The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Christmas is coming and we’re feeling merry, because we’ve got it all wrapped up!
Want in on the smugness too?
Say hello to Santa’s stiffest competition in the gifting stakes this year, the brilliant Bespoke + Local!
We’ll be honest with you, as much as we love the festive build-up, the pressure of gifting seems to get more overwhelming by the year. There’s always someone that little bit tricksy to buy for, isn’t there?
So, you can imagine how our souls sang when we happened upon Bespoke + Local, the exciting Devon-based business transforming luxury gifting into quite the remarkable experience.
Trust us, this is a business to know – because it allows you to ditch hot flush-inducing shopping trips and instead let the experts conjure up exquisitely curated gift boxes for you, ones that showcase the craftsmanship of Devon’s brightest artisans. They’ve a bulging little black book of contacts and we’ve spied some of our favourite local makers and brands in amongst all the goodies.
Even better, each box is designed to reflect your lucky recipient’s unique tastes and preferences.
“WHY didn’t you tell us about this sooner?” we hear you cry in indignant outrage!
Well, because Bespoke + Local is a relative newbie, founded in early 2023 by Alison Logan, a creative force with a deep passion for artisan design and a strong belief in supporting local businesses.
After years navigating the fast-paced world of London’s legal sector and teaching at Wimbledon, Alison and her husband decided to swap city life for the peaceful beauty of Devon (a wise move, if you ask us).
For Alison, Devon is more than just a place—it’s where her personal story unfolds, one of childhood holidays spent exploring its rugged coastlines, studying at Exeter University, and even saying "I do". This county has played a leading role in Alison’s highlights reel, for sure.
And now, she’s smashing it here with her latest clever venture.
Alison beautifully sums it up: “Gifting is about more than just the items inside a box; it’s about the connections we create and the stories we share. At Bespoke + Local, every gift box is a heartfelt celebration of artisan craftsmanship and personal connection.”
So, how does it all work?
The extra joyous part is that it’s quite straightforward.
First up, you have a personalised gift consultation, where your gifting needs are teased out in detail. You’ll talk your recipient’s taste and preferences, plus your budget and timeline.
Next, a curated list full of gift options will hit your inbox for you to review, amend and give the green light on. Exciting!
Then, your chosen artisans get to work crafting and creating your box of goodies – think Santa’s elves at this point, only in Devon.
And finally, your gift box (handcrafted from sustainable materials and lined with a bespoke fabric wrap btw), arrives at its destination, complete with your message, handwritten on a bespoke art print, so it’ll never be thrown away! The result? You’ve connected them with loads of local talent via some gorgeous gifts and they’re putty in your hands for the foreseeable. It’s a win-win!
Like it? We do, too! So, if you're ready to up your gift-giving game and win yourself some mega brownie points with someone while you’re at it, may we gently nudge you in Alison’s direction and she’ll take care of all the rest.
Happy gifting!
Explore Bespoke + Local’s offerings over on Instagram @bespokeandlocal and check out their lovely website.
Images kindly supplied by Paul Secker
