Gift local by supporting independent retailers this festive season  

Loki Wine, Birmingham  

Recognised for being Birmingham’s most-awarded independent wine merchant and wine bar, Loki is a thriving wine brand offering over 600 hand-picked wines from more than 20 countries. Since its founding in 2012 by local wine buyer Phil Innes, Loki wines has developed into three wine bars in Edgbaston, central Birmingham and Solihull, which offer expert-led tastings, wine-by-the-glass machines and curated retail to make fine wine accessible, educational and exciting for newbies and connoisseurs alike. Its postal wine subscription service and range of natural wines offer gifts for the festive season and beyond. 

Wearwell, Wolverhampton 

As Henry Clarke, a blacksmith from Wolverhampton, made his way back from the Crimean War, he hit upon the idea to use his skills to make bicycles. In 1856, Wearwell was born, and over the following decades it became an iconic bicycle manufacturer which exported its bikes around the world. After halting manufacture in 1975, the brand was revived in 2017 by Clarke’s descendants and today offers fashionable cycling clothing and accessories reminiscent of the brand’s rich and colourful heritage. Its classic Clubhouse Hoodie is ideal for the chilly winter months. 

Miss Macaroon, Birmingham  

Miss Macaroon is a Birmingham-born social-enterprise patisserie founded in 2011 by pastry chef Rosie Ginday MBE after her time at Michelin-starred restaurant, Purnell’s. Known for its hand-made, gluten-free French macaroons, with uniquely Pantone-matched colours, the brand has become known for its strong sense of social responsibility. As well as making delicious treats, it reinvests 100% of profits into training and employing disadvantaged young people. Their seasonal Christmas Snowflake Macaroon Box makes a superb Christmas gift! 

Davenports Brewery, Birmingham  

Tracing its origins back to 1829, Davenports Brewery is one of Birmingham’s oldest brewing houses. Known for its heritage and contemporary beers, as well as numerous bars and pubs throughout the Midlands, the brand famously pioneered ‘Davenports Beer at Home’, a service which unbelievably has been operating since 1904 when founder Robert Davenport set up a bottled beer delivery service direct to customers’ homes. Today, its heritage continues with traditional ales and modern craft beers, all available to buy online; its signature gift pack is most definitely a gift worth giving. 

Blue Sheep Books, Wednesbury 

Blue Sheep Books began during lockdown when two book lovers started selling their spare books online from their front room. By 2021, they’d realised their dream of opening a physical bookshop in Wednesbury. Today, Blue Sheep is not only home to a large collection of new, second hand and rare books - it’s also become a hub for the local community, providing a welcoming venue for tabletop games, creative open mic nights and various monthly book clubs. The shop’s diverse collection of books is available to buy in store and online through its shop. 

Rhiannon Lewis Jewellery, Birmingham 

After studying jewellery and silversmithing in London and gaining a diploma in gemmology, Rhiannon Lewis settled in Birmingham and opened her own workshop in the city’s famous Jewellery Quarter in 2012. Crafting unique designs in 9ct or 18ct gold with diamonds and gemstones, Rhiannon’s bespoke and ready-to-buy products are truly one of a kind and available to purchase nationwide from her website. Her silver Mother of Pearl necklace makes a standout gift for someone special. 

Ikon Gallery, Birmingham 

Opened in 1964 by a group of artists and artlovers, Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery has become one of the region’s most innovative and important cultural spaces, exhibiting some of the most unique contemporary art and design from the UK and beyond. The gallery’s online shop sells a beautifully curated selection of cards and gifts; their Mystery Catalogue Bundle makes a fantastic, budget-friendly Christmas gift.