Available in the shop at the moment are two occasional tables that would make a lovely addition to your home.  Other pieces coming soon.  A Demi-Lune table part of the Beach House collection, finished in a slightly chalky white with a bottom shelf. 80 cm width with a max depth of 40 cm and standard table height of 79 cm £159.00.  A Hall table with one draw and upstand on 3 sides with a stretcher base.  56 cm width by 37 cm deep and 82 cm high £165.00.  Both of the two above tables are available for FREE local delivery (within 10 miles radius of the shop) or a courier can be arranged for a small extra cost.

Whether you are looking for a birthday present, an anniversary or wedding gift or just something to brighten up your day the buying of a gift should be as rewarding as receiving the gift.  That’s why I am proud to work with talented designer makers, whose work clearly shows their attention to detail and commitment to quality and also of course that all their products are “made with love”.  The specialist nature of these designer makers means that you will not see their products all over the High Street but only in small independent retailers, like redhouse gifts, where you know you will receive the best of service. So next time you are looking for that special gift – buy a gift that has been lovingly designed and handcrafted for you in Great Britain.

We have in stock a lovely selection of tea towels – all are good enough to use as pictures too.  Just buy yourself a clip art frame and insert the tea towel in to make an instant unique piece of art work for your home.  One of our suppliers Anna Victoria from Truro (so nice and local) has just been featured in the March issue of Country living magazine with her Blue fish tea towel.  Tea towels make fantastic presents to send in the post as they are easy to wrap and cheap to post (even abroad) and a nice tea towel makes the job of drying up much easier to get done.

In truly typical Totnes fashion Totnes has been un-officially twinned with Narnia – C S Lewis’s magical kingdom.  There is no guarantee that you will run into a lion, a witch or a wardrobe but you are always guaranteed an enjoyable visit with lots of independent retailers and eating establishments on offer.  Narnia is a place where good battles evil and magic is common, so a good twin for Transition town Totnes.  Why not visit over the Easter weekend and see for yourself why Totnes offers a really different shopping experience.  Totnes also has an official twin in Vire.

Great idea for keeping the kids entertained in the Easter holidays.  Make and Sew kits by Kitty Kay, a modern approach to a traditional hobby.  All kits are suitable for both girls and boys and all abilities, some even come with the stitching holes marked out.  All Kitty Kay products are thoughtfully designed, made in England and only contain the best quality materials and accessories. Why not take a look at the selection available in our Lets relax and make and sew section. 

Well with a heat wave forecasted for this weekend and the clocks going forward as well – why not get out in the garden and start some of those little jobs.  Our lets relax – in the garden section has a range of products to help you along.  The marvellous garden planner by K2 products will help you get it all organised and the beautiful linen and suede aprons by Bradley’s Tannery will make you look lovely while you do it.

 With the clocks changing the shop will now go to Summer opening times and as of Tuesday the 27^th will be open on 10.30 am to 4 pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 10.30 am to 5 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week.  Look forward to seeing you soon.

Independents' day is the 4th of July.  The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Devon is fully supporting the
‘Independents' Day' campaign launched by Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail.
The campaign calls for the public to buy at least one item from their local independent shops to help keep the high street alive, however small.  Independents' day is the 4th of July.

The FSB has been campaigning for more to be done to support the local high street through its Keep Trade Local campaign and is urging the Government to take action on this through the Portas Review.  David Shephard, Regional Chairman Devon said: "As the high street continues to face some serious challenges from out of town shopping centres and supermarkets more must be done to help the local high street survive.

As a first step the FSB in Devon fully supports the Independents' Day campaign and is urging the public to purchase at least one item from the local high street on July 4.  This will help raise the profile of the fantastic diversity the high streets in
Devon can offer and the crucial role they play in the local community."   Please do try to buy local next Monday.

Think big, buy British

After watching the Made in Great Britain programme last night I am motivated to do a short piece on think big, buy British.

I hope that my website showcases the best Britain has to offer, products range from gorgeous throws to funky doorstops.  So go on, support your British industries.  As consumers, we are more aware than ever of where and how products have been made so why not take a look at the home grown talent that is right on your doorstep.

By choosing to buy British you’re not only helping to support local businesses and the wider community, but you’re also being kinder to the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. But most of all, you’ll discover exciting products which have been made with love, care and attention, and which will become the heirlooms of the future. Here on the website I have a selection of delightful British made products from a few of the lovely products available in the shop.

What started with ‘food miles’ is now beginning to filter into other product areas as people opt for products with provenance, and make a conscious decision to choose handmade and original over mass-produced and disposable. But it’s not always easy to know where products have been made, and who has the time to really go into depth but you can be guaranteed that all redhouse gifts products are designed and made in Great Britain.  I am always happy to give details of the designer makers and tell you all about their business, so you will also know some history behind the products that you buy. 

Thank you for your custom and I look forward to seeing you soon in the shop.

With Father's Day just around the corner I have lots of lovely gifts for you to choose from.  Why not tell your Dad how cool he is with a Daddy Cool big tomato company mug, or if you are thinking of a barbecue this weekend the Union Jack flag full length apron will keep him clean as well as looking very dapper!!.  There are lots of garden inspired gift ideas like the Garden Planner folder by K two designs and leather anti bramble gloves by Bradley’s tannery.  I will gift wrap any purchase, so you are ready to give your British designed and made present. Looking forward to seeing you soon.  Still time to order and have that perfect gift posted.

