Buying the perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones can be truly challenging - especially if you want to focus on independent shops within Bristol (who wouldn't?). Every year, you exhaust options, until you feel like you're just buying online tat for the sake of it, and no one is happy.
Well, not this year. Here at the Arcade, our community of bright, independent shopkeeps are working hard to make sure you have the options you need to find a meaningful, ethical gift for the loved ones in your life.
So, whether you're looking for clothing (be it vintage, designer or custom), experiences, a timepiece that will last a lifetime, or something else entirely - let us provide you with all the information you need to find the perfect Christmas gift at The Arcade Bristol this Christmas 2023.
To begin with, a splash of new style can be the perfect thing to help someone grow and change beyond their boundaries - and you're spoiled for choice at The Arcade. For instance, Sobey's is a veteran of the Arcade and Bristol in general - they inhabit a beautiful juxtaposition of retro and fashionable, helping to redefine and play with style via a plethora of gorgeous and bold vintage fashion. What if your loved one likes the clothes they have - but could do with a better fit? Needle & Thread provide expert alterations at honest prices - get them the fitted suit of their dreams and they'll be thanking you for Christmases to come.
If you're looking for something a little different, Afro Street is your port of call. A botique fashion shop founded by Afro-Caribbean fashion brand Duodu London, Afro Street is a haven for black-owned fashion and lifestyle brands - mixing high-end fashion with a celebration of traditional African and Caribbean fabrics and garments. Not content with just clothing, however, Afro Street have a plethora of unique products that make perfect gifts - including African-inspired jewelry, socks, candles and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic spirits.
For something truly special, consider the master watchmakers at Horological Underground. Founded by Russian horologist guru German Polosin, Horological Underground will fulfill every timepiece dream you have - with the precision of a finely made clock. Whether you're looking for restoration of a treasured heirloom, engraving of an existing gift, or even just a brand new custom piece that's perfect for your gift receipient, Horological Underground have everything you need.
But maybe you and the person you're gifting already have too much stuff. Your house is filled with thoughtful but overnumerous gifts, and you can't take it anymore! Why not focus more on an experience?
You could provide them with a pampering experience from one of our multiple beauticians - perhaps help them achieve nail-based nirvana with a manicure and nail painting at Kelly's Nails, or get them the experience of the ancient and luxurious art of eyebrow threading with Maya's Eyebrows. Maybe they're interested in a facial treatment or waxing at Beauty Zone - or even a brand-new haircut with our specialist hair salon, Milanese Hair.
Maybe you want an experience you can share? In that case, just take your loved one down to Taste of Napoli for a real taste of - you guessed it - Naples cuisine, and give them the gift of spending a little time together over delicious and authentic Italian food.
Of course, what's Christmas without a card? For creative, and often hilarious, Christmas cards all made by independent Bristol creatives, Card Shack is your go-to destination. Plus, with wrapping paper and gift ideas, it's a shop that can cover all your bases in just one go.
Whatever you need this Christmas, know that the Arcade Bristol is ready and waiting, with a community of big-hearted, independent shopkeeps - ready to make this Christmas a bright one.
