There's only one more full weekend until Christmas, so if you haven't yet got your Christmas presents you might be looking for some last minute gifts. Luckily, these indie businesses are here to save you from giving a lump of coal.
Anyone in Leeds is pretty passionate about their city, so gifts about our favourite city, or at least from local sellers, are bound to be a winner with any of the Yorkshiremen and Yorkshirewomen in your life.
With it being the season of giving and all, it's easy to want to secure presents as quickly as possible, and whilst Amazon Prime might deliver the next day- chances are plenty of local sellers will do the same (and appreciate your custom a hell of a lot more).
So we've rounded up the best local talent to get you your Christmas gifts in time for the big day so all you need to do is collect your favourites.
Keep reading to discover the best place to buy independent, last minute Christmas gifts in Leeds.
Colours May Vary
Corn Exchange, Leeds city centre | Open from 10.30am
Image: Colours May Vary
Inside the Corn Exchange you'll find a wealth of independent artwork, food offerings and even a place to grab the perfect print, plant or record. Those serarching for beautiful wrapping paper, books, postcards and other home accessories should look no further than Colours May Vary. We'd recommend having a peek at the collection of recipe books and curated selection of photography from the local area.
The perfect present for any foodie has to be a guided or self-guided tour from Leeds Food Tours. A feast for all the senses, this is a flexible guide around the city all based around food. The tours can take place any day of the week- and all you need to do is purchase the guide online, so no waiting around for the postie either.
Foodwise, there’s a choice of bao buns, tacos, falafels and gyozas on offer- and that’s just the beginning. All the options are available as gluten free friendly, veggie and vegan too so that no dietary requirements have to stand between the recipient and their food. Tickets to each food tour cost £65 per person, and include six stops across the city.
Find out more here.
Trad Collective
Otley Road, Headingley | Open from 10am
Image: Trad Collective
Trad is a new concept store in Headingley that sells sustainable and upcycled clothing, including the biggest range of Freida Kahlo jackets you've ever seen.
Their small collection of stationery, jewellery and prints from artists both near and far also come from indie makers, so shopping here means you're supporting a whole chain of small businesses.
The much-loved sweet treat sensation is bringing the perfect gift in bite size portions this Christmas. Choose from all your usual brookies, brownies, cookie dough, dog-friendly gifts and hot drinks, plus a whole host of special Christmas-themed treat boxes. Grab yours from either the Roundhay store, Redbrick Mill Cafe, or pop-ups at Vicotria Gate and Trinity over the weekend.
Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton | Open from 9am (10am Sundays)
Image: The Little Bookshop
Dedicated to children’s books, including some rather incredible novels on young activism and social justice, The Little Bookshop is a one-of-a-kind bookshop that is guaranteed to get your little ones turning the pages. The quaint little store is full of enough books to allow a child’s imagination to run wild and the selection is varied enough to be challenging and bring up different topics of discussion. There’s an adults section too, just through the back of the store- so there’s something for all ages to find.
Food lovers with a passion for cheese, charcuterie or anything from Yorkshire- you'll find everything you need from Cheesy Living Co. The lockdown success story can be found inside the Corn Exchange, and there's everything from Savvy Baker brownies to give as gift sets to Thiccc Sauce hot sauce sets made right here in Leeds.
Still need to get some last minute Christmas gifts? Then head down to Trinity Leeds shopping centre this weekend where you’ll be able to fill your stockings with fantastic gifts from local independent retailers.
Have a mooch around 15 different local independent businesses from COCO WILD jewellery makers to rum distillers, Libations Rum. Pick up a forever bouquet from Pampas & Bloom or some sweet stocking fillers from Frankly Delicious. Why not finish off your Christmas tree with a handmade decoration from Homebirds Weaving Shed and stay fuelled with fresh brownies from The Savvy Baker.
To have a sneak peek of the full line-up, take a look at the Curated Makers instagram.
Curated Makers Shop
Trinity Shopping Centre, Leeds city centre | Open from 9am
The majority of designs here are centred around Leeds and West Yorkshire, with local phrases like ‘ey up‘ and ‘mardy bum‘ available on mugs and prints - but you can also get a range of music lyrics from local bands printed and framed to your liking at Curated Makers.
The store has over forty different sellers' products inside, making it your one-stop indie shop for gift getting this Christmas, plus there's a pop-up market this weekend (Saturday 17 December 2022) over in Trinity Shopping Centre.
The gift of food, especially this time of year, is always welcomed and with such a diverse range of places to shop for last minute gift sets or additions to your Christmas dinner table, the last Oakwood Farmers Market will be bursting with fresh ideas. Expect Rabbit Hole Coffee, Sian's Indian Express, Church View Eggs, Leeds Bread Co-op, Mario Olianas and plenty more to fill your baskets and your bellies this weekend.
