There are those of us who plan ahead, start writing the list in August and shopping in September, and there are those of us who cannot fathom starting the Christmas shopping until the John Lewis ad has launched and it’s acceptable to start singing It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas (sorry, it’s in our heads too)…
Whatever kind of Christmas shopper you may be, we’re here to help. We are crossing all of our fingers for a smooth festive period this year, and with the help of some of Hertfordshire's finest attractions, independent businesses and more there's plenty to be giving this year that celebrates our county!
Go on, add a little cheer to your loved one’s year, take a look at these ideas and let them know you care. Because if you can’t say it at Christmas, when can you, eh?
Knebworth House and Gardens
Give them the gift of acres of open space, the chance to wander the historic halls of a manor house and an expanse of glorious landscaped gardens for 2025. Are we suggesting you buy your best friend a historic country house? No, even we’re not that nice. But with the gift of season tickets and gift vouchers to Knebworth House and Gardens, you can offer them the next best thing.
Hertfordshire Zoo
We never said you couldn’t put some of these ideas on your own list, so why not add a family annual ticket to Paradise Wildlife Park to your family’s Christmas stocking this year? On top of year-round visits to the park’s 800 wild animals (have you seen the Land of the Tigers exhibit?) and the chance to take a Jurassic journey back in time with dinosaurs on the Rex Express, you’ll also be helping the passionate team care for their animals and raise funds to support wildlife conservation projects across the world.
St Albans
A historic market town with a cathedral at its heart, St Albans is one of our go to's when it comes to Christmas shopping, and this year isn’t so different. Peruse the St Albans Cathedral shop and you’ll find plenty of stocking fillers. If you also know St Albans, you'll know its shops are rather outstanding. With a number of independent to high street icons, pick up the St Albans gift card which works in the same way as any gift card - but for the whole town!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
It might not be a letter from Hogwarts, but it’s a pretty close second! Get the Potter fan in your life the ultimate gift of tickets to discover the wonders of the wizarding world at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. With gift cards available to redeem next year, your chosen witch or wizard can book up their tickets to board the Hogwarts Express and visit whenever suits them best (so they won’t have to resort to stealing Mr Weasley’s Ford Anglia).
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens
Give the gift of peace, quiet, nature and culture this Christmas with a membership to Henry Moore Studios and Gardens. With a hectic Christmas period, we’re guessing your giftee will love the chance to unwind with unlimited access to the gardens, studios and exhibitions. And with acres of grounds to enjoy, magnificent sculptures and the chance to visit the artist’s Hoglands home, who can blame them?
The Grove
From golfing breaks, to luxury weekend getaways, a gift voucher for The Grove is one indulgent treat. So tell us, who’s top of your list this year? Be it Tielle line and Bamford spa products from their online shop, Segway experiences through woodland, or a weekend away, complete with dinner and the chance to use those oh-so lnstagrammable spa facilities, we can guarantee this gift will get you to the very top of the nice list.
Pendley Manor
We all know a foodie, so we have no doubt you’ll have someone in mind who would love the gift of afternoon tea at Pendley Manor next year. Think tempting scones, mouth-watering sandwiches and delectable cakes, served up in the manor house, overlooking rolling gardens and strolling peacocks.
Watford
From foodie favourites and independent boutiques, to markets and big brand names, we're shopping local in Watford this year! Discover a shopping centre bursting with ideas for those difficult ones to buy for (we've all got them on our list), or stroll Market Street for independent shops and unique gift ideas for that someone special. Get ready to start ticking off that list...
Shop local in Dacorum
Be it locally produced treats and gifts from Hemel Old Town Market, or specially selected antiques from Berkhamsted Antiques & Vintage Market, Dacorum is packed with ideas for local gift giving. Pick up foodie favourites from Tring Farmers Market or pick up locally crafted gifts from Riverside Artisan Market.
Take a look at what else we have going on this Christmas in Herts
