Indie Oxford Guide: Last minute Christmas shopping in Oxfordshire
If you’re heading into Oxford for some last minute Christmas shopping over the next few days, or keen to find brilliant indie shops in Oxfordshire this weekend, then you’re in the right place! Here’s the Independent Oxford Guide to last minute Christmas shopping in Oxford and Oxfordshire, including produce stores, jewellery shops, wine merchants, boutiques and gift shops.
Indie inspiration awaits….

2 North Parade
Opened in September 2013, 2 North Parade is a neighbourhood produce store run by Peter Slade and Victoria Borondo. The couple work closely with local farmers, producers and suppliers, who focus on the quality, integrity and provenance of their produce.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 8.30am – 5.30pm, Thurs 21st 8.30am – 5.30pm, Friday 22nd 8.30am – 5.30pm, Sat 23rd 8.30am – 5.30pm, Sunday 24th 8.30am – 2pm

Amy Surman: The Oxford Bead Shop
Amy runs a lovely friendly store tucked at the top of Cowley Road selling a fantastic array of beads and jewellery making supplies. Alongside the shop, Amy runs the Amy Surman School of Jewellery teaching everything from silver smithing to beaded jewellery.
Christmas opening times: Thurs 21st 12pm – 2.30pm, Sat 23rd 12pm – 4pm, and reopen on Tuesday 9th January

Babylon Trading
Babylon Trading is an independent retailer specialising in eclectic home interiors and giftware. Owners Miri and Mike have over 26 years of experience in buying and sourcing products from around the world and the UK. This year their focus is on increasing UK made ranges and environmentally friendly products.

Elle’s Deli
Elle’s Deli was opened in May 2022 by Ladd and Ru Thurston on Magdalen Road, on the former site of Oli’s Thai. The name is taken from the founders’ daughter Elle. The deli sells high quality produce from Britain, Europe and Asia. There is a weekly changing menu offering baked goods each morning such as iced buns, welsh cakes and custard tarts.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 9.30am – 4.30pm, Thurs 21st 9.30am – 4.30pm, Friday 22nd 9.30am – 4.30pm, Sat 23rd 9.30am – 1pm

Flo’s Refill Shop
A community-owned refill shop with food, household products and gifts.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 11am – 5pm, Thurs 21st 11am – 5pm, Friday 22nd 11am – 5pm, Sat 23rd 11am – 5pm

Gatineau
Owned by Herve Gatineau, and situated in Summertown, Gatineau offers the finest artisan produce in the French/European patisserie and boulangerie tradition: premium cakes, chocolates, pastries, savouries and breads – all made in house with the highest quality ingredients, creative flair, taste combinations and attention to detail.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 7am – 5pm, Thurs 21st 7am – 5pm, Friday 22nd 7am – 5pm, Sat 23rd 7am – 5pm, Sunday 24th 8am – 4pm

Grape Minds
Summertown’s only independent wine merchant based on South Parade. Owners Graeme Woodward and Michael Jelley stock a fantastic range of wines from all over the world catering from entry level party wines to some of the worlds very finest, and also have a second shop in Wallingford.

Headington Fairtrade
Headington Fairtrade, on London Road in Headington, is run as a community co-operative gift shop specialising in fairly traded products from all over the world, as well as Ecover and Faith in Nature refills and other eco products. The team are passionate about the importance of fairly traded products and ethical ways of supporting craftspeople and producers in other parts of the world who are struggling with the double impact of COVID and of climate change.

Hoyles of Oxford
An independent, family-run games shop based on Oxford’s High Street since 1997, father and daughter team Phillip and Emily, sell traditional and vintage table-top games including chess, backgammon, mah jong and go, alongside a wide range of board games: family classics, newcomers, award-winners and hard-to-find independent, niche games.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 6pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 6pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 6pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 6pm, Sunday 24th 11am – 6pm

Il Principe
Located on Cowley Road and inspired by Naples, Il Principe is a local Italian delicatessen that offers an exclusive selection of everyday products and a takeaway service specialising in authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th – Sun 24th 10am – 2pm and 5pm-10pm

Kitchen Food Company
Kitchen Food Company in Summertown is a foodies paradise! A fine food delicatessen, a daytime bistro, a pavement terrace plus a great place to order posh picnics and creative party platters.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 8.30am – 5.30pm, Thurs 21st 8.30am – 8pm, Friday 22nd 8.30am – 6pm, Sat 23rd 8.30am – 6pm, Sunday 24th 9am – 4.30pm

Laird Hatters
Laird Hatters, on Cornmarket Street, is an independent British hat specialist, which hand-makes a wonderful selection of hats and caps for both men and women. The brand was founded in London with 4 stores and has now expanded into Cambridge and Oxford.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 7pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 7pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 7pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 7pm, Sunday 24th 10am – 5pm

