If everyone in the New Forest spent just £5 every week in their local shops and businesses, instead of online or at the supermarket, it would be worth a staggering £35.1 million to our area’s economy.*

Shopping locally cuts your carbon footprint and saves you time and money on big city parking, not to mention all the hassle of getting there.

Inspired? You should be, and it’s great to know you can start right away, by supporting Small Business Saturday tomorrow, December 3, when our local shops and enterprises have lots of lovely offers to tempt you in!

Even if you can’t make it out then, shopping locally will help you discover a wealth of amazing gifts, crafts, food and drink, all made by New Forest producers.

For food – especially the ingredients for that all-important Christmas lunch - check out our wealth of fab farm shops.


Image - Hockey's Farm Shop

Hockey’s Farm is an independent family business which sources from local producers, thereby supporting the community. Their meat comes from Hockey’s Farm and St Ives, just outside Ringwood. They also do delicious fresh bread, pastries and local wines and beers, whether you’re shopping for gifts or your Christmas table.

You’ll find some fantastic fayre at Sunnyfields Farm in Totton and Sopley Farm, as well as Minstead Community Shop; who have a well stocked up shop of everything from locally-made Christmas puddings and cakes, savoury and sweet snacks and even knitwear and pottery.


Image - Minstead Community Shop

For wonderful, locally-farmed pork, beef and lamb, go to the Commoner’s Larder at Storm’s Farm near Cadnam. Or why not gift one of their pre-made boxes to the foodie in your life?

For award-winning crab cakes, fish cakes and other seafood delicacies, check out The Fabulous Catch Company.

The Forest Foodie’s incredible gift hampers are the best way to give the gift of local product this year. They’re so amazing, you’ll want to keep it for yourself! Plus, they are offering a 3 course Christmas Dinner, that they will fully prep for you, full of local produce too. Take a look at the menu online and book your tasty dinner for those festive parties at home this December.


Image - The Forest Foodie

For the sweet-of-tooth, New Forest Shortbread is the ultimate Christmas gift. With loads of tempting flavours and lovely jute bags for the festive period too! And so are the delicious offerings at Burley Fudge Shop. Oreo flavour, anyone? Or maybe Vegan Christmas Fudge?


Image - New Forest Shortbread

If you want to knock off some of the Christmas shopping along with the weekly shop, take a turn around our pretty villages and towns. Lyndhurst is packed with individual stores selling beautifully-made crafts and items.

Ringwood and Fordingbridge are as pretty as a picture at this time of year, and so is Lymington – their Saturday market has everything you need to put yourself in the Christmas spirit.


Image - The Furlong in Ringwood

Best news of all – if you check out the New Forest District Council website, you can discover all the dates and times when you can park in town for free!

Go New Forest Cards make for great gifts and stocking fillers, or save money and support local with your Christmas shopping with one! The 2023 is on sale now and is valid to use straight away. Get access to over 340 amazing offers and discounts at local businesses in the New Forest - it's been proven that you can get your money back in just one use! 

*Using the totallylocally.org calculator