The best Christmas stocking gifts in Oxford’s Covered Market

To me, the Covered Market feels like a treasure trove – somewhere you can buy something for every occasion.

That is why it is the ideal place to go Christmas shopping. I decided to head on down and find the best stocking gift ideas (some of which I bought for gifts myself).

This year was a special milestone for The Covered Market as it marked its 250th Christmas.

Nothing

The first stop was Nothing, a shop that has been running for more than 50 years and seems to sell anything and everything.

It felt like I could buy a present for everyone I knew from this shop alone (which would have made my life very easy if I hadn’t already done my shopping).

Pin badges

These pin badges would make a lovely gift, particularly for someone who collects them, and were affordable at around the £10 mark. Plus, they are tiny, making them perfect for a stocking.

Pin badges sold at Nothing (Image: Newsquest) Jelly Cats

This one is a no-brainer for the Jelly Cat lovers. Although slightly pricey, they are guaranteed to add joy to a growing collection or be the start of one.

Jellycats sold at Nothing (Image: Newsquest) Jellycats sold at Nothing (Image: Newsquest) Coasters and mugs

These niche coasters and mugs would make a great stocking gift and a colourful addition to a home.

Coasters, mugs and keychains sold at Nothing (Image: Newsquest)

Gulp Fiction

In my opinion, this shop is a fantastic idea. A place where you can buy and read books as well as a cafe? Genius.

Books sold at Gulp Fiction (Image: Newsquest)

The classic hardbacks would make for a thoughtful stocking gift and would make a great addition to a classic collection. Plus, a free drink is a no-brainer.

Gulp Fiction in the Covered Market (Image: Newsquest)

No76

These aesthetically-pleasing prints from No76 would make a great stocking gift for those wanting to jazz up their homes and those who appreciate art.

Prints sold at No76 (Image: Newsquest)

Next to Nothing

Like Nothing, this shop seems to sell everything. However, like the name suggests, the shops are not located next to each other in the Covered Market.

Odd socks in a box sold at Next to Nothing (Image: Newsquest) These odd socks in a box were a unique and quirky idea which I felt would make a fun stocking gift.

Candles sold at Next to Nothing (Image: Newsquest) These natural handmade candles made locally for £12 could also make for a nice stocking gift, as well as this make your own necklace kit for £11.95.

Make your own necklace kit sold at Next to Nothing (Image: Newsquest)

Space Store

If you’re buying gifts for lovers of everything space related, this is the place to go.

The Space Store (Image: Newsquest) These bookmarks would be an ideal stocking gift, especially paired with a classic hardback book from Gulp Fiction.

Wicked Chocolate

If you’re shopping for someone with a sweet tooth, this shop is the place to go.

Paddington shortbread sold at Wicked Chocolate (Image: Newsquest) This Paddington shortbread tin is not only adorable, but would make for great storage when the treats inside have been eaten (I did pick this up for a gift).

Tony's Chocolonely Tony’s Chocolonely sold at Wicked Chocolate (Image: Newsquest) This colourful array of chocolate bars immediately grabbed my attention as a great stocking gift.

There was late-night shopping in the historic market on Friday, November 29 for which more than 30 traders committed to staying open until 9pm, making it the perfect one-stop-shop for Christmas shopping.

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