If like us, you’re still yet to start Christmas shopping in Birmingham, don’t panic! There’s still plenty of time to grab the perfect gift for everyone in your family before The Big Day. You can, of course, hit up the likes of Selfridges or The Mailbox, but why not support some local, independent Brummie shops during these ‘trying times’?
Supporting small businesses in Birmingham has never been more important. So, if you’re looking to shop local, here’s our guide to the best independent shops based in and around Birmingham to get that special gift this Christmas. From handcrafted pottery to fantastic artwork, there’s something to show your appreciation and love to all.
1. Connolly’s
When has a bottle of wine not been the perfect gift? Connolly’s shipping wines from all over the world to Birmingham since 1976 – and is also home to the Arch 13 wine bar. Swing by for every style, point, grape,and region imaginable, and maybe enjoy a glass or three yourself…
Arch 13, 220 Livery Street, B3 1EU
2. Provide
For all the born and bred Brummies, and damn proud of it (as they jolly well should be), then you’ll find incredible gift ideas at Provide. Made by Brummies, for Brummies, they have a selection of gifts that give a not-so-subtle nod to our city and will put a smile on the face of that special someone on Christmas. From hats and sweaters to tea towels and home décor, this Brummie can definitely make its mark. Shop for all their stuff online here.
Provide, 201 Jubilee Trade Centre, Pershore Street, B5 6ND
3. Swordfish Records
Know a music lover with a vinyl hobby? Swordfish Records are absolute pros when it comes to all things vinyl, and they have a huge library of records to choose from, too. Pop in for a nostalgic browse and support one of many independent shops in Birmingham. Not only will you be lining the pockets of a local instead of Jeff Bezos, but it’s also a great shopping experience for vinyl lovers.
Swordfish Records, 66 Dalton Street, B4 7LX
4. Voce Books
Shopping for an avid reader? A lovely, hand-picked book is always an easy gift idea. Voce Books is one of Birmingham’s newest independent bookshops, where you’ll everything from creative non-fiction or cutting-edge novelists. This sleek and trendy bookstore stocks stuff you won’t find in Waterstones!
Voce Books, 54-57 Allison Street, Digbeth, Birmingham
5. Stirchley Wines and Spirits
Stirchley Wines and Spirits offers an eclectic mix of wines, beers and spirits, giving wine and beer lovers the opportunity the try out something a little different to your usual supermarket offering. Their collection offers organic and natural options – with reds, whites, rosés and sparkling bottles available to order. They also have several beers from Birmingham like ones from the Birmingham Brewing Co and Two Towers Brewery. Check them out at their shop in Stirchley or shop online.
Stirchley Wines and Spirits, 1535/1537 Pershore Road, Stirchley, B30 2JH
6. Liquor Store
Want a gift to make the most stylish person in your life happy? Liquor Store on Colmore Row follows the ethos of ‘buy well once’, therefore offers great staple pieces for your wardrobe which are both stylish and unlikely to go out of fashion quickly. Whether they’re into the latest styles or love accessories, there are plenty of choices that don’t involve heading to the usual high street stores.
Liquor Store, 3 The Grand, 27 Colmore Row, B3 2BS
7. Enki
This cute independent Birmingham shop stocks an array of items that make the perfect last-minute gifts for Christmas. Be it handcrafted jewellery, pottery, recycled candles or funky stationary, Kins Heath’s Enki has something quirky to suit all tastes. Plus, you’ll find plenty of unique cards and wrapping paper to ensure those gifts arrive with love and care.
Enki, 30 High St, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7JT
8. Harvest
For all your skincare needs, whether it’s for your friend, mum, grandparent or uncle, Harvest has items to help make their skin one less problem to deal with in 2020. The shop in Kings Heath offers products made with 100% natural ingredients as well as using simple, biodegradable and reusable packaging. Harvest has an array of subtly-scented organic soaps, as well as shaving kits, candles, body oils, washes, creams and toners. Not sure exactly what to buy? Why not book them a treatment at Harvest? You can book over the phone or in-store.
