Sharing the love: Rare, preloved and handmade Welsh finds
Founded in 2012 by Becca with a mission to celebrate Welsh craftsmanship and heritage, WelshGiftShop.com offers a curated selection of gifts and preloved treasures sourced from all over Wales. The online shop combines sustainable practices with a passion for preserving Welsh culture, while supporting charitable causes close to Becca’s heart. Although I’m not Welsh myself, I do have a deep affection for Wales. I grew up in rural Lancashire with landscape so flat that views stretched for many miles across the plains and out across the sea to the mountains of North Wales to the south and up to Blackpool Tower and the Cumbrian mountains to the north. We spent many a family holiday in remote cottages in Snowdonia and I was always fascinated by the different language and sense of magic to be found there. So I’m right behind what Becca is setting out to do.
This summer, welshgiftshop.com introduced their Preloved and Antique section, created with the goal of reducing waste while sharing beautifully crafted Welsh gifts. With demand for preloved items continuing to grow, this collection offers a meaningful alternative to buying new — featuring second-hand treasures that have been cherished before, as well as items deeply rooted in Welsh folklore and history.
Stock is always changing – for obvious reasons – but I’ve picked out a few of my current favourites to give you a flavour.
This preserve pot set is no longer being made, so this preloved set is a rare find.
And how interesting is this Sunday School dinner plate – probably dating back to Victorian times.
Or how about this Victorian souvenir ‘Welsh Costumes’ mug? Gold writing on the reverse reveals that it was originally ‘a present from Pontypool’. So much more interesting than the usual souvenir fare, having history and provenance – and all for just £15.
Rare antique Welsh books
What’s wonderful is that Becca recently received a generous donation of hundreds of vintage and antique Welsh books from an avid collector. Many of these titles are long out of print, making them rare finds for readers, historians, linguists and collectors alike.
Historically, Welsh books were often printed locally in very small numbers, which means surviving copies are exceptionally scarce today. This donation is a chance for buyers to help preserve and share an important part of Wales’ literary heritage.
Highlights of the collection include Cartrefi Cymru, a beautiful historical volume by Sir Owen Morgan Edwards—originally published in 1896—celebrated for its evocative descriptions of notable Welsh homes and their cultural significance. Also featured is Rhys Llwyd y Lleuad (1925) by E. Tegla Davies, often cited as one of the earliest works of Sci-fi fiction in Welsh.
I also love this Geiriadur y Gwerinwr / Dictionary of Countryside by D. Moelwyn Williams from 1975. It’s an English to Welsh dictionary of the beautiful language of the Welsh countryside.
This welsh cook book from the 1970s is gloriously retro and contains essential recipes including Welsh rarebit, leek and potato soup and cawl.
Welshgiftshop.com is not just a great place to source gifts and special finds – they are are also committed to giving back, donating 20% of profits to Velindre Cancer Centre, a charity very close to Becca’s heart. Every purchase made helps support vital cancer services whilst also keeping Welsh culture and history alive.
Through preloved gifts, rare books, and their charitable commitment, welshgiftshop.com hopes to inspire more people to treasure the past, while creating a positive impact for the future.
Other handmade finds made in Wales
I love this soft merino check and stripe wool cowl by Stephanie Sullivan of Glasfryn Textiles.
Stephanie knits each piece by hand on a vintage hand-powered machine in her studio in St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire. The wool is sustainable and ethical and gentle enough for sensitive skin. Just lovely.
This welsh flowers print made in Wales is a great value gift idea at just £12.
How sweet is this vintage 1970s Laura Ashley dress made in Wales? There’s only one – it’s a size 10 – and once it’s gone it’s gone. I don’t need another summer dress but I am tempted to treat myself. If it’s gone by the time you read this, there’s a chance it’s now hanging in my own wardrobe…
Tapestry design socks made in Wales
How cute are these rose pink socks in a traditional Carthen pattern and made in Wales from quality cotton?
Welsh Carthen pattern tea towel
Perfect for adding a touch of welsh to your home – or as a gift for anyone who yearns for the valleys… Made by hand in Wales this tea towel is the perfect ‘Welsh cottage door’ dusty red colour and would fit seamlessly with any kitchen traditional or contemporary.
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