Are you folk-obsessed? Do you know someone else with a similar folk affliction? Are you struggling to find Christmas gifts for you, them, or everyone? Look no further. We’ve compiled the annual Tradfolk gifts list to help you through.
And remember, if you’re buying items from Bandcamp on December 1st, it’s Bandcamp Friday, so the artists get a whole lot more of your cash than the company does. Make December 1st your Christmas shopping day!
Simple really – the list would be almost never-ending if we went there. If you’re after albums, check out our recent reviews (or our Last Bandcamp Friday Before Christmas article), and if you want gig tickets, you’ll want to head to the Tradfolk Events Calendar.
Everything was in stock at the time we wrote this article, but if they’ve run out by the time you click on them, then you’ll have to click on something else. We’re only making recommendations, remember. We’re not stocking them ourselves.
We chatted a bit, tossed around a mixture of things that the Tradfolk writers thought might be nice, mainly focusing on stuff from artists that we’ve featured on our pages this year, then we made a list and checked it twice.
Sorry, this isn’t that kind of website.
In this list, you’ll find…
- Christmas cards
- Folk art
- Folk books
- Folk fashion and clothes
- DVDs
- Gift vouchers
- Instruments
- Misc
- Candles and cups
- Subscriptions
- Textiles
- Trinkets
Christmas cards
Gloucestershire Wassail cards
Not sure what the ‘Gloucestershire Wassail’ [Roud 209] is? Well, here’s a little info on it in relation to a well-known Britpop band from the 90s. And once you’ve got that under your belt, come back here and buy these lovely wassailing Christmas cards, featuring all of the characters from the song’s verses, designed by Merry Illuminations. Have a look around the online shop. There are some lovely yule-ish things available.
Buy from: Merry Illuminations shop
Hare & Tabor Christmas Cards
That venerable online folklore store, Hare & Tabor, has a selection of Christmas cards, each of a folkie bent. Whether you’re after an elk petroglyph, a Victorian selection of marching ducks, or a Civil War treatise on the vindication of Christmas, this is the shop for you.
Buy from: Hare & Tabor
Folk art
Boss Morris ‘Finger in the Spring’ prints
Limited Edition A3 ‘Finger in the Spring’ screen prints. Commemorate the new Boss tradition, “Finger in the Spring”, with this exclusive artwork by Alex Merry. Only 50 signed copies available. Featuring exquisite black and gold detailing on 320 gsm cream paper with a deckled edge. Shipped securely in a clear wallet with card backing and hardback envelope. Spring into Christmas, Boss-stylee!
Buy from: Boss Morris shop
Nick & Tom’s Tasty Viols
Celebrating their recent release, The Colour of Amber, Nick Hart and Tom Moore have added a few bits and bobs onto their website shops, including this remarkably tasteful print of a pair of viols, hand-carved by the mighty Hart himself. Elsewhere, you’ll find a natty tote bag to keep your vinyl copy of the album and your viols print together. They really have thought of everything.
Buy from: Nick Hart shop
Man in the Woods prints
Man in the Woods is an artist who makes artefacts that tell the story of strange, rural Britain. He lives in a semi-fictional, composite world known as the Mump. His work tells the stories of the people and beasts that inhabit this world, and it’s a captivating, charming place indeed. Those of you who have spent time on folkie Instagram will know his work well.
Buy from: Man in the Woods shop
Tamsin & Tarek’s resplendent calendar
Tamsin Elliott is already known for her extraordinary musicianship, but did you know that she’s a rather wonderful photographer, too? In time for the Chrimble period, she has released this must-have calendar, a stunning blend of double exposure film photography capturing the essence of Egypt and the UK (images by Mostafa Mansour and Tamsin herself). This unique calendar also includes a digital download of their celebrated debut album, So Far We Have Come. With months and weekdays in both English and Arabic, and key holidays from various traditions marked, it’s a multicultural masterpiece. Plus, each month features a breathtaking double-exposure print that can be easily removed and trimmed to create 12 pieces of wall art that will adorn your abode long after 2024. Elevate your year with this captivating calendar/folk-art hybrid.
