While it may seem easier to shop with bigger companies, or to select that speedy next day delivery on Amazon, small retailers often get forgotten amongst the Christmas chaos. However, this year it feels more pressing than ever to think a little harder about where we are buying from.
Here at British Airways i360 we are hugely passionate about supporting local businesses, artists, and makers. And we are incredibly fortunate that Brighton and Sussex are home to a wealth of wonderful and unique independent businesses who are passionate about their trade.
There are so many reasons why it is great to stay small and local for your Christmas gift shop. Not only will you be supporting your local community, reducing your carbon footprint, and helping give a small independent retailer a boost to remain open in the long term, but you can find one-off original gifts. Buying local is a much more sustainable and ethical way to shop and makes your gift all the more meaningful.
Below we’ve highlighted just a few of our retail neighbours, located in King’s Road Arches, that offer a range of fabulous Christmas gift options.
Our newest neighbour, Bird & Blend Tea Co., is an independent, award-winning, happiness spreading, unique and eco Tea Mixology Company! From stocking fillers to tea club subscriptions, it’s a tea-rrific place to shop for someone who loves a good brew.
For a wide range of hand-picked gifts, many sourced locally through Sussex artists, including stylish, high-quality stationery items and unusual gifts for the home, men, babies, and children. Everything is handpicked for its beauty and originality making it the perfect place to browse if you are looking for a gift that you won’t find on the high street!
3) Brighton Photography Studio
The gallery features the very best photography of Brighton and the South Downs by some of the city’s favourite photographers. Pop in here for stunning framed and unframed prints in various sizes, alongside a range of greetings cards, photobooks, and the world-famous Brighton and Hove Calendar.
Gelato Gusto is a traditional artisan ice cream parlour who are passionate about making fresh gelato each day. If you are looking for a gift for someone with a sweet tooth – pop in and purchase a 1000ml tub of Gelato Gusto’s delicious ice cream ranging from classic vanilla, cookies and cream to delicious vegan alternatives like their vegan cherry pie ice. Yum!
The Flour Pot is a modern British bakery, made in Brighton, with a commitment to all things artisanal and delicious. They are obsessive about the detail of the craft, passionate about the experience they create, and in love with the idea that something so special can be created out of three simple ingredients – flour, water, salt. So, if you’re buying for a loved one who loves baked goods, or is addicted to Flour Pot’s infamous Doughnut Friday’s, a gift voucher from this artisan baker will hit the spot!
6) British Airways i360 beachside gift shop
Here at the BA i360 we stock a range of unique products that make wonderful gifts or stocking fillers for both children and adults!
We have a whole section devoted to small toys for children including bouncy balls, flying discs, erasers, pocket kites, BioBuddi blocks, giant bubble kits and more.
For adults, we stock deli worthy jams and chutneys, original artist designed prints, mugs, tea towels and aprons, plus sustainable products like soy wax candles, Great British Bee Co. gifts and Husk-up reusable coffee cups.
NEW! We are also now selling specially packaged bottles of award-winning English Sparkling Wine, Nyetimber, and Brighton Gin’s limited-edition pack including a bottle of gin and two Brighton Gin fishbowl glasses.
