Christmas gift ideas galore at the Nottingham Tourism Centre

It is now less than a month to go until Christmas and I had been starting to panic about presents. I like to give everyone in my family something which you can’t buy at the click of a button - but it’s not always easy coming up with new ideas. However, this year I decided to use Nottinghamshire as my inspiration so I went down to the Tourism Centre to see what gifts I could find. Here’s my round-up . . . 1) For my friend: I don’t tend to buy huge presents for my friends but something fun always goes down well. I couldn’t help but smile when I stumbled upon the Nottingham Underground teatowel which has been created by the city’s Left Lion magazine. It shows a map which looks like the London Tube map but the place names have been replaced with ones in Nottingham – all written in he local dialect. Look out for ‘Okleh’ (Hockley) and ‘Cluffeh’ (the Brian Clough statue). 2) For the cousins in California: The legend of Robin Hood is loved by people around the globe and I know that my young cousins in California, who are aged 10, five and two, would be familiar with it. When it came to buying their presents the first thing that popped into my mind was a green Robin Hood hat – perfect for those mischievous little outlaws! I'm also going to drop in a small bag of 'Robin's Loot' (chocolate coins!) which have been designed exclusively for the Tourism Centre this year. I don't have to worry about either of the presents breaking on their journey across the Atlantic - and they will also be inexpensive to post. 3) For the relatives who have everything: Some of the older members of my family always tell me that they ‘don’t want anything’ and that I should ‘save my money’. I know some of them have downsized and don’t want extra clutter but, of course, I still like to buy them something. Nottinghamshire is well-known for its local produce so I decided to give them a hamper containing items they would not be able to get in their home towns, including porridge oats from Tuxford Mill, Robin Hood tea and a Robin Hood blend of coffee from 200 Degrees, which you can only buy at the Tourism Centre. Once you have chosen your items the team at the Tourism Centre will create a hamper for you so that your gift is beautifully presented. 4) For Dad: For those of you who didn’t know the Tourism Centre is the only outlet selling merchandise from the iconic Nottingham brewery Shipstones and as my dad likes his ale I know he’ll love one of their t-shirts. I've also bought him a book on he history of Nottingham which he will enjoy reading on Christmas day. If you are looking for Christmas present ideas pop into our Tourism Centre. Anyone who spends more than £10 will be entered into a prize draw to WIN a meal for two plus wine at Jamie’s in Nottingham.  For more gift inspiration visit our Nottinghamshire Souvenirs Pinterest board.