Give a little love this February

For classic romantics 

You can’t go wrong with beautiful blooms from The Garden of Oxford, and Jemini Flowers, or indulgent, beautifully presented artisan chocs from Wicked Chocolate or a box of warm cookies from Ben’s Cookies. Look out for Ben’s Cookies’ limited edition Valentine’s special.  For something truly personal, the knowledgeable team at Crystal Spirit Emporium can help create a bespoke gift of crystals and incense to bring love, luck and protection to your special someone.  

For a gift with a fun twist

Soctopus are stocking something extra special – new in for 2026! Adorable hand-holding socks – yes these socks quite literally hold hands when you stand next to someone wearing a matching pair. Created in collaboration with the charity Tender, they celebrate connection, care and kindness, with a portion of every sale supporting vital wellbeing work. Proof that a small gift can carry a lot of heart. Or you can quite literally give someone the earth — or any planet for that matter — with a cuddly cosmic companion from The Space Store. If you’ve a little more to spend, how about gifting the Moon? Their floating Moon light couldn’t be more unique. 

Gifts that don’t cost the Earth

Oxford Soap Company offers beautifully handmade soaps made with natural ingredients, no plastic and a clear love for the environment, or treat yourselves to a soap making workshop with owner Vini (pictured). YOU Underwear is packed with original gifts from practicle pants, or super cute craft kits to ingenious lifestyle treasures.  They’re all about giving the love back to our planet.

Or simply spend some quality time together.  Sometimes the best way to say “I love you” is simply spending time together. Treat a friend, partner or family member to a catch-up coffee at one of our artisan coffee hang outs such as Colombia Coffee,  Brown’s Café, or tuck away upstairs together with a new book and a fine brew at Gulp Fiction.   

The Food of Love 

If food is your love language, the Covered Market is a great place to treat a special someone. Enjoy global flavours such as Ethiopian dishes at Lula’s Ethiopian, handmade Greek food upstairs at Georgina’s, Mediterranean favourites at Brother’s, fresh sushi from Sushi Bowl, Neapolitan specials at Il Corno and handmade pizza at Sartorelli’s, or a classic English greasy spoon at Brown’s Café. For something different, ask the staff at Teardrop Bar or Market Cellar Door to pair a cheese platter from The Oxford Cheese Company with one of their tasting flights for a truly special, bespoke experience. 

Explore something new to do together

Transport yourself to Napoli with Il Corno, for Valentine’s Day they’re offering a special deal of two glasses of Prosecco and two sweet taralli for £12.50. Or book into one of their free special talk nights Conversations Around Naples, or their fantastically fun Tombola night – coming soon. Try out one of Gulp Fiction’s regular quiz nights or book clubs. Gulp Fiction are also the host venue for The Woolhound’s Social Stitches. Market Tap have a special Valentine’s tarot reading for anyone curious to see what the cards have in store. Or for simple laid-back vibes, just grab a relaxed drink at The Market Tap,, Teardrop or Market Cellar Door, and that unmistakable Covered Market buzz as you sit sip and and watch everyone else rush about!