THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO BUYING GIFTS IN AND AROUND BRISTOL

Bristol is a vibrant city that has found fame in a large variety of areas, including cider brewing, cheese-making and glassblowing, to name a few. The city enables independents and local creative to flourish and shine making it easy to pick up a unique gift that is sure to stand out. Whether you choose a three-tiered cake made of cheese, or a luxury chocolate hamper, this guide will help you to find a gift for every possible occasion.

Upton Chilli

www.uptonchilli.co.uk

Upton Chilli produce all of their goods, from sauces to chocolates and sausages, on their farm. They sell mouthwatering chilli sauces at all levels on the Scoville scale, from your classic jalapeno to the seriously hot bourbon and ghost chilli sauce, aptly named The End. So, whether you’re a spice connoisseur or a purveyor of blandness (don’t worry – many of us are!), there is a gift here for everyone.

Bristol Cider Shop

www.bristolcidershop.co.uk

Bristol Cider Shop is the go-to place to buy traditional English ciders for your loved ones, offering a variety of reasonably priced cider selection boxes and gift sets. Their flavours range from blackberry and apple to a ginger beer infusion, and the shop’s website provides a helpful indicator of each cider’s taste by giving them a rating of dry, to medium, to sweet. You can also opt to gift a cider tasting kit to be enjoyed at home.

The Bristol Cheesemonger

www.bristol-cheese.co.uk

Given Bristol’s proximity to Cheddar Gorge, it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to pick up a cheesy gift for your loved one. The Bristol Cheesemonger offers cheese subscriptions that can be gifted to others. And, for really special occasions, you can even order a cheese-lover a celebratory cheesecake. But that’s not a cheesecake in the ordinary sense; it’s actually a tailor-made tiered ‘cake’ made out of cheese.

Bristol Pound

www.bristolpound.org

Purchasing money from the Bristol Pound is a great way to support independent businesses in Bristol by keeping money in the area. Bristol Pounds can be spent on a variety of things, from paying your energy bill (if you live in the area) to buying a pint at a local pub. The notes themselves are vibrant, colourful and intricately designed, making them an ideal gift alternative to an ordinary voucher or plain cash. 

Ooh! Chocolata

www.loveooh.co.uk 

With a variety of enticing flavours, including sea salt caramel and tiffin, Ooh! Chocolata has something for every chocolate fanatic, including vegans. You could choose to gift a luxurious chocolate hamper, or purchase a subscription package to allow your loved one to indulge in three regular chocolate bars and one surprise bar every month. This is primarily a delivery service, but many of their bars are stocked by independent West Country businesses.

Blue Glass

www.bristol-glass.co.uk

Glass-making is an important part of Bristol’s history. At Bristol Blue Glass, the glassmakers are passionate about using traditional techniques so that the origins of glassmaking aren’t forgotten. They make every product entirely by hand without moulds, meaning that each piece is a unique piece of art. Blue Glass also offer glassmaking courses, perfect for those friends or loved ones that have a creative flair.

That Thing

www.thatthing.co

If you’re looking for the perfect trendy clothing item or accessory, there’s no better place to look than That Thing. That Thing houses clothing lines designed by around 50 Bristol-based designers, as well as having their own in-house clothing line. They stock both men and women’s clothing, from casual t-shirts to dresses and festival attire, so you will no doubt find the perfect gift in no time.

Co.LAB

www.bristolcolab.com

Co.LAB is an independent miscellaneous store in the heart of Bristol that supports local artists and designers by showcasing their work. They also have an online marketplace where you can purchase their art prints, clothing, jewellery and quirky greetings cards. Purchasing your gifts from Co.LAB is a fantastic way to support Bristol’s creative scene whilst ensuring you are buying something totally original.

Street Art Walking Tour

www.wherethewall.com/the-bristol-street-art-tour

World famous street artist Banksy was born in Bristol and many of his most famous works are dotted around the city. A great gift idea for someone looking to discover Bristol’s hidden gems is a street art walking tour, such as those offered by Where The Wall. Or for those who would rather explore the city at their own pace, you could gift a voucher for the Bristol Museums, which also house some of Banksy’s iconic works.