Buy from: Tamsin Elliott’s Bandcamp page
Alex Merry’s Over the Hills print
Not content with being Boss Queen and the most in-demand album sleeve designer on the folk scene (not to mention a designer of Tradfolk t-shirts), Alex Merry has a new print for sale at her online shop. A high-quality A4 Gicleé print, signed by the artist, this captivating artwork features an image of a Boss Morris dancer leaping gracefully over the verdant hills of Stroud, accompanied by musicians. In the distance, ancient stones and a chalk figure add a sense of history and mystique. It’s a remarkable depiction of nature’s wild ballet, perfect for any folk-art enthusiast.
Buy from: Alex Merry’s online shop
Squeezebox Timberkit man
Timberkits are a great way to explore the magic of movement by creating characters, creatures and contraptions with different themes and ability levels. The Timberkit company has a passion for wood and their design challenge has always been how to use a natural organic material in an engineering context and give it life and animation. Like a 3D jigsaw puzzle, a Timberkit is a satisfying and relaxing way to pass the hours as Christmas week melts into the New Year.
Buy from: The Morris Shop
Folk books
The Leveret Tunes Book
Unlock the musical magic of Leveret’s first six albums with this comprehensive notation package. Dive into 88 meticulously transcribed tunes, accompanied by insights from the band on their distinctive collaborative approach. And that’s not all – gain exclusive access to an online repository of tunes in alternative keys. Elevate your musical journey this Christmas with Leveret’s timeless melodies and their expert guidance.
Buy from: The Leveret Shop
The Ancient English Morris book
Embark on a fascinating journey through the rich history of Morris dancing in England with this enlightening book (check out our interview with its author from earlier this year). Trace its roots from the 15th century, through the Reformation and Civil War, where it stood as a symbol of enduring traditions. Witness its resurgence as an emblem of Victorian-era Merrie England, and follow its evolution right up to the present day, including the modern revival exemplified by groups like Boss Morris. Explore the enduring cultural tapestry of this cherished tradition.
Buy from: Archaeopress
The new Cecil Sharp biography
Delve into the enigmatic life of Cecil Sharp through this recently-released biography by David Sutcliffe. Published by Ballad Partners, the book offers a comprehensive account that sheds light on Sharp’s life, drawing from extensive research including correspondence, newspaper archives, and original sources. Sutcliffe skillfully crafts a narrative of Sharp’s struggles as a young musician, his travels, his encounters with performers, and his role as an oral historian. Explore the Edwardian Folk Revival, while considering Sharp’s controversial status in the folk world. Immerse yourself in the multifaceted life of this intriguing and polarizing figure through a captivating social history.
Buy from: Cecil Sharp’s People
Folk Song in England
Steve Roud’s definitive work is essential reading for anyone bitten by the traditional folk bug. Yes, it’s huge, but it’s so fulfilling, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. As fRoots said when the book came out (2017), “There won’t be a better or more important book about English folk song in any of our lifetimes.” Here at Tradfolk, it’s like the Bible.
Buy from: Amazon, or order from your local bookshop
Weird Walk book
The Weird Walk book, robust and enchanting, redefines folklore in 2023. It captivates all seekers of the mystical and curious, blending wit, local history, and a rekindling of enchantment with the natural world. An essential guide for those reawakening to the wonder of the land.
Buy from: Amazon, or order from your local bookshop
The Folk Review
The Folk Review is a new print publication from The Folk Archive (created by the people behind Stone Club). This first bumper issue takes in folk customs in Cornwall, witches in Lancashire, ghosts in Scotland and apple trees in Sussex. Including articles by Janet Bord, Simon Costin, David Keenan, and Alex Woodcock amongst many many others.
Buy from: Stone Club at Big Cartel
A Secret Stream, Volume 2
This wonderful book is the second of two volumes of songs collated from the English Gypsy tradition, put together by Nick Dow, with help from his collaborators, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and Steve Gardham. It’ll make a wonderful Christmas present for musicians and folk history geeks alike.
