Cirencester does Christmas really well. It’s a beautiful town, even if we do say so ourselves, which looks its best garlanded with lights and decorated for the festive season. And it’s a great place to do your Christmas shopping.

If you’re looking for a children’s present that’s a little bit different, or some unusual stocking fillers, you don’t need to spend hours searching the internet. Cirencester has a wealth of independent retailers, and many have great gifts for children, from babies to teens. Shopping face to face means the shop owners, whose hearts and souls are in their businesses, are on hand to help you decide on the perfect present.

Here’s where you can buy amazing Christmas gifts for the little ones in your life, right here in Cirencester:

Surprises, 34 Market Place, GL7 2NW

Surprises is a family run shop with gifts galore. Here you will find a fantastic range of presents for children of all ages, as well as some brilliant stocking fillers, jokes and games, and those must-have fluffy Christmas socks!

The Coln Gallery, 19 West Market Place, GL7 2AE

The Coln Gallery sells beautiful art books, notebooks, coloured pencils, pastels and paints, and the shop also has a great range of gifts - perfect for budding young artists! The knowledgeable staff can help you navigate the difference between acrylics and oils.

Decimal Skate Shop, 3 Swan Yard, GL7 2NH

For the skateboarders in your life, Decimal has everything. The shop stocks a great range of well-known clothing brands, footwear and accessories and, of course, all the latest skateboards and equipment. Much loved by tweens and teens.

m.a.d.e., 9 Silver Street, GL7 2BJ

If you’re looking for a stylish present for babies or children, pop along to m.a.d.e. in Silver Street where you will find exquisite soft toys, beautiful baby clothes and cool wall art. The shop features British designed or made items as well as Fairtrade products and European brands.

Corinium Museum, Park Street, GL7 2BX

Not only is the Corinium Museum a fantastic place to immerse your littles ones in Cirencester’s rich history, but it also houses a treasure trove of children’s gifts in the museum shop. All inspired by the museum’s collection, you’ll find books, games and dressing up.

Chickadee, 1 & 2 The Woolmarket, GL7 2PR

Chickadee stocks a wide range of products for children (from newborns right up to 11-year-olds) including gorgeous baby blankets, beautiful gifts, toys and games, clothing from leading brands and unusual accessories.

Octavia’s Bookshop, 24 Black Jack Street, GL7 2AA

Octavia’s Bookshop is like something out of one of the story books on its shelves: the bookshop of bookworms’ dreams. Octavia and her staff know books inside out (or rather cover to cover) and are happy to recommend titles whatever age you’re shopping for. The (soft toy) Moomins are a highlight.

The Candy Man, 18 Black Jack Street, GL7 2AA

A warm welcome awaits at The Candy Man, an old-fashioned sweet shop with shelves lined with jars of sweets waiting to be weighed out. They do a good line in ‘pocket money’ sweets, too, with Gobstoppers, Parma Violets, Double Dip, you name it…There’s also a great selection of American candy which is always a hit with the older crowd.

French Grey, 19 West Market Place, GL7 2AE

Filled with delicate ‘objets’, interiors shop French Grey might not be the first place you’d think of for a child’s present but we love the idea of giving a special Christmas decoration as a keepsake to treasure. They also have hair accessories that range from cute to glam, beautiful bracelets and fun keyrings.

New Brewery Arts, Brewery Court, GL7 1JH

If craft and creativity are your young person’s thing, then New Brewery Arts is the place to go. Its makers’ shop features purses, jewellery and craft kits. If you like the idea of gifting a child an experience rather than just more ‘stuff’, book them into one of the regular craft workshops or art classes.

Crocodile, The Wool Market, GL7 2PR

Independent toy shop Crocodile is ‘proudly plastic free’ and offers a more sustainable alternative to the usual mass-produced stocking fodder. A feature in Cirencester for over 35 years, it offers ‘purposeful’ toys for those aged 0-99+ from wooden rattles to craft and construction kits and brain teasing games.

Lime and Lemonade, 17 Cricklade Street, GL7 1HY

Lime and Lemonade is a bright and joyful new addition to the town. Here you’ll find a wonderfully curated selection of gifts from pull-along animals to funky slogan sweatshirts, the cutest boxes of baby socks to beautifully appliqued and embroidered playhouses. Personalisation is available on some items.

So instead of hauling the family off to the nearest soulless, stressful shopping centre, stay close to home, support our local shops and put the joy back into Christmas shopping.

With Christmas markets happening in the marketplace and so many great cafes and restaurants throughout the town, you can make an occasion of it.

Head over to our Local Business Guide to see some of our fantastic local, independent stores.