If you’re anything like us, you left your Christmas shopping for the very last minute. Looking for places to tick off your Christmas shopping list this year while staying ethical and sustainable?
You’re in luck! Bristol is a treasure trove of eco-conscious and community-driven businesses that offer unique gifts with a positive impact. From zero-waste goodies to locally crafted art, there’s something for everyone – and the planet will thank you too.
To make things easier, we’ve compiled a fresh list of ethical and sustainable shopping spots in Bristol for 2025. Whether you’re after locally made treats, slow fashion, or zero-waste gifts, these businesses will help you spread the holiday cheer responsibly.
1) Port O’ Bristol by Xisto Wines
What’s better than a great bottle of wine? One with an impressively low carbon footprint. Xisto Wines brings sustainability to the forefront by transporting its carefully curated selection of wines via traditional sailing ships – no engines, just wind power.
This eco-friendly delivery method ensures a significantly reduced carbon footprint, even when importing wines from overseas. It’s a perfect gift for wine lovers who appreciate quality and care for the planet. Whether you’re after a bold red, crisp white, or something sparkling, Port O’ Bristol has you covered with sustainably shipped choices that taste even better knowing their journey was kind to the environment.
Find these exceptional wines at: https://xistowines.co.uk/
2) Boxlocal
When it comes to thoughtful, sustainable gifting, Boxlocal is hard to beat. This Bristol-based company curates beautifully packaged gift boxes filled with local treasures from small, ethical businesses in the area.
Inside, you’ll find everything from artisanal gin and wine to sustainable snacks, handmade beauty products, and more – the perfect recipe for a festive treat. The gift boxes themselves are just as eco-friendly as their contents, being 100% recyclable and available in sizes that range from “just right” to “jaw-dropping.”
Boxlocal makes supporting local businesses easy, all while delivering a meaningful and sustainable gift-giving experience. It’s Christmas shopping, Bristol-style.
Find your perfect box at: https://boxlocal.co.uk/
3) Windmill Hill Christmas Market
For a truly local Christmas shopping experience, look no further than Windmill Hill Christmas Market – our neighbourhood favourite! This festive market is a vibrant showcase of sole traders and small businesses from the Bristol area, offering an eclectic range of handcrafted, ethical, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
From handmade jewellery and locally produced food to upcycled homeware and sustainable decorations, there’s something here for everyone on your list. Plus, shopping at Windmill Hill means supporting the talented makers and small business owners that make Bristol’s creative community thrive.
Make it an event – browse the stalls, enjoy some mulled cider, and soak up the festive spirit.
Find out more about the market dates and traders here: https://www.bristolmarket.co.uk/windmill-hill-market/
4) Pippa & Paper
If you’re looking for personalised gifts with a creative twist, Pippa & Paper is the perfect choice. This Bristol-based business specialises in hand-crafted stationery, journals, and bespoke gifts that are as unique as the people receiving them.
Pippa & Paper’s designs focus on sustainability, with materials sourced responsibly and an emphasis on reducing waste. From custom notebooks to beautifully illustrated planners, these items are not only practical but also works of art in their own right – ideal for the stationery lover or organiser in your life.
Shopping with Pippa & Paper means giving a gift that’s thoughtful, stylish, and eco-friendly.
Browse their collection at: https://www.pippaandpaper.com/
5) Friendly Records
Vinyl enthusiasts and music lovers, rejoice! Friendly Records, located in the heart of Bedminster, is the ultimate destination for discovering records that make perfect gifts. This independent record shop is a haven for crate diggers, offering a well-curated selection of new releases, timeless classics, and hidden gems across all genres.
Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned audiophile or someone just starting their vinyl journey, Friendly Records is a fantastic choice. Even better, supporting this local gem means backing a small business that’s deeply rooted in Bristol’s vibrant music community.
Swing by for some musical inspiration or check them out at: https://friendlyrecords.co.uk/
6) Scoopaway
For a zero-waste approach to Christmas shopping, Scoopaway on Gloucester Road is the perfect pick. This beloved local refill shop has been championing sustainability for years, offering an impressive range of packaging-free goods, from pantry essentials to eco-friendly household items.
During the festive season, Scoopaway becomes a treasure trove of sustainable gift ideas. Think organic treats, reusable containers, and eco-conscious stocking fillers like bamboo utensils or beeswax wraps. It’s an ideal stop for those who want their gifts to reflect care for the planet as much as the recipient.
Shopping at Scoopaway is a gift to the environment too – it’s a win-win!
Learn more or plan your visit: https://www.scoopawayhealthfoods.co.uk/
7) The Bristol Cable
For the socially conscious gift-giver, a membership or subscription to The Bristol Cable is a truly meaningful present. This pioneering community-owned media outlet is redefining local journalism by focusing on in-depth, independent reporting on the issues that matter most to Bristol residents.
By gifting a subscription, you’re not only giving someone access to high-quality journalism but also supporting a cooperative model that empowers the community. Membership includes exclusive stories, events, and the knowledge that you’re helping to build a better-informed Bristol.
It’s a thoughtful way to give the gift of awareness and support local journalism.
Find out more at: https://thebristolcable.org/
Wrapping It All Up
This year, make your Christmas shopping as thoughtful for the planet as it is for the people on your Christmas list.
From locally crafted gifts and sustainable treats to zero-waste shopping and eco-conscious experiences, Bristol’s ethical businesses have you covered. Every purchase supports small traders, local communities, and a greener future – now that’s holiday spirit.
Whether you’re ticking off your list at a Christmas market or ordering online from a Bristol-based shop, your choices can make a real difference.
Here’s to a merry, meaningful, and sustainable festive season!
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