There's no better gift for a lover of Leeds than, well, a picture of Leeds. Stay with us on this one, Millistrations prints cover all the most beautiful spots in and around the city centre that are the perfect gift for anyone missing their favourite places.
If you're looking for a humorous Christmas card, look no further than Emily Rend Prints. The hilarious artist has illustrated the most outlandish moments of this year, including plenty of LUFC offerings.
Available as cards, prints, tea towels and more, Render also has a range of Leeds United gifts for anyone searching for an Elland Road fan.
You couldn't find a more unique gift for a Harry Potter lover if you tried. This two bedroom turret house can sleep up to six people, including two children and is equipped with everything that a muggle could need, including a Diagon-Alley-esque bathtub and Grounds Keeper cottage exterior.
Give the gift of a stay by the sea and give someone you love a break from their every day with this thoughtful gift.
One of the best memorable Christmas gifts is a good book. With over 80 Little Free Libraries dotted around Leeds and its suburban surroundings, there's a great opportunity to give the gift of reading to those you care about, all for a minimal cost.
All you need to do is take a book and replace it with another book, then wrap it up and gift it. Not only is this a minimal cost gift, but it's also extremely sustainable and encourages others to gift mindfully over the Christmas period.
After probably a few too many champagnes last night, here's 10 of the best walks in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire to blow away the cobwebs.
It's time for your annual New Year's Day outing and we've rounded up 10 of the best walks in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire so you can win over your family with an all-new wintertime wander.
Whether you're a lover of a good reservoir or have a soft spot for birdwatching, these countywide trails have their own little quirks and we're sure you'll find one that's tailored to you.
So grab your scarf, dust off your old stompers and kick start the New Year by accomplishing one of these lovely West Yorkshire walking routes.
Swinsty Reservoir
Swinsty Reservoir is a beautiful walk just north of Otley, West Yorkshire / Credit: @the_running_mum and @skybluesophie on Instagram
In the picturesque Washburn Valley just north of Otley and west of Harrogate, lies the beautiful Swinsty Reservoir.
This walk is relatively easy, it’s about 3 miles in length and has plenty of flat gravel paths and pitstops for you to rest along the way.
The walk encircles the entire reservoir and provides breath-taking views across the water and the surrounding landscape.
Fewston Reservoir
Fewston Reservoir neighbours Swinsty Reservoir and is a perfect New Year walking spot / Credit: @macaloon on Instagram
If Swinsty isn’t long enough for you and you’d like a bit more of a challenge then try it’s neighbouring reservoir, Fewston.
Wrapping all the way around the beautiful Fewston reservoir, crossing over Fewston embankment you are spoilt for choice with spectacular views of both reservoirs.
You can also extend your walk by exploring nearby routes including Fewston and Timble Ings. The route is mostly flat with some short sections of path with fairly steep gradient and rockier terrain.
Ilkley Moor
One of West Yorkshire's most iconic walking destinations and definitely ideal for Boxing Day / Credit: @thisthewaytodisco on Instagram
Bob over to Ilkley and head towards the iconic Cow and Calf rocks on Ilkley Moor.
Although the walk may seem daunting, there’s an easy path to follow at a moderate gradient to guide you all the way. Hike up to the top, breathe in that good Yorkshire air and marvel at the impressive panoramic views of the town and beyond.
The good news is, there’s a pub just a stone’s throw away if you fancy a cold pint or a well-deserved roast after your walk.
The Otley Chevin
The Otley Chevin has something for all walkers, woodland trails and scenic countryside views / Credit: @carolineinthecountryside on Instagram
The Otley Chevin is a gorgeous forest park overlooking the quaint market town below. It’s the ideal place to take your furry friend for a walk, enjoy the spectacular views and breathe in the good Yorkshire air.
Located the luscious Wharfe Valley the park is full of criss-cross paths, impressive woodlands and breathtaking views at every turn. With walking trails, picnic spots, organised events and woodland to explore, there is something for everyone.
Castle Hill
Huddersfield's highest point also doubles as a fantastic walk with stunning views of West Yorkshire / Credit: @malajusted1 on Instagram
This one’s a steep one but your hard work pays off when you reach its summit, 1,000 feet above sea level, offering some of the best views of Huddersfield and West Yorkshire on a clear day.
For any history lovers or architecture admirers, there’s also an impressive tower dedicated to Queen Victoria which was built to honour her Diamond Jubilee back in 1897.
There’s numerous ways you can trek up to this Huddersfield hilltop but the right way is visiting rural watering hole The Victoria as you stroll back down. Let’s face it, nothing feels more rewarding than grabbing a crisp pint in a cosy pub after a pretty steep walk.
