Late Night Shopping with Chirpy

As the nights get longer so do our Chirpy hours.

Throughout November and December we’ll be opening late until 7pm

Giving you more of an opportunity to pop in and pick up a Chirpy gift for all occasions or that card you’ve forgotten to send.

The perfect time to start (or finish!) your Christmas shopping.

So why not call in on your way home from work.

Don’t forget you can also order online and choose ‘Click and Collect’ usually on the same day.

Helping you #shoplocal and support your local high street

Hope to see you soon at Chirpy!

Kids Half Term Workshops

This half term we're bringing you a special mini version of our ever popular Jesmonite Coaster Workshop

In this mini workshop you'll make one coaster / trinket tray using a choice of premade coloured shards and a white jesmonite base.

You'll leave your coaster to dry and should be able to collect it later that day, or pop into Chirpy anytime afterwards to collect it.

This workshop is suitable for age 7+ however anyone under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. If ther accompanying adult would also like to make a coaster then please book an additional ticket.

Jesmonite is an environmentally conscious, eco-friendly and safe lightweight product which is perfect for creating beautiful design.

This workshop will run 3 times on the morning of Tuesday 28th and at 5-6pm on Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th October

Booking is essential - please arrive on time as this is a short workshop

£10 PP

Tickets available HERE

5 of the best new gifts in Chirpy this Autumn

So as we approach the festive season (only 10 more Fridays until Christmas at time of writing!) we thought we’d choose our favourite 5 new gifts ideas which have just arrived at Chirpy.

From gorgeous homewares, to fabulous accessories and kids gifts, we’re sure that you’ll love what we’ve got in store at the moment at Chirpy.

Seen something you think will be the perfect present for someone (or gift for yourself!) then don’t delay as we’re getting to the time of year when as small independent retailers we can’t always restock. Sometimes our suppliers run out too! So if you pop in store, or see it on our website then when not start to shop early for this festive season - though it’s mid October so not that early!

Here’s what we’ve picked for you …

1. Striped Dipping Bowls

Perfect for entertaining, fill these bowls with nibbles, olives, sauces or mini treats. Bringing a touch of style to any festive table, great for gifting too as they come beautifully boxed.

Add to your basket HERE

2. Wine Coasters

Keeping with the striped theme, these gorgeous wine coasters are the perfect (& practical) gift for any wine lover. No more red wine rings on your table, or stains on your sideboard, just pop a wine coaster under your bottle. Available in 3 different colours and come boxed, perfect for gifting too. For the person who has everything, they might not have one of these!

Add to your basket HERE

3. Black / Gold Umbrella

The perfect glow up! Brighten up any grey day with this beautiful reflective golden umbrella. Black on the outside but the inside is a surprise. Telescopic with a matching carry case, make someone’s day brighter by gifting them this.

Add to basket HERE

4. The Fish Candle Stick

Who says gifts have to be sensible? Sometimes you just have to choose something a bit quirky and trust that they’ll love it! Making the perfect centrepiece to any table, festive or not, this candle holder will definitely be a conversation starter.

Add to basket HERE

5. Guinness Book of Records Games

Looking for something a bit different for the kids (or big kids) in your life? Want a Christmas challenge all the family can have a go at? Get their competitive juices flowing with these new Guinness Book of Records Games and be in with a chance of being an official record holder. Choose from Stacking Cups, Dominoes and Playing Cards, everything is included to break a record!

Add to basket HERE

As always, at Chirpy we aim to bring you great, affordable gifts for all occasions and Christmas is no exception. From local products to small brands we’re sure you’ll find just what you’re looking for. And what’s more, by shopping local you’re supporting a the local economy, and keeping the high street thriving.

See you soon in Chirpy x

Join us for our November evening shopping event

Can you believe it's 9 years since I took over Chirpy?

It's been a rollercoaster of a ride so it's definitely worth celebrating - we couldn't have done it without you!

This year to celebrate we're hosting a shopping evening and you're invited.

There'll be special offers, discounts, double loyalty points, goodie bags and of course fizz & nibbles!

