Christmas gift list

Bath Spa’s Christmas stocking stuffers

The Christmas clock is ticking, but you’ve still got a little time before stockings need to be filled. Think of this as your ‘one-stop-shop' for unique Christmas gifts. From independent artists, subscriptions to new experiences, and portable mugs to hold your hot chocs on those chilly December days, Bath Spa’s got you covered this Christmas. 

We’ve gathered a handful of gems from across the University. Tried, tested and loved by Bath Spa’s staff and students.

Hedgehog mugs 

If you know someone who’s passionate about sustainability, we’ve got the perfect gift. Bath Spa has launched a hedgehog-themed reusable cup, designed by one of our talented BA Graphic Design students, Ella Smith. 

After entering Bath Spa’s hedgehog-themed design competition to promote its hedgehog friendly status, Ella created the winning design. Ella’s cups will soon be available nationwide, but for now, you can purchase an exclusive, pre-release gift from Bath Spa’s catering outlets for £6.90. Even better? Each sale includes a 20p donation to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to help conserve Hedgehogs in Britain.   

Bath Spa University Merchandise  

Feeling sentimental? Share a piece of the University with friends and family with Bath Spa merchandise. Pick from a range of hoodies, T-shirts, hats and the famously cuddly Bath Spa Bear! You can even add your own text for a personal touch this Christmas. 

EMERGE Residents

EMERGE is Bath Spa’s studio residency programme and hosts graduates across art, design, performance, music and creative media. Bursting with entrepreneurial creativity, this unique multidisciplinary creative practice studio is home to 30 Bath Spa graduate residents, many of whom own their own businesses. 

These residents have created their brands from scratch, bringing their creative goodies online, so you can get your hands the perfect festive, handmade gift.  

Gemma's Funky Art 

Gemma is an illustrator, writer and creative. Interested in nature, folklore, and fungi, you’ll catch her out in the woods or petting whatever dogs she can find. If you fancy spicing up someone’s home with a funky zine, print or abstract art piece, Gemma’s online gallery is the place to go. Bringing her passion for nature into her artwork, you can pick from a range of prints on her website. 

Vessels Pottery  

Vessels Pottery is run by George – Emerge resident and Bath Spa University graduate. After studying a Mechanical Engineering Masters, George went to work for a large aerospace engineering company. Finding the work unfulfilling, he began to look for creative outlets, attending classes at a local ceramic studio. 

Making the bold decision to retrain and pursue his passions, George enrolled in a Ceramics Masters at Bath Spa. An enthusiastic cook, George combined his passions by designing tableware that elevates the dining experience, creating handmade tableware, available from his online shop. 

Jessie Fay Studio 

Based in the South West, Jessie specialises in acrylic pouring and woven fabrics. Alongside offering workshops through the Emerge Studio that highlight her specific skillset, Jessie has sold designs locally – most recently at Bath’s famous Christmas markets and has just launched an online shop where customers can browse her collection of woven fabrics. 

Bath Spa Live’s December Shows 

Is there anything better than a bit of festive theatre? This Christmas, you don’t have to go far to find a good show. Bath Spa Live is showcasing the work of our creative students and staff and running a whole host of performances for you to choose from - the perfect opportunity to create memories with your loved ones.  

The best news? Bath Spa Live is running a ‘see it for free’ campaign for Bath Spa staff, students and alumni for most of their productions. So you don’t have to spend a penny! 

Free Student Concert 

Join Bath Spa Live at the beautiful Holy Trinity Church to hear Bath Spa University Music students perform. 

• Newton St Loe Church, Bath, BA2 9BU 
• Running until Tuesday 5 December 

V3nture Dance Company 

Bath Spa University’s BA Dance students will be joined by V3NTURE Dance Company to present a bold and diverse evening of dance - including commissions by Divija Melally, Amy Foskett Dance, Vicki Hearne (Untold Dance Theatre) and award-winning company Alleyne Dance. The evening also includes work by guest companies Rise Youth Dance and BSA Dance. 

• University Theatre, Bath, BA2 9BN
• Saturday 9 December 

Bath Spa University Carol Service 

Could it get more festive than Christmas carols? Join students and staff for carols, poetry and music, hosted in Bath’s famous Abbey. No need to book, just turn up! 

• Bath Abbey, Bath, BA1 1LT
• Monday 11 December, 7pm 

Musical Theatre Showcase 

Brighten up a winter evening with performances by Bath Spa’s final year BA Drama Musical Theatre students as they perform songs and scenes from shows including Meet Me in St Louis, Cabaret, The Mad Ones and The Last Five Years. 

• University Theatre, Bath, BA2 9BN 
• Thursday 14 December

Pool (No Water) by Mark Ravenhill   

Presented by Bath Spa Productions, this show is a collaboration between graduating Acting and Theatre, Festival and Event Production students, directed by Kirstie Davis. 

‘A unique reunion that takes a surprising twist. When an old friend-turned-famous-artist invites the gang to her new place, they couldn't predict the terrible accident that would occur. As they gather around her hospital bed, an unusual idea strikes them: turning her suffering into art.’ 

• Burdall's Yard, Bath, BA1 5NH
• Thursday 14 December – Saturday 16 December