- Feel Good
- 20th Oct 2026
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Artichoke Tynemouth: The family-run card and gift shop for every occasion – now open in Heaton
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If you’ve ever enjoyed an hour browsing a Tynemouth gift shop, chances are it was Artichoke.
Established in May 2019, the celebrated independent family-run card and gift shop is now two stores strong, with a sister shop in Heaton that opened earlier this year. It’s run by a mum and son duo, backed by a great team across both shops, and this October marks their third birthday as business partners.
So, what keeps locals coming back? Plenty, as it turns out…
FROM ONE SHOP TO TWO, PLUS A SECRET BASEMENT
Cilena opened Artichoke in Tynemouth in 2019 with her former business partner; her son Patrick then joined the business and became her partner in October 2023. Since then, the pair haven’t stood still.
In March 2024 they opened up the basement beneath the Tynemouth shop, and it’s let them grow the gift range significantly. Some regulars are still discovering it now, so if you’ve never ventured downstairs, consider this your sign.
Then came Heaton in January 2026. The second shop has been warmly welcomed by locals, families, and the area’s vibrant student community, bringing the same mix of cards and gifts to a whole new corner of Newcastle.
It’s a family affair behind the scenes too. Daughter Elizabeth helps out every week, and husband Glenn does a huge amount of the work behind the scenes that you’ll never see. Nobody gets two shops off the ground alone.
AN AWARD-WINNING CARD SHOP ON YOUR DOORSTEP
Artichoke is well known for its cards and gift wrap, with walls of designs for every occasion. The team has won multiple awards for its cards and gifts over the last couple of years.
That’s a serious achievement for a family business on the coast.
WINDOWS WORTH CROSSING THE ROAD FOR
Walk past either shop, and you’ll notice the windows first. The team dresses them for every occasion, and the Christmas window has become a local event in its own right, Artichoke’s very own answer to Fenwick’s window. That same eye for detail carries inside, where everything’s laid out so you can actually see it, pick it up, and fall for it.
THE BRANDS YOU’LL WANT TO TAKE HOME
Every item on the shelves is chosen with care, and Cilena and Patrick attend trade shows throughout the year to ensure they source the latest and best new brands.
Jellycat and Maileg stockist
As an approved Jellycat stockist, Artichoke has spooky season characters and the Bartholomew Bear in his very own bathrobe, alongside Maileg’s storybook mice and toys, both popular with children and adults alike.
Self-care nights, sorted
Pamper nights are back, so head for the new autumn range from Find Your Glow, or Ortigia Sicilia’s perfumes, soaps, hand creams, and candles inspired by Sicilian life. New Paddywax Tulip candles come in four scents and look almost too pretty to burn, while WXY scents and Maegen incense make a calm little corner for slow evenings.
For the home
For your home, there are braided baskets and rugs from The Braided Rug Co, plus slouchy everyday bags and cosy socks from Sixton London. Jewellery comes courtesy of Amber & Orange’s colourful pieces and Joma Jewellery’s bracelets. Bookworms can flick through a great selection of books, whether it’s travel, cooking or hobbies, they have it covered.
Add Legami stationery, East of India’s tiny treats and hanging ornaments, Happily Puzzles’ aesthetic mini puzzles, and Gentlemen’s Hardware, and you’ve got something for everyone.
LOCAL ARTISTS FIND THEIR WAY HERE
There’s a print for everyone, and plenty are made close to home. Artichoke stocks hand-drawn local artwork by Streetdoodler, Kate Miller and Wot Ma Like.
STUCK FOR A GIFT? JUST ASK
Can’t decide? That’s where the staff come in. They’ll ask your budget, who the gift’s for, and what that person loves, then point you towards a few ideas. Once you’ve chosen, they’ll wrap it for you too.
Got a furry friend in tow? Bring them in. Both shops are dog-friendly, and Tynemouth sits right on a hugely popular walking route. Every member of the team is a dog lover, with treats and water bowls at the ready.
TYNEMOUTH CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NIGHT
Thursday 19th November
Tynemouth’s Christmas shopping night sees retail businesses in the village come together with discounts and fizz, all while raising money for the teenage cancer unit at the RVI. Artichoke will be right in the middle of it, so it’s the perfect reason to tick off your list early and do some good while you’re enjoying the event.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ARTICHOKE?
With three years of mum-and-son partnership behind them, the family is already looking to 2027, with a new location on the wish list if the right spot comes up. Until then, they’re grateful for every bit of support from the Tynemouth and Heaton communities and everyone who travels further to visit.
Follow Artichoke on social media for new arrivals, pre-orders, and a peek at the much-loved Christmas window.
Artichoke Tynemouth, 13 Percy Park Road, Tynemouth, North Shields NE30 4LZ
Artichoke Heaton, 63 Heaton Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5HE
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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