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The Gifts of Streatham: everything you need for a fabulous festive season

By Zoe Robinson

Thomson's Deli

Thomson's Deli

Having lived in Streatham for the best part of 10 years, I can confidently say that our little corner of the world has a lot to offer. Friends who visit or move to the area are always surprised and delighted at the wealth and diversity of shops on our fine High Road, and surrounding areas – let us not forget the lovely independent shops, bars and restaurants near Streatham Common station.

When it comes to Christmas shopping I always have a challenge on my hands as I have roughly thirty family members to find or make gifts for each year. I don’t have a large budget at all so I have to be organised and plan with near military precision. I prefer to give gifts that mean something, be that a second-hand book on the history of cinema for my film fanatic step-dad, a craft set for my teenage cousin or home-made lavender bags for my sister to help keep pesky moths away for her knitwear.

I also like to support local businesses and charity shops by stocking up on all the trimmings needed for family festivities. Here are a few top tips for finding everything you need for Christmas right here in Streatham:

Gifts

Streatham is anything but predictable and the gifts you buy here need not be either. Here are seven surprising gift ideas for…

Gifts from Earl Grey and Rose

Earl Grey and Rose

…Vintage fans: delightful hand-made jewellery and pre-loved gifts from local favourite Earl Grey and Rose or vintage treasures from new pop-up shop Xanadu

…gaming geeks: console or games from the extensive collection at Retro Game Base

I Love Coffee

…coffee lovers: an ‘I Love Coffee’ mug and aromatic bag of beans from local cafe I Love Coffee.

…style hunters: anything from the gorgeous homeware selection at new cafe Boyce de Rocca

Balfe's Bikes Streatham…jazz cats: an evening of dinner and jazz at award-winning club Hideaway

…fitness freaks: a new bike or cycling accessories to ‘pimp your ride’ from Balfe’s Bikes

…fashion fanatics: fabric or bespoke fashion from Finetex Creative

Christmas trees

Bill’s flower stall on the High Road is a great place to buy small to medium size Christmas trees. If you have high ceilings, a big family or just want to show off all your beautiful decorations on a king-size tree, then try Doris Florist on Greyhound Lane.

Decorations

Whether you want to buy new decorations or make your own, there are plenty of options in Streatham. The Village card and balloon shop in Streatham Vale or Premier Collections on the High Road both offer a wealth of festive decorations.

Feeling creative? You could visit Unik Arts and Crafts for some crafty Christmas supplies or pop into Oxfam for some Fair Trade options including crackers you can fill with treats of your choice. Budding florists can visit Empress Flowers on the High Road for plants and festive arrangements.

Fun and games

It’s no secret that WH Smith is a trusted place to stock up on board games and gifts and with their seasonal offers; it’s well worth a visit.

Meat (for roast dinner)

El-Baraka Halal butchers on Streatham High Road will order whatever you need for your Christmas feast, or for those at the north end of Streatham try the Mediterranean Food Centre up near Telford Avenue, also home to a grocers and bakery.

Veggie visitors

Maitri health food shop has all the ingredients you need for a delicious vegetarian or vegan feast: buy tofu, herbs and veggies to whip up your own creations or pop by for some fresh or frozen yummy and ready-made sausages, pies and bakes. Throw some veggie gravy in your basket too and your Christmas dinner is complete.

Fruit, veg and all the trimmings

Streatham High Road is reputed to be home to the UK’s first supermarket but I am pleased that decades later, there are still plenty of fantastic independent grocers. In fact, I know of a few Streathamites who never even visit a supermarket, so good are their local independent offerings. Foodway and Daily Fresh Foods are both great places to go for fresh veggies and all the trimmings.

Mince pies and other sweet treats

Pies and other sweet treatsStreatham is home to a wealth of great delis – check our ‘Delightful Delis’ guide for more info. The Mediterranean Bakery on the high road (near St Leonard’s Church) is also a good place to stock up on sweet treats.

Wine

Le Tour de France deli on Sunnyhill Road has a great selection of French wine, perfect for Christmas festivities, giving as a gift or for seeing in the New Year. Thomson’s Deli (top picture) on the High Road is another favourite for independent producers.

If all else fails…

Are your skills in the kitchen are severely lacking? Did the dog eat the turkey whilst you burnt the xmas pud? Just put down that carving knife and go round the corner to your local for a slap up Christmas roast. If you’re close to Streatham Common The Earl Ferrers or The Railway will fill you with festive cheer and for those living on the High Road a visit to Pratts and Payne or the The Manor Arms is bound to restore your Christmas spirit. Have a look at our ‘Where to eat and drink’ guide for lots more festive foodie ideas.

Emergency home improvements

E&A Wates

If the thought of having your friends or family visit for Christmas makes you feel embarrassed about the state of your walls / floors / bathroom / kitchen / bed linen (delete as appropriate) then do not fear.

There’s a surprising number of home-ware and DIY stores in Streatham: Decorators Mate for paint and emergency DIY supplies; Atkins Domestic Supplies for gardening tools and cleaning supplies; Rogers soft-furnishings for curtains, blinds and bed linen; E&A Wates for upholstery and furniture restoration; Appliance Base for…you guessed it – appliances; and Lifestyle Interiors for kitchens, bathrooms and loft conversions (if you start now, you’ll have more room to house your guests next Christmas!)

Over indulgence

If Christmas excess makes you less than your best, pop into Westbury Chemist for a potion to ease digestion or a lotion to aid relaxation. The Chinese herbalist opposite St Leonard’s Church might also have something to offer for seasonal conditions brought on by over indulging on delicious food or potent drinks.