It’s a little-known fact that Bedford has more independent shops than Cambridge, making it the perfect place to find that unique gift for even the hardest-to-buy-for person.
Our guide features the best of Bedford’s independent shops and online businesses, stocking unique gifts and vouchers, offering exceptional customer service and giving out guaranteed festive cheer.
From jewellery to clothes, homewares to houseplants, Bedford’s indie shopkeepers have got you covered.
So, if you’re looking for some inspiration to kick-start your festive shopping, look no further.
Nelly Mosa
Nelly Mosa is a brand-new independent houseplant shop located on Castle Road, dedicated to helping you choose the right plant for your home and offer expert advice.
They also offer a range of plant services such as repotting and home consultations.
Passionate about sustainability, they stock an eco-range of plants that are plastic-free, peat-free and grown in the UK. They also sell plant pots made from recycled paper and at the back of the shop, you will find a variety of eco-conscious homeware and lifestyle products and Christmas decorations that make perfect gifts.
Visit Nelly Mosa this Christmas at 103 Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QP. You can visit their website.
Tabitha Mary
The ever-popular Tabitha Mary has captured many of Bedford’s much-loved landmarks in the style of old railway posters. Online she has 300+ locations from all around the world and more than just prints; magnets, tea towels, cards, coasters, and more.
So why not make a cuppa and browse her website now for some brilliant gift ideas – or just treat yourself?
Visit Tabitha’s website.
The Arc
This year’s Christmas theme at The Arc is ‘Disco meets your Nan’s house in the 70’s’.
Expect lots of foil decorations, neon and disco balls, not forgetting the 9-foot pink Christmas tree featuring some of Bedford’s best baubles. The perfect one-stop-shop for gifts, Christmas cards, gift wrap, candles and decorations.
Find The Arc under the octopus on Lurke Street car park, Bedford or visit their website.
Eagle Gallery
The Eagle Gallery is a unique, artist-led gallery, run by a cooperative of local artists.
This year’s Christmas exhibition starts on 28 November and the gallery is selling handmade Christmas decorations in aid of a local charity.
Everyone is invited to their gallery open day on Saturday 3 December, with festive refreshments.
Find Eagle Gallery at 20 St. Peter’s street, and check out their website and on Instagram.
The Store
This festive season, Bedford’s first zero-waste refill shop has brought together a selection of eco-friendly Christmas gifts and treats including cake mix jars, ethical chocolates, eco-beauty products, refillable candles and local coffees.
The Store focuses on selling food loose without packaging, and cleaning products on tap to refill.
Find The Store on St Cuthbert’s Street for eco-friendly gift wrapping and gifts. Check out their website here and their Facebook page here.
épanoui
Welcome to épanoui, a working shop + studio on Mill Street.
Pop in to discover épanoui’s signature jewellery or explore their curated gifts and artisan homeware. Thoughtful jewellery collections are made by hand in their Bedfordshire studio and their lifestyle pieces are always specially chosen to bring you moments of joy.
Visit épanoui to uncover a hidden gem and find the perfect gift this Christmas.
Find the store at 44 Mill Street or online at here. They are on Instagram here.
Otter and Moose
Otter and Moose are passionate about supporting local makers and specialise in creating beautiful gift boxes full of products sourced from Bedfordshire and the surrounding counties.
They can post gifts to anywhere in the UK complete with your choice of message, and are also very happy to make doorstop deliveries in the Bedford and surrounding area.
Check out their website here.
Chuffing Good Bakes
Chuffing Good Bakes is a local independent baking business offering collection and delivery.
The Kempston-based baker specialises in bespoke occasion cakes. They also create cupcakes, themed treat boxes, and tray bakes, some of which can be posted nationwide.
Follow Chuffing Good Bakes on Instagram at www.instagram.com/chuffinggoodbakes
Rosehip Bespoke Floristry
Zannah Allen and Hannah Hurd run their bespoke floristry business, Rosehip, from Cardington.
They can create anything from gift bouquet orders to wedding flowers, funeral arrangements, vase arrangements, floral installations, subscription flowers and workshops, along with Christmas wreaths and decorations.
They offer a personal, bespoke service and deliver in and around Bedfordshire.
You can find them at Unit 1, The Barn, Cople Road, Cardington, MK44 3SH or online here.
Baker Brothers
Baker Brothers have been at the heart of Bedford since 1839. Our family-run boutique is known for its craftsmanship, expertise and service. As renowned diamond specialists, we do not compromise on quality, handpicking every gemstone we use, and ensuring the best price for the highest quality.
Find us at 11-13 St Peters Street, Bedford and www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com
Hannah Carvell
Hannah Carvell is a screen printer living in Bedford. She sells prints worldwide via her website and is also stocked in galleries and independent shops nationwide. Hannahs’s prints are all hand printed, always bright and colourful and sure to add a pop of colour or statement to your walls.
Hannah works from her Bedford-based print studio and uses colour to create cheerful and bold art that has been featured on TV as well as in glossy magazines.
You can find Hannah’s website here.
Magic Garden
Magic Garden is an independent local shop with a wide variety of unusual house plants and beautiful wreaths. They can help you to choose the best plant and give helpful advice on how to care for it.
Find the shop in the heart of Bedford in The Edwardian Arcade just off the High Street.
Anorak
Anorak is an independent womenswear store in the Old Arcade of Bedford. Stocking truly sustainable brands focussing on quality classic wardrobe pieces and edgier fashion pieces.
Inside you’ll find a beautiful range of clothes, shoes, jewellery, hair accessories, skincare and candles. Gift vouchers and styling experiences are also available.
Find us at 13 The Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1NS and follow us on Instagram here. You can browse their website here.
John Medhurst Family Jewellers
A family business owned by Sarah, who works alongside her father John Medhurst, with a combined experience of over 70 years. This father and daughter team take pride in providing an expert, friendly service offering a range of quality jewellery, watches and gifts.
Repairs, commissions and valuations are also undertaken. Visit their store on Mill Street or online here.
Boutique Planet
Unique, sustainable, stylish.
Planet is located in the beautiful Edwardian Arcade and stocks a carefully curated collection of women’s clothing, footwear, accessories and homeware, with a focus on quality and sustainability.
If you’re looking for a special gift this Christmas or need to update your wardrobe, the Planet team is always happy to help you find the perfect pieces – and they’ll even gift wrap them for you.
You can find them in the Edwardian Arcarde and browse their website here.
Bedford Indies’ Christmas map
The Bedford Independent is passionate about supporting the indie shops and businesses in our town, which is why we’ve collaborated with The Arc and Explore Bedford to create a handy map for all your Christmas shopping needs.
Read: Putting Bedford’s independent retailers on the map this Christmas
You can pick up a copy at each of the shops featured, or download it here.
Paid partnership with the featured businesses
