If you're looking for a present for a birthday, anniversary, Christmas or just to say thank you, you will definitely find gift buying a breeze in Whitstable Harbour Market and The South Quay Shed.
There is a multitude of shops, stalls and creators working in the harbour selling jewellery, clothing, glass, ironworks, aprons, oyster & sea glass creations.
Here’s a little guide to what to look out for:
Kimmi Makes
Kimmi is usually found sewing in Hut No. 14 creating the most beautiful bags, bunting, bandanas, cards, cushions and especially the My Storytime Cushions, which have a large pocket containing a Children’s storybook too.
Everything is stitched by Kimmi and the detail in the goods she sells shows, so if you want a gift for a child, dog, adult or yourself then stop and have a look inside.
Kites & Things
Whilst the name gives the 'kites' away, the 'things' cover so much! The bright Hut No. 18 is also famous for its crabbing lines, bait and nets, so if you arrive at the Harbour and see the children (and adults) crabbing, don’t worry - you can just pop along and buy everything you need.
Inside the hut, you can find a myriad of goods, from Andy’s home-made leather belts and bracelets to toys, windmills, and so much more to list. Be sure to call in see for yourself.
Edy & Bridge
Hut No. 15 on the waterfront houses Edy & Bridge, the brainchild of Jenny and Purvery's incredibly stylish garments are made from reclaimed, long-lasting fabrics. Each piece is a limited release! Skirts, trousers, dresses, shirts and jackets, the range changes constantly so why not treat yourself amongst all the gift shopping to a wonderful ethical new item for the wardrobe?
Harbour Smith
Stephen and his daughter are silversmiths & jewellers, and in Hut No. 17 you can admire & purchase their stunning pieces. Their work covers a wide range of jewellery and silverware, making it hard to choose beautiful gifts as there is so much to admire.
As well as the extensive range designed and made by themselves, they also offer a bespoke service using their classical training and experience to design and create a piece that’s just for you, including engagement and wedding rings.
Candlewick Green Ironwork
The range of ironwork that Rob makes is too big for Hut No. 21, so this just holds some of the smaller pieces that Rob designs and makes. Tables, lamps, sconces and hooks, weather vanes, wine racks, fire baskets and pieces that will just make you smile, including the four candle, fork handle holder!
Bigger pieces not displayed are staircases, railings, gates, dining tables, so do chat to Rob about everything he can create out of iron.
Made in Whitstable
This hut is currently shared between Brian and Lindsay,and they alternate every three weeks.
Brian is a Leatherworker with over 40 years experience. Stepping into his Hut No. 23, you can immediately smell the beautiful goods on sale, and this is also a studio for Brian, so you can see the pieces he is currently creating.
The range of leather goods is again extensive, belts, both plain & stamped, bracelets, handbags, journals & notebooks. Brian can also personalise pieces for you, cufflinks, keyrings and dart holders and of course much more.
Lindsay is a felt maker and her pieces are influenced by the coastal scenery and local wild birds. She makes scarves, artwork, cards, bead jewellery and felt vases and tea light holders. Her work is unique and she also offers workshops if you want to try your hand at felting too.
42 Adrift Beach Magpie
Hut No. 30 is all about Kate, literally The Beach Magpie! From small pieces made from oysters to beautiful large collages containing sea glass, shells, pieces of china & other debris washed up on the beach and put together painstakingly to create a bewitching scene to hang in your home.
They are so creative and approx. a 100 hours of work per piece. There are also smaller framed pieces, shell mobiles, oyster candles and sea glass cards and many quirky pieces to catch your eye.
Oyster Textiles
Claire’s Hut No. 19 will make you stop and enjoy a giggle at her embroidered aprons and cards. There are also small framed pieces, doorstops and much more! There are also children’s aprons as well, a great way to get little ones interested in cooking with a personalised apron.
There is definitely a birthday card and apron to suit everyone here!
Stephen Harris Glass & Harbour Fused Glass
Hut No. 28 is a real eye catcher, with glass of so many colours catching the light and drawing you in. Stephen Harris is the stained-glass expert in the hut, creating bespoke pieces for you, so if you have some ideas for your home, make sure you measure and have a chat with Stephen to make it happen.
Harbour Fused Glass creates smaller pieces for the home from beautiful little flower scapes to moons, boats and hanging glass. There are also fused glass necklaces and small framed pieces too. It’s hard to describe the vibrancy of the colours, but they will certainly catch your eye, and you will want to step right in.
The Curious Oyster
Hut No. 34 is run by Mandy & Roger, who craft oyster-related objects, combining their love of beach life and backgrounds in crafts and architecture.
If you are a fridge magnet collector, what denotes Whitstable better than an oyster painted with lobsters or fish as a souvenir? The painted oysters are also made into Mobiles to hang in the house or garden.
South Quay Sheds - WIT of Whitstable
This gorgeous shop is bursting with gifts, beautiful handmade lampshades, footstools, cushions, hand-crocheted bags, Whitstable candles and other beautiful souvenirs and gifts.
The ranges are constantly evolving, so it’s a great place to keep returning to. There are always some fun pieces, such as the Fanta candles, and they are open virtually every day so pop in and say hello, and happy browsing.
