5 min readBuying local and handmade is easy in Bristol, we've got a wealth of independent shops and markets for you to browse to your heart's content! Take a look at our top picks for gift shopping in the city, from bookstores and delis to art shops and more.
If you're looking for a way to support local businesses, the Love Bristol Gift Card can be used at more than 160 businesses across the city including retailers, restaurants and theatres. Whoever you give the gift card to will be able to spend it on whatever they choose, from spa treatments to a night out, knowing they are supporting local businesses at the same time.
Sparks, Bristol Shopping Quarter
Shopping in vintage shops is an ethical, environmental and economic winner with treasures waiting to be discovered and re-homed. Browse the floors at sustainabile department store Sparks, which has a range of local makers, designers and creatives housed inside. They also host ethically-themed events and workshops throughout the year.
Image - Sparks Bristol
St Nicholas Market, Old City
As well as being packed with excellent street food options, St Nicholas Market is also home to a broad range of independent shops and stalls, including Beast Clothing, Grandma's Toy Shop, The Hot Sauce Emporium, Be Natural Products and Hey Jo Jo.
Image - St Nicholas Market
Wapping Wharf, Harbourside
Home to an eclectic mix of independent shops, you're sure to find something you love here. From pet accessories to books and homewares, this popular harbourside quarter is brimming with goodies not found on the high street. The neighbourhood also includes The Bristol Cheesemonger, Better Food Co, Clifton Seafood, Meat Box butchers and East Bristol Bakery – so you can even get your food shop done too!
Image - Cargo 2 in Wapping Wharf. Credit Jon Craig
The Original Bristol Blue Glass, Old City & Arnos Vale
It'll be a blue Christmas but for all the right reasons when shopping here! Bristol Blue Glass started in 1988 with the aim to re-establish a glass making tradition back into Bristol that had been lost for over 60 years. At this time, a lot of the traditional English glass making techniques were in severe danger of being lost forever. After mastering the skill, their glass makers now blow all of their glass using only the simplest of techniques and basic hand tools. The whole range of glass is free blown, therefore every piece is unique. You will find beautiful handmade glass, jewellery, gifts and souvenirs here. Don't be fooled, though they are called Bristol Blue Glass they are able to blow everything in clear Crystal as well. Click and collect is available.
Image - Bristol Blue Glass
Prior Shop, Bristol Shopping Quarter
Prior Shop is an award winning not-for-profit independent shop, workshop space, gallery and community hub in Quakers Friars, Bristol Shopping Quarter. Here you can shop for handmade products of the highest quality from a wide variety of independent makers. As an independent superstore, Prior Shop holds a significant responsibility to provide prime retail shelf space to as many makers as possible.
Image - Prior Shop
Papadeli, Clifton
Treat yourself or a loved one to some of the top quality food and drink at Papadeli. You can now have any of the artisan deli products found on their shelves delivered to you door, as Papadeli deliver through Good Sixty. If you're after foodie hampers, this is the place for you. Choose from ready made hampers or make up your own by choosing a basket and all the treats to go in it, for a truly scrumptious gift.
Image - Papadeli
Wylde Jewellers, Clifton
Thinking of popping the question this Christmas? With over 30 years experience, and their own patented diamond cut – the Wylde Flower Diamond® - this award winning, designer boutique jeweller is a must-see in your search for bespoke jewellery. Enjoy a glass of champagne whilst speaking to one of their jewellery designers by appointment, or chat with a highly trained consultant, all with zero obligation. Plus, bespoke pieces cost no extra than if they had made them for their shop window. Shop online with zoom appointments and WhatsApp virtual shopping available.
Image - Wylde Jewellers
Spirited, Southville
The shelves of this small bottle shop on North Street are always stacked with an impressive selection of whisky, gin, rum and more. They also stock an array of local products, and host regular tasting events and supper clubs, so you could also treat someone to a gift voucher for one of those!
Image - Spirited
Guilbert's Chocolates Ltd, Old City
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without booze, cheese and chocolate. The latter of the yuletide trinity can be sought out in this Bristol institution. Piers Guilbert opened his first chocolate shop factory on Park Street 100 years ago. They've since moved but, Guilbert’s still handmake chocolates and confectionery by traditional methods. Online you will find their classic and modern handmade boxed collections, plus their best-loved loose chocolate creams, truffles and fondants.
Room 212, Gloucester Road
If you're looking for something beautiful and made in Bristol, make sure you head to the treasure trove that is Room 212. Full of prints, bags, mugs and even lampshades made by local creatives. Their shop is currently open for click and collect orders. Gloucester Road is home to one of the longest stretches of independent shops in the UK. You could easily spend a whole afternoon, if not a whole day, here.
Image - Room 212
Gift shops at Bristol attractions
Bristol is home to some awesome attractions and many have a great gift shop too. Be sure to check out the latest range from Brunel's SS Great Britain, arty books at Arnolfini's Bookshop, memberships and animal experiences at Bristol Aquarium, Bristol Zoo Project and gift tickets from Aerospace Bristol.
Image - Arnolfini
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