Handpicked gifts from the Cotswolds
Est. 2019
Gifts Barn started the way most good things do — around a kitchen table with a pot of tea and an idea that would not go away. In the spring of 2019, we converted the old granary behind our Cotswold cottage into a tiny gift shop. The walls were still damp, the shelves were recycled scaffolding boards, and the only stock was a dozen candles and a box of handmade cards from a friend down the road.
We opened the doors on a rainy Saturday in April with no real plan beyond sharing the things we loved. To our surprise, people came. Walkers on the Windrush path popped in for a look. Neighbours brought friends. Visitors to Bourton-on-the-Water wandered up the lane and stayed for a browse. Within six months, we had outgrown the granary and moved into the converted barn next door — the one that gave us our name.
We believe a gift should feel like it was chosen, not just bought. Every piece in the barn has a story, and we want you to feel that when you pick it up.
We travel to craft fairs, studios and workshops across the UK to find gifts you will not see on the high street. We work with over forty independent makers — potters in Wales, candlemakers in Devon, weavers in the Highlands, letterpress printers in East London. Each one shares our belief that the best gifts are made by hand, with care.
Our barn is stocked with gifts for every occasion: birthdays, weddings, new babies, anniversaries, housewarmings and those in-between moments when someone simply needs cheering up. We also offer a gift-wrapping service using our signature brown paper and dried-flower finish, because presentation matters just as much as what is inside.
Gifts Barn is still very much a family business. Rachel runs the shop floor and picks most of the stock (she has an uncanny eye for what people will love). James handles the online orders, packing and deliveries — and builds the shelves when we run out of room, which happens more often than you would think. Our daughter Ellie helps out on weekends and school holidays, and the dog, Bramble, considers herself head of customer relations.
We are proud to be part of the Bourton-on-the-Water community. We stock local honey, sponsor the village fete, and every December we host a late-night shopping evening with mulled wine and mince pies. It is the highlight of our year.
Opened in the old granary with a dozen candles and a dream. First customers were walkers sheltering from the rain.
Launched our online shop during lockdown. Learned to pack parcels at the kitchen table and discovered Royal Mail on first-name terms.
Moved into the converted barn. Doubled our floor space and started working with makers from across the UK.
Introduced our hamper range using locally sourced Cotswold produce. First Christmas sell-out — lesson learned about ordering early.
Reached forty maker partnerships. Launched personalised gifts and bespoke corporate gifting for Cotswold businesses.
Won Best Independent Gift Shop at the Gloucestershire Small Business Awards. Bramble accepted the trophy.
Still here, still growing, still choosing every item by hand. Seven years on and we love it more than ever.
All our packaging is plastic-free and fully recyclable. We choose makers who share our commitment to sustainable materials. Our gift wrap uses recycled kraft paper and natural twine.
We work directly with over forty independent British makers, paying fair prices and building lasting relationships. When you buy from us, you support real people doing work they love.
No automated warehouses here. Every order is packed by hand in the barn, checked twice, and sent with a handwritten note. We treat every parcel as if it were going to someone we know.
The barn is tucked just off Mill Lane in Bourton-on-the-Water, a short walk from the village centre. Look for the wooden sign by the gate — and follow the sound of Bramble barking a welcome.
If you are shopping for a particular occasion and need help choosing, we are always happy to chat. Ring us, send an email, or simply pop in. We will put the kettle on.
For corporate or bulk orders — wedding favours, client gifts, staff hampers — please get in touch by email and we will put together a bespoke quote.