Cornwall is known for its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and rich cultural heritage. Many artisans and craftsmen also call this area home, creating unique and beautiful gifts inspired by the Cornish landscape and traditions. From handcrafted glass art to bespoke jewellery, there is something for everyone to cherish as a keepsake or gift to a loved one.
It's super easy to buy gifts from Cornwall these days, thanks to online stores like Etsy and Shop Cornish. With loads of great products from local artists, craftsmen, and foodies, you can find all sorts of handmade and authentic goodies.
This Cornish gift guide will introduce you to 31 of the best gifts from Cornwall, perfect for Christmas presents, special occasions, or just because. These great products come from small businesses that put their heart and soul into their creations, ensuring that you're not only getting a special gift but also supporting local Cornish artisans.
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Handmade Crafts from Cornwall
This section highlights some of the most popular handmade crafts in Cornwall, including pottery, jewellery, candles, and textiles.
Pottery
Handmade pottery from Cornwall is highly sought after for its quality and creativity. The picturesque coastline and rich local heritage serve as inspiration for many talented artisans. St Nectans Pottery in Tintagel has been creating handcrafted earthenware since 1980, with beautiful mugs, cups, and homewares, as well as quirky gifts like 'happy pasty'.
Pendeen Pottery, based near Penzance, produces bright and colourful pottery and sells their wares on Etsy, making it really easy for you to purchase. I love these cute soup bowls and turquoise vases!
Jewellery
Many Cornish jewellers incorporate local materials, such as sea glass and tin, into their designs. You can find jewellery items like rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, often inspired by Cornwall's breathtaking beaches, harbours, and wildlife. Check out Tegan Jewellery for beautiful pieces made in Cornwall (the mermaid queen ring is stunning!) as well as Cornish Whispers (honeycomb necklace).
Textiles
Poppy Treffy, a well-known cornish designer, makes and sells quirky textile homewares such as tea towels, bags, and hand-embroidered pictures (I love the cheeky seagull design).
Helen Round is another Cornish-based artist who makes beautiful Cornish-inspired textiles such as cushions, tea cosies, and aprons from her studio at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park.
Candles
St Eval, based in North Cornwall, make beautiful-smelling candles and home fragrances on their family run farm. The coastal candle collection features fragrances such as samphire & sage, drawing inspiration from the rugged North Cornish coastline, whilst their 'Escape to Cornwall' gift box, makes a lovely gift for friends and family. The gift box features three unique St. Eval fragrances to help bring the delicate scents of Cornwall into your home. From the fresh, floral scent of Bluebell Wood, and the relaxing aroma of Wild Gorse reminiscent of Cornish hedgerows to the sweet, soft scent of coastal-inspired Sea Mist.
Local Food and Drink
Cornwall is renowned for its local food and drink. In this section, we'll explore some of the most popular Cornish food and drink gifts, including pasties, cream teas, and Cornish gin.
Pasties
The Cornish pasty is a traditional staple in Cornwall and make a great gift for a foodie. Traditional Cornish Pasties can be found in all 'proper' Cornish bakeries (Malcolm Barnecutts in Launceston are my favourite), offering a genuine taste of Cornwall. Proper Pasty even offer Cornish pasties by post!
Cream Teas
Cornwall is also famous for its cream teas, which consist of warm scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. These indulgent treats are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up and make for an excellent gift choice. Many companies offer cream tea hampers that include all the necessary components like scones, clotted cream, jam, and tea, making it easy for you to share this mouth-watering experience with your loved ones.
Cornish Hampers even do a Cornish Cream Tea by post!
Cornish Cheese
Lynher Dairies sells their famous Cornish Yarg cheese from their online shop, as well as Cornish Kern, and Stithians (their newest cheese).
Cornish yarg is unique as it is wrapped in nettle leaves, which are edible and impart a slightly tangy flavour to the cheese. It has a creamy texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavour that makes it a popular choice for cheese boards and sandwiches.
