Christmas gift guide 2017

Keep it local this year, with gifts from some of Bristol’s best businesses. From art to jewellery via theatre tickets and some of the region’s best food and drink, we’ve got you covered for even the trickiest people to buy for:

Hillside Studios and Gallery

The resident artists and designers work in stone, glass, ceramics, steel, paint and print. Visit the studios and workshops on the open days or by appointment, and buy work in the new gallery space, including Spring I, this beautiful piece of stained glass made by resident artist Bridget Birse of BB Design Garden Glass. £875.

Shindig Weekender Festival

Buy someone special a ‘something to look forward to’ present. Shindig Weekender Festival will be held on May 25-28 2018 in Bruton, and will kick-start the summer with Soul II Soul, A.Skillz and Crazy P on the bill. Shindig is a glorious mash up of gig, house party, circus, comedy show and kids’ party. £99 plus booking fee.

©Sarah Koury

Bristol Old Vic

Take your loved ones on a spellbinding adventure with Bristol Old Vic’s Christmas show The Little Matchgirl and Other Happier Tales. The show runs from November 30 to January 14. Gift vouchers and tickets available from Bristol Old Vic, King Street, BS1 4ED and from www.bristololdvic.org.uk.

Southville Deli

Southville Deli stock a large range of Guilberts Chocolates, beautifully boxed and handmade in the city centre for over 100 years. From pink champagne truffles to dark chocolate gingers and floral assortments made to old fashioned recipes, there is something unique for everyone this Christmas. From £10. 259-261 Church Road, Redfield, BS5 9HT and 262 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1JA

Diana Porter Contemporary Jewellery 

Surprise a loved one with something beautiful piece from Diana Porter Contemporary Jewellery. The new Emerge collection has plenty of gift-worthy pieces, including a versatile and luxurious hand-etched double hoop pendant (£141), or surprise someone very special with this cornflower blue sapphire, set in an exquisitely crafted, 18ct fairtrade yellow gold bezel setting. £3550. 33 Park Street, BS1 5NH.

Jollies Socks from Movement Boutique

Jollies Socks are made in England, from 80 per cent cotton and 20 per cent nylon. With a moto of ‘Wear a Pair. Share a pair’, for every pair sold by Movement Boutique another will be donated to the Julian Trust Night Shelter in Bristol for those who need them most. £15. Movement Boutique, 66 Alma Road, Clifton, BS8 2DJ.

Illustrate

Christmas couldn’t be easier with Illustrate’s unique range of high quality and sustainable products, including art prints, stickers, recycled sketchbooks, five-panel caps, tote bags and winter fashion. Dedicated to supporting emerging talent, all artwork is original and hand-drawn by their select team of in-house designers, including this grey wolf engraved phone case in cherry wood. From £10.

Amulet Boutique

The Misty Jumpsuit in super-soft stretchy velvet adds a bit of 1970’s bohemian glamour to your wardrobe. It can be worn either on or off-the shoulder, while soft pleating around the waist helps to cinch and flatter. And believe them when they say your derrière will look good. £110. Amulet, 39A Cotham Hill, BS6 6JY.

6 O’Clock Gin Brunel Edition from Grape & Grind

Distilled by Bramley & Gage in Thornbury, the exquisitely engineered 6 O’Clock Gin Brunel Edition is an export-strength expression of Strikingly Smooth 6 O’clock Gin. Distilled with more juniper and six additional botanicals for a more complex flavour profile, bottling is limited to 5,000 and is supplied in a presentation box. £41.99. Grape & Grind, 101 Gloucester Road, BS7 8AT.

Tobacco Factory Theatres

There’s something for the whole family at Tobacco Factory Theatres this Christmas with Beauty and the Beast, littlies’ treat The Ugly Duckling and Living Spit’s adults-only Nativity at the Theatre Shop, Clevedon, as part of the offsite BEYOND season. Gift vouchers and tickets available from www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.

Bristol Blue Glass

Make your Christmas table extra special this year with Bristol Blue Glass’ limited edition festive Green Aurora Collection from £23.50. Or, for the gin lover in your life, opt for these sleek and stylish blue glass gin bowls. £48 each. The Original Bristol Blue Glass, 357-359 Bath Road, Arnos Vale, BS4 3EW and 47 High Street, near St Nick’s Market, BS1 2AZ.

Anki

Splash out this Christmas and nab one of the bestselling toys of the year. Made by tech company Anki, who have their UK headquarters in Bristol, Cozmo is a cute robot with artificial intelligence and a huge personality. It recognises faces, cats and dogs, and learns words and behaviours. £199.

Thermae Bath Spa

Vouchers for Thermae Bath Spa give full use of the open-air rooftop pool, the indoor Minerva Bath and the new Wellness Suite. Other options feature a choice of lovely spa treatments and a delicious meal in the Springs Restaurant. From £36. Visit www.thermaebathspa.com or call 01225 33 1234.

The Motorhome Holiday Company

Give the gift of adventure this Christmas with a gift voucher from the Motorhome Holiday Company. Hit the road in a camper for full freedom and a good night’s sleep. Vouchers from £50.

Bristol Cider Shop

Drink some of the best of the West Country with this tasting kit, containing ten award-winning ciders plus a miniature of Somerset Cider Brandy and tasting glass. A Cider Tasting Guide, written by the cider experts at Bristol Cider Shop, tells you about each cider. £39.50.

Art by Carol Peace and many other Bristolian artists

Treat someone special to a beautiful piece of artwork for their home this Christmas. Carol Peace is one of Bristol’s best-known artists, creating beautiful sculptures of human forms and also paintings, like Bredwardine Blue, named after the colour of the river Wye that inspired it. A percentage of money from artwork of Carol’s sold through the Bristol24/7 shop goes towards the Bristol24/7 social impact agenda. £120 unframed.