Collage of gifts picked from around the market

The Covered Market is jam packed full of gift ideas. So we thought we’d unpack a few for you. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, it’s simply a short list to help ignite your gift buying imagination.

We’ve themed them too so you can either skip to what’s relevant for your search if you are short on time.

By the end of this we hope to have your Christmas shopping issues solved in one visit and dare we say it you may have even enjoyed yourself in the process!

Montage of bright colourful toys and games and craft kits

GIFTS FOR THE LITTLE ONES

For cute cuddlies to model making kits Collectors Corner are a veritable Aladdin’s cave for traditional toys. For highly original gifts The Space Store have the most out of the ordinary selection of gifts –  your little one doesn’t even have to like space there really is something for everyone here! Nothing offer the most incredible selection of Jellycat soft toys and have a new line in games too. Or how about craft kits, both The Woolhound and Y.O.U Underwear offer a wide selection from crochet to felting.  Fancy taking all the decision making out of it, a pre-wrapped lucky dip from Crystal Spirit Emporium would be just the ticket. They have a vast array of stunning crystals, ornaments, fairies, and everything inbetween!  Of course when it comes to choccy stocking fillers from 50p upwards Wicked Chocolate is a must.

GIFTS FOR THE HOME

Nothing and Next To Nothing stock a unique array of homewares, from amusing oven gloves to rude tea towels, mugs, coasters, stunning chinaware and more. Y.O.U. Underwear and OxUnboxed also do a wide selection of eco friendly gifts for the home.  Covered Arts and our newest shop James Taylor Photo Art sell superb selection of prints by local artists that will add that special touch to any living space.

Most of us like a hot drink right!? Cardew’s – suppliers of fine teas and coffees – also stock an inspiring selection of tea and coffee, plus lots of original and affordable kitchen gadgets – they really are a must visit. For the gift of warmth head to Woollen Cosy Life. They stock wonderful high quality woollen products from throws to slippers and more!  Or select a fine scented candle from Next to Nothing, or scented oils from Crystal Spirit Emporium.

Montage of house gifts include a print quoting lyrics from the Cure's love cats, green crystals, teatowls with humours slogans, and brightly coloured bowls made out of half coconuts

Montage of images of cheeses, presentation box of soaps, the Gardens Christmas doorway display with a big red bow above the door, a presentation box of locally brewed beer, the frontage of a bookshop Gulp Fiction

GIFTS FOR THE PERSON THAT HAS EVERYTHING

How about a virtual reality space experience at The Space Store!? Or Gulp Fiction owner Oliver has an incredible knowledge of great reads. The market is packed with a fine selection of edible and drinkable gifts from Teardrop and Market Cellar Door’s boxed beverage selections to a delectable cheese hamper from The Oxford Cheese Company.  Or how about personal grooming options with Oxford Soap Company, Y.O.U, and The Market Barber . Who doesn’t love a stunning plant or bouquet The Garden of Oxford and Jemini Flowers can offer you both.

TIME TO REFUEL

Of course the secret to productive gift shopping involves looking after yourself!  We’ve a host of coffee shops and cafes from 100 year old Browns Cafe, sandwiches with Taylors and Hamblins Snack Bar to name a few or a healthy takeaway pit stop at Alpha Bar. If you’d just like a caffeine boost click on our “Looking for Coffee” to see all the providers on offer. The market also offers hot foods from all over the world including Sasi’s Thai, Donburi Inni, Il Corno, Sartorellis, Georgina’s, Rozana’s, Brothers, Sushi Bowl and Taste of China.

If you are feeling something a little stronger is in order Bar Teardrop, Market Cellar Door, Market Tap, Il Corno and Gulp Fiction will be on hand to help. Various heart warming mullings are on offer and Colombia Coffee have an impressive menu of hot boozy drinks to warm you too.

Or maybe hot drinks aren’t your thing. How about a festive flavoured milkshake at specialists Moo Moo’s? iScream also have some delectable festive gelato flavours from Stollen cake to mulled wine gelato.

Four images one is a hot ham and cheese sandwich, mulled wine, a glass of wine and a graphic of a board offering mince pie and brandy butter milkshakes

Montage of fashion items including tshirts, socks, handbags, watches and jumpers

GIFTS FOR THE FASHIONISTA

Fedele Oxford, Pingui, and Nothing Boutique offer stunning quality bags, purses and belts. For fantastic unique artisan fashion jewellery you can’t go wrong with the incredible range in Nothing and Next to Nothing.  Next to Nothing also stock comedy tee shirts for him and her.  John Gowing Jewellers specialise in high-end jewellery, you can even buy individual diamonds there. Their vast selection of fine watches includes some very affordable ones too – and you can be sure they’ve all been selected with great care.  For super cool his and her underwear Y.O.U Underwear is a must. Their underwear is sustainably sourced and beautifully designed. At Soctopus there really is a sock to suit everyone. Their “fun for your feet” will melt anyone’s heart and warm those toes.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our whistle stop introduction to just a fraction of the wonderful gift options on offer in the market.  Merry Christmas!

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES

Christmas Eve – 8am – 4pm

Christmas Day – Closed

Boxing Day – Closed

New Year’s Eve – 8am – 4pm

New Year’s Day – Closed

Before we go, one final note. For the latest individual trader open times please contact them direct.