Father’s Day is on Sunday 21st June, which means you’ve got just enough time to do something genuinely brilliant. And by brilliant, we mean local, thoughtful, and bought from the kinds of places that make Oxfordshire such a special county to live in!
Whether you’re shopping for a dad, a grandad, a father figure, a bonus parent, or the person who just shows up and does the work of all of the above; here’s our round-up of ideas from the Indie Oxford community. Gifts, experiences, dinners: there’s something here for everyone.
Gifts
Chocolate with a conscience — 33Cocoa
33Cocoa is one of our newer members, and honestly, if you haven’t discovered them yet, Father’s Day is the perfect excuse! Use the promo code DAD10 at checkout for 10% off. Pop over to 33cocoa.com to shop the range.
Ethical underwear that gives back — Y.O.U Underwear
This one might raise a few eyebrows, but hear us out. Y.O.U Underwear‘s organic cotton men’s trunks are genuinely lovely — super-soft, available in classic black or bright prints inspired by Maasai beadwork, and they come in four styles (hipster, mid-length, longer leg, and briefs). Best of all, for every pair purchased, a pair is donated to someone in need. It’s the kind of gift that feels good to give. Find them at youunderwear.com.
Something beautiful for the walls — Lorraine Berkshire-Roe
If Dad’s a fan of prints, bookmarks, or coasters, Lorraine Berkshire-Roe has a wonderful online shop full of her illustrations. She even prints to order — if you spot something you love in her illustration folders, she can make it into a print for you. Browse at lorraineberkshire-roe.co.uk/shop.
Craft spirits from the heart of Abingdon — Abingdon Distillery
Abingdon Distillery is a small batch spirits producer hand-crafting award-winning gins and liqueurs in the heart of Abingdon using traditional copper pot stills. The bottles are modern, recyclable, and make a brilliant gift. Even better — you can book a tour and tasting session, or (rumour has it) find Negronis on draught at the distillery bar. Find them on Ock Street, Abingdon, Thursday to Saturday, or visit abingdondistillery.com.
Beer that does good — Tap Social Movement
Tap Social is an Oxford institution. This independent social enterprise brewery and bakery provides training and employment for people leaving prison — to date creating over 100,000 hours of paid employment. Their beers are excellent and stocked across the county. Pick some up at The Market Tap inside the Covered Market, or visit the Botley taproom. Indie Oxford members get 10% off a minimum spend of £25 at any Tap Social venue. Find out more at tapsocialmovement.com.
A hat worth wearing — Laird Hatters
For the dad with genuine style, Laird Hatters make and sell proper hats in Oxford. If your dad has ever complained that he can’t find a decent hat, this is where you send him (or shop on his behalf). Visit them in the directory for details.
Scent made locally — LORDS Fragrance House
LORDS Fragrance House is an independent Oxford fragrance brand — a really thoughtful and original gift option for the dad who appreciates something a little different. Browse their range in the directory.
Books for every kind of dad — Caper & Mostly Books
We’ve got two brilliant indie bookshops in our community: Caper in Oxford and Mostly Books in Abingdon. Both are staffed by people who genuinely love books and will happily point you toward something perfect. Far better than an algorithm, and the wrapping paper’s usually better too!
A Gift That Lasts — Book a Family Photoshoot
Laura Greene Photography
One of our favourite ideas this year comes from Laura Greene Photography, who’s offering beautiful mini-sessions in time for Father’s Day. Laura captures all kinds of families — traditional, two dads, blended, chosen — and frames it beautifully: “Love is what makes a family, however yours comes.”
What’s included: 20-minute session at Shotover, 5 high-resolution digital images Investment: £150 (with the option to upgrade to the full gallery for an additional £150)
DM @lauragreene_photography on Instagram or email lauragreenephotography@outlook.com to book your spot.
Treat Him to Something Special
Dinner at the Cherwell Boathouse
It doesn’t get much more Oxford than the Cherwell Boathouse. Sitting right on the banks of the river Cherwell, this iconic restaurant serves modern English food with an award-winning wine list. Al fresco dining with river views on a June evening — that’s a Father’s Day dinner worth booking. Call 01865 552746 or visit cherwellboathouse.co.uk.
Punting on the Cherwell
While you’re there — the Cherwell Boathouse also runs Oxford’s largest punt station (open mid-March to mid-October, with over 70 traditional punts built on the premises). Booking a punt is one of those experiences that’s quintessentially Oxford and somehow never gets old. An afternoon on the river with Dad? Yes please.
Dinner at Il Corno or Oli’s Thai
For something a bit different, Il Corno and Oli’s Thai are both brilliant indie restaurants worth booking for the occasion. Two very different cuisines, both genuinely great. Check the directory for booking details.
Drinks at the Port Mahon or Up in Arms (Dodo Pub Co.)
If Dad’s more of a pub person, The Port Mahon and the Dodo Pub Co. pubs (including the Up in Arms) are both in the Indie Oxford community. Independent pubs, real atmosphere, none of the chain-pub energy.
Experience the City
A Night at The North Wall Arts Centre
The North Wall Arts Centre in Summertown brings together artists and audiences for theatre, comedy, and exhibitions — over 30,000 visitors a year come through its doors. Two tickets to an evening show makes a brilliant and slightly unexpected Father’s Day gift. Check what’s on at thenorthwall.com.
Book a Distillery Tour
As mentioned above, Abingdon Distillery runs tours and tastings. If Dad’s into craft spirits, this is a proper experience rather than just another bottle — though you can get the bottle too.
A Note from Us
Everything in this guide comes from members of the Indie Oxford community; real independent businesses, run by brilliant people who live and work right here in our county. When you buy from them, you’re not just getting a great gift. You’re helping keep Oxfordshire’s independent scene alive.
That feels like a pretty good Father’s Day message to us.
Happy Father’s Day, everyone!
Want to find more local independents? Browse the full Indie Oxford Directory or sign up to our newsletter for the latest on what’s happening across the county.
