Given the current climate and the massive impact the virus has had on small businesses not just in Birmingham, but across the whole world, I have been doing my best to shop independently in my city. Birmingham has an impressive list of independents, from competitive fashion brands to quirky giftware stores, so I have put this blog post together to show off some of my top picks for gifts this Autumn. The past few months have been extremely tough for our beloved indies, with some struggling to make ends meet. So as a local bab and supporter of Birmingham, I want to showcase a seasonal gift guide for encouraging independent shopping. From buying for your loved ones to treating yourself, you’ll find a good few Brummie gems in this guide.
FOR THE BABS
ISHER WOOD & CO
THE OCTOBER BOUQUET
For that Special Bab who deserves some beautiful blooms to remind her how much of a beautiful Bab she is! From Isherwood and Co, located in Stirchley and priced from £45+
KIN
BAGGU DUCK BAG AND BAGGU DRAWSTRING BACKPACK
Because you can’t have enough bags right? Especially these classy every day tote and backpack, that are spacious, 65% recycled cotton canvas and fit right in this Autumn season!
BUY HERE: BAGGU DUCK YELLOW BAG £36
BUY HERE: BAGGU DRAWSTRING BACKPACK £44
FOLK LIKE THESE
BLACK + WHITE INKY WEEKLY PLANNER
Let’s get organised ORGANISED!
Fabolous little organiser from Folk like these that sell creative goods and serve up some pretty decent coffee and sarnies! Priced at £20
PROVIDE BIRMINGHAM
THE PROUD BAB TEE
Joining forces with Birmingham Pride and Artist Hannah Dickins to create this AWESOME Proud Bab tee for just £24.99 and 20% of sales from the tee will be donated to Birmingham LGBT, Bloody FABOLOUS!
FOR BUBBA
LIQUOR STORE
RAINS RUCKSACK-IN GREEN
Because every lad should have an adjustable green buckle bag!
£59
TILT
FTD TOTE AND BUILD A BOX
Spoil your Bubba with an awesome Flipped to Death tote AND a box of beers of your Bubbas choice, with a mad variety of craft beers to choose from, you’ll be in your partner’s good books for LIFE!
Tote bag £10
Build a Box £30+
VINCENT VAN DOODLE
NEW WORLD STAR WARS LANDSCAPE ART POSTER
Just because it looks pretty cool…priced from £10-£35
IDEAL//DIGBETH
LAKAI MANCHESTER TRAINERS
Every lad needs a fresh pair of white trainers to be messed up by Autumn leaves right?! Ideal in The Custard Factory sell some pretty cool skatewear from hoodies to decks!
£59.95
200 DEGREES
COFFEE AND GIFT VOUCHERS
Because coffee makes the world a better place and keeps the chappy very happy! 200 Degrees sell a range of high-quality coffee on their website including home brewing equipment and in-store barista classes. It’s not all about the coffee here, they also offer an impressive selection of teas, seasonal drinks, bakes and more! A gift voucher would be perfect and this can be purchased online, happy day’s!
FOR THE LOVERS
ANDERSON & HILL
PERSONALISED FOOD/DRINK HAMPER
A hamper full of premium meats, cheeses, snacks condiments and drinks?! personalised to your taste and the highest quality, That’s a deal done there Bab, priced from £29.95.
PUNKS AND CHANCERS
MATCHING ORGANIC RIBBED BEANIES
Classic ribbed beanies for you and your partner to match in, You know your both the coolest couple out there with these bad boy hats on your heads! Priced at £22
YES BAB LONG SLEEVE BRETON
We can’t forget about the matching Yes Bab top too?! Punks and Chancers have brought out this little stripey number which is perfect for you and your partner to match in!
£32.00
LOKI WINE
ONLINE GIN TASTING: G&TEA- 24TH OCTOBER
Have a night in and have a cheeky G&Tea online experience perfect for those tipsy couples! This G&Tea edition curated by Loki Wine’s in-house gin raconteur Carl Hawkins features 5 gin combinations and canned gin cocktail to complement this traditional English pastime. In addition to the booze, your pack will contain a selection of tasting cards, fact sheets, mini etiquette quiz, Fortnum & Mason Gin and Tonic tea bag, and Pinkster Gin jam for £40.00!
GRACE + JAMES
DATE NIGHT HAMPER
A romantic night in with cheese and wine…Oh, and your other half for just £50. Choose from white, red or fizz with fine cheese, salami and crackers for the ultimate night in treat!
ZINDIYA
INDIAN INSPIRED AFTERNOON TEA WITH CHAI INFUSED PROSECCO
Looking for something a little bit different to your traditional afternoon tea? Zindiya has got you covered with their Indian inspired afternoon tea with chai infused prosecco for £22.95!
FOR THE BABBAS
HEDGE
CASA CLUTCH BY OLLI ELLA
The cutest clutch you ever will see, but not only can it be used as a clutch but as a toy house too for your Babbas to play and carry their most prized possessions…LEGO.
Priced at £45
MINIMA
BANWOOD CHILDREN’S TRICYCLE
I am adding this in because every Babba needs a bike with a cute vintage basket on…yes, I want this for myself also…priced at £149.00
FOR THE CRIB
SMITHSONIA
PUG WALL VASES
Because who doesn’t love pugs? Smithsonia located in the Piccadilly Arcade has got some great giftware from beautiful jewellery to quirky homeware gifts. These vases are my favourite and priced at £22.95
IKON GALLERY
BIRMINGHAM DOODLE MAP PRINT
Illustrator Dave Draws created this amazing doodle map of Birmingham that would look pretty cool in your homes priced at £25.00-£30.00
VIVA LA FRIDA VASE
Ikon Gallery has a lovely gift section on their website and of course, I spotted this adorable vase that would make the cutest gift IN THE WORLD!
It can be your’s for £14.95
AMY ELIZA
BAB ABOUT TOWN 
Hello Bab About Town,
Just wanted to say thank you for your content during these crazy times we’re living through.
Lauren, fellow Bab.
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No problem at all Fellow Bab 🙂 I will continue to do so! X
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I love the look of all the items you’ve listed here lovely! I love shopping from independent businesses during this time of year when Christmas is coming! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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I love this guide! I am so determined to do as much of my shopping locally as I can. I have bought the bits for the children according to (some) of their requests but for friends and family I really want to be more thoughtful about what I buy and where from x
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OMG these all look amazing! I am so glad you made this using independent businesses. My partner would love the stormtrooper poster and I would love the weekly planners.
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How cute are these items!
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What a great idea! It’s also provided me with some inspo for Christmas gifts to send my family and friends in the UK!
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