It’s no secret that us Bristolians, both honorary and those born and bred, are a proud bunch championing creativity and independence! So with that in mind we have put together a local independent gift guide curated by the Raised in Bristol team and inspired by the Shop Bristol Independents movement.

At our nurseries we put an emphasis on wholesome toys made with natural materials that promote play led learning – alongside books and games that encourage accessible and inclusive learning for all. In this guide you’ll find an array of gift ideas with this ethos in mind. We hope it gives you some great ideas of what to get the little ones in your life and where to buy from this festive season.

#shopsmall #supportlocal #shopbristol this Christmas! ❤️⭐️🎄⛄️

Prehistoric Land Puzzle Set – Bam Store & Space, Easton

Know a certain someone who’s dinosaur mad? Well this Prehistoric Land Puzzle Set would make the perfect gift for toddlers and preschoolers who are getting into puzzles. There are seven simple puzzles in the set – ideal for improving hand-eye coordination, problem solving and motor skills.

Bam Store & Space in Easton is a wonderful not-for-profit organisation selling everything from gifts and stocking fillers to toys, puzzles, games, books and lots more. They also host creative community workshops, events and talks in the space with the mission of helping create a happier, healthier neighbourhood. They don’t just focus on the kids either with a range of products and gifts to suit all ages both in store and online.

Address: 104-108 Belle Vue Rd, Easton, Bristol BS5 6BX
Web: bambristol.co.uk
Insta: @bambristol

Hey You! Book by Dapo Adeola – Good Store Studio, Old Market

Hey You! By award-winning Author and Illustrator Dapo Adeola, explores the experiences Black children face growing up with systemic racism but in an open yet empowering way. It provides hope for the future and delivers a message of pride to a new generation of dreamers. A book with an important message it showcases artwork from Dapo Adeola himself alongside eighteen other talented Black illustrators. Adeola said “if you’re not exposed to certain kinds of books it is difficult to envision yourself being in certain places, or to see positive and accurate reflections of yourself in the world,”

Good Store Studio was formed by three independent business women when they brought together their three businesses: The DIY Supermarket, Palace Flophouse and Duvet Days under one roof – in the bustling indie hub of Bristol’s Old Market. A collaborative lifestyle store, all goods are stocked from independent makers and selected with a fusion of all things beautiful and joyous in mind, The team’s love for colour and texture is clear with the plethora of items with stock being a real feast for the eyes. From games, puzzles and books to handmade clothing it’s well worth a browse.

Address: 31 Old Market Street, Bristol, BS2 0HB
Web: goodstorestudio.co.uk
Insta: @goodstorestudio

Boodle Bee Baby Leggings – Paper Plane, Gloucester Road

These gorgeous organic cotton Bee Baby Leggings from Boodle, a small ethical clothing brand run by Beth from her home studio. All designs are hand-drawn and screen printed onto the products in Somerset using eco-friendly inks (Permaset) that contain no toxins or plastic. The leggings are made in Cornwall by seamstress Tina and are beautiful soft and genderless in their design.

Paper Plane on Gloucester Road is a design-led independent shop selling gifts, jewellery, clothing & art from Bristol & the UK. Run by Illustrator and business woman Alice Rolfe, Paper Plane has a keen interest in supporting young designers and brands. They are proud to stock handmade ethical and sustainable work from over 50 local emerging designers, makers and artists.

Address: 196 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 8NU
Web: paperplanebristol.co.uk
Insta: @paperplanebristol

Handmade Tooth Fairy Hangers – Eclectic Shop, Hanham

Make sure the tooth fairy knows where they are going with these fab handmade hangers. Like a classic hotel ‘do not disturb’ sign, hang it on the door handle with the tooth in the little pocket and hopefully the tooth fairy will exchange it for a lovely shiny coin! They also come in a range of colours and make a great stocking filler.

As the name suggests Eclectic shop on Hanham High Street has something for everyone. It’s home to a carefully curated selection of 100 independent creative businesses and local artists! From handmade jewellery, local art and greetings cards, glassware, ceramics, baby clothes, candles and skin care to a range of tasty food and drink.

Address: 51c High St, Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3DQ
Web: eclecticgiftshop.co.uk
Insta: @eclecticgiftshop

Wildlife Collection Seed Boxes – These Two Hands, Brislington

Inspire the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts with these beautifully illustrated seed boxes. There’s a bee one with a carefully selected mix of native wildflowers to attract various species of bee, a butterfly one for attracting butterflies and ensuring their conservation, a hedgehog one to attract tasty insects for them to eat, which is the same as the bird and the bat boxes and then lastly the beetle box is full things that will attract ladybirds and beetles. Each one comes with a little card insert to explain what the balls are and how to use them. Seedballs are incredibly easy to use – just scatter them on top of soil or compost (no digging or expertise required) and nature will do the rest!

These Two Hands originally solely an online shop but now with a physical pop-up shop in Brislington is a curated collection of locally handcrafted, nature-inspired gifts and homewares made from natural sustainable materials by over 50 small independent makers. These Two Hands is a family business run by owner Naomi with help from husband Charlie and their little girl Lucy who’s a big inspiration to what they do.

Pop-up address: 83 Sandy Park Road, Brislington, BS4 3PG
Web: thesetwohands.co.uk
Insta: @thesetwohandsuk

Here are some more fantastic independent Bristol shops to add to your local shopping itinerary: Born in Bristol in St George, Casper in Southville, Playful Toy Shop on Gloucester Road, Toyville in Bedminster and Frankly at Wapping Wharf. For more gift inspiration for everyone in the family check out the Shop Bristol Independents website and follow them on Instagram!

The Gift of Childcare – Raised in Bristol

Last but not least! If you are still stuck for ideas then why not treat a special someone with the gift of child-free time! Our gift vouchers can be used towards the payment of any session at any Raised in Bristol Nursery. You can either send them on as an electronic gift or follow the included instructions on printing them out. The vouchers are designed to be printed at DL size, so if you wanted to give them as a physical gift, they’ll fit perfectly in a voucher sized card.

You can find out more and buy our Raised in Bristol Vouchers here.

A Raised in Bristol local indie gift guide for children 2021