Newmiller Dam
Credit: @
If feeling the burn wasn’t on your Boxing Day itinerary, there’s a much simpler and flatter walk that lasts just under an hour and feels like a mini oasis , even if it is adjacent to a main road.
Up for a little detour? Newmiller Dam near Wakefield has a handful of off-track routes you can explore to extend your walk’s duration with benches scattered throughout to take in all its natural beauty.
This reservoir has a cute café attached to it, The Boathouse, which is quite the spectacle, offering up amazing food, themed events as well as being the home to an engagement or two over the years.
RSPB St. Aidans
St. Aidans is the perfect place for a long stroll and a spot of birdwatching right here in Leeds / Credit: The Hoot Leeds / @f.e.wildlifephotography on Instagram
Although this Leeds wildlife haven isn’t open on New Year's Day, this list has plenty of walks to pick from for the second biggest day of the year, and this spot can slot in somewhere else in your seasonal schedule.
Thinking you won’t spot any beautiful birds during the wintertime? The RSPB note you should keep an eye out for short eared owls, geese and ducks.
Home to a reservoir, pool and five lakes, you can follow a range of official routes ranging from 20 minutes to an hour or take a detour if you fancy immersing yourself in all the glory St. Aidans has to offer.
Baitings Reservoir
On the edge of West Yorkshire is the glorious Baitings Reservoir with an equally grand dam / Credit: @dronejp_ on Instagram
If you’re venturing over the moors this New Year to visit friends and family in Greater Manchester, why not stop off at this next site on the way back home?
Baitings Reservoir next to Ripponden gives you the choice to walk around the large-spanning enclosed water or roam around the accompanying hillsides.
Use the natural resources to your advantage and live out your Glinda fantasy by giving hair a little “toss toss” as you walk across the raised dam path which is usually a little bit windy.
Withens Clough
Next to Hebden Bridge is Withens Clough a West Yorkshire walk with two pubs closeby/ Credit: @ericbroug on Instagram
Two pubs, multiple views of Stoodley Pike and nestled next to a cute Calderdale village, if that didn't grab your attention we don’t know what will.
Less than five miles from Hebden Bridge and bordering Cragg Vale, Withens Clough is an hour long walk with the moors surrounding you on either side.
This walk is a crowd pleaser with two pubs within 15 minutes from the trail serving up food fit for everyone, vegans and veggies too.
Brontë Waterfall
You might feel inspired to write a prose or two while you're walking around Brontë Waterfall/ Credit: @mostlymedieval on Instagram
Situated in Haworth, if you start from Main Street this walk takes 45 minutes, or there’s a free car park at Penistone Hill Country Park which shortens your trail to 25 minutes if you’ve just devoured your Boxing Day leftovers .
As you rove along you’ll stumble upon ‘Charlotte’s Chair’, an L-shaped stone believed to be the sacred spot where this Bronte sister put pen to paper.
The website may encourage you to dip your feet in the cold moorland water, but on a cold winter’s day this might be too adventurous.
Surprising new survey reveals the top 10 most disliked Christmas foods
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed the top 10 festive foods that Brits dislike the most, and number one isn't sprouts.
If there's one thing for certain, a lot of food gets consumed at Christmas.
Christmas is just as much about the food as it is anything else, especially as shops and supermarkets tend to go all out with the festive feasting specials - with treats stacked top to bottom on the shelves.
But surprisingly, a few of those foods are actually among the most disliked by the younger generations once the festive season rolls around.
The top 10 most disliked Christmas foods have been revealed / Credit: GoodFon | Flickr
A new poll by of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas, carried out by Aldi, has found that those born in 1996 or later are apparently "turning their back on" traditional favourites.
This is all in favour of festive dishes with some sort of "modern twist".
Of the traditional favourites, Christmas pudding is one of the least-loved festive foods, along with Christmas cake and trifle - with more than half (56%) of respondents describing them as "dated".
Top 10 most disliked Christmas foods
Mince pies - 31%
Christmas pudding - 29%
Christmas cake - 25%
Cranberry sauce - 25%
Brussels sprouts - 24%
Bread sauce - 22%
Chestnuts - 21%
Brandy butter - 20%
Turkey - 20%
Trifle - 19%
Despite what many would expect though, number one on the list is not the usual scapegoat of sprouts, as instead it's mince pies that take the top spot, with the little green vegetables coming in fifth place just behind cranberry sauce at four, Christmas cake in third, and Christmas pudding at two.
Additional research from the supermarket found that the main reasons Brits would like to change up Christmas dinner is to fit personal taste preferences better (34%), or to be more inclusive for dietary restrictions (27%).
26% said they want to switch things up just to be more exciting or adventurous in general.
Sophie Smith -
13th December 2022 