Buy from: francisboutle.co.uk
Folk Tunes from the Women
Originally published on International Women’s Day, 2023, this a tunebook like no other. A bumper book of over 150 contemporary tunes from 100 composers from Britain and Ireland, all from different areas, traditions and backgrounds, the publication was curated by the Northumbrian piper and fiddle player, Kathryn Tickell. There’s a wide selection of Jigs, Hornpipes, Reels, Airs, Marches, Polkas, Waltzes, Mazurkas and a heap of tunes which don’t fall into a natural category. All tunes are presented as melody lines with chord symbols, making it the most useful book for teachers and players alike.
Buy from: Amazon, or order from your local bookshop
The Askew Sisters Tunebook
Introducing the Askew Sisters Tunebook: a captivating compilation of 32 pieces from their initial four albums, along with beloved favorites. This collection showcases a dynamic mix of dance tunes, Playford classics, village manuscript gems, and fresh compositions. Each score includes the melody, chords, and a concise description, with some tunes featuring harmonies. Presented in a convenient A5 spiral binding for effortless use. Immerse yourself in the melodies of the Askew Sisters Tunebook.
Buy from: The Askew Sisters’ Bandcamp page
Tarren: Revel Tunebook
Experience the essence of Tarren’s debut album, Revel, in a unique way with these single-line melody transcriptions. Every captivating tune and song from the album is distilled into its purest form, allowing you to connect with the music on a whole new level. Immerse yourself in their melodic journey and relive the magic of Revel like never before.
Buy from: Tarren shop
Folk fashion
Tradfolk t-shirts
Grab yourself a Tradfolk tee! We have two designs in multiple colours: Will Kemp morris dancing to Norwich, and the Ballad Seller with all his fine melodic wares (designed by Boss Morris’s Alex Merry). Purchasing one of these not only makes you incredibly fashionable, it also helps keep this website open.
Buy from: Tradfolk shop
Corn dolly t-shirts
Elevate your wardrobe with May Queen Crafts’ fabulous corn dolly t-shirts, reminiscent of vintage 1970s and 80s straw craft revival tea towels. This design features traditional and original motifs, including the May Queen Craft corn mother, Brigid cross, Spiral Neck, Staffordshire Knot, Drop dolly, and Glory Braid. Printed on 100% Combed Cotton crew neck t-shirts from Continental Clothing in a stylish linen color.
Buy from: May Queen Crafts
Folk fashion from Weven
Smocks! Aprons! Woven backpacks! Jewelry! T-shirts! Pretty much all the traditional folk fashion garb you could hope for is ready and available from the Weven shop, either in Stroud or online. They tend to stock items that are handmade, organic and crafted from techniques passed down via the oral tradition. A wonderful not-for-profit shop that’s well worth your custom.
Buy from: Weven
Ben Edge: Children of Albion t-shirts
Introducing a premium Earth Positive unisex T-shirt, adorned with Ben Edge’s striking ‘Earth Mother’ and ‘Children Of Albion’ logo in a high-quality digital print. Embrace sustainability and artistry with this distinctive design. Elevate your wardrobe with a statement piece that speaks to your eco-conscious and artistic sensibilities.
Buy from: Ben Edge Shop
Frankie Archer’s Fisherlad socks
Elevate your sock game with Frankie Archer’s Fisherlad Socks featuring the whimsical ‘O The Bonny Fisherlad’ cartoon designed by Frankie herself, adorning both the inside and outside ankle. These socks also showcase the signature Frankie Archer logo on the sole. Crafted with 80% combed cotton for ultimate comfort, 17% regenerated eco-friendly polyamide for strength, and 3% elastane for stretch, these socks are designed to fit most adults comfortably, starting from size 6 and up. Step into style and sustainability with Frankie Archer!
Buy from: Frankie Archer’s shop
I Don’t Hike, I Ramble t-shirt
The aforementioned Man in the Woods makes his Christmas folkie gifts list debut in the fashion section with this t-shirt for the less gung-ho walkers amongst us. ‘I don’t hike, I ramble’, the legend reads. And so say all of us.
