It can be highly stressful searching for that exclusive Christmas gift or special occasion outfit in which to sparkle at a social event!

I’m Karen Bennett. I have two daughters, a dog, two kittens, a husband and my own photographic business, Karen Bennett Photography (photographing pets and families) and very little time! Although tempted to save time and shop online for Christmas, Christening, Thank You, Anniversary or Birthday gifts, I’ll shop local to find one-off quirky gifts. I’m helping my local economy and British entrepreneurs and will get helpful advice. Here are my personal favourites, not too far from where I live.

A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR GORGEOUS GIFTS – THE CORNER SHOP IN WOOLHAMPTON.   http://thecornershopwoolhampton.com/

My first port of call is ‘The Corner Shop’ in Woolhampton. It’s a cornucopia of exquisite special occasion gift ideas for babies, children, teens, ladies and gents. You’ll always be met with a smile by Claire or Nina (if you are lucky, both of them!). Select from a wide range of gifts including beautiful scented candles, mugs, pottery, hats, throws, sweet knitted puppets and organic toys for children and seasonal items like Christmas tree and table decorations, stocking fillers and much more. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into the enchanted world of Narnia! Being a pet photographer, on the look-out for relevant gifts for friends or clients, I’ll always find a new, exciting gift with a dog or cat theme, conveniently wrapped up (through their gift wrapping service) to take away.

SOMETHING SPECIAL TO WEAR – FIFI AND MOOSE IN NEWBURY  http://www.fifiandmoose.co.uk/

Are you on the lookout for an elusive outfit for a special occasion or party? Your search might end at Fifi and Moose! Here I am certain to find the perfect jeans, jumper, coat or jacket (my weakness), accessory or jewellery to finish an outfit.

Ali and her staff offer an easy, relaxed experience and seem to know me better than I know myself! They pick out items I’d normally pass by, for myself or someone else. They make “dressed up” look effortless and turn casual into “cool chic”. I just adore this shop!

IF YOU ARE VISITING THE CORNER SHOP WHY NOT FINISH WITH A WALK ALONG THE CANAL AND LUNCH AT THE ROWBARGE AT Woolhampton.  http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/rowbarge/history/

 A stone’s throw from the Corner Shop in Woolhampton is the River Kennett and Avon Canal. Take a brisk walk down the towpath followed by a delicious lunch in the dog-friendly, historic Rowbarge pub, nestling on its banks. Serving guests for hundreds of years, it’s the perfect end to a stress-free Christmas shopping trip guaranteed a smile by staff who go the extra mile!

You can find more Photographs of me and other pets at www.karenbennettphotography.co.uk