We'll also be joined by Katie & May with a beautiful range of PRELOVED clothes, including Autumn & Winter fashion and evening wear, perfect for finding something for those festive nights out.

Tickets are £10 which you'll get back off your Chirpy purchases on the night.

Tickets are limited so don't miss out! Grab one HERE

The perfect opportunity to shop Chirpy's new season products and start your Christmas shopping!

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Jo, Cath and team Chirpy xxx

WIN! A Year's FREE Supply of Cards worth £195!

Yes, that’s right, once again we’re giving away…

A YEAR’S FREE SUPPLY OF CARDS!

That’s 60 cards with £195 FOR FREE!

All you need to do is buy a Card Bundle during October either online or in store and you’ll ne entered into a prize draw to win a monthly subscription. That’s 5 FREE cards every month for a YEAR!

If you buy more than one bundle in October you’ll be entered for each bundle you buy.

A previous winner, Rebecca. loved receiving her free monthly cards and said this…

“I was so delighted (and surprised) to win the competition). I love seeing what cards I get in my bundle each month and it really helps keep me organised to have a supply of gorgeous cards to send to friends and family on their birthdays.”

So to be in with a chance of winning just buy a card bundle of 5 cards this month and we’ll enter you.

Competition closes at midnight Friday 31st October when we will draw a winner at random.You’ll be informed by email if you have won.

Welcoming Autumn to Chirpy, keeping the door open (but adding an extra layer)!

The sun may have shone for the last week in September but there’s a definite nip in the air as we look back at the last 3 months at Chirpy.

 I welcomed July with a bucket list gig, getting to see Steve Wonder live has definitely been one of my highlights of the year, supported by local girl Corinne Bailey Rae which made it just that little bit special. Closely followed by a holiday in Croatia I was really thankful for my amazing team in July to let me have a bit of time out to relax and gather my thoughts for the rest of the year.

Straight back at it from my holiday with a visit to Harrogate Home & Gift, just a bus ride away, where I found some gorgeous new products which have already become best sellers at Chirpy. Just hoping I can keep them stocked up for Christmas as know they are going to be popular.

July saw the launch of Wellbeing Wednesday Meditations sessions – something a little bit different for us but we loved it. Looking forward to running these on a monthly basis so don’t forget to book. The next one is Wednesday 15th October - click HERE to book

 In August we said goodbye to Lizzie (& my Thursday mornings sleep ins!) as she’s got herself an exciting part time job as well as continuing to make her beautiful ceramics. Great excuse for a team night out trying out one of the newer bars in Chapel Allerton, Brew + Bao, which did not disappoint.

I had a flying trip to Aberdeen to help my daughter move into her new uni house (not quite as flying as planned thanks to storm Floris and a cancelled train). Then a day trip to London to meet up with some uni friends, though we didn’t really leave the vicinity of KX, too busy eating, drinking and catching up to actually take in any of the sights!

Despite the rain, Chapel Allerton Festival was another great success, as we supported it again as a wristband collection point, meaning new visitors to Chirpy who’d never been before. Let’s just hope they return soon and buy something!

 If you’ve wanted to find me in September then chances are I’ll have been at Chirpy! With a depleted team and staff holidays I’ve spent most of my time here, though huge thanks to Stacey and Molly for helping out when I needed a break.

Another flying visit to London, this time to visit Top Drawer, the trade show which for me really marks the start of autumn and the run up to Christmas. A great show, a chance to catch up with retail pals, suppliers and of course find some new products.

We celebrated Thinking of You Week with a week-long competition, sending cards on behalf of our winners to spread a bit of Chirpy love and joy.

 Our workshop programme got off to a great start, with Jesmonite, Fused Glass & Calligraphy workshops as well as our second Meditation session which left me ready to take on the next 3 months and whatever it throws at me!

 We welcomed back Katie & May with their preloved clothing, a perfect way to end sustainable September. Did you pick up a preloved bargain?

