10 shops to buy sustainable Christmas gifts in Bristol

As Christmas fast approaches, so does shopping. But could it go hand-in-hand with sustainability?

With both a climate and a cost of living crisis clashing this festive period, saving the planet doesn’t need to mean breaking the bank.

Ecoveritas finds the UK produces and discards an extra 30 per cent of rubbish throughout at Christmas. Not only that, but 227,000 miles of wrapping paper are used each year – with over 83km squared ending up in the bin.

Thoughtful and locally-sourced gifts go a long way. According to Finder, over half of the UK adults have received “unwanted gifts” for Christmas. Beyond the superficial disappointment, it’s even sadder to think those gifts might end up discarded in landfill.

Here is a list of independent shops that include sustainable, hand-made and locally sourced products for some last-minute festive gift shopping in our city:

1. Lucy & Yak 

The independent company has opened its first shop in Bristol. This year, Lucy & Yak have also taken part in the Sustainable Fashion Week. Lucy & Yak offers a range of high-quality clothing. All of their processes are certified as sustainable, and they’re currently working with Ecologi to offset their carbon emissions. To learn more about their sustainable practices you can read their impact report here.

www.lucyandyak.com/blogs/news/our-new-bristol-store/11-13 Stokes Croft, St Paul’s, BS1 3PY

Lucy & Yak opened their Bristol shop earlier this year

2. That Thing

One of Bristol’s most traditional independent stores, That Thing offers lifestyle products from independent designers, including clothing jewellery and accessories.

www.thatthing.com/ 45-47 Stokes Croft, St Paul’s BS1 3QP

That thing showcases products by local designers and artists

3. Don Majors

The vintage and designer streetwear has been open for over 12 years. Don Majors sells unique, one-off pieces both online and in their shop.

www.donmajors.co.uk/ 233a Cheltenham Road, Bishopston, BS6 5QP

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cln2ycAuowj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

4. Future Leap shop

On Gloucester Road, the Future Leap sustainable lifestyle shop offers hand-made, plastic-free, and eco-friendly products. All items are locally-sourced from ethical suppliers. You can get jewellery, art pieces and even personal care items. Check our their Christmas market on everyday until Friday too.

wwww.futureleap.co.uk/ 1-3 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8AA

https://www.instagram.com/p/Clnwdhkugb1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

5. Fox + Feather

A great independent lifestyle shop, Fox + Feather opened in 2012 offering unique collections of clothing, accessories and homeware.

www.foxandfeather.co.uk/ 41 Gloucester Road, Horfield, BS7 8AD

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck37MejM9Ll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

6. Repsycho

Repsycho has true vintage at its core. The team measures each item carefully to improve the customer’s experience with sizing and fitting. With endless options for all budgets and styles, Repsycho offers preloved and affordable clothing.

www.repsycho.co.uk/ 85 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8AS

Repsycho takes an interesting approach to ‘true vintage’

7. The Ottowin Shop

This shop has a curated collection of products from independent artists and designers. Ottowin has in-store footwear made in their shop, clothing, beauty, and homeware. Its footwear promotes a slow fashion option, making less than 200 pairs a year.

www.theottowin.shop/ 56 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8BH

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9En86MW1D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

8. Disk Frisk

Not everything is about clothes. Disk Frisk is an amazing second-hand music store with a unique selection of vinyls. They also have gift cards available.

www.instagram.com/diskfrisk/ 4 Sommerville Road, Bishopston, BS7 9AA

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl6kCrOM2nU/?hl=es

9. The Rambling Rose

More than just a flower shop, the Rambling Rose sells houseplants and gifts. In store, they can help you choose the ideal plant for a specific environment. The store also offers advice on how to keep your plants alive and well, and the team avoids using cellophane or single-use plastics.

www.theramblingrosebristol.com/ 226 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NZ

The rambling rose offers advice and workshop to keep your plants alive and well

10. PRIOR

Award-winning not-for-profit independent shop PRIOR is located in Bristol’s city centre. They’re passionate about sustainable and community-centred experiences. In their shop, PRIOR showcases the work of sustainable designers, most of them being Bristol-based. PRIOR offers home decor, prints, ceramics, and clothing. You can shop both in-store and online.

www.priorshop.uk/ Unit 10, Philadelphia Street, Quakers Friars, BS1 3BZ

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkaUKQYt7ca/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This piece of independent journalism is supported by NatWest and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership

All photos: Valentina Hernández Gómez 

Read next:

• Council’s climate emergency action plan criticised 
• ‘How can we reach net zero when our public transport system is in shambles?’ 
• Inside a Just Stop Oil meeting in Bristol 
• The Bristol climate experts who went to COP27 on its outcomes 

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