After a tough year for so many Bristol independents, we’re making it our mission to shop local this Christmas. From gifts to food delivery, there are lots of ways you can support small businesses in Bristol from now to the new year...
1. Choose locally made food and drink delights
From food hampers to restaurant vouchers, locally made beer and festive spirits, we’re spoilt for choice with Bristol’s array of food and drink gifting options. Papadeli has treats you can still pick up in store, Zara’s Chocolates (pictured) in Southville have delicious handmade selection of sweet treats and Espensen Spirit have some incredible seasonal spirits, including chocolate orange gin, which is available to order online. And we can't not mention local favourites, 6 O'clock Gin (pictured above), who have a delicious selection and their sloe gin making masterclass, if you fancy making your own gift. If you’re in need of inspiration look no further than Shonette’s handy foodie Christmas gift guide, packed full of out of this world presents perfect for any food lover.
2. Treat yourself to a festively fancy meal out, at home
This December we’re still looking forward to festive food and drink, even if it might be happening a home more than we thought. Luckily many of our favourite Bristol restaurants have quickly and brilliantly adapted to Covid restrictions to deliver incredible, restaurant quality food to your door. See all your indie options and discover somewhere new too, in Natalie Brereton’s bumper list of Bristol's independent hospitality businesses, featuring the delivery / pick up status of over 100 of Bristol’s indie restaurants, food producers and bars. Whether it’s during lockdown or beyond, you can always curve the curfew and make a tasty night of it at home!
3. Discover local arts and crafts makers
Bristol is filled with talented makers and creative independents selling everything from toys to clothing and homeware. Many have options to shop online for delivery or Covid safe collection during lockdown. A newly launched online directory, Shop Here Not There, has created a free space for any small business to be listed - which makes it perfect for browsing for some of the beautiful handcrafted, unique gifts Bristol has to offer. There's lots of independent makers to be found, including Pirrip Press.
4. Buy a local experience gift they’ll love
Find a completely unique Christmas present and give them something to look forward to in 2021 with an experience gift. Every experience on Yuup is hosted by a small business you’ll be supporting by shopping local. We now have over 135 experiences and counting, so whether you’re buying for yourself (that’s ok, right?) or gifting to the trickiest person on your list, there really is something for everyone. To help you choose, we’ve now launched our handy Yuup Christmas Shop, with ideas for every person and budget. The best bit is, you needn’t leave your sofa to get Christmas sorted!
5. Shop the Bristol Online Market for indie gifts
The Bristol Online Market brings together a host of the city's makers for a monthly virtual marketplace. You'll find handmade gifts and everything from vintage clothes to jewellery and ceramics. You'll be able to shop products from a range of Bristol's indie businesses on their online marketplace. Head to the Bristol Online Market for more!