Modern Art Oxford
In the shop at Modern Art Oxford on St Ebbes Street, you’ll find an eclectic range of unique gifts for all the family, jewellery by independent makers, thought-provoking publications on a range of subjects and an enchanting selection of books for children, as well as exclusive exhibition catalogues, merchandise and artist’s editions.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 5pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 5pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 5pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 5pm, Sunday 24th closed

Objects of Use
Objects of Use is a source of enduring household tools and functional items, consciously sourced from around the globe, with a special focus on everyday archetypes and vernacular objects. Find Objects of Use in the heart of Oxford on Market Street.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 5pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 5pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 5pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 5pm, Sunday 24th closed

Oxford Yarn Store
Like an old-fashioned sweet shop, Oxford Yarn Store, on North Parade, is an explosion of colour and texture. The shelves are bursting with an eclectic mix of knitting paraphernalia, pattern books for all abilities and a carefully curated selection of mainly natural fibre yarns. Alongside yarns and notions, we offer a wide range of workshops, social gatherings, and special events with brilliant guest speakers – keep an eye out for our next newsletter with details.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 6pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 6pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 6pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 6pm, Sunday 24th 11am – 5pm

Payne & Son
Payne & Son is an historic family jewellers & silversmiths that specialises in selling gold, platinum & silver jewellery, gem set jewellery and silver items. The business was established in 1790 in Wallingford and has had a presence on Oxford’s High St. since 1889, run by the same family (currently 8th generation).
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 5pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 5pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 5pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 5.30pm, Sunday 24th closed

Rainbow & Spoon Boutique
Uniquely located in a pretty flower filled courtyard just of Frideswide Square, Rainbow and Spoon Boutique was established in 1982 by Amanda Suliman Bell, and is one of Oxford’s most loved boutiques. Visit Amanda’s shop for stylish and individual clothing, gifts, jewellery, scarves and other fabulous accessories and lifestyle items.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 5.30pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 5.30pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 5.30pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 5.30pm, Sunday 24th closed

Reginald Davis
Reginald Davis are an independent family jewellers in Oxford, specialising in antique, second-hand and modern jewellery. Established in 1904, they were originally based in London, but during the 1940s Reginald Davis moved his shop to the High Street, Oxford and five generations later the family is still trading in the same premises.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 3pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 3pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 3pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 3pm, Sunday 24th closed

Rona Painting Gallery
ronapainting gallery on Walton Street, is new space that exhibits a large selection of pieces from paintings and sculptures to prints, photography and illustration. All work displayed and sold is original, representing a few of Oxford’s talented artists. A selection of international artists will also be included.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 11am – 5.30pm, Thurs 21st 11am – 5.30pm, Friday 22nd 11am – 5.30pm, Sat 23rd 11am – 5.30pm, Sunday 24th closed

Sanders of Oxford
Owned by Philip Marston and Sarah Boada-Momtahan, Sanders of Oxford, situated in the 17th century Salutation Inn on the High Street, is one of the largest printsellers in Britain. One of the few antiquarian print and map galleries left outside London, Sanders’ selection is extensive and varied, dating from the early 16th century to contemporary works, and encompassing a vast range of subjects, engravers, and prices.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 9am – 5pm, Thurs 21st 9am – 5pm, Friday 22nd 9am – 5pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 6pm, Sunday 24th 11am – 5pm

Sarah Wiseman Gallery
Sarah Wiseman Gallery is an independent art gallery on South Parade, representing around fifty artists and makers who are UK based. The gallery is open six days a week, open to anyone who wants to come and see or buy the artworks. Sarah and the team represent artists on an ongoing basis, but also organise group, themed exhibitions and solo shows throughout the year.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 5.30pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 5.30pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 5.30pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 5.30pm, Sunday 24th closed

The Garden of Oxford
The Garden of Oxford was established in Oxford’s historic Covered Market in 1984 by Paul Birtles, and has gained an enviable reputation for being one of the region’s finest flower shops. Paul and the team have a particular passion for English-grown fresh flowers and are proud to offer their customers the finest seasonal flowers by personally selecting the very best available at London’s New Covent Garden Market.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 8am – 5pm, Thurs 21st 8am – 5pm, Friday 22nd 8am – 5pm, Sat 23rd 8am – 5pm, Sunday 24th 9am – 12pm

The Oxford Soap Company
The Oxford Soap Company is a local, family run business, run by Ervin & Emily Tomkys Valteri, that designs and creates handmade soaps and cosmetics in Oxford’s iconic Covered Market. They are best known for their popular zero waste items – soap bars and shampoo bars, as well as a range of reduced plastic options on cosmetics such as shaving soap, moisturising lotion, hand cream, face cream, bath salts and body butters. All their products are made locally by Ervin, who is committed to using natural and environmental recipes.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 5pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 5pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 5pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 5pm, Sunday 24th 11am-4pm