If you're thinking of visiting the lovely town of Totnes this Bank Holiday weekend, let me tempt you further with some of our marvellous shops that are all based in the Narrows, within walking distance of redhouse gifts.   This ‘N’ That right opposite redhouse gifts is a nostalgic mix of old and new items, and also stocks some beautiful cards.  Right next door to them is FAB, for cool clothes and stuff.  Vintage living company has some original items to make your home more relaxed and normally has some small pieces of furniture as well.  The dining room company has jewellery and contemporary craft, including one off paintings, in a stunning space.  Stones fabrics are an emporium of beautiful ribbons and trimmings and of course it goes without saying material by the mile.  Toyday has gorgeous toys to delight and inspire and there are many more shops to discover for yourself!!

If one of these shops have not got the gift that you are looking for – you can probably guarantee we will know where you can buy it.

Don’t forget to keep up to date with redhouse gifts blog and follow me on twitter – I try to tweet once a day with a little gem of information.

redhouse gifts has recently been featured on www.totnespeople.co.uk, where you can see my interview about the Royal Wedding.

Look forward to seeing you, and if you mention this Blog I will give you 10% off your purchases.  Maggie C.

As the sun comes out and the days are longer now, I will be open Monday thru Saturday 10.30 am to 5 pm.  Do remember to call ahead if you are making a special trip to ensure that 1, I will be there and 2, that I have in stock what you are looking for.  I will also be open on Sunday the 29th of May and Monday the 30th of May (the Bank Holiday weekend) from 11am to at least 3 pm. 

Coming next week are the new Dog beds by redhound for dogs - 3 new colours for the summer - all just lovely and what a nice treat for yourself and the dog.

Hope to see you soon.  Maggie C.

Have just returned from a one day course run by the marvelous Women Do Business group on Social Media.  So I am now fully up and running on twitter - please tweet me @redhousegifts.  I plan to tweet at least once a day hopefully with some little gem of information that will be helpful to those following me.  I speak to so many lovely people every day in the shop and I am always being given little tips to help with life - I would very much like to pass these on.  So do follow me if you can.  Thanks.  Maggie C.

You will be able to see Totnes on the TV this weekend, as the recently filmed feature for Countryfile is being aired this Sunday the 10^th of April at 7 pm on BBC 1 – a feature to make you think how we shop – supermarket versus independent retailers.

As we all know it is the royal wedding later this month – and I have a few little gifts to celebrate this.  Lovely resin brooches in the shape of a crown in slate, ivory and pewter colours by Know your onions - £14.99 each.  Linen union jack aprons by Bradleys Tannery for the man in your life – so that he can cook in style at the street party - £19.50 each.  Not forgetting the every popular Union jack dog and puppy door stops - £32.99 and £17.99 respectively.

Coming in the next few days are the new garden tool range designed by Sophie Conran and made by Burgon and Ball in Sheffield an English company renowned for their exceptional quality and outstanding heritage in the gardening field.  One of the problems faced by many ladies is that their hands are too small for standard tools.  These tools specifically address this problem and are made with ladies hands as priority.

Give me a call if you would like any further details.  Looking forward to seeing you soon.  Maggie C.

Mother’s day is fast approaching and I have got some lovely lavender filled hearts embossed with Mum or Special Mum for you to give at £9.99, all handmade by Alex Gates.

In the shop in the next couple of weeks will be redhound for dogs new dog beds in two lovely new floral patterns.    We have small (60cm), medium (70cm) and large (80cm) currently in stock available in Jewel dog, Granite dog and Scottie dog designs.  “Orlando” my yellow Labrador just loves to sit in his Jewel dog in the window and watch the world go by – if you bring your dog to the shop he may even get out of the window to say hello!!

John Craven has just been filming here in Totnes for an upcoming feature in Country file on how Totnes is “bucking” the trend of small town high streets by still being predominately independent retailers and with very few larger chain stores.  Watch this space for when you can see this on TV.

Maggie C.

Is it too early to start to think about Spring?  We have had some lovely days this last week and I am already starting to think about my summer wardrobe.  Some of my lovely new stock has arrived including Bradley’s garden aprons made with English linen and suede and matching gloves again made from English linen and Brad’s own tanned leather.  In three lovely floral patterns green, rose and pink rose they will brighten up those gardening tasks that need doing.

Still have some welly warmas left, just to keep those toes warm in these last few days of needing to wear your wellies.

I have extended my offer on throws until the end of this month, its still chilly in the evenings.

So whether you are looking for a unique gift or something original and stylish for your home, I am sure you will find what you are looking for.  Looking forward to seeing you in the shop soon.

 Maggie C.

New products arriving soon:-

I am off to the trade shows to source new products in January and February and these will be in the shop for the Easter Holidays.  I will have 2 new designs in the Lancaster and Gibbings pewter frames – all made here in Totnes.  I am pleased to now be the local agent for Hinnigan throws (as seen at Atlantic Blankets) and I will be stocking their wool throws and 100% lambs wool baby blankets.  The fabulously British Nougat range of bath products is being launched in a mens range – and if the ladies range is anything to go by – it will be very yummy.

Sale time is upon us and I have just 6 of the lovely silk lampshades in sky blue, pink and duck egg blue at 50% off.  Beautiful 100% cotton dusky pink bedspreads in double and king size at £50.00 each and a selection of wool throws in winter colours at £22.00 each.

Currently I have two writing desks – a small and a large. Both have been very well looked after with only minor blemishes. Ring or email me for some photos.

Please note that for the months of January and February the shop opening times will be:-

Wednesday thru Saturday 10.30 am to 4 pm.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.