Cheltenham boasts an enviable shopping scene at any time of year, with a variety of shopping districts to suit your style, from big names on the High Street and Promenade to independent boutiques in Montpellier, The Suffolks and Bath Road.
This Cheltenham gift guide showcases just a few of the town's fantastic independent businesses, helping you not only choose the perfect present for the important people in your life, but also to help support local businesses.
Our small independents are a big part of what makes Cheltenham such a fantastic place to live, and shopping locally is a great way to show your support. And with a wide range of gifts, large and small – from coats to candles, paintings to purses – you'll be spoilt for choice in Cheltenham this Christmas.
Gifts for women from Cheltenham independent shops
Treat the ladies in your life to something beautiful this Christmas with affordable boutique fashion at Bodega Womenswear on Suffolk Parade. They stock quality brands you won’t find on the high street like YAYA, Gustav and Celtic and Co. There's an array of pieces from special occasion outfits to casual everyday wear and gifts, including patterned silk scarves and cashmere jumpers.
New independent lifestyle store Loft & Spires on Regent Street champions a diverse range of independent UK creators. Each item in the store is hand selected to inspire and delight their customers, from candles and wax melts to jewellery, scarves and handbags. Among our favourites are the cosy woollen ponchos, sparkly metallic purses and elegant kimonos.
For quirky gifts, homewares and all things colourful, don't miss Pink Vintage on Montpellier Street. This award-winning boutique is a real treasure trove of beautiful things where you never know what you might find. They stock a mix of pottery, sculptures, vintage jewellery and accessories you won't find anywhere else.
Or give the gift of relaxation at Sanctuary & Sage also on Montpellier Street. This independent store and treatment rooms is dedicated to wellbeing, plant-based wisdom and mindful living. As well as soothing products like all-natural skincare, make up and candles – with complimentary gift wrapping available – they also offer massages, beauty treatments and holistic therapies.
Gifts for men from Cheltenham independent shops
Add a touch of style this winter at James of Montpellier. Specialising in high-quality menswear and footwear, it's the perfect place to pick up a gift for men who enjoy the finer things in life. Gifts on their Christmas list this year include a soft wool herringbone scarf and an elegant but warm wool and cashmere coat.
You can also find contemporary gifts for men at The Union Project on Cambray Place. This independent store was founded in Cheltenham. It focuses well-designed, functional and durable clothing and accessories from modern international designers like Scandinavian brand Rains, Nudie Jeans, Finisterre and Stepney Workers Club.
If you're shopping for a winter sports fan who's hoping to head to the slopes this year – or just bracing themselves for a cold winter – Horace Barton & Son on Regent Street sell winter sportswear alongside their formal menswear. As well as kit from top performance ski and snowboard brands, you can pick up thermals, gloves and hats to see off the chilliest Cheltenham winter.
Or if you're after something special to mark the festive season, you can find famous-name watches at Beards Jewellers on the Promenade, one of the oldest family-run jewellers in Britain. Brands stocked include OMEGA, Breitling and Gucci – with new and pre-owned watches on sale as well as a range of luxurious gifts such as Montblanc pens.
Gifts for kids from Cheltenham independent shops
For stylish but useful baby gifts, call into Little Interior Co on Bennington Street. Their delicate print baby muslin swaddles are as pretty as they are useful, and they also sell beautifully crafted, Scandi-style play mats, dolls and pacifier holders. The store also features a range of gifts like throws, candles and essential oils to soothe tired parents too.
Vinegar Hill on the Promenade was established over 20 years ago and offers a carefully curated selection of products chosen from around the world. It has some great gift options for kids, whether they're an explorer in the making, an ambitious dreamer in the world of imaginative play or simply content cuddling up on the sofa with a soft and cuddly friend.
Or transport kids to new worlds with a book from Rossiter Books on Montpellier Street. Their children's section includes classics like Alice in Wonderland as well as colourful comics and the 'Little People, BIG DREAMS' series telling the stories of people who've done amazing things. And if you can't decide, their team of friendly booksellers are on hand to help you find the right gift.
Don't forget to stock up on all your festive favourites from the Ultimate Party Shop too, a one-stop-shop for everything party-related. They have a selection of dressing up costumes for kids – from historical figures to superheroes, princesses to pirates – as well as balloon decorations, tableware and personalised banners.
Gifts for the home from Cheltenham independent shops
If you're looking to brighten up your home – or add a special touch to someone else's – Art Union on Winchcombe Street is the place to find affordable artworks, with a range of different artists producing pieces using acrylics, resin, oils, watercolour and hand-produced prints. They stock some lovely cards and Cheltenham gifts too if you're on the hunt for stocking fillers.
You can also support creators from across the region at the Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen on Montpellier Street. The Guild was established in 1933 to promote fine craftsmanship and is the ideal place to pick up something unique, with ceramics, glass, woodwork, textiles, jewellery and leather goods currently stocking the shop ready for the festive season.
Or Park Gallery on Montpellier Avenue has three floors of original paintings, studio glass, handmade ceramics and bronzes, all made in Britain. They also stock some fabulous paintings which capture the beauty of Cheltenham, with works by Katharine Dove and Richard Briggs featuring local landmarks such as the Neptune Fountain and Cheltenham College.
Has your dog been a good boy this year? Be More Bob on Winchcombe Street is Cheltenham's home of all things canine. As well as collars, leads, beds and winter coats, their 'Very Merry Woofmas' collection is packed full of tasty treats, toys and teddies they'll fall in love with.
Gifts for everyone from Cheltenham independent shops
For the ultimate Cheltenham gift that will suit anyone, send them a Cheltenham Gift Card with cash to spend on whatever they fancy. The card is accepted in over 100 retailers and businesses around Cheltenham so they can choose from food and drink, jewellery, clothes, haircuts and more.
Unlike other gift cards, the Cheltenham Gift Card focuses on local businesses, and includes a large number of independent, unique retailers you'll only find in Cheltenham, so it's a great way to support our town as well as treating your friends and family this festive season.
