Your Christmas list should be well worn by now, as you tramp the streets looking for that 'perfect gift'.

But before you head for the bright lights of neighbouring big cities - stop and think about shopping on your doorstep.

Small no longer translates as lacking in choice, and specialist retailers have cornered the market in innovation and economy.

JULIE HARRIES kick-started her shopping at some of her favourite haunts, and the following pages highlight just some of the things which caught her eye . . .

Above: Catlandia cat collection. From £25 at Hop Pocket Crafts.

Left: Hereford Cider Brandy truffles (£3 per 100g) and chocolate Christmas trees, £3.50. The Velvet Bean Company at Hop Pocket Crafts.

A selection of work from the Hay Makers Gallery.

Nancy Sutcliffe glass vases from the Hay Makers Gallery, Hay-on-Wye.

Painted furniture. From White Hall.

Persephone boks: reprints of classic feminie texts. Normally available in London. £10/£12 from Blue Ginger Gallery.

Saltglaze Teapots, £500, by Walter Keeler. From Parkfiellds Gallery, Ross-on-Wye.

The Seven Deadly Sins - in gargoyle form! From Hop Pocket Crafts at £28.80 each.

Motivational books for the dog-lover in your life! £9.99 from Blue Ginger.

Wool throws. From White Hall.

Nicky Thompson cushion (£39) and covered books (£25). Lurcher, £75, by Sylvia Owen. All at Blue Ginger.

Reindeer leather two fold jacket wallet , made from 200 year-old leather. £228 from The Great English Outdoors.

Alpaca slippers in sizes from baby to adult. The Great English Outdoors, from £13.99

Bead lamp, £25, bust £39, and painted pot cupboard, £185. All from White Hall.

Set of two baskets and cushions. White Hall

Melin Tregwynt Welsh wool throws, bedcovers and cushions. From £30.

Spotted jug, £24.

All from Blue Ginger.

Porcelain lamp by Amy Cooper. £70 from Blue Ginger.

Small cow (£40), by Sarah Jane Brown, who sculpts in knitted wool. Also from Blue Ginger