Produced in Kent local products for Christmas and children's gifts including Simply Ice Cream and Fudge Kitchen crackers

With wish lists of toys from well known brands, gaming and gadgets and clothes with designer labels it can often be tricky to 'shop local' when it comes to organising presents for children and teens.

But after a difficult year for the county's producers and traders, Produced in Kent says when it comes to tasty treats for the dinner table, stocking fillers, Christmas Eve boxes or festive movie nights, there is a wealth of gifts all the family will love from companies across the county.

Could you incorporate some Kentish gifts into presents or Christmas Eve boxes this year?
Could you incorporate some Kentish gifts into presents or Christmas Eve boxes this year?

From Gingerbread Ice Cream made in the heart of Ashford to crackers stuffed full of Kentish fudge, we take a look at products and gifts that you could buy from independent producers to support local businesses in Kent this month:

Simply Ice Cream comes in a number of different flavours
Simply Ice Cream comes in a number of different flavours

1. Simply Ice Cream’s Gingerbread Ice Cream, from £5

Whether you're looking for a tasty treat to settle down with in front of a Christmas film or an alternative to the traditional dessert- Simply Ice Cream may have the answer.

The creamy and moreish Gingerbread ice cream, which is handmade in the heart of Kent, is promising a true taste of Christmas.

Sally Newall pictured from Simply Ice Cream
Sally Newall pictured from Simply Ice Cream

Owner Sally Newall, mother of four, qualified cook and successful wedding and party caterer along with her team produce an entire range of decadent, luxury ice creams in Bonnington, Ashford using British dairy products, Kentish seasonal fruits and ingredients from top suppliers which are sourced locally where possible.

Simply Ice Cream can be found in Waitrose, Co-op and Morrisons stores, farm shops and village shops. To find your nearest stockist click here.

Castle Farm Sleepy Scent (43229188)
Castle Farm Sleepy Scent (43229188)

2. Castle Farm Kent Sleepy Scent, £8.95

Already worrying about how to get the kids to settle down at bedtime on Christmas Eve?

After the evening’s excitement you could sprinkle a few drops of this unique Kentish Hop & Lavender Sleepy Scent onto a handkerchief by a pillow for them to gently inhale as they drift off to sleep until Christmas morning.

William and Caroline Alexander check the lavender at Castle Farm earlier this summer
William and Caroline Alexander check the lavender at Castle Farm earlier this summer

The calming sleep spray, which could be the ideal addition to a Christmas Eve box, is described as a 'highly effective' natural sleep aid and is produced by Castle Farm in North Kent which is home to the UK's largest lavender fields.

Learn more about Castle Farm and everything it produces from its lavender alongside other gifts and decorations it is selling for Christmas at www.castlefarmkent.co.uk

Would you consider serving Kentish Cherry Juice this Christmas?
Would you consider serving Kentish Cherry Juice this Christmas?

3. Dalloway’s Kentish Cherry Juice, £7.99

Why not pour Santa a glass of this on Christmas Eve and let the kids enjoy one too!

Once pressed, the cherry juice isn’t sweetened, or anything added, as the flavour is just perfect which could make it an ideal choice for a special treat the night before Christmas. The cherry juice, produced by specialist cherry farmers based on the Kent and East Sussex border, comes in 1-litre bottles and each litre of juice contains approximately 3kgs of pressed cherries.

You can learn more and place your order at rentacherrytree.co.uk/farm-shop/cherry-juice

Fudge Kitchen Crackers
Fudge Kitchen Crackers

4. Fudge Kitchen Luxury Christmas Crackers, £3.50 each

Find some hidden sweet treats in these fantastic Christmas crackers from Fudge Kitchen in Lyminge near Folkestone.

Hang them on a tree, stick them in a stocking, or make them an alternative option for the Christmas Day dinner table. Whichever way, choose from either a red or gold cracker-shaped box, which pulls open to reveal three generous squares of real-deal, hand made fudge by the UK’s oldest fudge specialist.

Fudge Kitchen in Kent is offering some tasty treats this Christmas
Fudge Kitchen in Kent is offering some tasty treats this Christmas

You'll find inside Sea Salted Caramel, Chocolate Orange and Speculoos Fudge inside the crackers… and no silly hats!

You can buy yours at www.fudgekitchen.co.uk/en/products/red-snowflake-christmas-cracker

You can find these Kentish cupcakes in some supermarkets as well as being available online
You can find these Kentish cupcakes in some supermarkets as well as being available online

5.OGGS® Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes, from £2.25

Tuck into chocolate sponge cupcakes topped with some seriously fudgy frosting.

The cakes from OGGS are a heavenly treat and available to buy in Sainsbury's, Waitrose, via Ocado and The VeganKind Supermarket.

Learn more at www.thevegankindsupermarket.com

For further guides to finding independent food producers from across Kent this Christmas please visit www.producedinkent.co.uk

Read more suggestions of things to do and enjoy with the kids in the run up to Christmas at www.mykentfamily.co.uk

Share this story

Helpful links

Local news