The Oxford Wine Company
The Oxford Wine Company is a truly independent, family-run wine merchant with over 25 years’ experience. They have one shop in Standlake and three in Oxford – on Botley Road, Little Clarendon Street and Turl Street. They also have a concession shop at Millets Farm. They list over 2000 products, covering wines, spirits and beers – from inexpensive crowd-pleasers to hard-to-find, more specialist bottles.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 7pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 7pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 7pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 7pm, Sunday 24th 10am-4pm

The Wool Hound
Located in the historic Covered Market, The Woolhound is bringing British wool, yarn, and notions to central Oxford. Jess is passionate about offering supplies and support to every level of crafter at a wide range of price points. Along with Sirdar, Stylecraft, and Erika Knight yarns, you can find hand-dyed 100% wool and craft kits by lovely UK-based small businesses.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 11am – 5pm, Thurs 21st 11am – 5pm, Friday 22nd 11am – 5pm, Sat 23rd 11am – 5pm, Sunday 24th 10am-2pm

Truck Store
Truck Store is Oxford’s independent music hub, a proper record shop in the heart of the city’s music scene on Cowley Road, yet they’re so much more than just a record shop. They always strive to make the store a friendly, welcoming environment where their enthusiasm for new music can be shared with the local community and beyond: Gary, Carl and the team aim to be the place to come to pick up exciting recommendations and discover new music!
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 6pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 6pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 6pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 6pm, Sunday 24th 10am-5pm

YOU Underwear
Y.O.U underwear makes organic cotton underwear for men, women and girls that lets you look good, feel good and do good. Sarah opened a shop in The Covered Market in 2021, and has now moved to a larger shop within the market opposite The Garden.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 5.30pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 7pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 7pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 7pm, Sunday 24th 10.30am-4.30pm
Oxfordshire
Awesome indie shops to check out across the Oxfordshire county. >>

Abingdon Distillery
Abingdon Distillery is a small batch spirits producer with an award-winning portfolio. All of it’s products are hand-crafted right in the heart of Abingdon and the distillery prides itself on using traditional copper pot stills coupled with modern distilling methods.
Find Jordan at the Oxford Christmas Market until Saturday 23rd December.

Jessie’s Art Shed
Jessie and Olly, are the husband and wife duo behind Jessie’s Art Shed. They run an art shop in Eynsham, Oxfordshire where they host classes and workshops for all ages, stock a fantastic range of art products both in the shop and online, and sell amazing creations by local artists. They are passionate about art, and love that their little shop gives everyone, no matter what age or ability, the opportunity to create and grow in confidence.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 10am – 6pm, Thurs 21st 10am – 7pm, Friday 22nd 10am – 4pm, Sat 23rd 10am – 5pm, Sunday 24th closed

Mostly Books
An award-winning independent bookshop located in the heart of Abingdon. Mostly Books offers an excellent range of books, greeting cards, gifts and children’s toys. Sarah and the team can source most titles, and have been supporting their community by hand delivering books by bike within Abingdon. If you’re a bit further afield, check out their online shop.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 9.30am – 5pm, Thurs 21st 9.30am – 5pm, Friday 22nd 9.30am – 5pm, Sat 23rd 9am – 5pm, Sunday 24th closed

The Maker Space
The Maker Space is a modern craft venue based online and in a beautiful but abandoned 17th century pub building in Nuffield, near Henley-on-Thames where Kay and the team teach craft skills in their workrooms, stock gorgeous modern craft supplies and handmade goods in the store, and serve great food and drinks in their cosy cafe and garden.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 9am – 4pm, Thurs 21st 9am – 4pm, Friday 22nd 9am – 4pm, Sat 23rd closed, Sunday 24th closed

The Orange Bakery
Orange Bakery is a father and daughter bread bakery specialising in sourdough. Their mission is to make good bread available to the local community. Check out their shop on their local High Street in Watlington, and follow Kitty on Instagram for highly entertaining stop motion videos from the bakery!
Christmas opening times: Saturday 24th 10am until they sell out!

The Village Refill and Zero Waste Shop
The Village Refill and Zero Waste Shop at Yarnton Garden Centre is a dedicated refill and zero waste shop stocking a wide range of refillable earth-friendly, vegan, cruelty-free and organic products.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 9am – 5pm, Thurs 21st 9am – 5pm, Friday 22nd 9am – 5pm, Sat 23rd 9am – 5 pm, Sunday 24th 10am – 4.30pm

Truck Witney
Truck Witney is Oxfordshire’s longest running independent record store, right in the centre of Witney.
Since it first opened its doors in June 2004, it has always done its best to supply the people of Witney with the best and most exciting new music on various formats, the biggest blockbusters on DVD & blu-ray.
Christmas opening times: Wed 20th 9am – 5.30pm, Thurs 21st 9am – 5.30pm, Friday 22nd 9am – 5.30pm, Sat 23rd 9am – 5.30pm, Sunday 24th 10am – 4pm