We are at that traditional time of year when we start to think of Christmas and perhaps buying a present or two for family and friends.

Lockdown #2 has sadly seen our local shops forced to close, at what is usually their busiest time of the year, and it is all too easy for us to head online and with a few clicks, and not much thought, order the lot from the big players.

But did you know lots of our independent retailers have online stores too? Why not all spend just a little bit of time going to their websites and ordering from them?

Indie York totally has the shops, our food and drink outlets and more covered both in map and directory form, but to make it easy I thought we could pick out a few sites to whet your appetite and encourage you to still shop local.

And by the way – lots of our super duper food and drink suppliers are open for take away/click and collect, so have a wander and order something tasty.

Barnitts – Homeware, Kitchenware, Appliances and more

Blue Tree Gallery – Contemporary Fine Art

Cleggs – Home and Giftware

Cycle Heaven – Bike Shop

Dog and Bone – Vintage Clothing

Forty Five – Vinyl

Heima – Useful Eco Home Stuff

Janette Ray – Bookseller

Little Apple Bookshop – Bookseller

Lotte Inch – Ceramics, Art, Prints, Jewellery

Monk Bar Model Shop – Models

O & M Snowhome – Homeware, Stationery & Gifts

Paperesque – Paper

Pyramid – Gallery

Rafi’s Spice Box – Spices

Soul Organic – Soaps & Skincare

York Ghost Merchants – Ghosts

York Cycleworks – Bike Shop

York Gin – Gin

Banner Photograph: Visit York