So here it is… If, like us, the Christmas shopping isn’t quite there yet and you’ve got no idea what to buy your quirky pal from college or your Uncle Steve, then keep on reading as we’ve put together a North East alternative christmas gift guide full of cool and different present ideas, crafted in the North East to give your loved ones something made with love.

A Personalised Illustration

This is a lovely gift for someone who has just about everything. There are thousands of extremely talented illustrators and artists (of whom many will be CCAD alumni) living and working in the North East, check out Alan Vest or EGD Art. This kind of gift is second to none, an illustration of your loved one’s pet, home, favourite quote, favourite band’s front man… the options are endless!

A Keepsake Prop

Billy Cessford is an incredibly talented prop designer, he runs business from www.bc-fx.co.uk, he is also CCAD’s Technician for Production Design for Stage & Screen. What sounds more exciting than gifting someone an exact replica of a prop from their favourite film, or even a point in history?! Check out this prop by Billy, of a NASA space helmet from The Martian. Quite literally a gift that is one of a kind.

Pins that make a Statement

Punky Pins is a Middlesbrough based company who is unashamedly bold and sports all things girl power! They have a range of quirky enamel pins, keyrings, badges and jewellery that make perfect gifts or stocking fillers, especially for a strong minded female in your life; and with over 70k followers on social media, these guys are a huge hit worldwide.

An Global Indie Mag Made in Middlesbrough

Sunday Girl Magazine is an independent magazine for intellectual girls and the perfect gift. Full of intellectual chat and a keen eye for aesthetic, Sunday Girl keeps a sense of Americana nostalgia, scrapbook-like style mixed with eclectic photography and laid back fashion (think playful punk t-shirts layered over gauze sleeves). It celebrates finding your feet and developing your sense of style as well as your sense of person. It’s the one young adult magazine that’s not whipping you to grow up. The message is firmly liberation and vitality. Sunday Girl is sold internationally, get it online or check their website for your nearest stockist!

Art and Gifts from Hey Ho Print Co.

Hey Ho Print Co. is a Saltburn based open-access educational and resource centre and store dedicated to printed arts and design founded by CCAD Alumni, Sophie McIntosh. With a beautiful selection of handmade and designed gifts ranging from prints, handpainted baubles, canvas bags, stationery to ‘do it yourself’ linocut printing kits! (a perfect gift for the budding artist in your life.)

North East Based Jewellery Brand Loved by Stars

Based on the historic high street of Yarm, Rock N’ Rose is an online jewellery and accessories retailer ran by northern sisters Jess and Emily. Starting off as a Myspace page, Rock N’ Rose is now a globally recognised brand, loved by the likes of Pixie Lott! Head to their website to support a great local brand!

Shop Vintage with ATIK VINTAGE

Ran by CCAD Alumni Robin Page and Tom Townsend, the boys run Atik Vintage on Depop from their Hartlepool based studio. Having amassed over 23k followers on the shopping app Depop, Atik Vintage sells vintage and pre-loved fashion globally and is loved by Georgia Tofflo, Queen of the ‘I’m a Celebrity’ Jungle. A perfect way to champion a CCAD, northern duo and find a gift for that alternative, fashion forward friend or family member.

Afternoon Tea at the Tea House

Sometimes mum’s and grandma’s can be the most difficult to buy for at christmas, and we all love afternoon tea, right? Surely, a gift voucher from Middlesbrough’s favourite  Tea House sounds like a great idea to gift someone! The Tea House is ran by Carli, CCAD Alumni too!

Ethical, Cruelty Free Hair Care from Chintz Hair Salon

With the general public becoming more and more conscious of animal welfare and the environment, Chintz Hair Salon in Middlesbrough is the only place for hair care. In 2012, founder Sylvia decided enough is enough and made the decision (after 30 years of business) to never sell another product that had been tested on animals. This meant discontinuing many of her clients’ favourite ranges such as BedHead, Wella and Tigi and finding new animal friendly ranges to introduce to her thousands of customers. Today each and every customer supports Sylvia’s stance and stuck with her movement, now loving her new Davine’s, Paul Mitchell and GHD ranges. Buy consciously when you can and head to Chintz Hair Salon opposite Middlesbrough Bus Station for your hair products this christmas.

Beautiful Nails with Nancy Loves Nails

Boss girl 21 year old Sophie Dale is the face behind Nancy Loves Nails, the North East’s favourite nail salon. With up to a 3 month waiting list, chances are you won’t be able to get your loved one an appointment before christmas, however what better than a voucher so she (or he) can pay Sophie a visit in the New Year to give the gift of sassy nails in the post-christmas gloom.