Buy from: The Man in the Woods shop
Martin Simpson’s Evolution of Guitar Tunings t-shirts
Designed by the guitar legend himself (unfortunately not pictured above), these Martin Simpson Evolution of Guitar Tunings t-shirts are a must-have for any wannabe folk fingerpicking guitarit who needs a constant, close reminder of what the options are. Start at the top (standard tuning) and work your way down to the last one (black belt tuning). You’ll be playing like the mighty Simpsonian in no time.
Buy from: Teemill
Simon Brock’s clogs
Not only is Simon Brock an award-winning maker of traditional British clogs and other leather items, he’s also a “reasonable singer, passable accordion player and longsword dancer” (his humble words, not ours). Whether you’re looking for clogs for stepping, North West Morris dancing, or everyday wear (are you even a folkie if you don’t own a serviceable pair of everyday clogs?), hop-step it to Simon Brock’s online emporium.
Buy from: Simon Brock’s shop
Christina Alden & Alex Patterson Fox t-shirts
With illustration by Christina and taking inspiration from nature and their musical storytelling, these lovely prints by Christina Alden and Alex Patterson would make a great stocking filler. They’ve got tote bags too, if you’re in the market for something to put your t-shirt in too.
Buy from: Christina and Alex’s shop
Katherine Priddy t-shirts
As Ms Priddy’s career takes off into the stratosphere, make sure you bag a logo t-shirt to show that you were there when it all began. The new album’s out soon, so you’ll be wanting a piece of that, too.
Buy now: Katherine Priddy’s shop
Bonfire Radicals t-shirts
Introducing this Emma Reading-designed t-shirt, a vibrant fusion of style and sustainability. Featuring the iconic Bonfire Radicals in line form, this black tee boasts striking blue and orange artwork. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, it’s both Earth-positive and climate-neutral, produced with renewable green energy. Elevate your wardrobe with this eco-conscious fashion statement, embodying Birmingham’s hippest party folk band’s spirit.
Buy from: Bonfire Radicals Bandcamp page
DVDs
The Lock In Christmas Carol
Join in supporting the creation and release of a DVD capturing the festive Folk & Hip Hop dance spectacle, The Lock In ‘Christmas Carol’. With four triumphant tours since its 2016 debut, the team behind this beloved production seeks to preserve their work for posterity. Help ensure this cherished show’s legacy lives on by contributing to the DVD project.
Buy from: Crowdfunder (note that the DVD will come on completion of fundraising)
Here’s a Health to the Barley Mow
Nobody buys DVDs anymore, do they? But if they did, they’d certainly want this one. From the ‘sexy, savage’ Cornish May Day rites of Alan Lomax’s Oss Oss Wee Oss to Jeremy Deller and Alan Kane’s footage of ferociously fought traditional football; from children’s games in London’s bombed East End to intricate sword and step dances, this collection of poetic documentaries, long un-seen television reports and rare silent film footage reveals just how powerful and enduring the folk traditions of Great Britain have always been.
Buy from: Amazon, or order from your local bookshop
Gift vouchers
English Folk Dance & Song Society vouchers
Gigs, dances, workshops, gifts… there are plenty of ways a person could spend their cash at Cecil Sharp House, or indeed with the English Folk Dance and Song Society in general. Best give your beloved folkie a gift voucher and let them do the hard work of deciding. Each voucher is valid for 24 months.
Buy from: EFDSS Shop
Halsway Manor gift vouchers
Reed pipe-making sessions, anyone? Hurdy Gurdy Weekend? Ben Walker’s guitar masterclass? One of these Halsway Manor gift vouchers could place all this – and so much more – firmly within your folkie friend’s grasp. Give the gift of learning this Christmas. Give the gift of Halsway.
Buy from: Halsway Manor (call on 01984 618 274 or email office@halswaymanor.org.uk)
Instruments
Jacken Elswyth banjos
We’ve already seen Jacken elsewhere on this list, but here she is again in banjo-making mode. She has been mending and building banjos since 2018, selling her first in 2020. Since then, she has made it a key part of what she does. So, if you’re after a fresh new banjo, hand-made by a passionate folk musician in South London, look no further.
