Handpicked Treasures: Unique Christmas Gift Ideas from Independent Creators in Bristol
Are you searching for the perfect Christmas gifts that truly capture the spirit of personalisation and support local and independent businesses?
This festive season, leave behind the bustling high street chains and immerse yourself in the charm of local and independent creators. Dive into the heart of Bristol’s independent scene, where each gift is selected with thoughtfulness and a deep understanding of what makes your loved ones special.
To point you in the right direction and give you some gift inspo, I’ve compiled a list of handpicked gift ideas from carefully curated independents in my own city of Bristol.
1. ELIN HORGAN JEWELLERY
First on my list is Elin Horgan Jewellery. Elin has a passion for designing and creating understated, bold and modern jewellery. Each piece is handcrafted with attention to detail from her studio in Bristol with a focus on using sustainable materials. With a design ethos of ‘beauty in simplicity’, Elin uses geometric shapes and clean lines to give her work a timeless and classic aesthetic. Beautiful pieces that will add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
From dainty earrings and necklaces to bold statement pieces, there’s no shortage of choice in finding the perfect jewellery gift. I have to confess, I am a huge fan of Elin’s jewellery. I am naturally drawn to circles and geometric shapes, so Elin’s work resonates with me - I’m the proud owner of the Artemis necklace, which is in constant wear.
Elin’s jewellery is crafted from recycled silver and is also available in gold vermeil. I love that the range is available in both silver and gold options, as it makes finding the perfect piece so much easier and means you can pick something that truly matches your loved one’s preference. All of Elin’s jewellery arrives beautifully packaged in a gift box - ready to pop under the Christmas tree!
Whether you’re looking for a special gift for your mum, sister, daughter, favourite aunt or dearest friend, there’s no doubt that you’ll find the perfect choice from Elin’s vast range of jewellery and give a gift to cherish for years to come.
Bubble Statement Rings and Faceted Ring Bands
Artmis Necklace and Juno Medium Circle Earrings
2. STITCHING ME SOFTLY
As an avid knitter myself, I can confirm that nothing makes a crafter’s heart sing more than a crafty-themed gift. Always gratefully received!
Emma is the creator of Stitching me Softly, which is run from her Bristol studio. Emma designs and creates the most beautiful crochet kits, including statement necklaces, friendship bracelets, plant baskets, bobble hats, and clutch bags! The difficult thing will be deciding which gorgeous gift to buy for your loved one. These kits make such a special and personal gift, not only from the joy of creating something special, but the end product will be a permanent reminder of your gift, which can be enjoyed for years to come.
I love the crochet Necklace Craft Kit. It contains enough cord, in colours of your choice, to make three necklaces, along with instructions and the option to include magnetic cord ends. All beautifully boxed, ready to wrap and pop under the tree! If you prefer a ready-made crochet necklace that’s instantly wearable, you can choose that option - again, selecting the cord colour of your choice. Either way, these handmade, statement-piece necklaces make such a personal gift.
No crafter can ever have too many stitch markers—they’re one of my favourite things to gift or receive! Each one serves as a lovely reminder of a thoughtful gift, adding a personal touch to every project. They make a fab stocking filler or Secret Santa gift idea, too!
Crochet Necklace Craft Kit
Stitch Markers
3. ROSE NISBET CERAMICS
Rose Nisbet’s ceramics make the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates unique, handcrafted artistry with a playful twist, all handmade from her studio in Bristol. Her vibrant pieces bring personality and colour into any space, making them ideal for those who love to express themselves through decor. From fun planters for the plant lover to pretty trinket dishes for the jewellery collector and striking candle holders for the cosy night in enthusiast, Rose’s collection has something for everyone. Her bold designs are a delightful choice for adding a touch of whimsical charm to any home.
I adore the Raised Bowl - it’s a true show-stopper with its elegant gold edge and playful gold spots. Perfect for displaying fruit or standing alone as a stunning statement piece that adds a touch of luxury to any space.
Rosie offers a great range of fun candle holders; the medium Polka Dot Candleholder pairs beautifully with the tall version, adding a playful touch to any table setting, mantelpiece, or cosy reading nook. Perfect for creating a warm, inviting glow in any room!
There’s an option to have your gift wrapped in Rosie’s handmade paper with your special handwritten message. The hand-painted wrapping paper is made with 100% recycled brown paper and acrylic paint.
Polkadot Tall Candleholder
Raised Bowl
4. EMY LOU HOLMES
In her Clevedon-based studio, just outside of Bristol, Emy Lou Holmes creates the most gorgeous vintage, mid-century-inspired stationery, fine paper goods and wall art.
Emy offers a delightful range of artwork that captures the essence of Bristol and other beloved UK cities, with a focus on iconic buildings, landmarks, and bustling streets. Her shop features vibrant art prints, perfect for home decor, and a selection of stationery and cards for memorable gifting. Additionally, her dog prints add a unique, pet-friendly touch to her collection, ensuring there’s a gift for everyone.
A wall art print makes the perfect, thoughtful gift—beautiful and personalised. With a wide choice of locations to choose from, these prints can reflect your loved one's favourite city or treasured memory. Whether it's a hometown view or a much-loved travel spot, these unique artworks are a stylish way to bring character into any space, making each piece a meaningful and memorable addition to their home.
Emy’s range of notebooks makes a fantastic gift for the stationery enthusiast in your life, especially as thoughtful letterbox gifts for those who don’t live near you. Whether for jotting down notes or staying organised, these stylish notebooks offer a charming way to bring a little piece of home—or a favourite place—into their life.
Bristol Clifton Suspension Bridge Somerset
Northern Soul Dancing Couple A6 Hardback Notebook
5. JEMIMA LUMLEY TEXTILES
Jemima is a talented, creative and experienced embroidery teacher (I know, she taught me to embroider!). She creates the most beautiful embroidery kits that are perfect for beginners through to experienced embroiderers. Each kit comes with everything needed to create a stunning piece of embroidery, including a printed design on cotton canvas, threads, a needle, a rough sampler for practice, and detailed, step-by-step guidance.
These make the perfect gift for the creatives in your life or someone you know who’s looking to embrace embroidery! They are also another great option for a letterbox gift.
I’ve chosen the Autumn Wreath Beginners Embroidery Kit - the rich autumnal colours are giving me cosy vibes. Perfect for winter downtime, curling up on the sofa during the Christmas holidays and immersing yourself in the joy of embroidery.
The Queen Ann's Lace Embroidery Kit is perfect for complete beginners and flower lovers in your life. Your loved one will be able to create something beautiful with just three basic stitches, and it is an ideal way to unwind and enjoy a creative moment during the holiday season.
Autumn Wreath Beginners Embroidery Kit
Queen Ann's Lace Beginners Embroidery Kit
I hope these suggestions spark inspiration for your Christmas gift shopping! By choosing gifts from these talented creatives, you’re not only giving something unique and thoughtful to your loved one but also supporting our vibrant local community in Bristol. From wall art and stationery to crafting kits, ceramics, and jewellery, there’s truly something for everyone on your gifting list. Who knows—you might even find a little something to add to your own wish list!
The Leather Store was created in 2008 by Beckie, turning her love of handbags and sustainable fashion into a much loved and respected brand.
Classic 70s handbags are the inspiration behind The Leather Store designs. Soft, supple leather, generously shaped, classic silhouettes with a whisper of bohemian and vintage flair. That’s our thing.
You can read more about Beckie and her brand ethos on her Story Page You can contact Beckie by email at hello@theleatherstoreuk.com
