Weaving
in-between crowds, attempting to navigate around department stores the size of
Brazil, the sound of noisy cash tills ringing…We love shopping, but with the
addition of the word Christmas, our beloved high street turns into all-out pandemonium!
And
that’s why this year we’re planning to avoid the high street altogether in
pursuit of a stress-free shopping experience. From cutesy boutiques to markets
brimming with character, we’re going far and wide in search of the best places
for Christmas shopping. Discover our favourite UK shopping cities.
Cardiff
The
Welsh capital is home to a number of arcades packed with exciting independent
retailers. Foodies will be enamoured by Wally’s
Delicatessen- a paradise of imported food from the world over. Meanwhile, a
couple of arcades over Waterloo Tea serve
over 50 varieties of everybody’s favourite cuppa and doorstop slices of cake to
boot. Purchase a brewing, cupping and sensory coffee course for tea enthusiasts
or enjoy a spot of light lunch in-between shopping.
Homeware
aficionados are likely to find the perfect gift sitting pretty in Rossiters. From
lemon sherbet bath salts to pug salt and pepper shakers, peruse this large yet
manageable store with delight.
Oxford
Veer
off the beaten track and you’ll unearth plenty of interesting fashion boutiques
and independent gift stores around Oxford. Located centrally, Pod is a contemporary store stocking
a plethora of quirky gifts such as gin & tonic flavoured lip balm and
Russian doll cookie cutters.
There’s
rich pickings for fashion lovers too, Fresh
Clothing is situated in Oxford’s indoor market and sells vintage inspired
frocks and skirts with an emphasis on 1950’s glamour.
It
wouldn’t be Christmas without a wedge of brie to nibble on, so the Oxford Cheese Shop is a must-visit.
Choose from a fine selection of artisan cheese hampers, personally we’re
partial to the Oxford blue…
Christmas
Shopping in London
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While
we’re aware that London is an overcrowded city at the best of times, it would
be impossible to talk about Christmas shopping without mentioning the retail Mecca. Avoid touristy areas like Oxford Street and Covent Garden and instead go
in search of festive markets and ritzy boutiques.
The
Southbank
Centre Christmas Market offers much more than the standard gingerbread and
mulled wine fare. Wooden chalets are packed with numerous arts, crafts and
gifts traders. Shop for treasures such as leather-bound diaries, Australian balsamic
vinegar and handmade fairy lights.
Russell
Square’s Darkroom is well worth a
visit for one-off arty gifts you’re unlikely to find on the high street. Packed
with exclusive designers, the store stocks all manner of goods from textiles to
style books. Prices are on the higher end of the scale, but it’s ideal for
tracking down those extra special gifts.
For
a spot of culture to go with your Christmas sweep, the Victoria and Albert offer a huge array of arty
gifts based on current collections. From glossy photobooks to David Bowie
stationery, you’re bound to find something suitable.
And
if you really can’t face trundling around city centres, there’s always the
tempting option of online Christmas shopping. Visit Fiorelli to view our latest collection.
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