As the leaves turn and the mercury begins to descend, we offer some thoughtfully gathered suggestions for heartwarming, seasonal gifting. From beautifully made objects and seasonal treats to experiences that encourage us to slow down and reconnect with the world around us, browse our ideas handpicked from independent brands and designer-makers who share our appreciation of responsible craft, creativity and lasting quality.
Weather Forecast Cards
Mabel & Co
A charming set of notecards from Suffolk-based Mabel & Co, designed around the familiar symbols of sunshine, clouds, rain and lightning. Blank inside and paired with envelopes, they’re a particularly lovely way to send a note when an email simply won't do.
Produced using traditional letterpress techniques, recycled paper and natural linseed oil inks, the set of 6 A6 cards combine mid-century British design with Mabel & Co's characteristically understated sense of humour.
Bonfire Fondants
Betty’s of Harrogate
Few occasions capture the spirit of autumn quite like Bonfire Night. Betty's turns the occasion into an edible miniature celebration with these sets of four hand-piped fondant fancies, decorated with colourful catherine wheels and rockets.
Made by hand and available as a limited seasonal edition, they bring together the familiar pleasure of a classic Betty’s bake with the theatre of fireworks perfect for a Bonfire Night gathering, an autumn afternoon tea or simply sharing around the kitchen table.
A Book to Treasure
Shapero Rare Books
For the reader who already has everything, look beyond the new-release shelves. Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian and rare books and works on paper, with particular expertise spanning illustrated books, travel and voyages, natural history and modern first editions.
From a beautifully illustrated natural-history volume to a signed first edition, the pleasure lies as much in the object and its provenance as in the words inside it. A gift with the potential to become part of a collection and eventually a story of its own.
Porridge Spoon
Abbeyhorn
For the autumn breakfast ritual, few things are more satisfying than a beautifully made spoon. Abbeyhorn's natural horn porridge spoon is individually distinctive, with the material's warm tones and organic patterning making every piece subtly different.
Handcrafted from natural cow horn and polished to a smooth finish, its simple form is designed to feel good in both hand and mouth, and will last for years. A modest but wonderfully tactile gift for anyone who believes in elevating the everyday.
Heritage Wool Blanket
Highgrove
October is Wool Month, making it the perfect moment to celebrate one of Britain's most enduring, yet underused natural materials. The Highgrove Heritage Blanket is a particularly handsome interpretation, combining the Prince of Wales and Shepherd checks in a warm honey tone inspired by HM The King’s private gardens at Highgrove.
Made from 100% ultrafine merino wool at the Johnston’s of Elgin mill in Scotland, the limited-edition blanket is one of a range of items bringing together traditional textile heritage and contemporary design. A useful gift to become part of the home for years to come.
A Highland fling
Journey on the Belmond Royal Scotsman
For the person who would rather receive an experience than an object, there are fewer more glamorous or evocative ways to see the world than journeying through the Scottish Highlands aboard the Royal Scotsman.
This intimate luxury sleeper train travels through some of the country’s wildest landscapes, with beautifully appointed cabins, dining cars, an observation car and bar, live music and excursions along the way. With journeys lasting from two to seven nights, it is an especially fitting autumn escape Scotland at its atmospheric best.
A New Vision
Daizo Eyewear
For a gift with a little more permanence, DAIZO's eyewear combines classic silhouettes with exceptionally considered construction. The brand's frames are handcrafted in Japan with impeccable attention to detail, using custom acetate, laminated wire cores and a distinctive hinge system.
The result is eyewear that feels both familiar and individual - a considered alternative to the disposable nature of so much modern fashion. The kind of gift that can be worn every day and appreciated for its craftsmanship as much as its appearance.
A Stay With A Story
The Landmark Trust
There is something particularly appealing about retreating somewhere with a rich history once the days become shorter. The Landmark Trust rescues historic buildings at risk and transforms them into extraordinary places to stay, from castles and follies to cottages and towers.
Rather than simply booking a hotel, guests become temporary custodians of a piece of history. For an autumn weekend, a fire, a remote landscape and several centuries of architectural character make a compelling gift.
A Season of Forgotten Skills
Wild Tales
Gift something rather more lasting than an object with a membership to Wild Tales, a community devoted to relearning the practical skills that are at risk of disappearing from everyday life.
Members can take part in seasonal skill circles, expert workshops, meet-ups and retreats, learning everything from foraging and fermenting to natural dyeing, basket weaving and candle making. This autumn's programme embraces the season itself with sessions on preserving, candle making, folklore and traditional cider making.