Independent Sheffield Shops: The Top of the Hills

Nothing I adore more than a dilly dally through independent nik nak shops that sell handmade, unique and joyful items - this category of shopping is all wants, not needed buys, that’s what makes it more fun and wonderful. Of course, you have you Flying Tiger and Sostrene and Greene which sell nice lil bits and bobs, but as they’re international chain stores, the price you pay tends to buy match the quality, and it's not as whimsical as owning something that someone has spent their career or hobby hand making, just for you. Quite literally, made with love.

Sheffield is a bursting hub of creativity and community, bustling life in every pocket of the greenest city; one of the many reasons I’ve always been proud and privileged to call it home - if we can just ignore West Street, ta!

Over recent years the amount of Sheffield’s independent shops has grown, with old ones joining the high street again, it's definitely what keeps in person shopping alive, from my perspective - nik nak shopping is something that has to be done in person, to grasp and relish the entire experience, real treasure for the eyes and heart. Clothes, shoes etc I’ll browse online when I have the energy, but small woven sheep and tiny colourful glass animals and scrunchies, it’s solely an in person, dedicated commitment. 

Not only is shopping independently far more delightful, it's also much more worth your hard earned money. Especially in today’s economy, you don’t want to be spending on low quality, mass made products, it's asking for disappointment. I usually find items in independent stores are of much higher quality, originality and at more reasonable prices; the prices help keep the store alive, and the maker to continue their wonderful craft. 

Unfortunately we live in a complaint first, think later society, so many remarks upon the ‘death of the Highstreet’, to which I agree with to an extent, but I urge everyone with the same remark to put your worry to work and help keep these wonderful stores open. Be a part of the reason the Highstreet is still thriving, instead of letting it wilt away before our eyes. If you can, swap your regular visit to a chain, to a local original store, trust me you’ll have the best trinket shopping day ever. 

I’ve actually planned your lil nik nak shopping day out for you, as I’m so kind, your most welcome chicks. I must stress timing to you now, it's of paramount importance that you do not give yourself anything under 40 minutes to nik nak shop, if it’s a new one, I’d even stretch it to an hour. Unless you’re a regular of the shop and know exactly what you’re going for then you could nip in quickly, although please keep in mind these shops should come with a distraction warning, you may have the determination of a cat with a mouse, but something will always catch your eye unexpectedly. 

Another important note is to never rush anyone in these shops, whomever you’re with, if you take shopping company with you, they must allow, accept and hopefully join in on the experience. If you know someone doesn’t like shopping in any capacity, please leave them in a safe post outside or at home, no need to dampen the experience with the constant nagging ‘c’mon’. 

Treat it like a trip to the cinema, escape from reality, phones off, focus on the present and good company only. 

Now, shall we go shopping? (this list is compiled of some have been too, I’m aware there’s more I need to mention and ones my bank account needs to visit).

Join me next week, for the second half of the list! 

Annie Judes:

Location: Middlewood Road, Hillsborough

Travel: perfectly located on the Yellow route of the SuperTram, can get on and off at the Hillsborough stop, there’s also plenty of buses that stop down the same road and some parking near the park or surrounding roads. 

I’m ashamed to say this is a newer visit for me, but I know it’s been proudly sitting there for several years and is one of those that I’ve passed regularly and always pointed and said, ‘we have to go there’. 

I could quite literally get a sleeping bag and spend a week in this wonderful store, as there’s so many lovely items to browse, it’s a real treasure trove of original beauty. My eyes burst as soon as I entered, as I could just go, one of everything, please! A huge range of gifts and nik naks from handmade glass beauties, fabulous lamp shades, Sheffield art and amazing figurines, the list goes on. The staff are always friendly, helpful and passionate about their lovely shop, which I love to hear. Some of my favourite buys have been the rhubarb and orange vegan chocolate bar (divine), handmade wooden coaster with a Sheffield slang engraved and a gorgeous sterling silver Larimar stone statement ring. I have a lengthy list for my next visit, including an embroidered wall piece and a woven chirpy looking sheep, oh boy I can’t wait! 

Within Reason: 

Location: Devonshire Street, Sheffield City Centre

Travel: Jump off the tram at West Street and walk down (via the Blue or Yellow tram), plenty of buses pass the same way or there is the Devonshire Green car park, across the road. 

I recall first visiting this store when I was a teenager. We fell into this heaven of colour and joy, and it’s been a town staple ever since. First, jewellery!! I’ve bought countless jewellery box favourites from here, such beautiful original pieces, at great quality also – especially those vibrant beaded holiday/summer necklaces, always a lovely pop of accessory colour, and gained so many compliments. The hair accessories are so cute and unique, claw clips I bought years ago, still pride of place and fully intact in draw. They also sell lots of gifting ideas and one-of-a-kind cards. If those who are huge fans of certain adorable teddies, they do sell Jelly Cats too! They always have a lovely array of clothing too, which is of the utmost quality and style. 

Moonko:

Location: Division Street, City Centre 

Travel: Jump off the tram at West Street and walk down (via the Blue or Yellow tram), plenty of buses pass the same way or there is the Devonshire Green car park, further down the road. 

Beauty, beauty and more beauty! This little corner of floral heaven offers gifting and treats of prints, handmade jewellery and all things plants and flowers. As you’ll see from their beautiful window display, they know how to create dried floral feasts. The colours and array are wonderful, which also translates into how the shop is decorated in them too, as though you’re in a wild garden soaking up nature. Many are in little bouquets of pure happiness. There's also a healthy display of house plants too. The staff are always friendly and passionate, ensuring you find everything you need and everything about your purchase. 

Birds Yard:

Location: Chapel Walk, City Centre

Travel: from the Blue, Yellow or Purple tram, jump off at the Cathedral stop and walk-up to Chapel walk from Fargate.

This too was one of the first independent shops I saw too, whilst awaiting my Third Angel workshops at the crucible in my teenhood, I’d spend plenty of time in amazement of everything this shop has to offer. If my mind was in physical form, it would absolutely be Bird’s Yard. 

The smell of the shop is sensational, as they have so many candles and home fragrances to browse, you’ll find those smells luring you in, which you’ll be very grateful for. I love the quirkiness of this shop, a range of items from all aspects of your desires. I’ve bought many Sheffield based gifts, some that I could also fit into an envelope for far away friends. I also have some lovely Sheffield art and mugs in my home too, beautifully original. This shop is perfect for gift buying, sharing and showcasing your love for this beautiful city.