Kimberley Reed
I walked around Filey today, a bright day in October, and looked at it through the eyes of a Christmas shopper.
There are some beautiful art and craft gift shops, all kinds of trinkets and genuinely something for everyone to be found in our town. As I was walking around, I thought how nice it would be in a few more weeks, with the Christmas lights twinkling and decorations sparkling, to wander at a leisurely pace in and out of the treasure filled shops. Perhaps stopping for a hot chocolate dressed with cream and marshmallows or a festive spiced latte in one of the many cosy cafes.
Visiting with Deborah Barker, shop owner at Aquamarine Art & Gifts on Murray Street, I saw many beautiful handmade items. Of particular interest was the range of Pebble Art and Glass Art. These beautiful, framed pieces of art can be bought off the shelf or personalised to create that individual, thoughtful gift. Also available is a lovely range of pet portraits, a heartfelt gift for that special someone. Deborah has offered a 10% discount during November for anyone taking this article into the shop*, perhaps the perfect time to get started on your festive shopping!
I dropped into Sterchi’s Chocolatiers, the divine chocolatey scent gave me an early twinge of festive excitement. This local business has stood the test of time and continues to provide tourists and locals with beautifully presented boxes of handmade chocolates. There is also a large range of mugs that might just make the perfect gift.
Timeless Toys offers a step back into childhood with a wide range of vintage toys and games. The selection of Barbie items certainly took me back to Christmases of the 1980’s. Shop owner Steve has offered a 10% discount on his large stock of Lego sets to shoppers bringing in this article*.
Lilly’s Sandcastles have a lovely range of new and vintage items with a promise to keep their prices low in the run up to the festive period.
On Facebook you’ll find a page called ‘Made in Filey’ which is exactly what it says. It is a space for artists and craftspeople to advertise and sell their creations. All sellers must have a YO14 postcode. Local sales events are advertised on there too, so look out for the next opportunity to browse.
There are of course many other shops to pop into. I will definitely be having another look around when the festive season is in full swing!
The gift of books
I have always loved reading and writing. I have a love for books that is hard for me to describe. Reading relaxes, excites, supports, and challenges me. Relatively recently I have become involved in Filey’s Literature Festival and through my work there I have become aware of and even met several local authors.
During a meeting at Filey Bay Today someone mentioned ‘The Gift of Books’ and I just knew I had to include this wonderful idea in the shopping local article.
The Facebook page ‘Filey, Coast and Wolds Authors’ has information on books that are both written and set locally.
There are also many books with a great deal of amazing tales rich in local history. The Red Box (Hope Street), Filey Post Office and Wrays (Belle Vue Street) all stock such books. These books would make a beautiful sentimental gift for local history lovers and bookaholics of all ages.
Filey Library also keep a selection of books written by local author for sale and are able to order in what they do not have in stock.
I could write forever about the local talent, how and where you can meet the authors and peruse their work, however I feel this may be an article of its own in the near future… so watch and wait for it!
In the meantime, enjoy the pre-Christmas excitement with a meander through our local streets which are filled with eye-catchingly beautiful treats, trinkets and treasures for all. Happy shopping with love for our town, villages and community.
* A physical copy of the magazine or proof of an online subscription is required to obtain the discount.