Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a birthday, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or just want to treat yourself, there’s lots of BCU Alumni‑owned independent businesses you can support! From books and art to jewellery and fashion, there’s lots to choose from thanks to this talented bunch.
Odd Orange
Illustration alumna Morgan Grice is the graduate behind Odd Orange, a handmade stationery business specialising in functional and sustainable stationery. From handmade sketchbooks and notebooks to greetings cards, art prints and stickers, you’ll be able to find lots of fun, colourful, and unique gifts here.
Cora and Spink
Making accessories for every day adventures are Cora and Spink, founded and ran by Fashion alumnus Tim Johnson. From backpacks and utility bags to laptop cases and wallets, Cora and Spink have you covered. The products are all environmentally friendly too; they’re biodegradable, 100% vegan and made from re‑cycled cotton. What’s not to love?
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Soft Season
Jewellery graduate Rosie Jehan is the alumna behind Soft Season, a handmade and sustainable jewellery business. Rosie’s creations are inspired by ceramics and ancient jewellery, with all pieces hand carved from wax and cast in recycled metal. From rings and necklaces to gift cards and even workshops you can attend, there’s lots to choose from!
Jenko + Co
Illustration alumna Charlotte Jenkins is the graduate behind Jenko + Co, which offers everything from cute postcards and A4 prints to adorable ceramic pet baubles. They also have lots of cards available too, perfect for that special someone in your life.
Design44
Textile Design graduate Jade Devall is the founder of Design44, a design-led lifestyle and gift store that champions small makers and design-led brands. Products are available online, and there is a pop-up store at the Bullring until February 2024.
Grove
From plant stands and benches to record display shelves and coffee tables, Grove, ran by BCU graduate Melissa Hobbs and her partner Rob, offer super cool and sustainable furniture and homewares for both traditional abodes and super modern homes.
Emma J Shipley
Textile Design alumna Emma J Shipley offers a wide range of beautiful items with her iconic print designs, from cushions and bedding to prints, mugs and even fabric and wallpaper, there’s so many gift options for you to check out.
Roots 0121
Visual Communication alumna Ruth is behind Roots 0121. As well as murals and bespoke illustrations, Roots sell everything from prints, badges and pouches to cute tote bags at their shop in Red Brick Market in Digbeth. But if you can’t make it there, check them out on Etsy instead.
Phoebe Robinson
Illustration graduate Phoebe Robinson is an illustrator and mural artist. She offers a range of fun and colourful prints from her online store.
Hellcat Jewellery
Specialising in gothic jewellery, Hellcat Jewellery, ran by Design Crafts alumna Jo Herriots, is also based in the Jewellery Quarter. The shop combines everyday jewellery like earrings, bracelets and necklaces, alongside bespoke engagement and wedding rings, and memorial jewellery, all with a gothic twist.
Maryam Wahid
Award winning photographer Maryam Wahid graduated from BCU’s Photography course back in 2018. Alongside showcasing her work at major exhibitions across the UK, Maryam also sells a select few of her striking photographs, the perfect gift for your photography loving friends!
The Clean Kilo
The Clean Kilo, a zero waste supermarket in Bournville, is co-founded by BCU alumna Jeanette Wong, offers a huge online store. Items include sustainable lunch boxes, oils, soaps, children's books, water bottles, and even reusable crackers. The same duo also run KiloZiro in Digbeth, a café, bar and refill taproom. The venue offers culinary experiences, workshops and courses.
Fei Liu Jewellery
Jewellery and Silversmithing alumnus Fei has won countless awards for his innovative and contemporary designs. Based in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, Fei Liu Jewellery create dazzling brooches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and even tiaras!
Abbie Severn
BCU graduate, artist and illustrator, Abbie Severn, is currently selling products from her incredible Digbeth Collection. From the Custard Factory to Floodgate Street, you’ll be able to find the perfect print of the best spots in Brum’s creative quarter for your Digbeth lovin’ pal.
TBrookerArt
Illustration alumna Taylor Brooker creates incredible aerial embroidery hoops, as well as personalised landscapes and pencil portraits.
The Heath Bookshop
BCU alumna Dr Catherine Gale runs her very own bookshop, The Heath Bookshop, in Kings Heath. So whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a bookworm, or fancy treating yourself, head along and support her great new independent business.
Jean & Moon
Looking for something a little more personal? Alumna Phoebe Munger is the graduate behind Jean & Moon, offering bespoke personalised gifts made right here in the West Midlands. From baubles and stockings, to teddys, mugs and pillows; you’ll be able to find the perfect personalised gift for everyone from your parents to your pets.
Kiya Coralles
Kiya Coralles is the work of Jewellery alumna, Kiya. She sources inspiration from ancient South American art and architecture, with the sun being a central element in many of her designs as a nod to the Inca sun god, Inti. Kiya specialises in commitment rings and custom‑made jewellery, but also works with clients who want to transform their old jewellery by using existing stones or metal. How cool is that!
Haseebah Ali
Illustration alumna Haseebah Ali offers a selection of beautiful artwork on her online store, including prints and postcards.
Birmingham Stationery Co.
Birmingham Stationery Co. is created by Amrit and Muhammad, who met whilst studying Architecture at BCU. Their stationery fosters everyday creativity, for notes and sketches that make up big ideas. They source premium materials from all around the world and manufacture their books by hand in‑house. Their nature‑inspired print notebooks are perfect for the stationery lover in your life, or alternatively they have a great set of greetings cards too!
The Great Present
MA Fine Art graduate Lucy Gow is the founder of independent business 'The Great Present'. The business offers a range of gifts, including 'Chubbys' which are acrylic boxes that house 300 sheets of personalised paper, the perfect gift for a stylish home office.
