Colourful spring bouquets and fresh daffodils on display at The Garden of Oxford in Oxford Covered Market.

Mothering Sunday is the perfect excuse to slow down and celebrate someone special, whether that’s your mum, grandmother, stepmum, or someone who’s been like a mother to you.

If you’re looking for a gift that feels a little more personal this year, The Covered Market is full of thoughtful ideas, from beautiful flowers and artisan chocolates to jewellery, self-care treats and relaxed brunch spots. It’s the kind of place where you can find something with real character and make the day feel that little bit more memorable. 

For the flower lover

The first and lets face it most obvious choice is flowers. Who doesn’t smile when presented with a beautiful bouquet of seasonal blooms. With both The Garden of Oxford and Jemini Flowers in the market, there are plenty of stunning options to choose from.  There’s everything from classic and elegant designs or posies that are bright and full of spring colour. Add a matching ribbon and a card and you’ve got a simple but meaningful Mother’s Day gesture that never goes out of style. Flowers always light up a special moment. 

looking down from above on a bold array of spring bouquets all individually in brownpaper wrapping ecological. All by The Garden of Oxford

Flowers by The Garden of Oxford

Mother’s Day treats at Oxford Covered Market, including Mother’s Day treats at Oxford Covered Market, including artisan chocolates, pastries and Oxford Cheese Company cheeses

Clockwise: Chocolates from Wicked Chocolate, Pastries by Hamblin Bakery, Cheeses by The Oxford Cheese Companoy

For the foodie 

Pick up artisan chocolates from Wicked Chocolate for a gift that feels indulgent without being over the top, or pop over to The Oxford Cheese Company and have them fill one of their lovely Oxford Cheese Company bags for life with a tailor-made selection of fine cheese, chutneys and crackers. Or make up a hamper to include carefully selected products from across the market. Add in a visit to David John Butchers for a handmade pie or coldcuts, or select fine teas from Cardews of Oxford, or artisan bakes from Hamblin Bakery and finish off with fine beverages from Teardrop Bar, Market Tap and Market Cellar Door and you’ve created your own Mother’s Day hamper. Il Corno also create their own unique Neapolitan inspired hampers all beautifully presented.  

For the one who deserves a pamper 

The market has plenty of extra special small luxuries to discover. Oxford Soap Company offers handmade soaps and gift boxes that feel personal and special. Next to Nothing and Y.O.U Underwear are great for cosy, fragrant and feel-good gifts. Or how about the gift of love and protection from Crystal Spirit Emporium’s new themed crystal bundles. If you’re shopping for a particularly stylish mum, Next to Nothing do a stunning range of colourful pieces from scarves and jumpers to carefully selected jewellery.  Also offering jewellery that feels a little more unique than the usual high street options are John Gowing Jewellers, and Nothing. Or how about a cosy woollen blanket or sheepskin slippers from A Woollen Cosy Life. And then there’s fun Mum-themed socks from Soctopus for your extra colourful dresser!

Mother’s Day gift ideas at Oxford Covered Market from Oxford Soap Company, Soctopus and Y.O.U Underwear, including self-care treats, socks and feel-good gifts.

Clockwise: Facemask at Y.O.U Underwear, Socks at Soctopus, Toiletries by Oxford Soap Company

Owner Hivin, holding two brunch dishes outside Brothers Café in Oxford Covered Market, highlighting Mother’s Day dining and independent food in the city centre.

Pictured: Brothers cafe owner Hivin

For the one that “doesn’t want anything”

Turn Mother’s Day into time well spent together with a relaxed brunch or coffee stop in one of the market’s welcoming cafes and eateries. There’s the Neapolitan experience at Il Corno, the traditional English tea at Browns, or small bites at Taylors, Sofi de France and Colombia Coffee, or stow away upstairs at Georginas for delicious Greek home cooking.  Just below Georginas you’ll find Brothers for dishes from the Mediterranean to the UK. You can sit there and watch the avenue bustle away outside while you relax. This kind of thoughtful, low-key celebration can be perfect. It doesn’t have to break the bank either, try a favourite sweet treat from Hamblin or any one of our market cafes,  or an indulgent milkshake at Moo Moos. If you’s lile to share something a bit stronger how about tasting a flight of beers or wines with Teardrop and Market Cellar Door.  

Pick out the perfect card

A well chosen card can say it all. Putting your care and appreciation into a few well chosen words is possibly the most touching gift of all. There’s more traders than you might think who sell cards in the market. Here’s a list for you so you can have a wander and choose that perfect message: Next to Nothing, Y.O.U Underwear, James Taylor Photo Art, Jemini Flowers, and The Collectors Company. 

Mother’s Day cards at Oxford Covered Market from Next to Nothing, James Taylor Photo Art and Y.O.U Underwear, featuring colourful, funny and heartfelt designs.

Clockwise: Hug card from Next to Nothing, best daughter card from James Taylor Photo Art, country scene from Y.O.U Underwear, thank you card from Next to Nothing

So here we are, pick up one perfect present or build a full Mother’s Day plan we’re here to makes it easy to celebrate in a way that feels thoughtful and personal. To find all our traders head to our market map located on the Find Us page and scroll down or just enjoy your own Mothers Day present buying treasure hunt and wander until you find that perfect shop