Harvest, 34 Poplar Road, Kings Heath, B14 7AD
9. Kin Home
A one-stop shop for homeware, jewellery and stationary – Kin Home stocks gorgeous Scandi-style décor pieces that would be extra special as a gift for a loved one. Choose from gorgeous kitchenware and stunning vases, or browse through their cute selection of storage baskets, candles and plant pots. Check them out online, or visit the shop in Moseley.
Kin Home, 10 St Mary’s Row, Moseley, B13 8JG
10. Peter Forson
Everyone in Birmingham likes to think they’re in Peaky Blinders. So why not go all in this Christmas and buy that special someone the iconic ‘Peaky Blinders cap’? It’s one of the biggest sellers at Peter Forson, but this hat shop also offers a wide range of headwear, from bowlers to bucket hats, berets to boaters (and other types of hat that don’t begin with ‘b’, we promise).
Peter Forson, 17 Great Western Arcade, Colmore Row, Birmingham B2 5HU
11. Miss Macaroon
Look, we know that chocolates are a staple of gift-giving – and Birmingham has plenty of incredible independent chocolate shops – but why not try something a little different this Christmas? Grab a box of colourful French macaroons from Miss Macaroon – where all profits are invested in helping young people gain life-changing skills!
Miss Macaroon, Su45 Resorts World Birmingham, Pendigo Way, Birmingham, B40 1PU
12. Hedge
Described as ‘an offbeat sustainable florist and lifestyle store in Birmingham’, hedge is more than just a flower shop – although, dried flowers make for an incredible, everlasting gift that doesn’t create more waste. But you can buy all sorts this Christmas at Hedge – everything from cute ceramics to candles, stockings and socks, or cards and stationary, frilly napkins and cashmere bandanas.
Hedge, 1419a Pershore Rd, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JL
13. Quarter Horse Coffee
Everyone’s a coffee aficionado these days. If you’re buying for a caffeine lover, then head to the first independent Birmingham coffee roaster that is Quarter Horse Coffee. Whether they want to grind their own beans or just want ready-ground coffee to put into a cafetière then you’ll find a vast selection of these at Quarter Horse Coffee, ranging in notes, origins and roasts. You can also buy their own coffee capsules, as well as brewing equipment and even a subscription to receive their coffee regularly in the post.
Quarter Horse Coffee, 10 Kenyon St, Birmingham B18 6AR
14. The Clean Kilo
For all the eco-warriors in Brum, there’s The Clean Kilo. This zero-waste supermarket has everything you could need to lead a more eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle. From toiletries to loose-leaf tea, there are loads of products either locally sourced, plastic-free, or both, so you can help reduce your carbon footprint this spring. Plus, you’ll be making a loved one’s day, doing your bit to save the planet and helping these independent shops in Birmingham. You can visit their stores in Digbeth and Bournville or shop online for delivery or collection.
The Clean Kilo, 1 Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 4AA
249 Mary Vale Road, Bournville, B30 1PN
15. Sweetmeat Inc
Sweet goods make for a thoughtful gift for anyone, and if one local confectioner is nailing it at the moment – it’s Sweetmeat Inc. Based just outside of Birmingham in Stirchley, the fudge makers create unreal fudge flavours such as salted, malted milk, peanut butter, gianduja, turmeric and more – with the option to order up to nine assorted bags of fudge as a bundle as well as big slabs of fudge. They even offer honeycomb, peanut brittle and jars of fudge sauce.
Sweetmeat Inc, 1420 Pershore Road, Stirchley, B30 2PH
16. Minima
After a gift with a bit of style this Christmas? Minima has become our go-to shopping spot for statement homeware. Offering mostly timeless mid-century and contemporary furniture, you’ll find so much more than just a brand-new sofa. Whether it’s children’s toys or art prints, 70s ceramics or a specialist espresso maker, there’s one thing that defines it all (the clue is in the name), minimalism. If that sounds up your street, you’ll discover everything you could possibly need from this independent shop.
Minima, 98-100 Hospital Street, Birmingham B19 3QP
I don’t know about you but I can’t always be bothered with the shops amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas so I always opt for a Fever gift card, with which anyone can opt for their own experience. Done and dusted!