Festive Food and Gift Guide 2026

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Georgina Cockett

We’re at that time of year again. The greatly anticipated, or at least we hope it is, Festive Food and Gift Guide is back! Christmas shopping can feel overwhelming, but choosing thoughtful gifts from local businesses can make it much more enjoyable. From learning a new skill or sharing an experience to finding something delicious…

Gifts to look forward to

An experience can make a memorable gift while supporting the brilliant people and places on our doorstep. As the air gets cooler, a sauna session sounds increasingly tempting. Stanmer Sauna Garden offers a range of sessions, from shared community saunas to sauna storytelling. You can book a session online or purchase a gift voucher and let them choose. For the gardener in your life, why not book them a seat at Brighton Corn Exchange for one of the inspiring talks at Seedy Sunday 2027? It’s a chance to hear from a brilliant line-up of speakers, pick up new ideas and start looking forward to the growing season ahead.

You could also give the gift of a new skill with a class at The Community Kitchen. The 2027 cookery class listings are now live, with plenty of opportunities to discover a new cuisine, improve their baking or enjoy an evening cooking and eating together. You can book a particular class or buy a gift voucher so they can choose the class that tempts them most. Harriet’s of Hove also offers workshops focused on low-waste living and making your-own natural products. A workshop is a thoughtful choice for someone who wants to live a little more sustainably, or you can pick up some plastic-free gifts in the shop in Hove.

For those who enjoy mixing as much as sipping, there is a great selection of cocktail-making classes in Brighton. Alternatively, a Sussex wine-tasting experience makes a lovely gift and gives them something to look forward to when the weather gets warmer. For something a little different, Kissako offers tea-tasting and matcha experiences, perfect for the tea lover in your life.

Give the gardener in your life something to look forward to with a ticket to one of the brilliant talks at Seedy Sunday 2027. Taking place at the iconic Brighton Corn Exchange, there’s a great choice of talks to inspire their next year of growing.

Shop small and local

Brighton and Hove is full of independent shops where you can find small gifts with great character. Choosing locally made and thoughtfully sourced presents is a lovely way to support the brilliant local businesses, artists and makers doing great work in our city.

Looking for a unique gift for a unique loved one? Stanley Road Store is an independent shop filled with quirky gifts, handmade pieces from local artists and products from independent brands. The Lanes Shop, also has a wonderful selection of handmade gifts. The independently owned shop stocks pieces made by Kurdish women, including women rebuilding their lives after fleeing violence.

Infinity Foods has a lovely selection of natural skincare, ethical toiletries and environmentally friendly gifts, perfect for putting together a thoughtful bundle of festive self-care. And not as local but for the gardener in your life, Vital Seeds offers organic and heritage seeds that encourage biodiversity and help people grow their own food and flowers. They’re a small gift that can bring enjoyment throughout the year.

Season’s eating

Now for the most exciting bit, the food and drink gifts. As a Food Partnership team, it probably won’t surprise you that these are the presents we get particularly excited about. From Sussex wine and Brighton-made charcuterie to pickles, preserves and handmade chocolates, there are plenty of delicious gifts we would be very happy to find under the tree. Butler’s Wine Cellar has a brilliant selection of Sussex wine, local beer and spirits. Pop into one of their shops to speak with their knowledgeable team who can help you choose the perfect bottle. Brighton charcuterie makers Curing Rebels offer a delicious selection of cured meats, which you can order online, pick up from Rebel HQ or enjoy at Curio. The Pickle is also packed with some great presents for food lovers, including their own pickles. Why not stop for lunch while you’re there and give your feet a well-earned rest?

Sussex Grazed, our meat box scheme, has plenty of delicious products from various Sussex producers, including fresh bone broth and woodland-raised pork. Dexter beef boxes are also returning as a Christmas special, perfect for a festive feast or filling the freezer ready for delicious meals for hosting. For anyone with a sweet tooth, Audrey’s Chocolates creates gorgeous handmade chocolates that are bound to bring a smile to someone’s face this Christmas.

Gifts that give back

A gift doesn’t have to come wrapped in paper. Making a donation with someone in mind can be a meaningful way to support a cause they care about, while helping local organisations continue their vital work. You could donate money, food or time to a local food bank or community food project.

There are lots of brilliant local charities you could support. Voices in Exile accepts one-off and regular donations to support refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants in Brighton and Sussex, as well as donations of food and toiletries for its weekly food bank. Refugee Radio supports refugees, people seeking asylum and vulnerable migrants through mental-health groups, specialist casework, advocacy and community projects, while The Hummingbird Project accepts one-off and monthly donations to support young refugees. A £5 monthly donation could provide a hot meal, while £10 could cover travel for a young person accessing support. You can also be a Secret Santa for a local child with Pelican Parcels by donating a new toy, book, craft kit, game or toiletry gift set. Donations can be taken to its Hove warehouse or one of its drop-off points across Brighton and Hove. Donations made through the Big Give from 1^st to 8^th December will be doubled, helping your gift go even further.

Brighton and Hove Markets

There’s nothing quite like a Christmas market to get you into the festive spirit. Brighton and Hove comes alive in November and December with festive fairs, creative open houses and markets filled with handmade gifts and locally produced food and drink. They’re the perfect places to shop small, discover something special and support local makers this Christmas.

Rainbow Craft Events – 7^th, 14^th and 21^st November and 5^th and 19^th December

Beau Events Art & Makers Markets – 7^th, 21^st and 28^th November and 18^th-19^th December

The Maker’s Fair: Kemptown Fair – 14^th November

The Maker’s Fair: Fiveways Fair – 21^st November

Grand Winter Makers Fair at the British Engineerium – 21^st-22^nd November

Artists Open Houses Winter Festival – 28^th-29^th November, 5^th-6^th and 12^th-13^th December

Brighton Etsy Christmas Fair – 5^th December

The Maker’s Fair: Hove Christmas Fair – 5^th December
Brighton Festive Makers Fair – 12^th-13^th December

Shop around Sussex

Take a festive day trip beyond Brighton and Hove and discover some of the brilliant winter markets taking place across Sussex. Browse gifts from local makers, stock up on seasonal food and drink, and enjoy everything from historic settings to bustling brewery taprooms.