9 places to buy alternative gifts in Bristol
Posted on: 03 Dec 2018Struggling to find that perfect gift? Let’s leave bath bombs, slippers and the rest this year. Instead, we’ll focus on what Bristol independents have to offer. From wellness to jewellery to bikes to vinyl, we've curated the ultimate guide to alternative gift-giving in Bristol! Have a browse and make Christmas extra special this year.
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Beauty products @ The Other Space
The Other Space – Wapping Wharf’s newest nail and beauty bar - is Loop Massage’s sister company. Visit their gorgeous, contemporary cargo for some wellness-inspired Christmas gifts! Only stocking tried and tested products, The Other Space offers an array of natural oils and beauty products - we hear they’re doing gift hampers just in time for the festive season…
Some other harbourside treats we think you should check out is Temple Cycles, the Arnolfini bookshop and Fig1.
Stationary @ Papermsiths
Situated in the heart of Clifton Village, you’d be silly not to pop into Papersmiths on a lazy Sunday for some stationary gift shopping! Brimming with arthouse mags, pretty pens and more, this spot is the perfect place to grab loved ones a very aesthetic, Christmas surprise.
Jewellery @ I Am Acrylic
Nestled on the Christmas Steps (I mean – could you get any more fitting?!) sits I Am Acrylic; a quirky trinket and jewellery shop. Every item on sale in this awe-inspiring little shop is handmade, and unsurprisingly, forged out of vibrant acrylic materials. Necklaces, brooches, and more; I Am Acrylic is here for lovers of sweet statement accessories.
Music and vinyl @ Idle Hands
There are many places in Bristol to find vinyl, but Idle Hands is a Bristol institution. If you know someone really into their dance music, then this is the place to go! Find Idle Hand, and it’s Hand’s eclectic selection of dance music just off Stokes Croft. Need some sounds a little more mainstream? The likes of Rough Trade will be able to help.
Handmade designs @ Bristol Blue Glass
Bristol Blue Glass is a fantastic example of local craftsmanship at work. They’ve led the revival of glass-making in the area, and have perfected their techniques over decades. Give the gift of skilled craftsmanship this festive season, with one of the collective’s handmade creations. Vases, baubles and pots; their opulent designs are the perfect statement piece.
Artwork and clothes @ Illustrate in The Arcade
Illustrate is The Arcade’s answer to arty gifts. Producing and printing only original work, illustrate is a collective of artists working to produce products (and perfect gifts) which are environmentally and socially sustainable! Print, clothes and more, Illustrate is a hotspot for high-quality.
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Coffee @ Two Day Coffee Roasters
The clue is in the name! Two Day coffee is a wonderful local roaster with an array of coffee-related products. Head inside to discover on-hand coffee-experts, bean selections and most importantly – premier cafeterias and mugs! Vibrant colours and lovely French presses; these make for the perfect stocking filler.
Quirky arts @ Makers
Dedicated to all things handmade, Makers offers one of the largest collections of original artwork, trinkets and interiors. Born out of the vision of four close, local artists, Makers is as much a gallery space as it is a shop! Stroll through their beautifully decorated space and find your loved ones something special; whether that be a vibrant print, an autumnal lampshade or a decorative trinket!
Gin-tasting @ The Rummer
Know a gin-fanatic? We all do. Why not gift them with a gin tasting for two at The Rummer? Forging highly exclusive blends, their recently installed micro-distillery been a hit with gin-lovers and locals alike, while tasting sessions give visitors the chance to taste and learn about the tipples on offer. It’s a quirky gift, that’s for sure!
Have we missed anything? If you have an alternative gift on offer, let us know via Facebook or email!
