Keeping it local this Christmas

Christmas is a time for community, so this year we have partnered with our wonderful Nappy Valley businesses and The Junction BID (our local business network), to bring you a cornucopia of Christmas delights from 64 shops and eateries to cover the festive season, from gifts for loved ones, eating out and entertainment, to local events for the whole family to enjoy.

You’ll find gifts for him and her, beauty, jewellery, food and drink, garden goods, and gifts for children, home lovers, four-legged friends, plus loads of other unique gifts and festive fun at the large mix of small independents, little gems and high street favourites across Nappy Valley.

Some of our lovely shops are offering Christmas discounts to NappyValleyNet readers – simply click on the ‘read more’ tabs to unlock them.

It really is the most wonderful time of year…in the most wonderful place in London.

LOOK THE PART
GIFTS FOR WOMEN & MEN

For that special someone in your life, look no further…

Hot-foot it down to lingerie, nightwear and beachwear boutique, Amélie’s Follies on Webb’s Road to find the perfect gift for the women in your life. Whether you are after something racy or a little bit more everyday, you will definitely make someone feel like a million dollars. The team can advise you on sizing just from looking at a photo and will gift wrap for you. Now that’s priceless! read more

Or if you prefer the comfort of your own home, check out new online luxury loungewear company, Stephanie Elizabeth. Made from sustainable fabrics, clothes are made to be both flattering and comfortable to take women from the school run to a Zoom call to a night out! For a NappyValleyNet reader discount read more

For something a little different, try Jessica Mary Design on St John’s Hill for exquisitely designed hats and jewellery as well as a bespoke service. Or visit, Denner Cashmere for fiendishly soft jumpers and accessories.

You can’t go wrong on Northcote Road, where you will find women’s designer wear at Iris, men’s timeless looks at Palmer, heels to die for at Made the Edit and fetching eye-wear at Karen Lockyer.

For your high street favourites, visit TKMaxx and Clarks on St John’s Road for fashionable gifts for the whole family.

Sparkle and Shine

‘Tis the season for all things sparkly, and we’ve got an array of jewellers in Nappy Valley to make anyone’s heart flutter.

For bespoke designs and impeccable craftsmanship, brothers Richard and Simon Warrender and their team at W&W Jewellery on Webb’s Road create truly personal jewellery. Tell them your vision and they will bring it to life in an amazing and artful piece. This Christmas they have launched a special Jewellery Box Collection, featuring a one-of-a-kind Toi et Moi ring and spectacular pendant to make your special someone shine through the festive season and beyond. Read more

Also, check out Asquiths for beautiful designs and repair services and The Northcote Jeweller for small gifts perfect for teachers and friends to big ticket items using conflict-free stones, both on Northcote Road.

And if it’s bling you want, but without the price tag, then hop over to high street favourite, Claire’s Accessories on St John’s Road for budget jewellery that makes great stocking fillers!

Get Pampered

As the nights draw in and the year comes to a close, we could all do with a boost to the body and soul, so what better way to show your appreciation this Christmas than by gifting it!

From cuts to colours, Edward James’ hairstylists make women feel like they’re getting ready to walk the red carpet! Their first-class service includes prosecco and a massage for a real celebrity experience. This Christmas, the salons in Battersea, Balham and Putney are offering gift cards for treatments with a little extra thrown in for haircare products because more is always more! Read more

Do you know someone who could do with some stress-free me-time? From the moment you open the door of Lemon Tree on Webb’s Road, you are instantly transported to an oasis of peace and calm away from the hustle and bustle of London life. It’s no wonder that the independently owned salon has been here for over 20 years restoring zen to the men and women of Nappy Valley. Read more

 Another stalwart of the community is Reflexions on Northcote Road which has been providing reflexology and massage treatments for almost 30 years, boosting a sense of wellbeing and inner joy to get us through the winter months. This Christmas, Reflexions is offering discounts to parents who come in for a session with their tiddlywinks. Read more

Or try out new kid on the block, The London Skin Medic in Tooting for anti-wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers for natural looking ways to boost confidence. Dr Caroline Stevens believes in natural rejuvenation and will even visit her customers at home for ultimate ease. This winter she is offering discounted packages to make your special someone glow. Read more

Nappy Valley hosts a plethora of hair and beauty salons, all offering gift vouchers for Christmas. Here are just a few more not to miss:

For hair, Hype Coiffure is Battersea’s premier Afro and mixed-texture hair salon, Hyper Salon is a new project by award-winning hairdresser Alberto Lomartire, and So Me is a one-stop-shop in Clapham Junction for hair and beauty.

