In a world where large chain stores dominate the market, it can be easy to forget about the small businesses that make our communities unique. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Sunnyside Gifts! A business that celebrates the best of Staffordshire’s local food and homeware artisans.

Owner Caroline creates unique hampers filled with carefully selected items from some of Staffordshire’s most talented and creative small businesses. Products include locally made alcohol, handcrafted ceramics and artisanal condiments. Each hamper is a celebration of the local community, showcasing the hard work and creativity of the talented individuals who call Staffordshire home.

Back in November 2022, we met Caroline at Castle Artisan Market. She and her husband stopped by our stall and tried some of our milder sauces (they’re not big fans of spice!). The following morning Caroline got in touch with us and explained that she was in the process of starting a business that creates bespoke hampers and would love to stock our sauces. We loved the idea of a hamper service celebrating all the best Staffordshire has to offer. Within a couple of weeks Sunnyside was up and running and she told us her customers were loving Naganother Buffalo Sauce – especially with cheese on toast!

It has been so exciting seeing all the fun hamper combos Caroline’s been sharing over on Sunnyside’s Instagram page. The Hot Foody Lovers Hamper obviously got our attention. But our favourite thing about Sunnyside Gifts is the ability to build your own hamper. Pick and choose from a range of products, customise the gift basket, add a note and know that your hamper will be delivered fully gift wrapped to your recipient. 

Caroline was kind enough to take a few minutes out of her busy schedule to tell us a bit more about Sunnyside Gifts. 

How did Sunnyside Gifts start? What was your background beforehand?

Sunnyside started as an idea a long time ago and since 2020 everyone’s life choices have altered and so did mine. My kids were all grown up and moved out, independent (as they should be!) but I had an empty nest and so much more spare time to fill so the idea I’d had a long time ago came to life! I’d always worked alongside my husband in another business but that evolved too and freed up more of my time, now split between both and really enjoy my full days!

What is the best part of running Sunnyside Gifts?

Honestly…meeting and chatting to so many creators, crafters and customers. I’m a very social person so I do love a good old natter!

Tell us about some of the small businesses you work with.

I’m very passionate about our area, Staffordshire. We always appear to have so much negativity when we are on the news or portrayed on TV and I want to be a small part of changing that perception and so do the people I work with. They all want in a small way to change perceptions and they have so much talent and creativity. I work with candle makers, potters, food and drink makers from your very own hot sauce (locally sourced & produced) to candle makers in Leek and Newcastle, a wonderful creator Anneliese Delaunay, based in Stafford and even drink producers from Newcastle & The Staffordshire Moorlands. They all work with the environmental impacts of their products in mind which is very much part of the Sunnyside ethos. I like connecting with like-minded creators.

If you were making a hamper for yourself and could only include 5 products that you stock, what would they be?

Everyone has different tastes of course but for me, obviously I couldn’t have a hamper without adding something for the husband and that would have to be your Nanother Buffalo Sauce (his favourite!) definitely a candle or 2, Gin, now which one I’d choose there is so much choice but I am a lover of lemon so probably the Lemoncello Gin and I am I have to say very partial to the Mrs Darlington Jams, don’t ask my favourite there are so many…

Do you have any big plans for Sunnyside Gifts in the next 12 months that you can share?

Oh well I think the biggest plan is take each day as it comes and for what it is, which as a new start up business is think is important. Some days will be amazing and some not quite so much but what I can say is that I plan on meeting as many creators as I can this year and I’m really looking forward to spreading the word about events and markets.

Tell us about some of your favourite Staffordshire small businesses that don’t feature in your hampers.

I can’t tell you that, I can’t show any favourites and to be honest I don’t have any favourites.  All of the makers that I work with or would like to work with are all brilliant in their own way.  I do have lots that I would like to do but it will be over time…

The Perfect Gift

Finding time to shop for unique and local products can be challenging, which is why Sunnyside’s hampers make the perfect gift. Whether you’re looking to surprise a loved one or simply treat yourself, their hampers are a convenient way to enjoy a curated collection of local treats. Each hamper is carefully packaged, making them the perfect gift for any occasion. Mothers Day is just around the corner – surprise mum with a hamper full of locally sourced goodies.

So why not support local and treat yourself or someone you love to a hamper from Sunnyside Gifts? You’ll be supporting small businesses in Staffordshire and discovering some of the best local food and homeware products available.