Looking for something special as a gift for a loved one or a unique piece of clothing that cannot be found anywhere else? Explore Bristol’s independent shops and boutiques, scattered across the city in the many shopping areas to find beautiful items from jewellery, accessories, and clothes, to homeware, toys and books.
Shop local for gifts
Bristol Blue Glass, located on Bath Road in Arnos Vale, re-established the craft of glassblowing in the city in 1988. Here you will find beautiful glass, jewellery, gifts and souvenirs all made using the simplest of techniques and basic hand tools making every piece completely unique.
Fancy Plants on Gloucester Road sell a range of tropical plants, cacti and succulents, and also run regular workshops.
Papadeli in Clifton is an award-winning deli open for take-away savoury treats, breads, cheeses, salads, coffees, and treats from local farms and producers. Pick up a hamper or a gourmet frozen meal to take home or back to your accommodation. Delivery is also available in Bristol with online marketplace Good Sixty.
The award-winning designer jewellery shop Wylde Jewellers is the boutique where you will find jewellery including competitively priced engagement and wedding rings and a range of handmade exquisite pieces crafted with special metals and stones. Sit down with a glass of champagne to discuss bringing your bespoke jewellery dreams to life and creating a truly special and individual piece all to your specifications and budget.
The Love Bristol Gift Card can be used at more than 160 businesses across the city including retailers, restaurants and theatres - it's a great way to support local businesses and also give someone a gift that they can use on their favourite things!
Don’t miss all of Bristol’s attractions gift shops too. Be sure to check out the latest products on offer at Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol Museum, the Arnolfini Book Shop, Bristol Aquarium and We the Curious.
Vintage and sustainable shopping
Shopping in vintage shops is an ethical, environmental, and economic winner with pre-loved treasures waiting to be rehomed. Get your vintage fix at the independently-minded Sparks department store, or browse a selection of boutiques in Bristol Shopping Quarter, which is also home to must-have iconic brands such like Levis Carhartt and Dr Martins.
Over on Park Street you'll find several vintage shops, from The Vintage Thrift Store to longstanding local favourites Sobey's and Uncle Sam's Vintage.
In nearby Quaker's Friars you'll find Prior Shop, an award-winning Bristol Independent retail shop and arts centre. Their main vision is to bring handmade products of the highest quality, to mainstream retail. What's more, they are not just your average shop; they're a campaign for social good and retail transparency, and protecting people and the environment is at their core.
Shopping districts
Gloucester Road is home to one of the longest stretches of independent shops in the UK, including delis, vintage clothing, record stores and places where you can buy a range of gifts made by local creatives.
Wapping Wharf on Bristol’s harbourside is brimming with an eclectic mix of independent shops – you’re sure to find something you love here from a vegan deli to a gift and homeware shop alongside many useful food shops, including The Bristol Cheesemonger, a butchers, fishmongers and a bakery.
Park Street and Queens Road in the city centre is home to several independent shops, including Back in Action, which has a broad range of kneeling chairs, beds and pillows and MBT shoes, plus a Stressless Studio and Floatation Centre to help you relax!
