Best Independent Gift Shops in Leeds

Thursday 23rd November 2023

Best Small Businesses in Leeds for Christmas Shopping

Leeds is one of the top cities in the UK for shopping. If you’re in the city for a short break, a mid-week trip or a longer stay in the coming weeks, it’s time to tick off your Christmas gift list.

Here’s our round-up of eight of the best independent gift shops and stores in Leeds, that will make your Christmas shopping a breeze.

The Chilli Shop
Where: The Merrion Centre, 70 Merrion Street, LS2 8LW
What: A (very) wide variety of hot sauce
Best for: The hot sauce expert

Know someone that likes a little heat when they eat? Pick them up the perfect Christmas gift from The Chilli Shop. This independent Leeds business specialises in tastebud tingling hot sauces, chutneys and chocolates. And if you’re gifting for someone who really knows their hot sauce, they’ll be pleased to know many of the “treats” here have been featured on YouTube show, Hot Ones. Lewis Capaldi struggled with the Mako Snake Hot Sauce – see if your loved one can handle the heat.
Little Leeds Beerhouse
Where: 30 Central Road, LS1 6DE
What: Wine, beer and spirits shop
Best for: The beer lover

The beer lover in your life will thank you for their gift from Little Leeds Beerhouse. It’s one for the beer afficionados, with 150 different cans and bottles on the shelves. They even stock gift boxes with beers and accompanying snacks, ideal for presents. And if you’re a little stuck on what to buy, their helpful staff will make sure you get the best possible present for Christmas.
Aladdin’s Cave
Where: 19 Queens Arcade, LS1 6LF
What: Antique and vintage jewellery
Best for: Jewellery you won't find anywhere else

At the heart of Queens Arcade is a true treasure trove of vintage and antique jewellery. The aptly named Aladdin’s Cave has been on the Leeds independent shopping scene for over 40 years. It’s still going strong today and is the gift shop for one-of-a-kind finds. Expect art deco rings, birthstone jewellery, brilliant brooches and antique rings for a piece of wearable history.
The Cheesy Living Co
Where: The Corn Exchange, Call Lane, LS1 7BR
What: Cheese, chutneys and more
Best for: Cheesey gifts

Head to the Corn Exchange for a slice of cheese heaven at The Cheesy Living Co. Whilst cheese lovers come here to taste, sample and enjoy their favourite flavours, you can also pick up some edible morsels for that person in your life who enjoys the good stuff. The knowledgeable staff in this independent business really know their cheese – they’ll give you the lowdown on the best cheese for Christmas and any ideal accompaniments.
Colours May Vary
Where: The Corn Exchange, Call Lane, LS1 7BR
What: Independent book shop
Best for: Coffee table connoisseurs

Colours May Vary is another Leeds independent gift shop in the Corn Exchange. And it’s the ideal spot to head to if you’re buying for someone who loves quirky coffee table books and magazines. This book store is filled with intriguing books about anything from art, chocolate, perfume, logos, fungi and more. They’ve got magazines you won’t find anywhere else, and they even stock imaginative homeware too. It’s a treat to visit as well.
Fabrication Crafts
Where: 79 Albion Street, LS1 5AP
What: Handmade gifts
Best for: Independent makers

At Fabrication Crafts, you can buy handmade jewellery, candles, coasters, sculptures, dreamcatchers and more. And when you shop here, you’re not just helping out one independent business. The gift shop and social enterprise supports around 70 local craftspeople and makers. When you buy from here, you’re doing your bit to support the independent maker scene in Leeds. Plus, they have a store in York too.
The Little Bookshop
Where: 47 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, LS7 3PD
What: Children's books
Best for: Little readers

Books are always one of the best gifts for children at Christmas. The budding readers in your family will appreciate a new book to get stuck into or love being read to at bedtime. And as the only independent children’s bookshop in Leeds, The Little Bookshop is the place to head to. You can shop for classic and new picture books for toddlers, books for kids just learning to read and plenty of YA fiction for teens.
On The Wall
Where: The Corn Exchange, Call Lane, LS1 7BR
What: Prints and pictures
Best for: Wall decor gifts

Another Corn Exchange staple, On The Wall is ideal to grab a present for anyone who wants to add a little colour to their home. Know someone who’s recently moved? Or maybe you’ve got a student in your family looking to adorn their bedroom with a unique find? They’ll love a present from here. On The Wall specialises in prints and pictures that add a little personality to walls. You’ll find everything from Japanese art and fashion to photography and film. It’s easy to spend hours browsing here.

Keen to explore some of Leeds’s best independent shops and gift shops for yourself? Book your tickets in advance online or on the TPExpress app to save yourself money and time at the station.