 So as the sun sets a little bit earlier every day, the leaves start to fall and the temperature drops, we’re gearing up for the ‘Golden Quarter’. With marketing plans, purchasing spreadsheets and sales forecasts we’ve hoping the this year doesn’t disappoint. Every year we are always blown away by the support of our Chirpy customers and this year we need you more than ever as it’s been a tough year in retail. We hope you love the new products we have chosen and as ever we’re here to offer great customer service with a smile!

In October half term we see the return of mini Jesmonite Workshops for just £10 - click HERE to book. We also welcome back our amazing CHIRPYVERSARY card competition to celebrate our 9th anniversary. Throughout October buy a bundle of 5 cards in store or online and be in with a chance of winning a bundle of cards every month for a year, worth over £170! Head to our online store to be in with a chance of winning

Here’s to a busy and successful autumn!

Hope to see you soon in Chirpy

Jo x

.

Welcome back to Chirpy Katie & May!

We’re delighted to welcome back Katie & May Saturday 27th September with their PRELOVED pop up.

Join Catherine as she bring a great range of preloved women’s clothes and accessories.

A prefect opportunity to update your wardrobe and be sustainable.

Come along and join Catherine from 10am - 3pm upstairs at Chirpy

https://www.katieandmay.co.uk

Thinking of You Week 15th - 21st September - enter our competition

It’s that time of year again!

You know how much we LOVE cards in Chirpy (& our customers love them too!) so we’re delighted that there’s a week each year when we can really celebrate them!

During Thinking of You Week why not take the opportunity to send a card to someone you haven’t seen for a while, drop them a message with all your news, check in on them or just say Hi!

And we can help you do that.

Throughout the week we’ll be running a little competition.

Everyday we’ll be posting a picture on our IG grid of a card - all you need to do is comment CARD to be in with a change of winning a FREE card which we will send on your behalf with your message. Well be doing this every day, Monday - Saturday and on Sunday 21st we’ll draw a winner from all the people who have commented throughout the week for someone to win a FREE bundle of 5 cards.

What’s more when you buy a card bundle in store or online during Thinking of You Week you’ll also be in with a chance of winning a FREE bundle of cards.

And there’s also DOUBLE POINTS in store on all cards!

So why not join in the fun and ‘send a card, deliver a smile”

Follow us on Instagram HERE

Focus on ... Fawn & Thistle

This month we’re focusing on Kirsten from Fawn & Thistle. We’ve just started to stock her cards and they are proving very popular, especially with cat lovers, myself included!

To get to know Kirsten and her business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her :

Tell me a little bit about yourself

I’m Kirsten, the illustrator and designer behind Fawn & Thistle. I run the business from my studio in Kent, where I create bold, playful stationery, greeting cards, and gifts – usually with a bit of humour, colour, and the occasional cat thrown in for good measure.

I also work as a freelance designer and marketer on the side and teach printmaking workshops.

I have three cats (one is just a 3month rescue kitten) and constantly find their antics to be a source of inspiration for my cat-themed designs.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

Honestly, I kind of just fell in to it. I was graduating from my MA in Illustration at the time of the 2008 recession, and it was impossible to find a job in design that wasn’t a never ending unpaid internship. So I moved back to Kent from London and set up my own thing. I’d seen people selling on Etsy, and figured how hard can it be - I was very wrong!

Over the years I’ve taught myself the business side of things, as well as creating my brands signature style and voice. It’s been a steep learning curve.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I don’t really have a “normal” day – I try to give some structure to the week by setting aside certain days for specific tasks. Mondays are usually for catching up on emails and online orders, Wednesdays are for wholesale outreach, and so on. That said, I have to keep things flexible to juggle freelance projects alongside Fawn & Thistle. Some days I’m sketching new designs or packing up wholesale orders, and other days (more than I’d like!) are spent knee-deep in admin or running printmaking workshops.

Biggest achievement to date?

I’ve had a few recently which have really helped bolster my confidence in what I’m doing with Fawn & Thistle! Getting stocked in Oliver Bonas was a big milestone for me as it was always top of my ‘Big Dream Stockists’ list, and most recently I won Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday, which was a big boost!