Buy from: Jacken Elswyth banjo shop
Nick Hart’s unusual instruments
Like Jacken Elswyth, Nick Hart can turn his hand to many folkie things. In this entry, allow us to introduce you to the Nick Hart’s Unusual Instruments shop (and highly entertaining accompanying Instagram account). An accomplished instrument repair gentleman, Nick has been running his online emporium since lockdown. If you’re someone who collects instruments you never thought you needed, beware – it’s hard not to visit his shop without creating a frustratingly long wish list.
Buy from: Nick Hart’s Unusual Instruments shop
Subscriptions
Folk London subscription
With so many printed folk magazines vanishing in recent years, it’s encouraging to see the passionate and wonderful Folk London clinging on in there. Ostensibly a monthly go-to-guide to all things folkie in the capital, it also contains great interviews that are well worth a read wherever you are in the world. A yearly subscription only costs £18 and would not go amiss in these difficult times.
Buy from: Folk London shop
Hudson Club
Hudson Club is an artist-community online platform available to subscribers to the Hudson Records Bandcamp page, home to a growing library of new and exclusive music, articles, podcasts, conversation and much more from your favourite Hudson artists – most of which sits firmly in the folk camp. It’s a treasure-trove of content, and feels like a sustainable way of approaching the difficulties caused by the messy world of online streaming platforms.
Buy from: Hudson Records
Soundpost Donor Box
Soundpost is a Sheffield-based, artist-led organisation that coordinates a range of participatory events, exploring folk traditions through practical workshops, performances, debate and discussion. You can support their excellent, ongoing work through their donor page, which helps to maintain running costs as well as artists bursaries that aim to engage more 18-30 year olds in folk and traditional music. A worthy cause.
Buy from: Soundpost donor page
Tradfolk subscription
We create content on Tradfolk for free. However, we do have some overheads, so we appreciate your assistance. If you like what we’re doing, head to our support page and consider either subscribing or making a one-off donation. We’ve got a Paypal tip jar and a Ko-Fi account. Many thanks for checking it out.
Buy from: Tradfolk support page
Weird Walk subscription
The people behind the wonderful Weird Walk magazine specialise in that intersection between traditional arts, rituals, and the landscape. They publish new editions of the magazine when they’re ready (rather than on a regular schedule) and regularly present podcasts and folkloric events. Get behind what they’re doing by ordering their back catalogue to date as a juicy Christmas present – enough to fill a stocking and under the tree!
Buy from: Weird Walk
Mugs and things
Jackie Oates candles
Hand-poured by Jackie with all-natural soy wax, the cinnamon and clove fragrance is perfect for cosy winter nights listening to music. Each comes with a unique bandcamp download code, which can be used to access Jackie’s Live Christmas album, recorded at Kings Place, London 2019 and featuring Mike Cosgrave and John Parker.
Buy from: Bandcamp
Weven’s clay pipe collection
“Nobody knows anything about clay pipe making,” Rhia Davenport told us in a recent interview, “but when you see them being made and you see a finished pipe, they’re so gloriously satisfying and tactile and they’re just such a nice thing to have, and to learn a tiny bit about the history of them. I think clay pipes are really cool whether you want to use them as a functional object or not. I just think they’re a really nice thing to have. For £10, buy a pipe everybody!” Well? You heard the woman.
Buy from: Weven shop
Pewter tankards
According to our resident Morris expert, Wentworth pewter tankards are the must-have item for the dancer about town. Giant tankards, ‘superior’ tankards, X-range tankards… if you’re looking for the drinking person’s drinking vessel, Wentworth should be first on your list. (For the uninitiated, pewter is a malleable metal alloy consisting of tin, antimony, copper, bismuth, and sometimes silver. It is believed to keep your drink colder for longer, kind of like a traditional vaccuum-insulated flash, but without the vaccuum or insulation.)
Buy from: Wentworth Pewter shop
Textiles
Nick Hart’s hankies
Musician, instrument maker, designer and all-round dandy, Nick Hart makes his final appearance in this Christmas list with an (unused) hanky, hand-printed with lyrics from his signature song. “Do you need help in your struggle to avoid flash company?” he asks us on his website. “Look no further than this chic yellow handkerchief, hand stiched in Bristol.”
