The best Sevenoaks shops for Christmas presents

Recently there has been a lot of talk – not least on Sevenoaks People – about the fragility of our High Street. And it’s true and worrying: Sevenoaks has experienced shop closures and a proliferation of empty buildings since last Christmas.

This is one time of year when - as local residents who care about having a varied and quality range of shops to choose from - we can support local businesses and show prospective shop owners that there is a busy group of buyers in Sevenoaks.

We may have lost Woolies, but we have some fantastic independent shops, so don’t automatically head up the M25 to the headache of Bluewater, check these out instead.

Danish Collection

This gorgeous little shop just off the High Street is a treasure trove of lovely things for women, girls and the home. There is a larger shop on London Road in Riverhead too, and the prices are, generally, very competitive compared with The White Company and other shopping centre equivalents.

Sashani Jewellery

If you’re hoping to buy something sparkly and precious for Christmas this year, there are genuine alternatives to the typical shopping centre snore fests and tackiness of catalogue options.

Sashani Jewellery on London Road offers all sorts of beautifully designed jewellery, and also offers a bespoke design service for something truly individual.

Between The Lines

What a great gift shop! Between The Lines stocks lovely cards, not just the run of the mill standards you see everywhere, quirky present ideas, books, toys and home accessories. It often does a great line in gifts for gardeners and at the heart of the town (opposite Body Shop), it’s well worth a visit.

J H Lorimer

This shop gets mentioned almost every time we do a round-up, and that’s because it stocks so many great toys as well as arts and crafts gear, perfect for handmade presents and cards.

“Lorimers” also has plenty of options in the stocking filler price range plus lovely pens and stationery for older children.

Myrrh Gift Shop

More of a stocking filler this one, but the shop in Bank Street is rammed with little bits and bobs for great prices. The trinkets are great, and if you’re doing Christmas on a budget (and let’s face it, a lot of people are), this little shop is well worth a rummage.

Valentina

Not strictly independent in that it is part of a tiny chain, but we’re including Valentina because it’s the perfect place to stock gift hampers for gourmet lovers. They also stock a few choice Alessi goods, for deco fans, and eye-poppingly expensive wine for posh guzzlers.

While you’re there, you may as well stop for a glass of Chianti and a delicious lunch, it would be rude not to.

Mad Hatters Emporium

This tiny little shop in pretty Otford village is full of homely, vintage and pretty presents, it does a great line in end-of-term gifts for teachers and upstairs has lovely bit and pieces for the home.

Where have we missed? Which fabulous local shops make it worth your while visiting Sevenoaks?