Walsall Council is encouraging residents to shop locally this festive season with its 2025 Christmas Gift Guide, celebrating the borough’s thriving creative community and independent businesses.
From handcrafted decorations to experience-based gifts, the guide highlights a wide range of options designed to support local makers while helping shoppers find thoughtful presents for loved ones.
In the lead-up to Christmas, many artists, crafters and small businesses spend months creating high-quality, often handmade products using locally sourced and sustainable materials. The guide aims to spotlight this talent while promoting the value of shopping within the local economy.
Creative and handcrafted gifts
At The New Art Gallery Walsall, shoppers can find beautifully hand-painted Kashmiri papier-mâché decorations. Inspired by traditional embroidery patterns, these ornaments feature intricate festive designs in rich colours and are available at affordable prices, supporting skilled artisans and preserving traditional craft techniques.
Meanwhile, the Walsall Leather Museum offers a range of high-quality leather goods, including handbags, wallets and belts. Many items are sourced from respected local manufacturers such as Abbey England, E. Hulme & Son and Whitehouse Cox. Visitors can also explore the museum’s Made in the Museum collection, featuring unique pieces crafted on-site.
Experiences and wellbeing gifts
For those looking beyond traditional presents, Walsall Leisure offers gym and swim memberships across its four centres: Bloxwich Active Living Centre, Darlaston Swimming and Fitness Centre, Oak Park Active Living Centre and Walsall Gala Swimming and Fitness Centre. Memberships provide access to a range of facilities and classes, offering a practical and health-focused gift option.
Experiences are also a key feature of the guide, with Walsall Arena and Arts Centre offering a packed programme of events in 2026. Highlights include live performances, comedy shows, tribute acts and special events catering to a wide range of interests.
Upcoming shows include appearances from mountaineer Simon Yates, an evening with Wolverhampton Wanderers legends, family-friendly K-pop performances, comedy from Jonny Cole, and live music celebrating country and classic hits. There are also events for true crime enthusiasts, including The Makings of a Murderer.
Supporting local this Christmas
By choosing gifts from local venues, shops and attractions, residents can play a vital role in supporting Walsall’s economy while discovering unique, meaningful presents.
Walsall Arena and Arts Centre tickets can be booked online at:
👉 www.walsallarena.com/whats-on