If you’re thinking of heading to the city to find a suitable present for someone special then think again!
Whilst Ruddington cannot possibly offer the gift range in larger towns and cities it is incredible what a choice of outlets we have right here on our doorstep – from small supermarkets to independent traders.
One hidden gem of a gift shop that a great number of local people still seem unaware of is the Framework Knitters’ Museum Textile Emporium – now trading into its FOURTH year! This shop and adjoining tea room are accessible for people to visit during museum opening hours without obligation to pay to go around the rest of the site – although with the modest entry charges they obviously hope you will.
“Our Textile Emporium stocks products individually made by craftspeople within a ten mile radius who often find it difficult to find a regular outlet for their products” says manager Paul Baker. “You can come here to buy handmade cushions, scarves, gloves, socks, purses, bags, brooches, key rings, fabric cards & pictures, and much more. Because it’s on a sale or return basis we can afford to be more adventurous with our stock”.
Another great outlet for fabric lovers is Karen Cragg’s Lovely Little Wool Shop on Church Street. Although she only opened in July last year it’s already become a hub of the community – with tea and homemade cakes to complement her handmade gifts.
Of course she specialises in wool but also stocks an imaginative range of other fabric products – all made by Karen and other Ruddington based craftspeople. She even teaches children how to knit!
Then there’s Something Special, a traditional card and gift shop at the corner of High Street and Easthorpe Street run by Craig and Paula Baldwin. Since opening in Ruddington in 2012 it’s become the first choice for many when buying exclusive lines such as Yankee candles, British-made Orchard Toys and Willow Tree figurines. They also stock sentimental gifts such as picture frames, jewellery, scarves, cuddly toys, baby items, helium balloons and other party-ware plus a wide range of greeting cards and gift-wrap. Ruddington Post Office and Grange News are also always worth a try for cards, wrapping paper and confectionery.
Of course there are also many other businesses in Ruddington stocking all manner of things which might make suitable gifts. Remember that both the Nottinghamshire Hospice and Honeycomb charity shops sell new as well as recycled items.
Even if you prefer to buy your presents online you can still support a Ruddington business based at Oxford House on Easthorpe Street via www.crusadergifts.co.uk
So – before looking elsewhere – remember that Ruddington is truly gifted!
Graham Wright