Where can we find your cards?

Besides Chirpy (of course), you can find my cards on my own website, through lovely stockists throughout the UK, and I’m also on Faire if you’re a retailer. I also occasionally pop up at markets and events now and then – keep an eye on my Instagram for updates.

Most popular card design?

The cats. Always the cats. My cat cards are by far the most popular designs I have. It’s funny, after being called a Cat Lady for most of my life, I didn’t actually introduce many cat cards in to my range until recently, and I just don’t know why. I should have embraced my cat lady status sooner.

 Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I’ve noticed the general tone of cards can be a bit more irreverent and cheeky, not just for your standard and more traditional occasions - cards that say what we actually want to say, but in a fun, thoughtful way.

Design-wise, I’m seeing so many food/fruit & veg/condiment type designs everywhere, which I really enjoy.

 Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I think despite living in a more technological, digital age, people still really enjoy tactile and tangible things. It’s heartwarming when someone gives you a card that they went out and looked for, chose because it reminded them of you and then wrote a sweet note inside.

I personally keep cards I’m given and frame some of them as mini pieces of art.

Best thing about running your own business?

The flexibility and working for yourself. I love working the hours that work for me, especially because I’m a night owl and find myself to be most creative at night.

 Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Be curious, step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there, even if it feels scary. Also, ask for help and listen to others, there are so many knowledgeable people out there who’ve helped me get my head around Wholesale, running a business, SEO etc etc. If I don’t know something, I’ll always look for someone who does.

 Plans for the future?

After moving back to fulltime self employment again, I’m finally getting to design some new cards and ranges, which I think are going to be great! I’m also working on creating a licensing portfolio to work with bigger companies and setting up my own printmaking subscription box called Printfolk. I’m so excited about Printfolk and creating a creative community around printmaking.

Check out Kirsten’s IG here

Focus on ... Studio Boketto

This month we’re focusing on Micky & Olivia (& Yoshi the dog!) from Studio Boketto. I met them for the first time at PG Live this year and placed our first order. There cards have proven really popular, and I especially love their number milestone cards

To get to know Micky & Olivia and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them :

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

We’re Micky and Olivia, the co-founders of Studio Boketto (that’s BO-KET-OH!). Studio Boketto is a UK based stationery brand with good vibes at the core of everything we do, which you can see in our ever-growing range of colourful, cute and super cool cards and stationery. Everything is designed in-house or in collaboration with illustrators and artists we love. We just want Boketto to be a happy place, filled with ace paper stuff!

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

Micky was working as a menswear designer when he was made redundant (twice!). To stay creative, he started designing cards — and when the second redundancy hit, he decided to give Studio Boketto a proper go. Olivia was working as a nurse in the NHS and had always helped behind the scenes, but joined full time in 2020. We’ve been building the brand together ever since.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

No two days are the same. One minute we’re packing orders, the next we’re designing new ranges, emailing stockists, shooting content, or managing production — all from the studio in our garden. It’s a constant juggle of creativity and logistics, fuelled by coffee and a shared to-do list.

Where can we find your cards?

You’ll find our cards in lovely independent shops across the UK and beyond — and in some bigger stores too, like Oliver Bonas, Scribbler, and Utility.

 Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

Our food puns and music icon cards are always best sellers — and our full English breakfast wrap has a bit of a cult following too.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

Conscious buying is in — quality and sustainability really count now.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Because nothing beats that feeling of receiving a card — it’s thoughtful, tactile, and totally offline. Cards mark moments, big or small, and they stay pinned up long after the day’s passed.

 Best thing about running your own business?

Total creative freedom. Building something that feels truly ‘us’ — and getting to work together every day (most of the time that’s a good thing!).

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Start small, stay consistent, and back yourself. Don’t wait until it’s perfect — just get it out there and tweak as you go. And find your own voice — it’s your biggest asset.

 Plans for the future?

More collaborations, more joyful designs, and (hopefully) more stockists who love what we do. We’ve got big plans bubbling… watch this space.