For nails, waxing, eyelash extensions and other beauty treatments there is Sole Beauty Salon on Lavender Hill and for wellbeing treatments, check out BEN Health and Beauty on St John’s Road for acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine, and Kalyana Spa on Battersea Rise for luxury spa treatments.

For beauty products including make-up and skincare, head to Space NK on Northcote Road and Lush in Clapham Junction station for natural and ethical handmade cosmetics.

For Foodies

Everyone appreciates a full belly at Christmas, so you can’t go wrong with our foodie suggestions this year…

Make your Christmas table the envy of the land with a slow-grown Bronze turkey from field&flower delivered from Devon straight to your door. field&flower specialise in free-range meat and fish but can also rustle up some fabulous vegetarian options. For your NappyValleyNet discount code…read more

We absolutely love a family business here at NappyValleyNet, and Hayman’s Gin is up there with the best of them. This award-winning Gin Distillers based in Balham has been going for five generations and at Christmas they pull out all the stops with their gift-wrapped gins and stunning hampers. They also offer Tour and Tasting gift vouchers for the gin aficionados in your life. For an exclusive NappyValleyNet discount… read more

We are totally spoilt for award-winning gin in our neck of the woods and another absolute gem is Graveney Gin. Pop in to Tooting Market to see them or visit them online. These guys are organic-certified, they use all natural ingredients and they handcraft the gin the old fashioned way in their traditional copper stills, producing exceptionally tasty gin! This Christmas, they have some beautiful hampers for sale and they won’t even cost you an arm and a leg with our exclusive NappyValleyNet discount… read more

Have no fear, we have your wine lovers covered too. For the wine connoisseurs visit Nysa Wines on St John’s Hill, North and South Wines just off Northcote Road or Humble Grape on Battersea Rise. You won’t fail to impress with a gift from any of these.

And for those with a sweet tooth, consider a box of scrumptious brownies from Love Brownies on St John’s Road.

Finally, for the cooks in your life – and if you want to stretch the budget – have a look at Thermomix, newly opened on Lavender Hill, for a demonstration of their whizzy devices and an array of yummy recipes.

For Children

Santa’s workshop must be in Nappy Valley because there’s an abundance of pressies here for your little cherubs…

Get them off the screens this winter and out into the wilderness with Dinoski, eco-friendly, sustainable, outdoor wear for adventure and the great outdoors. These adorable animal-themed ski suits, rainwear and swimwear are playful, warm and fun. For your NappyValleyNet discount code… read more

The level of cuteness is off the chart in Nappy Valley, and we just adore online company Rainbow and Ginger London. Inspired by her own three daughters, Vy hand-makes colourful hair accessories for girls to stand out, be brave and have fun! She’s even got a special Christmas collection this year with lots of rich reds, silvers, greens, blues, tartans and more. You can buy one item or a set, and they are just the perfect size for Christmas stockings! Read more

Hop, skip and jump down to Northcote Road for a wonderworld of stocking fillers and gifts to get any child squealing at QT Toys, Chalkboard and Trotters to boot.

Green-fingered Gifts

We don’t leave anyone out here and horticultural lovers are no exception. From London’s largest garden centre to independent florists, Nappy Valley is truly the Garden of Eden!

Perched on the edge of Wandsworth Common is London’s largest garden centre, Neal’s Nurseries. Much loved by locals, its sister site Sheen Garden Centre, a short drive away also offers an array of Christmas decorations and all-year-round gardening goods. This Christmas, they are both offering Privilege Card holders a bonanza discount weekend. Read more

Nestled among the cafés and shops on Balham’s Hildreth Street is the Flower Sanctuary, a haven of gorgeous seasonal flowers and gifts. This Christmas the friendly team can put together a hand-tied bouquet, a show-stopping table centrepiece or a welcoming Christmas wreath for your front door. Read more

For the home

Indulge yourself in the sumptuous textures, glorious designs and stunning aesthetics of our homeware shops and art galleries right here in Nappy Valley.

On Northcote Road, get lost in the Aladdin’s Cave of antiques at the Northcote Road Antiques indoor market, ranging from furniture, home accessories, art, jewellery and silverware. From classic to kitsch, this place is forever evolving. Or visit Huttons for quirky gifts sourced from all over the world. From candles to clothing to furniture, they have it all. And don’t leave Northcote Road without visiting the Pottery Café and painting your own Christmas decoration, lantern, mug or plate for a truly personalised gift.

