Independent Cambridge - fun and funky gifts

The colourful and informative book, Independent Cambridge, celebrates the fantastic range of independent retailers we have on our doorstep. Read this week about Podarok - Russian for ‘gift’.

Owner Andrey Pronin took over this quirky little gift shop in  2012 after graduating from Fitzwilliam College. The Russian-born entrepreneur decided to rename the shop Podarok, which is Russian for ‘gift’ and inject an element of fun and funkiness to all they do.

Podarok now stocks an eclectic mix of everything from jewellery to lampshades, leather satchels to pocket money toys – so there really is a gift for absolutely everyone and every budget.  Plus, it’s always nice to know that Andrey goes to great lengths to ensure his stock is ethically sourced. For example Podarok stock Fikay bags, a Fairtrade company who recycle concrete bags into gorgeous bags, wallets and accessories and then gives a portion of each sale to providing an education forchildren in South East Asia.

The shop is also very supportive of British artists. Cardinky and Dynamo prints, Heather Stowell jewellery from Ely, mugs
from Stoke-on-Trent and they frequently have artists and craftspeople approach the store to display their designs. There’s also exquisite jewellery from Michael Michaud – an American designer who produces items cast from real flowers and leaves and decorates them with precious stones, plus beautiful soft leather satchels from Vida Vida and unique,  colourful lampshades from Lush of Greenwich.

The other rather special thing about this gift shop is the wonderful window displays that change every week. Themes have included ‘under the sea’, ‘fairy woodland’ and ‘on the beach’.

At Podarok you can find a gift for anyone and everyone, perhaps even a nice little something for yourself!

Podarok
12 Bene’t Street
Cambridge CB2 3PT
Tel: +44 (0)1223 314411
Email: info@podarok.co.uk

www.podarok.co.uk

*******

The latest edition of Independent Cambridge is now available from Waterstones, Heffers, many of the independent shops and online at www.independent-cambridge.co.uk.

_________________________________________





Looking for something specific?