If you’ve missed those pesky Christmas delivery deadlines then it’s time to hit the high streets. And thanks to Travelodge that doesn’t have to mean generic last-minute gifts. We’ve curated a list of some of the country’s best shops – from big brands to bijoux boutiques, where you can find the perfect present…even on Christmas Eve. Happy hunting!
For the sweet-toothed. Photo © hija
1. London
Westfield & Westfield Stratford
Avoid the bad weather this Christmas: London’s two Westfield shopping centres have a dizzying array of high-street and designer brands, which are sure to satisfy even the pickiest.
Famed for its historic and pretty prints, Liberty is where you go to pick up a quirky fashion gift – they do particularly beautiful accessories, from leather items to silk scarves, each emblazoned with that season’s print.
A place that was practically made for finding the perfect Christmas gift: from artisan chocolates to coffees from all over the world. But it’s not just food – from fine bone China tea sets to hand-sewn homewares, last-minute gifts from Fortnum & Mason are pretty hard to beat.
This west London boutique is a gifting institution, housing designer fashion brands – fancy a monogrammed Burberry scarf? – alongside interior and beauty items. You’d be hard pressed not to find treat of a gift. Our pick? Their small-brand scents are lovely.
Specialising in gifts for women and children, this quirky boutique features fine gold jewellery (Alex Monroe is our particular favourite), kitsch homeware and an excellent selection of retro sweets. Come here to find the perfect stocking-filler.
If your loved one has a sweet tooth and you want to get them something extra special then this gorgeous independent chocolate shop has everything from pastel-coloured sugared almonds to supersized selection boxes. And the best part? Everything is handmade.
2. Sheffield
It’s likely to get busy in the run-up to Christmas, which is probably because its huge array of high-street stores – from Zara to French Connection and the Disney shop – make Meadowhall an easy place to find gifts. Get there early to avoid queuing for a parking space.
This pretty treasure trove of a shop sells present-worthy jewellery, clothes and leather accessories for men and women. It’s an ideal place to find an uber-chic item that you won’t see on the high street.
Featuring handmade pieces for the home and artisan jewellery, this shop is part Scandi-chic, part quirky cool. You might go in for one last-minute gift, but you’ll probably leave with five (all for yourself). You have been warned.
At this vintage emporium you’ll pick up one-of-a-kind pre-loved fashion and accessories. Cow’s a cut above other vintage stores thanks to their carefully edited collection. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for in Sheffield, they also have outlets in Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham.
Know their favourite scent? Photo © fiphoto
3. Manchester
A safe bet for anyone with just a few days left until Christmas and lots of last-minute gifts to find. Including a wide range of high-street and high-end shops for both men and women, though for an extra bit of sparkle we’d recommend a trip to Pandora.
With over 25,000 products across three floors, this family-owned craft shop contains an outstanding array of arts supplies and is the best place to find gifts for the budding artist in your life. The one who’s never quite got round to buying their first blank canvas.
A Manchester institution in the Northern Quarter, this boutique has a carefully curated selection of menswear from bigger brands including Levi’s and Lacoste as well as quirky, harder to find picks. We particularly love the Charlie Brown-emblazoned shirts and sweaters from TSPTR.
Manchester Craft & Design Centre
This former Victorian fish market now hosts small artist’s studios, making it a treasure trove of can’t-find-them-anywhere-else last-minute gifts. As well as handmade jewellery and bags you’ll also pick up one-of-a-kind artworks, usually from the artist themselves.
4. Birmingham
Housing everything from Selfridges to Miss Selfridge – with price ranges to match – Birmingham’s Bullring shopping complex is the perfect place to find gifts for the high street lover in your family.
Specialising in quirky-but-beautiful science-related homewares (yes, science-related) this is the perfect place to pick up interior items for the host in your life. Cushions, throws and prints are all emblazoned with things like intricate double helixes and the faces of famous scientists. You can even get a mug with Stephen Hawking’s face on it.
From single malt scotches to specialist blends from Japan, this veritable emporium is the perfect place to pick up a top-notch gift that will make any whisky-lover smile.
Showcasing an eclectic range of interior items from 20 local artists, head to Handmade Boutique for purchases that aren’t just pretty and practical, they’re also supporting the local community. We love a feel-good bonus.
5. Edinburgh
Specialising in quirky jewellery from a revolving roster of independent designers, this outstanding boutique is where you’ll find a handmade gift that’s completely unique.
Shopping for a shoe-lover, but clueless about what you should actually get them? This boutique has exceptionally trained staff who are on hand to offer the kind of guidance you’ll never find online. Oh, and their selection – from Rupert Sanderson to Pretty Ballerinas – will give you plenty to smile about as well.
For an extra-special stocking filler this lingerie boutique has some extra-special brands (think Stella McCartney and Heidi Klein) with which you’re sure to impress a loved one. (And trust us, no one will know it’s last minute).
The shop at this quaint gallery is stuffed with prints, painting, sculpture and artisan jewellery, all of which have some tie to the regular exhibitions of local artists. A perfect pick for a unique gift.
6. Liverpool
This Scandi-chic emporium is stuffed with quirky-but-cool pieces, from handmade vases and hand-printed cushions for the home to carefully curated and more personal gifts, helpfully separated into ‘for him’ and ‘for her.’
Selling menswear from classic British brands, this store is especially strong on outdoor items. A great place to pick up a special gift for the adventurer in your life.
This gallery has been a haven for craft-makers since it opened in 1959 and it still stocks a beautiful collection of handmade glassware, jewellery and sculptures from both emerging and established artists.
It might mean a bit of a dash out of the city centre, but if you’re shopping for a last-minute gift for the designer-lover in your life the 60% discounts at Cheshire Oaks Outlet make the journey more than worth it.
7. Cardiff
Wales’ largest vintage record store has been open since 1969 and specialises in rare and collectable vinyl, the perfect purchase for any music buff – even if they don’t have a player, the artwork looks fantastic on display.
A short walk from Mermaid Quay, the shop in this quaint gallery is alive with locally-designed jewellery, cards and wall prints, all of which make ideal gifts for anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship.
It’s always a pleasure to stroll through these pretty Victorian arcades, and with hundreds of high-street and high-end boutiques crammed into a relatively small space, it’s also a fantastic place to pick up a unique gift.
