Bristol has Christmas wrapped up
It comes but once a year and is the perfect opportunity to treat family and friends to something special. Christmas is fast-approaching, and finding the perfect present needs a little careful planning and inspiration, which is why help is at hand with a list of top ten festive gifts from Bristol city centre.
With Christmas markets and almost 500 stores offering the best shopping selection in the South West, Bristol city centre is packed with ideas for those in search of a solution for hard-to-buy for relatives, a special treat for a loved one, or something quirky for secret Santa fun.
There is a huge selection of top brands, including Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser, as well as a vibrant mix of independents, all offering extensive Christmas gift inspiration for every budget. This year, Bristol city centre will be decked out with even more impressive Christmas lights and a host of exciting events will make it the number one destination for festive shopping.
The top ten Christmas gift ideas from Bristol's city centre are:
Theatre tickets to Peter Pan at The Bristol Hippodrome
Treat the whole family with tickets to the spectacular Peter Pan pantomime. Fly away on a spectacular journey of wonder and excitement into the magical world of Neverland. Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys in their thrilling adventure to save Tinkerbell from the villainous Captain Hook, played by David Hasselhoff, and his crew of dastardly pirates. With stunning special effects, sumptuous costumes, superb sets and a good helping of fairy dust, Peter Pan is the perfect treat for the whole family. 10 December until 8 January. Tickets available from The Bristol Hippodrome ticket line 0844 871 3012 or direct from the Box Office.
Melissa Shoes from Garment Quarter, Penn Street
This luxury boutique is home to ladieswear, menswear and accessories from brands including Vivienne Westwood, Marc by Marc Jacobs, McQ by Alexander McQueen, Dior and Dries Van Noten. Plastic show designer Melissa has teamed up with Vivienne Westwood to create cute sling back peep toe heels. Available in a range of colours, the cream pair with a metallic heart on each toe is a particular favourite for the festive season at £120.
Cotton Candy Chronicles Cookies and Cupcakes Baking Set, House of Fraser, Cabot Circus
Whip up some tea-time treats with the little ones with this beautifully packaged cookies and cupcakes baking set for children. The tin has an Asian kitsch inspired flora and fauna design, making it an ideal gift for girls. It comes complete with a wooden spoon, wooden rolling pin, pretty floral cupcake cases, illustrated recipe cards, metal cookie cutters and decorations. Available from House of Fraser at £17.
Chateau Rouge Tea, Harvey Nichols Foodmarket, Quakers Friars
This luxurious tea brand is inspired by the era in French history when European traders brought exotic delicacies back from their travels. Each variety of tea reflects a different part of the Chateau from lavish banquets to stylish balls. Available from Harvey Nichols Foodmarket at £12.95.
Bristol Blue Glass gifts from Tourist Information Centre
Bristol Blue Glass is unique to Bristol and has been free blown in the city since the 18th Century. From jewellery and small animal figurines to goblets and plates, Bristol Blue Glass is perfect as a souvenir to gift friends and relatives from beyond the city. Available from Bristol's Tourist Information Centre, Bristol Blue Glass gifts range from £7 to £85.
The Olympic Games Limited Edition of Monopoly, TK Maxx, The Galleries
No Christmas is complete without a board game challenge between family and friends. Hot off the shelf this Christmas is the Olympic Games Limited Edition of Monopoly, giving the whole family a chance to tour the Games venues like never before and achieve sporting success around the board. A great way to enjoy some light-hearted competition to build on the excitement of the 2012 Olympics. Available from TK Maxx at £19.99.
iBuggy Phone Controlled Car, Argos, The Galleries
Combining the use of a toy car and mobile phone, this is sure to be the ultimate boy's toy for Christmas. The Buggy is part of a new generation of remote control products controlled from an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Designed in the UK, it is a high-powered and ultra-sensitive remote controlled car. Available from Argos at £79.99.
Tiddly Penguins, Hotel Chocolat, Cabot Circus
These utterly irresistible two-bite penguins are cast in mellow caramel chocolate made by Hotel Chocolat, the luxury British chocolatier and cocoa grower. Perfect for stuffing into stockings, as little Secret Santa gifts and to share with the relatives. Available from Hotel Chocolat at £5.50 for 85g.
Mild West Heroes T Shirt, the South Arcade of St Nicholas Market
This ethical t-shirt design company works with local artists to hand print unique designs onto organic cotton, bamboo and Fair Wear Foundation t-shirts. Mild West Heroes operates as a fair collective, so each artist retains the rights to their designs and all profits are shared equally. Prices range from £12-15 for men's and ladies t-shirts.
Patchwork Reindeer, TK Maxx, The Galleries
Colourful, festive and stylish, this lovable Patchwork Reindeer is an ideal gift to treat children as well as those hard-to-buy-for relatives. It's perfect for brightening up every household this Christmas and is available from TK Maxx at £16.99 each.
In addition to an amazing shopping offer, Christmas in Bristol this year will be bigger and better than ever before with local and German Christmas markets, a Peter Pan-themed Santa's Grotto in The Galleries, and a spectacular display of Christmas lights.
Cabot Circus has created its very own winter wonderland with a skating rink in Quakers Friars, giving visitors of all ages the chance to get their skates on and enjoy the fun and frivolities that the festive season brings.
For a full list of Bristol shopping options, accommodation offers, and Christmas activity, log on to VisitBristol.co.uk.
