Christmas Market
Spread out across the beautiful Cathedral Green, Exeter’s annual Christmas market is the perfect place to buy presents for loved ones. From an assortment of food to tacky Christmas jumpers a la Mrs Weasley to ornate Turkish bowls, the markets have it all. Why not make a gift basket packed full of markets goods? From delicious cheeses to handmade chutneys, flavoured mead in potion bottles to grow your own snow, there is no lack of cute and quirky gift ideas among these festive stalls.
Quay Presents
The name says it all really, this cute independent shop is perfect for buying Christmas presents. Nestled in the heart of the quay, in a brick arched cellar of a bonded wharf building, this alcove of treasure is one of Exeter’s best kept secrets. Quay Presents offers a whole range of affordable gifts, all beautifully ornate and many handmade by local craftsman. Fused glass, driftwood, ceramics, turned wood, jewellery and hand knitted scarves are just a few of the broad selection available in this cute and quirky quayside gem.
The Real McCoy
Perfect for those shopping for the hipster conscious. The Real McCoy, as well as selling vintage clothes and accessories from the 90s all the way to the 1880s, also boasts an impressive collection of vintage furniture, records, toys and miscellaneous objects. From typewriters to rocking horses, record players to gramophones, pin cushions to paintings of Marilyn, there is an endless supply of hidden treasures. If you are after something quirky and original, then this is the place for you.
Rooster Records
Perfect for anyone with a record player. Kind of useless for those without. Rooster Records has hordes of musical gems in every genre under the sun, from rock to pop, heavy metal to country, reggae to dance and a lot more.
Eclectique
Tucked into an alcove along the quay, this hidden gem offers a fantastic array of gifts, perfect for the rents. Although most of their merchandise is furniture, they also sell a number of smaller homeware items such as cute tea towels, vintage tin-ware, quirky tea sets, old clocks and posh aftershave, all at affordable prices!
Lush
It’s sweetly scented aroma draws in millions every year, and for good reason. Lush is perfect for presents: they sell readily wrapped gift sets, complete with colourful packaging and bow, or you can create your own and buy a handful of goods. From organic moisturisers and sugary lip scrubs to brightly coloured bath bombs and chocolate flavoured face masks (sadly, not edible), there’s sure to be something that’ll take your fancy.
Crystals
Located in the quirky, magical cobblestoned streets of Diagon Alley … I mean Gandy Street … Crystals offers a range of unique and original gift ideas. Here you can purchase beautiful gem stoned jewellery, crystals (duh), fossils and minerals. Perfect for presents for your girlfriend, mum or sister.
Hyde and Seek
This little independent store sells a range of cute and quirky gifts. Most of their merchandise is either stationary or decorative items, and they pride themselves on selling the bright and beautiful. Hand-made cards litter the store, amongst bright baubles, girly stationary, quirky candles and odd bits and bobs.
John Lewis
If in doubt, head to John Lewis. A beautifully lit beacon visible throughout all of Exeter, it calls to you. And they sell pretty much everything. Though on the expensive side, they have a great Christmas collection of gifts- have you seen those gingerbread houses?!
The 99p store
If you’re desperate and on a budget, or have to buy a secret Santa gift for someone you hate, then this is the place to go. If you’re feeling extravagant, you could even try Poundland.