This winter, it’s more important than ever to give back to our community and support those in need – and we’ve made this easier than ever!

Simply pop into Sparks and drop off a present at our Giving Grotto donation point and we will make sure it gets to someone who needs it! Our charity partner, Aidbox Community, will distribute your gifts to refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol.

We’re looking for more practical gifts like clothing and household items along with some things that are a little more festive and fun! Check out the lists below for some ideas of what to donate!

Festive gifts:

• Beauty items (new & unopened) – hair oil, moisturiser, after shave balm, hand cream, lip balm, hairbrush, comb, manicure set, hair accessories, cotton pads, nail polish
• Clothes (for adults & kids, all sizes) – scarfs, gloves, socks, slippers, hats
• Toys and art supplies (for kids) – Small toys like yo-yo’s, cuddly toys (new), story books, sticker books, magic tricks, skipping rope, colouring books, colouring pens, note pads, pencil case
• Other items – playing cards, notebooks, pens, purses & wallets

Everyday items:

• Beauty (new & unopened) – shampoo, shaving products, shaving gel
• Clothes – men’s sportswear, joggers and shorts (size S & M), women’s clothes (all sizes), trainers (men & women’s, all sizes), underwear (adult & kids, all sizes, must be new), backpacks (adult & kids)
• Household items – duvet covers (double and single), pillow cases, bedsheets, towels (like new condition), rugs, saucepans, electricals like toasters and kettles, crockery, utensils
• Other items – umbrellas, suitcases, baby buggies

Please bring your gift in unwrapped and drop it off in the Giving Grotto donation bin, located in the centre of Sparks by the cafe.

In partnership with Aidbox Community, a charity providing support, supplies and sanctuary to refugees in Bristol: www.aidboxcommunity.co.uk

Join your host Sam for a wholesome and joyful wreath-making workshop.

Lush evergreens, gorgeous dried florals, and fabulous ribbons have been handpicked by the floristry masters to infuse your holiday season with a dash of DIY delight. Join this workshop for a day of festive fun and crafting!

Sam will guide you through each step and you’ll go home with a masterpiece that’s a true reflection of your style. In the true holiday spirit, make memories and maybe even some new friends as well!

Click learn more to book now!

Queers of Bristol and beyond, welcome to a wholesome and fun-filled Christmas decoration workshop hosted by your host Sam from the Ethical Gift Shop.

This workshop and social meet-up is a relaxed approach to making Christmas decorations, crafting cards and making ornaments. All of the materials will be provided, just bring yourself, a friend, your polycule, or just your mum.

This event is for all and is neurodiverse-friendly and sober. People coming solo will be more than welcome, you will feel included and hopefully make some new friends as well! If you have specific needs that need to be taken into consideration then please make your host aware.

The event will be held within Sparks, Bristol’s beautiful ethical department store. The store may be open to the public at the time of the workshop but the class will have a designated area for fun.

Age restrictions: 12+

Adult (High/middle income earners): £30

Click learn more to book your place now!

Enjoy a wholesome and fun crafting workshop just packed full of festive delight.

Your host Sam will guide you through a relaxed and no-rush crafting session where you can go home will all sorts of cards, baubles, and decorations- just in time for Christmas!

All tools and materials will be provided, just bring your merry self! You can decoupage, paint, stick and build your own festive cards, baubles, and decorations.

This workshop is great if you’re flying solo or have brought friends/family. If you come alone you can make new friends if you want, it’s a very friendly bunch!

This workshop is neurodiverse friendly, if you have specific needs that need to be taken into consideration then please make the host aware. This is also a SOBER event, please be aware that alcohol will not be permitted for consumption.

The event will be held within SPARKS, Bristol’s beautiful ethical department store. The store may be open to the public at the time of the workshop but the class will have a designated area for fun.

Age restrictions: 12+

Low income earners £20
Adult (High/medium earners) £30
Those in receipt of benefits/no income £10

Click learn more to book now!

Whether you’re a crafting enthusiast or a beginner, this festive workshop is perfect for everyone.

Join your host Sam from for a creative workshop where you will build your own snow globe from scratch with a selection of figurines and glittering snow. All tools and materials will be provided and Sam will guide you through the crafting process step-by-step.

Make some festive memories and a unique keepsake that captures the magic of Christmas at this magical snow globe making workshop!

Please be aware that this workshop uses hot glue guns. Attendees under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Workshop facilitators accept no responsibility for the misuse and potential injury of using said equipment.

Click learn more to book now!

Make mini journals using found materials and tools you already have at this creative workshop.

Join No Small Thing in the Department of Reuse & Resources and discover the joy of making your own mini journals. Using a simple tool set and materials found at home (no need to buy anything new!) you will be guided step-by-step through the process, making something beautiful by repurposing existing materials and discovering a love for sustainable crafting.

The session is run by Will Wassenarr, an independent artist and maker creating delightful things using natural inks and discarded materials. Click here to see his work.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this event offers a relaxed and informal environment to explore your artistic side. So don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn a new skill at our afternoon of creativity and self-expression. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!

How to book:

Tickets are £14 for adults or £10 for concessions and children under 12 years. To book onto a session, please click here.

Learn the art of book binding and create your own hardcover sketchbook that lies perfectly flat.

Join No Small Thing in the Department of Reuse & Resources and discover the joy of making your own hardcover sketchbook that lies perfectly flat using the beautiful Coptic stitch binding, an ancient art that date backs to early Christians in Egypt!

This workshop uses common tools and plain language so that anyone can get started in the art of bookbinding, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter. The session is run by Will Wassenarr, an independent artist and maker creating delightful things using natural inks and discarded materials. Click here to see his work.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn to make a unique and practical journal or sketchbook to use or to gift. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!

What to expect:

• All tools and materials provided – you won’t need to bring anything special with you unless there is a favourite card or paper that you want to incorporate into your books.
• A selection of paper and card to create your sketchbook from
• Learn the ancient skill of bookbinding
• There will be some sharp tools so participants under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

How to book:

Tickets are £22 for adults or £18 for concessions and children under 12 years. To book onto a session, please click here.

Shop for a new bike at our bike sale!

FixX helps young people build confidence, purpose and resilience through bike mechanics and mentoring.

We are selling secondhand bikes that young people have worked on to help fund our work.

All bicycles are fully stripped down, rebuilt with new parts where necessary and checked over by an experienced, professional mechanic.

Come and join Busy V Bakery for a cosy evening of vegan cheese tasting! Held at Sparks Bristol in Broadmead, you will be greeted with a wine or soft drink, before sampling delicious vegan cheeses and nibbles.

There will be around ten tasty cheeses on offer, served with crackers, meat substitutes, and mince pies to finish. Cheeses will be from popular vegan suppliers such as Honestly Tasty, Kinda Co. and La Fauxmagere.

This is a lovely opportunity to socialise with like-minded people, whilst enjoying some delicious food and some sweet Christmas treats ahead of the festive season.

Click the learn more link to book your space now!

Come and decorate some gingerbread Santa biscuits at Busy V Bakery in Sparks, Bristol!

This child-friendly workshop is the perfect festive activity for your family this winter. Each child will be given four vegan gingerbread biscuits to decorate with icing and sprinkles will be provided.

Make your designs as simple or complicated as you like! Your host will provide guidance and ideas but the final masterpieces will be up to you and your imagination!

Adult + child ticket (3+) £6

Additional child ticket (must be accompanied by an adult) £4

Click learn more to book now!