Shopping local & independent in Bristol this Christmas
Tis’ the season to be merry and bright! Except, 2020 kind of pulled a number on us and we’re not sure how to feel anymore. It’s going to be fine though! Honestly! Fine! Keep saying it!
Here at The Forge we love independent makers, do-ers, and dancers. It’s been at the heart of what we do since we opened our doors. We’re on a mission to shop local in Bristol this Christmas, and we reckon you are too. Find below our Bristol Christmas Shopping List 2020. All hail Bristol and the wonderful people that make it so great.
Words : Daisy Dobson Photography : Silkie Lloyd
Lowlands
A treasure trove if there ever was one. Lowlands is the kind of shop that makes you want to redecorate your entire house to make a home for the mid-century teak bookcase you couldn’t say no to. Find a selection of northern-European inspired lights, furniture and homewares to gift your favourite person. They’ll be cycling parcels out across the city with a local courier to get your gifts to you.
Ottowin
Mighty duo Ollie and Lucy design and make beautiful footwear in their Gloucester Road studio. Handcrafted using the highest quality industry waste and vegetable-tanned leather the boots are frankly, delicious. They stock sustainable clothing, homeware and goodies and will be manning the store in the run-up to Christmas with a simple click and collect system through their website.
Red Bird Makes
All of Red Bird Makes pieces come with a side of nostalgia and a yearning for the simple life. Find handmade silver earrings, eclectic pins and minimalist necklaces. We love. Order via her website for international shipping.
Pirrip Press
Hailing from Bristol’s Art Quarter a visit to Pirrip Press is food for the soul. Beautiful prints, cards and stationery can be found next to a cracking selection of zines. Order via their website for international shipping.
Good Store Studio
Leading the charge of an independent Old Market; Good Store Studio is a haven with a trio of Bristol legends at the helm. The selection of cards, homewares, prints, ceramics and jewellery make the perfect Bristol indie gift this season. Click and collect or free local delivery over £20 for the festive season. They’ll gift wrap your presents and pop a handwritten card in to boot.
Wild Source
Small-batch, natural skincare designed to revitalise skin and bring a little peace to your day. Calling for rituals over routines in your beauty regime Wild Source offer a selection of body oils, bath soaks, facial scrubs and more made in our very own Bristol. (Spoiler: they smell incredible). Order via the website for international shipping.
Two Belly
Forget your mince pies and port, we all know Christmas is just about cheese and beer. The crew at Two Belly take both very seriously with an impeccable array from the British Isles and beyond. They’ve bundled up a selection of the best of their produce into boxes to make gifting even easier. Their shops are open and they’re delivering across the city throughout November and December.
Friendly Records
Bedminster- based, Friendly Records have been serving up good tunes and good times for eons. A slave to no particular genre about from ‘good music’, you’re guaranteed to find something for the vinyl-love in your life. International shipping is available through their website.
Bloom and Curl
The finest, most delectable independent bookshop Bristol has. A window display with an ever-changing show of beautiful vintage books is hard to resist. A treasure trove of stories beckons from within.
Bam Bristol
Art, vinyl, gifts, beauty, toys, books; find all the good stuff and more at Bam Bristol. The non-profit store calls Easton home, if you’re local you can pop by and pick up your new favorite thing. Orders over £30 get free delivery across Bristol.
Papadeli
Our long-term love affair with Papadeli has been no secret, they’ve been the number one choice to feed our guests for years. Head to their online deli (less tasters, more convenience) to browse food gifts and hampers. The good folk of Good Sixty will courier your purchases to you.
I Am Acrylic
Duo Brendan and Ruth craft bespoke, one-off pieces of eye-catching jewellery from their studio in Bristol’s Arts Quarter (they’re most excellent neighbours). Designs are created from hand-cut acrylic and ensure the wearer stands out from the crowd.
Bristol is bursting at the seam with creatives, far too many to mention here. Shout outs to Blaze Studio, Makers, That Art Gallery, Leather Needle Thread, Ami Pepper, Wild Grove, Blues, and Bristol Cheese
Our little love letter to Bristol independent shops this Christmas. Behind each of these websites and stores are individuals working very hard to provide our city with something lovely. Now more than ever, it is important to show them support.