Wales is a popular holiday destination, which is hardly surprising when you consider the miles of beautiful coastline, majestic mountains and rich cultural heritage. In between the outdoor activity hub of Snowdonia and the family friendly beaches of Pembrokeshire, there are castles, lakes, forests, moorlands, and thriving towns and villages.

There’s also a rich tradition of arts and crafts in Wales, making it the perfect place to pick up a delightful present for someone special, or a memento of your holiday in Wales. A handmade gift that has an authentic connection to the place it was made can feel so much more meaningful than a generic item that could have been produced anywhere.

Here is a guide to some traditional handcrafted products to look out for if you are enjoying a break in Wales this year. 

Welsh lovespoons

Welsh love spoons have evolved from being a kitchen utensil to a decorative item. They look perfect when displayed on stands on the mantelpiece or hung on each side of the fireplace to provide a touch of rustic charm to your home. You can even build up your own collection as each handcrafted spoon is unique, with a special symbol carved into the handle.

The tradition of carving love spoons in Wales dates back to the 17th century, when spoons with decorative handles were carved by young men to demonstrate their woodworking skill and to offer to a lady as a token of romance or affection. 

Some spoons carry simple motifs such as hearts or flowers, while others have more complex designs with particular meanings. For example, Celtic knotwork might represent eternal and everlasting love, a heart shaped bowl might represent a full and happy life together, and a ball in a cage might represent love held safe, or the number of children a couple may have. 

There has been a revival of interest in lovespoons in recent years, and you can find beautiful high quality examples made from walnut, limewood or sycamore at craft centres, festivals and event stalls throughout Wales.

Lovespoon jewellery

If you or the intended recipient of your gift would prefer something to wear, then silver lovespoon pendant jewellery is an excellent choice. The unique designs are sure to be different from anything else they have in their jewellery collection, and the classic silver will complement any outfit and colour scheme.

Slate decor and homeware items

Wales is renowned for the high quality of its slate, which has a rich dark blue-grey hue and is extremely durable. This makes it perfect for homeware items such as mats and coasters, bringing a charming rustic feel to any home. Engraved slate is perfect for house name signs or decorative wall art items. 

Welsh wool

Welsh wool products are a classic choice, made from high quality yarn from the nation’s hardy breeds of sheep. There’s a plethora of choices of cosy high quality woollens, from colourful blankets to stylish accessories such as scarves and gloves.