The Gift of Christmas

Give joy this festive season with unforgettable presents from some of our favourite Cornish companies.

At Christmas, the act of giving is so much more than the exchange of physical gifts; it’s a gesture rich in meaning, love and tradition. The perfect present isn’t always the most expensive or extravagant, but one that reflects thoughtfulness and connection. Whether it’s a handcrafted item, a memorable experience, or something deeply personal, we’ve selected a range of gifts that capture the spirit of the season.

A glass act

For a gift that combines art and craftsmanship, Jo Downs Glass (jodowns.com) is a perfect choice. Specialising in hand-crafted fused glass pieces, Jo Downs’ work captures the beauty of Cornwall’s landscapes and seascapes. From stunning glass panels and light catchers to jewellery and homeware, and bespoke Christmas decorations, each piece is a unique handmade work of art. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for the home or a smaller gift like a pendant or coaster, Jo Downs Glass offers something truly special. A gift from Jo Downs is not just a present – it’s a lasting piece of art inspired by Cornwall’s natural beauty.

Sparkle and shine

For something truly special this Christmas, look no further than Silver Origins (seagems.co.uk), a Cornish jewellery company that blends craftsmanship with coastal beauty. Known for their stunning designs inspired by the natural world, Silver Origins offers a range of beautiful, handmade jewellery, from delicate sea glass pieces to bold, nautical-inspired creations. Each item carries the spirit of Cornwall’s beaches and coastline, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves the sea. Choose from a variety of necklaces, earrings and bracelets, each reflecting the timeless beauty of the Duchy. A piece from Silver Origins is the perfect way to keep a bit of Cornwall’s magic with you, wherever you go.

Flying high

For the thrill-seeker in your life, you’ll find adrenaline-packed Christmas gifts at Hangloose Adventures (hanglooseadventure.com/eden). Based at the iconic Eden Project, Hangloose specialises in outdoor experiences; fly like Superman on Skywire, England’s fastest zip wire; take a seat on the Gravity Giant Swing; leap onto the Big Air giant airbag; hang out in the treetops on Skytrek’s aerial walkways; or scale the heights at Cornwall Climbing Centre. Whether your loved one is looking to conquer their fear of heights or experience Cornwall’s coastline and countryside from a new perspective, Hangloose provides a unique and exhilarating way to explore the great outdoors. Gift a voucher for an unforgettable adventure this festive season!

Out on the water

MAD Watersports (madwatersports.co.uk) offers the perfect Christmas gift list for those who have a passion for being in or on the water. Located in Wadebridge, and with an online store, MAD is the go-to destination for all things water sports, from kayaking and paddleboarding to windsurfing and more. They stock a wide range of quality, brand-leading products from wetsuits and clothing to surf and paddle boards, along with windsurf and foil setups. MAD is also a stockist for the fantastic SUPER73 Electric Bikes, Skotti BBQ Grills and GoPro, so whether you’re spending the day on the water or the evening on the sand this is a one-stop shop for kitting out any adventurer.

Top tipples

For those who appreciate a good pint, Sharp’s Brewing Co (sharpsbrewery.co.uk) is the place to look this Christmas. Renowned for its award-winning ales like the hugely-popular Doom Bar, Atlantic Pale Ale and Offshore Pilsner, this family-run brewery has been producing high-quality beer for over 20 years. Sharp’s offers a range of seasonal beers and gift packs, perfect for beer lovers this Christmas. From a classic pack of beers or a mixed case, to a mini cask there’s something to suit every palate. Pair your gift with a visit to the shop and tasting room, situated at the brewery in Rock, and give the gift of locally brewed Cornish beer this Christmas. It’s a great way to support a local business while indulging in a true taste of Cornwall.

Sweet treats

Trenance Chocolate (trenancechocolate.co.uk) is a must-have Christmas treat. Located in Mullion on the Lizard peninsula, Trenance offers handcrafted, luxury chocolates made from the finest ingredients. From indulgent truffles to creative chocolate bars, each piece is a perfect balance of rich flavours and contains the finest ingredients. If you’re in the area, a visit to their Chocolate Factory, Craft Shop and Gallery and Coffee Shop is sure to delight. Trenance’s chocolate gifts are beautifully packaged, making them the ideal present for anyone with a sweet tooth. Trenance Chocolate brings a little luxury and a lot of indulgence to the Christmas season. A delicious and thoughtful gift for all ages.

Stay by the bay

Treat someone special to a luxurious escape with a gift voucher for Tregenna Castle Hotel (tregenna-castle.co.uk), which is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year. Set in 72 acres of beautiful grounds overlooking St Ives Bay, this iconic Cornish hotel combines history, elegance and comfort. Whether it’s a relaxing spa break, a weekend getaway, or a festive afternoon tea, Tregenna Castle offers a range of experiences that make for a truly memorable Christmas gift. With stunning views, elegant rooms, and world-class facilities, a stay at Tregenna is the ultimate in Cornish luxury. Perfect for those in need of a relaxing retreat or a special treat this holiday season.

Celebrate in style

Festive gifts don’t just have to be opened on the big day. Why not splash out on a treat in the run up to Christmas or book yourself in for a New Year’s celebration to remember with the Cornwall Hotel Collection (cornwallhotelcollection.co.uk)? If you’re shopping in Truro picking up some presents then a visit to The Alverton (thealverton.co.uk) is a must. Indulge in a festive afternoon tea in front of the fire washed down with a piping hot mulled wine. Over at The Greenbank (greenbank-hotel.co.uk) in Falmouth, their festive lunches – available from December 1st – will fill you with yuletide cheer or round off the day with their new winter dinner menu which launches on November 28th. Finally, you can bring in 2025 in style with an end of year seaside soiree at The Falmouth (falmouthhotel.co.uk) where a sumptuous four-course dinner will be followed by dancing into the night to the sounds of the DJ.

Time for giving

Fourth Element’s new luxury dive watch, the Pelagic, combines exceptional craftsmanship with high-specification engineering. Designed in the UK and hand-built in Switzerland it is rated to a depth of 500m.