We know what you’re thinking; now that John Lewis has closed down, where am I going to buy all my Christmas gifts? While the department store’s departure was a sad loss for us all, we now have more motivation than ever to give our business to independent retailers instead. So rather than cramming between herds of people in the Bullring to do your Christmas shopping this year, branch out and spend your pennies with businesses where each small purchase will make a big difference. While there are many brilliant businesses across Birmingham that represent the city’s drive and talent, we have highlighted our top picks for present-buying this Christmas. From craft beers to organic skincare and even electric bikes, we are sure this article will help you tick off everything on your Christmas gift list.
Craft ales: Birmingham Brewing Company
Whether you’re buying a secret Santa for a work colleague or a small something for your uncle Tony, craft beers are a fail-safe gift — especially when they’re from the Birmingham Brewing Company. From the Bitter Brummie to the Sober Brummie and everything in between, this local independent brewing company is guaranteed to jingle those refined ale taste buds.
Home accessories and furniture: Kin Homeware
Give interior enthusiasts the gift of homeware this Christmas with a vase, lampshade, or candle from Edgbaston-based home and lifestyle store, Kin. Chanelling modern minimalism with a refined retro edge, Kin’s carefully curated collection of homeware, furniture, lighting, and accessories will make for a sophisticated and style-savvy surprise.
Bath and body: Harvest Skincare
Rather than gifting your loved one a typical Ted Baker body set from the Boots 3 for 2 offer, pamper them instead with Harvest’s organic skincare range. Based in King’s Heath, Harvest makes simple yet effective all-natural skincare products that invigorate all of the senses. The Chia Seed Skin Oil and Black Pepper & Lemongrass Body Balm are our top picks.
Music: Swordfish Records
Give the gift of music this festive season with a record from Swordfish Records in Central Birmingham. With a collection of albums so great even Mark Ronson, Foo Fighters, and Neil Young have shopped there, you’ll be able to create your person’s perfect personalised vinyl playlist.
Savory treats: Arch 13
If you’re hosting a festive dinner party this Christmas, or even if you’re just attending one, don’t forget to pick up your savoury party favourites from Arch 13 Shop in the Jewellery Quarter. Selling all things charcuterie as well as cheese and wine packages, the delights from this upscale independent delicatessen will be sure to impress your guests.
Brummie themed buys: Provide
And for the friend or family member that is super proud of their home city, there’s Provide, a trendy clothing and art business specialising in all things Brummie. Shop the ‘Alright Bab!’ scarves and tees, ‘Happy Christmas Bab’ cards, and ‘Bab, it’s Cold Outside’ diffuser among many other funny yet ridiculously cool items.
Sweet Treats: The Chocolate Quarter
Romance your partner or show your appreciation to a friend with luxury handmade chocolates from The Chocolate Quarter in the Jewellery Quarter. Stuff some stockings with a cute chocolate penguin or go all out with a gorgeous Christmas Hamper filled with delectable festive-themed chocolatey treats. Or for the true sweet tooth, why not surprise them with a chocolate-making experience?
Eco-friendly: Clean Kilo
Find sustainable gifts for the eco-warriors in your family or friendship group at The Clean Kilo, Birmingham’s first zero-waste supermarket. Of course, we aren’t suggesting you wrap some sustainably farmed parsnips in recycled wrapping paper and call it a day. No, The Clean Kilo also stocks a selection of thoughtful eco gifts like soaps, wax melts, and wax wraps.
Wine: Loki Wine Merchant
Ok so maybe your uncle John is a little more sophisticated than your uncle Tony and prefers a good cab sav to a crafty ale. If so, there’s nowhere better to find the perfect bottle or case than Loki Wine Merchant. Spanning three locations across Birmingham, this popular bottle stocker sells over 600 brands of wine. If you feel a little too spoilt for choice, just ask for a tasting or three before making any rash decisions.
Jewellery: Smithsonia
Nothing says I love you at Christmas like a handpicked piece of jewellery, especially when it is designed by a local Brummie jeweller like Smithsonia. Quirky yet classic, it’s hard not to fall in love with Smithsonia’s pieces. There’s something for every budget from simple pendants to statement necklaces.
Bikes: Ribble bikes
Nothing says Merry Christmas like a brand new bike and there’s nowhere better to find one than Birmingham’s very own leading British bike brand, Ribble. Whether your loved one is all about off-roading or just needs something sturdy to cycle around the city on, Ribble’s stylish performance-led selection of road, gravel, electric, and hybrid bikes will satisfy their needs and surpass all expectations.
Books: The Bookshop on the Green Bourneville
Sandwiched between the Bourneville Village Green and the Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory, The Bookshop on the Green is Birmingham’s favourite independent bookstore. Choose your loved one a book that will evoke the imagination and spark creativity this Christmas from their thoughtfully curated collection of books spanning all genres for children and adults alike.
Plants: Isherwood and Co.
We all know someone with a slight plant obsession and there’s nowhere better to find the next addition to their collection than Irshwood and Co. near Bourneville. With succulents, palms, hanging plants, and more, plus a sweet selection of home and lifestyle accessories, this stylishly pink plant shop will ensure you find the right green-fingered gift for your loved one.
Something for everybody: Enki
Selling books, toys, mugs, candles, jewellery, and more, Enki is the ideal shopping destination for those who have no clue what to get their loved one. With such a wide range of cool gifts at a wide range of prices, you’re bound to leave Enki with all your recipients ticked off your gift list. And maybe even a cheeky gift or two for yourself too.
Prefer online shopping? Discover Brummie Etsy boutiques
If you want to support local businesses but prefer to shop online rather than instore, then check out online marketplaces like Etsy where you can narrow your search by location. Jesmonite homeware retailer Lobeela Sutdio, quirky vegan candle specialist FatCatLab, and chic illustractor MadeOnTheCanal are just some of the Birmingham-based Etsy sellers worth checking out.
