Fashion / Christmas gift guide
Support local makers this Christmas
Instead of trawling the internet for presents this festive season, consider supporting independent businesses instead.
Making that extra bit of effort the buy locally-made, quality gifts supports independent makers and encourages creativity, all while putting money back into the city’s economy.
That Thing on Stokes Croft has an array of exciting Christmas gift ideas made by independent designers
There are many independent shops and Christmas markets to visit in Bristol. From Co.LAB on Gloucester Road and the Good Store Studio on Old Market to more than a dozen festive markets, there is so much to explore in every corner of the city. There are even independent traders at the markets in Broadmead and Cabot Circus for 2019.
is needed now More than ever
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A one-stop shop that offers everything from fashion to jewellery to homewares is That Thing on Stokes Croft. Founder Joh Rindom is encourages people to shop local and independent this Christmas, saying: “If you shop locally you are making a lot of people very happy. You are spending your cash locally, supporting independent makers and businesses and recognising the creativity that we are building in the city.
“This Christmas at That Thing, we’ve been more conscious of having a wider price range of products. We have a really good selection from £2.50, and lots of things at the £5 and £10 mark, as well as the more exclusive, beautiful items that can make someone’s Christmas really special.”
Reusable straws are a great stocking filler alongside the unique That Thing water bottles from their new sustainable range
There is everything reusable drinking straws, organic toothbrushes, cuddly beanies and fun scrunchies, that all make perfect stocking fillers, to beautifully painted plant pots by Emotional Waterfall, ornate handmade earrings by local designers including Dakota Rae Dust and Red Bird Makes and sustainable raincoats in amazing colours and patterns by Insane in the Rain.
“Sustainable products are a big hit too,” says Joh. “Our sustainable range has so many products from homewares, turtle bags and we have the Huskee coffee cups, which are made from recycled coffee husks.
“We are starting our own range of sustainable items too and already have a water bottle made from stainless steel with a bamboo lid that has been locally engraved with the That Thing logo by Bristol Design Forge. I’m all about choosing more sustainable items for the shop.”
Get your Christmas party outfit sorted with festive tinsel earrings by Dirty Fries and fabulous feather collars handmade in Bristol
It is important to remember, however, that shopping independently isn’t just for Christmas.
If shoppers are more conscious about shopping and, they can justify paying that little bit more on quality local produce; binning that fast-fashion shop for more sustainable purchases on items to will cherish and keep for years to come.
Join That Thing for their annual Christmas Lock-in with live music from Bee Bakare on Thursday, December 12 from 7pm-9pm at 45-47 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QP
Read our fashion editor Emma’s blog No Debutante
Read more: Event will encourage fashion-lovers to go sustainable in 2020
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