Life&Style's Independent Christmas Gift Guide 2020

 Life&Style's Independent Christmas Gift Guide 2020 | Redbrick Life&Style

Editor’s Picks- Frankie Rhodes

As we approach Christmas shopping season, the pandemic requires us to do one of two things: buy online, or buy local. But why not do both? It’s important now more than ever to support our favourite Birmingham businesses and institutions, and many have made their online shops easily accessible (and affordable). I’ve focused on two of my favourite city spots: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and the Ikon Gallery, collating my top picks of gifts available to buy online. Ranging from £3 to £40, arty books to allotment materials, and understated to elaborate, I hope that this guide will inspire you to stay close to home with your shopping (even when you can’t leave your home.)

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

This institution is not only a beautiful Renaissance-style building, but also offers a wealth of culture through world-renowned artwork. My top picks focus on gifts that celebrate Birmingham and its fascinating heritage, including its history of craftsmanship.

Once Upon A Time in Birmingham: Women Who Dared to Dream - £14.99

After attending the Waterstones launch of this book back in 2018, I fell in love with the concept, gathering stories about prominent Birmingham women. From Malala Yousafzai to Denise Lewis, each mini-biography is beautifully illustrated, and published by the Emma Press, an independent publisher based in the Jewellery Quarter. Whilst this book is often marketed as a children’s book, it should by no means be limited to that, and would dazzle anyone with an interest in Birmingham and feminism (so that should be everyone, right?)

Art Post - £2.90 each

Sending Christmas cards can be a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. Especially considering that many of us will be separated from certain family and friends this Christmas, BMAG has the perfect way to keep in touch, via art. This scheme allows you to post an arty card directly to the door of a loved one, adding a personalised message. You can choose from 8 stunning images on display at the Birmingham Museum, making a refreshing alternative to the typical Santa/Snowman card one might usually receive.

Bees Knees Tiny Bee Earrings - £42.00

If you’re after something really special for somebody this Christmas, ditch the High Street jewellery stores for these beautiful earrings by Birmingham designer Claire Troughton. Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter is home to some of the greatest craftsman that the United Kingdom has to offer, and these hand-made dainty design is sure not to disappoint.

Arty face masks - £10.00, or 2 for £15.00

Acting as both an essential safety item and potential fashion accessory, you can never have too many face coverings. These face masks show off stunning works from the Birmingham Museum: choose from William De Morgan’s Peacock print or the Travelling Companions oil painting by Augustus Leopold Egg. Exclusive to the museum, the masks are unique as well as beautiful, and contain air filters for extra protection.

Ikon Gallery

The Ikon Gallery is a contemporary art venue that hosts various exhibitions throughout the year, hosted within its neo-gothic former Board School building. Tier 3 restrictions mean that the gallery and its quirky café are currently closed, however these top picks are all available to buy online.

Mini Painted Planter - £4.95

There’s no denying that the house-plant craze has taken us by storm, making this a popular gift choice. Hand-painted and perfectly sized for baby cacti and mini succulents, this could brighten up a friend’s student room, or act as a stocking filler for a family member.

Greta and the Giants Book - £6.99

Meet everybody’s favourite climate activist, starring in her very own picture-book. This tells the story of Nobel Peace Prize nominee Greta Thunberg, using the concept of a beautiful forest threatened by Giants, to explain the climate crisis to children. Perfect for little ones, or simply a picturesque present for a fellow environmentalist, each book also donates 3% of the cover price to Greenpeace.

Plant for Tomorrow Allotment sent - £14.99

2021 should be the year of home-grown, local food and plants. Garden-lovers will be sure to enjoy this handy set, including garden twine, a wooden dibber, 4 seed markers and 4 seed envelopes, all kept within a compact tin. You could use this to inspire a loved one to take up a new hobby, or select this gift for a seasoned gardener to add to their collection.