With Christmas right around the corner, why not shop locally for your loved ones this year?

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and national lockdowns hitting small businesses, it's more important  than ever to shop independently this festive season.

As part of 'Small Business Saturday' we've compiled a few of our favourites that should be on your radar:

Rainbow and Spoon

Where: 22 Park End St, Oxford OX1 1HU

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(Image - Rainbow and Spoon)

Established in 1982 by designer June Suliman, Rainbow and Spoon is one of Oxford’s most loved independent boutiques.

The founders of Rainbow and Spoon were the first to introduce traditional and beautiful woodblock printing techniques from the East to the Western market in the 1960's, selling their designs in all the hippest London outlets.

After a successful few years in London with a flagship store in Maddox Street just off Bond Street and then a stint in Cornwall, the business decided to move to Oxford. 

Amanda Bell from Rainbow and Spoon said: "Since the start of the pandemic I feel there has been a real shift in the way we are feeling about nature, the planet and each other - we've started to care more!

"And inline with that Rainbow and Spoon have gone all out to find beautiful items that are sustainable, ethically sourced and responsibly produced as well as being fun, stylish and desirable - all chosen with love."

You can find a large collection of unique and unusual gifts in-store. From luxury bathing products and scented candles, to quirky bamboo socks, jewellery and much more - there's something for everyone. 

Find out more online. 

Fresh

Where: 3 & 4 Avenue One, The Covered Market, Oxford, OX1 3DX

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(Image - Fresh)

Originally opened in 2000 Fresh boutique is located in the centre of Oxford in the Covered Market.

They aim to provide individual style to women of all ages and work with many niche British designers to offer their customers beautiful products at affordable prices. 

Concerned about sustainability, they generally work directly with small manufacturers who visit their factories and have first hand experience of those environments. 

They are part of a network of businesses supporting fair wages and ethical conditions for people working in the fashion industry. 

A spokesperson for Fresh said: "Fresh is well known for its colourful print led designer clothing for women, however we also have casual accessories which are perfect gifts for the festive season. 

"New collections feature velvet  purses beautifully appliqued with giraffes and pheasants, and bags in popular leopard print cord. 

They are all fair trade and made to last.   Our best sellers are winter scarves with motifs like bees and trees.  They are reversible and very cosy to wear."  

Shopping at Fresh also keeps the profits in your local community where they are fairly taxed and pay for vital local and state services.

Shop Indigo

Where: 62 Cowley Road, Oxford, England OX41JB

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Indigo has been resident on the Cowley Road since 2008, they are rooted in the belief of working in a fair and healthy way for all.

Most of their items are handmade and the ethical, fair-trade shop has a wonderful array of products to suit everyone. 

Products include fashion, accessories, gifts and homeware.

You can also shop online via their website.

Next to Nothing: 

Where:Next To Nothing, Avenue 4, The Covered Market, Oxford, OX1 3DZ

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Next To Nothing is a bright, inviting shop in Oxford’s famous Covered Market.

The shop has been in the Covered Market for almost 40 years, selling exciting new things every season.

Sam from Next to Nothing said: "We have lots of wonderful Christmas gifts including cheeky tea towels , T-shirts , fabulous bags ,scarves, socks and gorgeous clothing." 

Old Firestation

Where: 40 George St, Oxford OX1 2AQ

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(Image - Old Firestation ©Jo Hounsome Photography)

This colourful lifestyle shop sells quirky, feel good gifts including jewellery, homewares, textiles, prints and stationery.

All of the goods are designed and made by UK indie designer-makers or small businesses. 

As part of Arts at the Old Fire Station, the money from your purchases goes back into their charity work with Crisis, providing training and volunteering opportunities for homeless people.

The shop is open from Wednesday to Saturday 11am - 5pm.

Find out more online.

Have we missed your favourite independent? Let us know in the comments below.