Cornish Gin
Another noteworthy gift option is Cornish gin. Over the years, Cornwall has seen a boom in artisan gin production, resulting in a diverse range of high-quality gins infused with local botanicals.
From classic dry gins (I love Tarquins Cornish Dry Gin and they even have a shop in Bude town centre), to unique flavoured versions (my favourite being Trevethen's passionfruit & orange blossom), there is something to satisfy every gin aficionado. Consider purchasing a bottle or two as a sophisticated and memorable present that captures the spirit of Cornwall.
Original Artwork
Cornwall is home to a rich and diverse art scene that offers a wide range of wonderful gift ideas. The talents of Cornish artists shine through in paintings, sculptures, and other forms of original artwork. Two popular types of artistic gifts to consider are:
Paintings
Cornwall's stunning landscapes, seascapes, and picturesque villages have long inspired artists. When looking for original paintings, you can find a plethora of options from local artists. From whimsical illustrations to sophisticated oil paintings, there's something for everyone. You can find beautiful Cornish artwork from Cornish Galleries, which offers a wide selection of paintings depicting the region's natural beauty. You may also want to explore the various original pieces available on Etsy.
Sculptures & Glass Art
For those who appreciate a more tactile art form, Cornish sculptures make an excellent gift. Handcrafted using materials like wood, metal, and glass, these unique pieces showcase the craftsmanship of Cornish sculptors. From elegant glass art made by Jo Downs Handmade Glass Art (Niko Brown is worth a look too!) to intricate metalwork and pottery creations, there's a sculpture for every taste.
Cornish-themed Gifts
Cornwall is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. As such, the region offers a variety of Cornish-themed gifts that perfectly capture the essence of Cornwall.
Cornish Hampers
Cornwall boasts a wide range of local delicacies, many of which can be found in carefully curated gift baskets. These gift baskets often include treats such as:
- Cornish Tea - Tregothnan tea is the first-ever English tea company to have created a range of black tea, green tea, and herbal infusions homegrown on British soil. They blend Cornish tea leaves with the finest leaves from Assam and Darjeeling to create a range of distinctive flavours.
- Clotted Cream Shortbread Biscuits - Rich, buttery biscuits made with genuine Cornish clotted cream.
- Cornish Fudge (you can't beat Roly's fudge shop in Bude) - Delightfully creamy fudge, made using local Cornish ingredients.
Souvenirs
For those looking to capture the enchanting essence of Cornwall, a variety of thoughtfully crafted souvenirs are available too.
- Cornish Piskies - Mythical figurines to bring good luck and a touch of Cornish folklore to your home
- Nautical-themed Items - Products such as tea towels, chopping boards, coasters, and placemats adorned with Cornwall's iconic coastal scenery
Whether it's a keepsake for a cherished memory or a touching gift for a loved one, these Cornish souvenirs serve as a tangible reminder of the captivating charm of Cornwall.
Best Gift Shops
Independent gift shops adorn most high streets in Cornwall, but there are several highly recommended online shops for finding Cornish treasures too.
- Cornwall Gold offers an extensive selection of jewellery and pearl items for every budget. I love the 'One and All' charm.
- St Justin Jewellery collection for beautiful pewter, bronze, silver, and Cornish tin pieces inspired by Cornwall and Poldark. I love their pasty drop earrings!
- For a unique and locally-made souvenir, stop by the Jo Downs Handmade Glass Art store in Launceston (she also has galleries in Fowey, St Ives, and Padstow), to explore the range of fused glass artwork. I love the shoaling fish pieces, perfect for a contemporary bathroom wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some popular Cornish food gifts include Cornish fudge, Cornish sea salt, and Cornish cider.
Some unique Cornish gifts include Cornish slate coasters, Cornish tin jewellery, and Cornish sea glass art.
Gifts from Cornwall: A Recap
Cornwall is a treasure trove of unique and traditional gifts that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a memento of your trip or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, our guide to the best gifts from Cornwall has got you covered. From delicious food and drink to beautiful artwork and eco-friendly options, there's something for everyone.
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