Out of the Ordinary

Handmade gifts from local makers in Skipton

Out of the Ordinary is a handmade gift shop located on Swadford Street in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Under one roof, it brings together the work of more than 50 independent makers. The selection includes jewellery, ceramics, prints, candles, soap, knitwear, pet treats and children's clothing, all handmade. The shop emphasises that none of the items are mass-produced and that no two pieces are identical.

Retail recognition

The shop presents itself as the winner of the Craft & Gift Shop of the Year 2024 award, given by The English Independent Retail Awards. The website also links to the awards magazine and offers a section to learn more about the award.

Product categories

The catalogue is organised into several sections that reflect the variety of the offer:

• Home & Living
• Jewellery & Accessories
• Bath & Beauty
• Baby & Children
• Jams, Chutneys & Curds
• Pet Accessories
• In The Garden

Within the gifts section, the shop groups ideas by recipient and budget: gifts under £10, for her, for him, for mum and for dad, as well as wrapping paper, gift wrap and greetings cards. It also includes a Halloween selection.

The makers and their specialities

The shop gives visibility to the makers behind the products. Among the names mentioned are A Cup Full of Quotes, specialising in mugs and quotes; Arbor Arts, the husband-and-wife team of Bill and June Henderson; Clickety Click, Vi's small knitting business; Elegant Wraps, focused on high-end wrapping papers; Fifi by Pru, working with polymer; Homemade with Love by Maxine, with baby clothes from birth to 3 years; Honky Tonk Glass, Jo's handmade stained glass; Indigo Star, Liz's jewellery with stamped and unstamped pieces; JustMe Handmade, the craft business of Jane Ord, former owner; JustNow Designs, from the husband-and-wife team James and Ruth; Little Green Tree, by Victoria, based in West Yorkshire, making jewellery and gifts; MandyCrafts, by a local Skipton maker; Nic Knack New, an independent maker and ex-policeman; OriginAllyT Designs, created by Andrea and Alastair; The Grey Workshop, from the team of Ollie and Tom; The Light Mouse Co., with miniature sculptures; and Thistledown Linoprints, by Sarah Pawson, who lives in a nearby village.

The shop itself also appears as a seller of a selection of products sold on behalf of third parties.

Featured products from the catalogue

Among the most popular items shown on the website are handmade goat's milk soap with a choice of fragrance, by Tilda's Tribe, from £3.50; a hanging stained glass angel in various colours, by Honky Tonk Glass, at £11; handmade crystal-infused candles with a choice of fragrance, by Out of the Ordinary, at £9.50; and a stained glass rose in a jar, Tiffany style, in various colours, by Honky Tonk Glass, at £15.

Shipping and loyalty programme

The shop offers free UK shipping on orders over £30. It has its own points programme, OOTO Points, and a newsletter for news, promotions and products. The website allows you to select country and currency, with options for the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland and the United States.

Location and contact

8 Swadford Street, Skipton BD23 1RD · Phone: 01756 797745