positive wellbeing and mental health. Their gorgeous riverside café set in the grounds of Wimborne’s Walford Mill is the perfect spot for excellent coffee and cake and we love the company’s ethos. As Happyccino say: life happens, coffee helps.
www.happyccino.co.uk/at-the-mill
BH6, Southbourne
BH6 is an independent bookshop based in Southbourne (a part of town which itself is a hub of brilliant small businesses). Their lovely little shop is a joy to browse, with shelves filled with books, gifts and unique homeware. It’s the kind of shop you could happily spend all afternoon in.
