Our top 9 last minute zero waste Christmas shopping hot spots in Bristol
With not long to go until Christmas 2021 upon us, there's probably be a few last minute bits and bobs on your list. With the issue of climate change being an ongoing and ever-present concern, shopping more consciously this festive season is the best thing we can do to help at a grassroots level – by using our spending power wisely.
People based in south Bristol (where Hairy Jayne is located) and beyond – we have you covered with our list of where to shop for plastic free and zero waste gifts. Even if you live in the UK but not near Bristol, you can always shop online from the listed places of course! But obviously shopping locally is best both for sustainability and for keeping your local economy strong.
Shopping locally for locally made products is a very sustainable as the carbon footprint is low. There's a brilliant campaign again this year called Shop Bristol that champions shopping online with local Bristol independents this Christmas. The directory lists 36 independent Bristol shops selling gifts.
Zero waste gifts to look for are free from single use plastic packaging and are made from sustainable materials like bamboo and easily recyclable glass and metal. And if you’re shopping for beauty and food products, look for vegan and natural ingredients that are readily biodegradable, too.
Our favourite Bristol shops for hunting down your last minute zero waste Christmas shopping and gifts
1. Fox and West, in Totterdown.
Fox and West on the Wells Road in Totterdown is a foodie treasure trove of artisan and locally produced foods. From posh organic teas to vegan sweet treats, there’s bound to be something special to eat or drink in there whether for you or someone else!
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2. bloop, in Totterdown.
No longer a walk-in shop, bloop is still open online with a collection point in front of the shop that are yellow lockers you can collect from any time. Lots of zero waste gifts, toiletries and eco cleaning goods for a plastic free home. bloop is also where our headquarters is, so is also a collection point when you shop online for Hairy Jayne gifts, too.
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3. These Two Hands, in Brislington.
These Two Hands sell nature-inspired, hand crafted designs made mostly in Bristol and the South West. Based on Sandy Park Road, there’s bound to be something beautiful for nature lovers in there.
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4. Tobacco Factory Sunday Market, in Bedminster.
The Tobacco Factory Market each Sunday in December has over 40 stalls selling locally made crafts and produce . The Five Acre Farm shop inside the Tobacco Factory on North Street also promises that “you’ll find everything you’ll need for the festivities, with fresh seasonal produce from our own farm in Backwell, foodie gifts, books, puzzles, homewares, toiletries, chocolate, craft beer, wine and gin, as well as cards from Bristol artists”.
https://tobaccofactory.com/whats-on/christmas-market/
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4. Rhubarb Jumble, in Bedminster.
Also on North Street is one of our favourite vintage shops, Rhubarb Jumble. If you’re looking for something for someone who loves anything kitsch or mid-century, it’s well worth a visit.
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5. Zara’s Chocolates, in Bedminster
Luxury handmade chocolates, yes please. Zara’s on North Street has plenty of plastic free and vegan options to satisfy your chocoholic’s needs, and they are open 7 days a week.
https://www.zaraschocolates.com/
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6. Good Store Studio, in Old Market
Good Store Studio on Old Market is full of very cool and colourful things made by independent makers. It’s a fun and collaborative lifestyle store run by 3 women with their own independent businesses running alongside.
https://www.goodstorestudio.co.uk/
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7. Prior Shop, in Cabot Circus
A mammoth eco lifestyle shop in the City centre housing work from 150 designer-makers. Prior Shop is the go-to shop to find lots of locally made, hand crafted goodness all in one place.
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8. Paper Plane, in Bishopston
Paper Plane is another independent shop supporting young, emerging local designer makers, located on Gloucester Road. They stock clothing, homewares and jewellery with a fresh and modern feel.
https://www.paperplanebristol.co.uk/
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9. Food Shop, in St Andrews
Another foodie heaven, Food Shop in St Andrews has a myriad of local (and imported) artisanal produce including wine, spirits, coffees, cheeses, fermented foods and gift hampers. They do gift cards, too.
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Plenty of ideas of where to source your sustainable gifts over the next couple of weeks in Bristol. A lot of them have click and collect options too, so can always take your time browsing online from your sofa first. And if you’re really stuck, there’s always the gift card option.
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