Perfect gifts for cyclists of all ages – with love from Kendal

On 5th December 2015 it started to rain in Cumbria – and it didn’t stop for over 24 hours.  Here at Cycle Sprog we had been looking forward to spending our first Christmas at our new base in Kendal. Unlike so many others, we were incredibly fortunate, as whilst our offices were affected by the flooding, it didn’t devastate our home or business.

In some cases, it took over a year for the remedial works to be completed and for the flood ravaged properties to be occupied and filled with life once again. Time has passed and thankfully small businesses are tough up here, dusting themselves down and cracking on making interesting and high quality products. Many are absolutely perfect for outdoor loving, cycling families, so here’s my pick of the best presents from Kendal – I hope you find that special gift.

Childs & Co

Iain Childs is a leading light in the Kendal cycling scene. He was a founding member and first Chairman of Kendal CC, which has grown from zero to almost 700 members in just 4 years.  Iain is also a Go Ride cycle coach, having taught hundreds of local children how to improve their skills (including my two Sprogs).

Iain runs  Childs & Co, designing and crafting personalised wooden products.

This brilliant cycling inspired shelf is great for keeping all your kit tidy!

Cycle Shelf from Child's and Co

Other products from Childs & Co include personalised storage containers, kids toy boxes and bread boards.  You can order your gifts from the Childs & Co website.

D C Hill Bike Art

Dave Hill has designed a fabulous range of cycling related gifts, such as t-shirts, coasters, prints and cushions which capture the essence of cycling, plus it’s all important relationship with coffee!

D C Hill - Thank you cushion

 

D C Hill - The Bay cushion

His designs are available via Thuline.com and their studio on Main Road, Windermere.

Memo Illustration

Every day I cycle past Memo Illustration’s workshop on the way to Cycle Sprog HQ.  Helen Entwistle is a talented designer who has created a range of screen prints, greetings cards and other items, all using locally sourced and 100% recycled materials.  Her cycling themed gift card reminds us why we cycle!

Let the Good Times Roll screenprinted greetings card

Armstrong Ward

I’m sure I’m not the only person whose kids drive me to have an occasional drink.  If it’s too early in the day to indulge, then Armstrong Ward’s Gin and Tonic candle might just be the answer!

original_daisy-dot-gin-tonic-tin-candle

Armstrong and Ward have a lovely shop in the centre of Kendal, but you can also purchase some of their fab Cumbrian made products at their Not on the High Street Store.

Bring Cumbria to your home!

One of the best things about living in Kendal is that we have the Lake District fells on our doorstep, so every cycle ride is so awe-inspiring – whether we’re off-road, or on.

Islabike Beinn review - having fun!

If you’d like to have a little bit of Cumbrian magic in your life every day, then there are some stunning products that will help bring the Lake District and Kendal to your home.

Nicholas Leigh

Nicholas Leigh is a member of the emergency services who did so much to protect and support the local community during Storm Desmond.  He’s also a talented artist who works out of his shed just outside Kendal. Nicholas paints the most incredible pictures in oils, which he then reproduces on a variety of household items.

His designs are available on mugs, placemats and coasters, as well as the more traditional prints.

bkpam2137251_mugs

Nicholas’s metal water bottles might not be suitable for the bottle cage on your bike, but they’re perfect for in the rucksack or bag.

Metal Water bottle with picture of Lake District

Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin also produces a range of placemats and coasters as well as greetings cards.  You don’t need to live in Kendal to get to experience “The Auld Grey Town” every day!

Kendal placemats and Coasters

Jon Allison

Jon Allison’s Lake District Prints are based in Kendal. His Lakeland calendar is a limited edition (act fast!) and will give you a fresh view of the Lakeland fells each month. Alternatively, just choose your favourites by browsing through the collection of prints in the gallery as they’re bound to take your breath away.

2020 Calendar - Jon Allison

I do hope that this range of gifts has inspired you to support some of the fine small businesses that make Kendal such a creative and vibrant town.

Holly Acland

OK – it does get windy here in Cumbria, and some days it’s just too windy to get out our bikes, so we have to walk instead.

Windy Day by Holly Ackland

So, what better way to celebrate the joy of a windy walk than this print by local Kendal artist Holly Acland, who not only has a great range of prints and t-towels, but also has her work featuring within many of Kendal’s popular venues and beyond.

Cycle Sprog is also a Kendal based small business, so please follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated with new material in December 2019.

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.