The Independent Oxford Valentine’s Gift Guide
Forget the last minute box of Milk Tray and a tacky teddy bear – here at Indie Oxford we’ve rounded up our top picks from some of Oxford’s best independent businesses. So whether your celebrating Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day we’ve got some great ideas for you, all available in your city.
Petite Fleur flowers at The Annie Sloan Shop
The lovely Petite Fleur will be joining The Annie Sloan Shop to create a beautiful Pop Up Flower Shop. Expect lush bouquets and posies with roses and spring blooms from £5, all hand tied with gorgeous Annie Sloan fabric. They are also offering free delivery to OX4, so do pop in to the shop to secure your bunch and it’s safe delivery to your loved one. Find the delightful Annie Sloan Shop at 33 Cowley Road, or give them a ring on 01865 247296.
Gifts for him from Boswells
Boswells is Oxford’s independent department store and, having been established in 1738, has been loved by generations of Oxfordians. Boswells has a great selection of Valentine’s gift ideas in store, including this classic Royal Doulton decanter set (now half price at £50), perfect for any aspiring Don Draper.
Well-being from Indigo
Get creative and de-stress with this beautiful HeartShapes Wooden Toy, £44. Indigo is full of inspiring collections for your home and your wardrobe, as well as great gifts for friends and family. Their range is ethically sourced and thoughtfully curated with their East Oxford community in mind.
Handmade pottery from Illyria
Illyria is an awesome ceramics shop on Walton Street full of wonderful pieces handmade by Katie Coston just downstairs in her studio. The shop offers an intriguing collection of alternative Valentine’s gift ideas, including these super cute Cobalt Blue Earrings, £15.
Accessories for your Valentine from Fresh
Find a great collection of quirky women’s clothing, accessories and jewellery in the heart of Oxford’s Covered Market at Fresh, including this festive red heart scarf at £12.99.
Modern classics from Custom Made
Custom Made, an Oxford based jewellery brand, fuses minimal design with colour, shape and pattern, bringing the wearer modern jewellery to cherish. This awesome Mini Sector Necklace, is a new addition to the Custom Made range and makes a great alternative gift. Handmade using Sterling Silver and brass this necklace is £23.
Woven wonders from The Basket Room
The Basket Room is a gorgeous lifestyle brand specialising in handwoven baskets from weaving cooperatives in Kenya and Ghana. These beautiful red & black woven grass baskets make a great Valentine’s centre piece and start at just £5. They are made from lutindzi grass and have been carefully handwoven by a member of a women’s weaving cooperative in rural Swaziland, a partner of the social enterprise, Gone Rural. Since 1970, Gone Rural have been empowering women, supporting children and creating sustainable employment.
Buying this product helps support Gone Rural Bomake, a not for profit organisation working in the community to improve education, healthcare and sanitation. Meet the weavers from Swaziland here.
Hand poured candles from Kinship of Oxford
Find a beautiful collection of UK made candles at Kinship of Oxford including Vintage Bluebell, Rosemary & Thyme, Geranium & Tea Tree and Moroccan Rose for just £12. Each candle comes with it’s own artwork, which has been designed and created by local Oxford designer Grace Ironside. Kinship is an East Oxford based online gift store specialising in happy, fun and colourful gifts. You can find the Kinship Pop Up Shop at the Missing Bean Roastery once a month. Find more information and dates here.
Stoneware Jugs from Jericho Studio Pottery
An independent one-woman pottery, Hannah creates beautiful, simple and functional tableware from stoneware and porcelain. Hannah pots in her lovely garden studio in Jericho, Oxford. Pair a beautiful stoneware jug with some Petite Fleur flowers for an extra special independent Valentine’s gift. Prices from £30.
Sterling Silver Jewellery from Amy Surman
Find Amy’s lovely shop just off Holloway filled with jewels and beads to make your own creations. She also sells her own handmade collection, which you can buy in store or in her Folksy shop. These pretty handmade earrings are created from Sterling Silver with an intricate heart pattern detail. A light and classic design, and only £10!
Eco-friendly gifts for her and for him from Ethical Life Store
With an emphasis on products made slowly and carefully by hand, using only natural and sustainable materials, Ethical Life Store is an online clothing and home ware boutique based in Oxford. These organic cotton scarves have been naturally dyed with saffron and indigo and start at £18. Perfect for both men and women.
For more inspiration on where to find local Valentine’s gift ideas, check out our Independent Oxford directory and let us know about your purchases via Twitter or Instagram using the #IndieOxford. Have a great Valentine’s day!
Rosie
xxx
