5 fantastic Newcastle gift shops championing local talent this Christmas

Whether you're someone who goes about Christmas shopping months in advance or a last-minute dasher, there's no denying that the time to make those purchases is now upon us.

It's just six weeks until Christmas arrives on Tyneside and it's set to be a blockbuster year with families reunited again.

To help you make those Christmas morning smiles as bright as possible, NewcastleWorld.com looks into some of the local gift shops with products that are guaranteed to be a hit.

Lines Behind

You won’t find a more canny local gift than one of James Dixon’s designs.

The Morpeth based graphic designer has an eye for a quirky and colourful design.

Many are Geordie themed and come on everything from cards to mugs and cushions.

James has designed for brands such as LEGO and Disney in the past and even collaborated with Newcastle’s very own Jade Thirwall from Little Mix.

Shop Lines Behind here.

North East Art Collective

In amongst all the big brands at Eldon Square Shopping Centre is the North East Art Collective, which champion independent art.

The shop’s 11 display rooms showcase the best art from the North East in all styles from watercolour to acrylic and glass to photography.

Stop by and pick up a new piece to take pride of place in the home of your mum, dad, best friend, son, daughter, dog and everyone in-between!

Shop North East Art Collective here.

For the Love of North

Born from a desire to “dismantle the ‘grim up north’ ideology deep-rooted in UK culture”, For the Love of North celebrates everything that is great about the North East.

That comes in the form of gifts, prints and cards sourced from local artists.

The company first opened its online store in 2017 and has hopped around the city with their shops, now currently residing in Whitley Bay.

Shop For the Love of North here.

BALTIC Shop

With its towering building overlooking the Quayside, every Geordie knows about the BALTIC.

It’s a lot more than a museum too, with an online store selling souvenirs and a range of North East themed gifts.

What’s more, any purchases made with the site go on to help the BALTIC’s charitable projects.

Shop the BALTIC here.

Nifty Gifty NE1

Nifty Gifty NE1 does exactly what it says on the tin, selling great nifty gifts.

The independent gift shop has all those classic Christmas gifts such as handmade candles, wax melts, decorations, cushions and more.

You can find the store on Westgate Road in the city centre.

Shop Nifty Gifty NE1 here.