If like us, you’re still yet to start Christmas shopping, don’t fret! There is still plenty of time to get the perfect gift for everyone in your family before The Big Day. Just don’t leave it until the last minute, okay? You can, of course, hit up some of the bigger shopping centres this Christmas, like Cabot Circus or Cribbs, but why not support some local, independent Bristolian businesses during these ‘trying times’?
Supporting small businesses in Birmingham has never been more important. So, if you’re looking to shop local, here’s our guide to the best independent shops based in and around Bristol to get that special gift this Christmas. From handcrafted pottery to fantastic artwork, there’s something to show your appreciation and love to all.
1. The Mall Deli
The Mall Deli is much-loved here in Bristol for its selection of cheeses, as well as their accompaniments. For those who love to try their hand at cooking, this independent Bristol deli is one of the perfect shops to pick up a few treats. From hampers packed with goodies from local businesses to specialist ingredients that you won’t find in Tesco – the Mall Deli has everything you need to nail a top cheese board at home, with great crackers and chutneys to accompany it too, as well as divine freshly-baked quiches. They even have some great local cheese including Bath Soft Cheese, Colston Bassett Stilton and Somerset Brie.
The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4DR
2. Wiper & True
Wiper and True offers an eclectic mix of brews, giving beer lovers the opportunity the try out something a little different to your usual supermarket offering. Their collection offers amazing and unique flavours such as barrel-aged plum pudding stout, Bristol crush pale ale and their classic Kaleidoscope pale ale. Check them out at their brewery, kiosk or shop online here.
2-8 York Street, BS2 9XT
3. Wild Leaf
Got a plant enthusiast to thank? Wild Leaf not only has hundreds of beautiful plants, but it’s a lovely shopping experience, too, thanks to its beautiful and jungle-like décor. Pick up gorgeous potted plants, pampas grasses and lovely pots. You’ll be spoiled for choice. Shop online or visit them in store.
63A Overton Road, BS6 5AG.
4. Bookhaus
Shopping for an avid reader? A lovely, hand-picked book is always an easy gift idea. Bookhaus is one of many brilliant Bristol independent bookshops – it gets a nod here for being located at Wapping Wharf, where you can pick up endless Christmas gifts. Staff are always on hand for suggestions too – from cosy, winter novels to head-scratching non-fiction. We’d spend hours here if it weren’t for the fact we still have presents to buy!
Bookhaus, Unit 4, Rope Walk, Bristol BS1 6ZJ
5. BAM Store
Known for their quirky homeware and gifts, BAM has a little something to suit all budgets. This Christmas, the uber-cool shop has some incredible stock – including cards, gifts and homeware on their online shop. As well as some fab gift boxes, they also sell jewellery, clothing, games and stationery. BAM also have a Made In Bristol range so if you’re looking to support Bristol businesses even further then you can choose from art, books, jewellery and cards created by Bristolians.
104-108 Belle Vue Road, BS5 6BX
6. Potters
A creative shop on Perry Road offering its very own physical and online shop – Potters is the perfect hub for gifts. From gorgeous coffee cups and bowls, to vases and sculptures, there’s plenty to choose from – and your purchase is sure to put a smile on the face of a small business. They also have guest potters featured each month for you to discover new and exciting designs to purchase or be inspired from. Shop here.
9 Perry Road, BS1 5BQ
7. Blaze
For all things Bristol but in art form, there’s Blaze. If you’re buying for someone looking to spruce up their space and show off their love for the city in their home, then these beautiful works of art by local Bristol artists and makers might be just what they need. Choose from prints, plant pot hangings, cards, trinket dishes and more. Shop all the designs and creations here.
84 Colston Street, BS1 5BB
8. Mon Pote
A one-stop shop for homeware, jewellery and gorgeous stationery – Mon Pote stocks gorgeous décor pieces that would be extra special as a gift for a loved one. Choose from gorgeous kitchenware and stunning vases, or browse through their cute selection of storage baskets, candles and plant pots. Check them out here, or visit the shop.
217a North Street, BS3 1JJ
9. Blind Owl Coffee Co
Everyone’s a coffee aficionado these days. If you’re buying for a caffeine lover, then head to one of the independent Bristol coffee roasters and shops that is Blind Owl Coffee Co. Whether they want to grind their own beans or just want ready-ground coffee to put into a cafetière then you’ll find a vast selection of these at Blind Owl Coffee Co, ranging in notes, origins and roasts. You can also buy brewing equipment and even a subscription to receive their coffee regularly in the post. Take a look at their online shop here.
32 Feeder Road, BS2 0SE
10. That Thing
As one of Bristol’s longest-serving independent businesses, stocking around 50 independent designers, you’ll find plenty of Christmas fight ideas at That Thing. Many of the brands it stocks are Bristol-based and very local to the store itself. Inside this woman-owned business, you’ll find an eclectic mix of gorgeous items, from jewellery to homewares to vintage clothing. While it also stocks its own in-house brand, That Thing.
45-47 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QP
11. The Ottowin Shop
Want a gift to make the most stylish person in your life happy? The Ottowin Shop on Gloucester Road offers great staple pieces for your wardrobe which are both stylish, ethical and unlikely to go out of fashion quickly. Whether they’re into the latest styles or love accessories, there are plenty of choices that don’t involve heading to the usual high street stores.
56 Gloucester Road, BS7 8BH
12. Priormade Studio
For all the eco-warriors in Bristol, there’s Priormade Studio. This eco-conscious homeware shop has everything you could possibly need to lead a more eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle. From jewellery to mugs, as well as face coverings, there are loads of products either locally or plastic-free, or both, so they can help reduce their carbon footprint this year. Plus, you’ll be making a loved one’s day, doing your bit to save the planet and help these independent shops in Bristol.
58 West St, Bristol BS2 0BL
13. Zara’s Chocolates
Zara’s Chocolates creates beautiful artisan chocolate that can be ordered online or selected in-store. The chocolates come in a range of flavours and designs and would be a beautiful surprise. Choose from classic flavours such as milk, white and dark chocolate or opt for something a little more unusual such as their sea salt praline chocolate or limited edition flavours of gingerbread or blackberry, apple and walnut crumble. They also have chocolates which are free from dairy, gluten and alcohol. Shop here.
200 North Street, Southville, BS3 1JF
14. Corks of Bristol
When in doubt, a bottle of wine can go a long way at Christmas. For one of the greatest ranges of wines – red, white, orange, sparkling, you name it – as well as spirits, beers and ciders, you have to head to Corks. With a location on both sides of the river, you want have to travel far for the perfect bottle.
Corks of Cotham, 54 Cotham Hill, Redland, Bristol BS6 6JX
Corks of North Street, 79 North St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1ES
15. Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft
Fancy gifting something a little different this year, but still screams: BRISTOL! You could do a lot worse than stopping by the Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft shop, where you can pick up original work from Stokes Croft China, People’s Printshop, and other PRSC artists. Grab edgy bone china designs on bowls, mugs, plates and more, alongside posters, postcards and prints from local artists.
14 Hillgrove St, Bristol BS2 8JT