Buy from: Nick Hart shop
Wefan textiles
Wefan Textiles is a one-woman weaving enterprise established by Rosie Butler-Hall. It is born out of her dyed-in-the-wool intrigue into the seasonal changes and cultural calendar of the British Isles. It produces hand-woven homewares, fashion items, accessories and hand-dyed skeins of British wool each inspired by a place or time in the ritual calendar of Britain. Take a look at her website and learn all about the Glimakra 4 shaft floor loom on which she creates her beautiful pieces.
Buy from: Wefan Textiles shop
Johnny Campbell’s tea towels
Absolute road dog, Johnny Campbell, travels light. You’ll not find many cumbersome CDs on his merch stands. Instead, they’re resplendent with a range of tea-towels, hiking badges and t-shirts, each commemorating one of his single releases from the last few years. Of his many wares, the highlight is surely this ‘Right to Roam’ cloth, replete with Johnny’s own lyrics. Peruse his store. There’s bound to be something you like.
Buy from: Johnny Campbell shop
Trinkets & badges
Art 4 Folk Gold Enamel Ping Badge
Join the revolution with these golden badges! Designed by Ben Edge, these lapel-dazzlers depict the Green Man in all his glory, and reference Edge’s Art 4 Folk manifesto, the details of which you’ll find on this page.
Buy from: Ben Edge shop
Swordlock Badge
Like some kind of secret sign, wear your silver EFDSS swordlock badge and make other folk lovers in the vicinity aware that you know your double-steps from your single-steps. Also available as part of the EFDSS Fan Pack (including pencils, a tote bag and postcards).
Buy from: EFDSS Shop
Misc
Folklore & Superstition Map
Delve into the enchanting world of British folklore with ST&G’s Craftily Conjured Folklore & Superstition Map. Uncover 1,400 legendary locations steeped in myth, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. From marauding monsters to mischievous spirits, this map is a bewitching journey through the Isles’ captivating tales. Whether for a unique gift or eerie home decor, embrace the mystique of this extraordinary map.
Buy from: Ordnance Survey
Top Trunkles
Earlier this year, we introduced the concept of Pienini Top Trumps… at least, we thought we did. Turns out that the wonderful Top Trunkles got there before us. This treasure trove of traditional folk heritage beckons you to unleash the spirit of the dance and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Morris traditions. These cards aren’t just for gaming; they’re your passport to cultural enrichment, and a delightful tool for recognizing Morris sides at dance-outs. Education and fun, all in one card deck.
Buy from: The Morris Shop
Boss Morris temporary tattoos
Boss Morris explain that these are, “very cool tattoos to wear to work, school, zumba, on a date, etc. Everyone will think you are really cool.” We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
Buy from: Boss Morris shop
Folk Fatales sticker pack
Earlier this year we chatted with Lucy Wright, the artist behind Folk is a Feminist Issue. A number of our reader said they loved the ‘Folk Fatales’ series, so here’s a great little stocking-filler for you. Lucy’s sticker packer includes the Burrywoman, Straw Mamabear and other femme folk favourites. It’s a limited edition collection featuring six vinyl stickers, all based on the original art series.
Buy from: Folk is a Feminist Issue shop
Musician’s birdbox
For the folk musician that has everything, a Lindleywood birdbox comes in both accordion and melodeon designs – so why not have one of each? Handmade in sustainable pine with a non-toxic paint coating, it’ll make the ideal present for the bird-loving folkie in your life. But you’ll have to wait. Due to unprecedented demand, it won’t arrive before Christmas. The early birds caught all the worms, it seems. Pre-order on the link below.
Buy from: Lindleywood
Martin Carthy memes
“BREAKING: CARTHY TUNES TO STANDARD!” Get your Martin Carthy merch from the Eliza Carthy store online today, along with plenty of t-shirts, coasters, mugs and other choice items from the Queen of the Whirl herself.
Buy from: Eliza Carthy store
Mini Wesselbob Hanging Decorations
In celebration of her latest album, Wesselbobs, recorded with Alice Jones, Bryony Griffith is selling these handmade wesselbob decorations. Drop her a line (the email is on the linked page) if you have specific colour choices.
Buy from: Bryony & Alice online store