Moving on to Battersea Rise, you’ll find Ingo Fincke, an art gallery run by brother and sister duo, Ben and Kira, representing established and emerging contemporary artists with outlandish and eccentric pieces that will be the centre of conversation at any dinner party. Or visit Futon Company for a range of space-saving furniture from handmade futons and beds to home textiles and accessories.

Finally, for floors and carpeting, and that plush, sensuous underfoot feeling, step into Floors For Thought on Battersea Rise and Admiral Carpets on St John’s Hill.

For Four-Legged Friends

Say Merry Christmas to your four-legged friends with a special treat.

Our furry friends deserve only the best and that’s why Pet Pavilion on Battersea Rise has a unique range of gifts this year: a Christmas pudding snuffle mat, pooch fragrance, edible treats, festive doggywear and more.

For the Family

Christmas is a time for family fun, and we’ve got plenty of that in Nappy Valley.

Check out Waterstone’s on St John’s Road for books for every age, games and toys that make great stocking fillers.

And to brighten those grey days this winter, why not stock up on art and craft supplies from Partridges on Lavender Hill for hours of fun with the kids.

Or if you are in the market for a more active kind of a gift, visit Clapham Cycle on Lavender Hill for bikes, accessories, clothing and everything bike-related for the cyclist in your life.

Get lost in party paraphernalia at Party and Celebrate on Lavender Hill. For costumes, partywear, balloons and props, these guys are the masters of fun!

Finally, what better way to get into the spirit of Christmas than skating in the great outdoors with the iconic Battersea Power Stations as your backdrop? Glide ice-rink is now open until 8 January. After skating, enjoy live entertainment and gorgeous food, hop on a vintage funfair ride, or chill out with a mulled wine in a cosy cabin. Adult tickets are from £12, children from £8 and a family ticket is from £36.

Eating Out and Entertainment

From ice cream to panto to dining out, there’s loads of fun to be had…

Jefferson’s has quickly become a firm favourite in Balham and recently opened its doors in Brixton. This award-winning ice cream parlour makes ice cream every day onsite using only the freshest ingredients, which means no artificial colouring and nasties. Check out their fun Nutcracker Waffles this Christmas complete with a handmade golden Nutcracker Soldier, or new desserts including Arctic Roulade with a white chocolate snowflake and more! Gift cards are also available. Read more

For coffee, head to 2 Love Tea and Coffee House on St John’s Road and for even more ice-cream, visit the scrumptious Italian gelato experts at Oddono’s on Northcote Road.

And for all your dining needs, whether you want a family night out, a Christmas work do or a night off with friends, we have lots of options for you.

On St John’s Hill you’ll find authentic Spanish tapas at Tapa Jax, hearty Thai at family-friendly Koasarn and Fried Chicken heaven at Thunderbird.

On Lavender Hill take the night off from the children at Hannah Battersea, check out the Tequila and cocktails at Mexican restaurant, Amiga on Battersea Rise where there’s always a party spirit, or for a more relaxed vibe enjoy the all-day menu at The Address.

Finally, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without the Battersea Arts Centre’s annual panto. This year’s panto mash-up, Little Red Robin Hood from 6 December to 8 January, is full of songs, live music and interaction for all. The wicked Sheriff of Nottingham has captured the famous outlaw, Robin Hood! Who is going to stand up for the people now? Surely not a tiny girl in a red riding hood?

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY FROM THE JUNCTION BID

18 November: Clapham Junction Christmas Lights’ Switch-On

Head down to the Christmas Lights and Tree Switch-On, opposite Arding & Hobbs, on Friday 18 November at 6pm with Riverside Radio LIVE, the London Gay Men’s Chorus leading the carol-singing, plus an array of live bands and entertainment, such as sparkling LED jugglers, illuminated stilt walkers, The Glitterball Girls, Sun King and Moon Queen and more. The lights will be switched on by The Worshipful the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Jeremy Ambache and Marie Hanson MBE, Founder and CEO of the local Battersea charity S.T.O.R.M.

25-27 November: Northcote Road Christmas Festivities

Over on Northcote Road on 25 November, the spirit of Christmas will be brought alive with the traditional lights and tree switch-on (5pm) and carol singing. Seasonal food, drink and a Christmas market will entertain the whole family on Sunday 27 November.

18 November–4 December: Christmas Festivities

Watch out for a series of fun, festive events and surprises taking place across Clapham Junction this season, including the much-loved Family Christmas Safari Trail, kicking off on the 20 November and running for a month.