This is a sponsored article on behalf of MADE London.
Started your Christmas shopping yet? If the idea of battling the crowds at London's huge shopping centres in pursuit of that elusive, perfect gift fills you with dread, you need to check out MADE London St Mary's: The Design and Craft Fair.
Organisers Tutton & Young have handpicked sixty exhibitors — spanning textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, accessories, and even handcrafted furniture — that are guaranteed to help you cross more than a few items off your list. What's more, because you'll be buying directly from the makers, you don't have to feel guilty about having a bit of splurge. There's no middle man here: every penny goes to the artists who brought your new treasures to life.
Naturally, such lovingly-crafted products deserve to be showcased in style. And when it comes to venues, it's hard to beat the architectural triumph that is St Mary's. The Grade I listed building — located minutes from Marylebone High Street — is one of the Waterloo churches, built with money voted by parliament in commemoration of the victory over Napoleon.
Inside, things are kept simple, with a tabletop layout that allows the unique wares to speak for themselves. After all, who needs bells and whistles when you've got brilliant and affordable design in a magnificent architectural setting? What's more, there's no need to shop solo — our readers get 2-for-1 tickets with the code TIME241.
So, if you're on the look out for some seriously special pressies — ones that'll be remembered long after the Quality Street tin has been emptied — you know where to go. Maybe even pick up a few special bits for yourself (hey, we won't tell if you don't).
MADE London St Mary's: The Design and Craft Fair takes place 11am-6pm on Friday 30 November and 10am-5pm on Saturday 1 December at St Mary's Church, Marylebone. Tickets cost £5 when booked before 25 November, £7.50 thereafter. Get two tickets for £7.50 with the code TIME241. Buy yours here.
