While we like to encourage shopping independently during ‘normal’ times, after the effects of the pandemic on small businesses supporting them has become more important than ever before. So, if you’re looking to shop local, here’s our guide to some of 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.
1. Arch 13
Arch 13 is much-loved here in Birmingham for its cheese and charcuterie, and is also home to Connolly’s wine bar. For those who love to try their own hand at cooking, their deli is the perfect spot to pick up a few treats. From hampers packed with goodies from local businesses, to specialist ingredients that you won’t find in your nearest supermarket – Arch 13 in the Jewellery Quarter has everything you need to nail a top cheese board at home, with great wines to accompany it too. They even have some great tote bags in this year which are packed with foodie treats like chocolates, jams and sauces.
Arch 13, 220 Livery Street, B3 1EU
2. 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 a number of 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
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. Order online here whilst their city centre shop is closed under current restrictions.
Swordfish Records, 66 Dalton Street, B4 7LX
4. Frilly Industries
Looking to buy something for a loved one who loves wearing jewellery? Frilly Industries has plenty of funky designs to choose from, mainly made with laser cut acrylic to form intricate shapes and designs. Classic or quirky, minimal or maximal, there’s likely to be something that will suit their style. Frilly Industries’ jewellery is fun and vibrant and we could sure do with some of that going into the new year.
5. 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 definitely 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 their mark.
Provide, 201 Jubilee Trade Centre, Pershore Street, B5 6ND
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. Isherwood and Co
Got a plant enthusiast in the family? Isherwood and Co not only has hundreds of beautiful plants, but it’s a lovely shopping experience, too, thanks to its pretty pink walls and and beautifully-arranged jungle. Pick up gorgeous potted plants, pampas grasses and lovely pots. You’ll be spoiled for choice. Shop online or visit them at their shop in Stirchley once they reopen.
Isherwood and Co, 1393 Pershore Road, Stirchley, B30 2JR
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 a treatment 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 gorgeous 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. Brumhaus
For all things Brum but in print form, there’s Brumhaus. If you’re buying for someone looking to spruce up their space and show off their love for the city in their home, then Brumhaus’ beautifully-designed prints of Birmingham landmarks and skylines with clean lines and geometric shapes might be just what they need. If there isn’t quite the print you’re after, you can always enquire about a commissioned piece by the Brumhaus artist, Alexander Edwards. Plus, for all those who love to switch off with a bit of colouring can also download prints to colour.
11. The Chocolate Quarter
The Chocolate Quarter creates beautiful artisan chocolates that can be picked up from their Jewellery Quarter shop or ordered online. The chocolates come in all shapes, sizes and colours, and would be a beautiful gift this Christmas. Choose from truffles and chocolate boxes, or opt for something a little more creative such as their whisky, rum and bacon truffle bar box, plus they have a range of flavoured chocolate truffles. They also have chocolates which are free from dairy, gluten and alcohol.
The Chocolate Quarter, 1A Spencer Street, B18 6DD
12. Sweetmeat Inc
Sweet goods make for a really thoughtful gift for anyone, and if there’s one local confectioner 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
13. Quarter Horse Coffee
Lockdown has seen a growth in the number of coffee aficionados as more people have purchased coffee machines to brew their own at home. 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, 88-90 Bristol Street, B5 7AH
14. The Clean Kilo
For all the eco-warriors in Brum, there’s The Clean Kilo. This zero waste supermarket has everything you could possibly need to lead a more eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle. From toiletries to loose leaf tea, there are loads of products either locally-sourced or 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 help 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. Driftroom
Known for their quirky homeware and gifts, Driftroom can be found in the Bullring Shopping Centre with a little something to suit all budgets. This Christmas, the uber-cool shop has some incredible stock – including funky lighting, retro-style furniture, and some fab décor pieces that would make perfect Christmas gifts. You can also shop their curiously curated range from the comfort of your own home.
Driftroom, Bullring Shopping centre, B5 4BS