Reading's Ultimate Christmas High Street Gift Guide

16th December 2024

Stuck for gifts this year and worried you've left it too last minute? Reading's the place to be. We have a fantastic range of shops in Reading's town centre where you can buy everything you need in one place, from bath bombs to beers! Here are some ideas for your shopping list so you can buy all your gifts in one trip this Christmas.

Flying Tiger 

For beautifully quirky home decor, games, craft and much more, Flying Tiger is a great spot for stand-out Secret Santa presents or stocking fillers. This year, they have a beautiful range of Christmas mugs and loads of fun tree ornaments. 

Mr Simms 

If you’ve ever walked past Mr Simms on the high street, you’ll know what an extensive range of sweets they have! They have a great range of foodie gift ideas including American candy, their incredibly sour Black Death sweets and interactive treats like their Jellybean machine. 

Lakeland 

Lakeland is looking particularly festive this year and is packed full of amazing foodie gift ideas including a Gingerbread Christmas Truck Decorating Kit and Hot Chocolate Gonks!

Flamingo’s Vintage 

If you’re looking to buy more second-hand gifts this year, how about visiting one of the many charity shops in the town centre, or picking up something unique on Queen Victoria Street at Flamingo’s Vintage? 

The Works 

The Works is a great place for affordable books, toys and seasonal crafts! This year, they have another great range of affordable options for fun with the kids, including Novelty Gingerbread and Santa Glasses for £2 and a Decorate Your Own Stocking.

Lush

This year, as well as their fan-favourite Snow Fairy products, you can buy bath bombs in the shape of wands, wizards, bears and fairies! They also have an impressively sized 12 Days of Christmas advent calendar full of all sorts of goodies to treat someone (or yourself!) to this winter. 

Reading's Christmas Markets 

From personalised stockings and gorgeous Christmas ornaments to giant cookies, there’s plenty to explore on our beautifully lit-up high street! This year, the Broad Street Christmas Market is even bigger with over 20 stalls and chalets for you to buy festive treats all the way up until 31 December.

Reading Museum 

Don’t let our historic museum’s gift shop go under your radar this year. This shop is perfect for any history buff or Reading lover, celebrating Reading’s history as a biscuit town with gorgeous prints, tote bags and posters. They also stock handmade stationary and locally made food and drink, such as 7 Trees Cider from Reading Press. 

Typo in WHSmith 

Another great option for quirky gifts, Typo has a great range of stylish stationery, a great option if you’re looking to gift a diary or planner in time for 2025. 

But is it Art? 

Filled with a diverse and colourful range of funny pop-culture gifts, from Pedro Pascal mugs and Jellycat aubergines with earmuffs to brilliant Reading merch, like the famous purple Number 17 bus t-shirt, there is so much to look at in this beloved independent store. 

Waterstones

Have you taken your children to see Reading’s new Paddington statue on Broad Street yet? If so, why don’t you keep the party going and explore Waterstones’ Christmas Paddington range? They have the most wonderful tote bags from The Boy, The Fox, The Mole and The Horse, as well as a great range of Wicked merch, following the release of the new film, including a variety of Lego sets. And if you’ve not seen it yet, how about gifting an experience to see the musical at Reading Biscuit Factory?

Eclectic Games 

Eclectic Games is a fabulous shop to visit if you’re looking for something to enjoy at the table after you’ve polished off your Christmas dinner. Not only do they offer a wide variety of games for you to choose from, but the staff are more than happy to suggest specific recommendations for you. 

Escape Hunt

If you fancy treating a friend or family member to an experiential presence, how about trying out a Doctor Who or Wild West escape room? Escape from the January blues and immerse yourself in the land of the Daleks.

The Massage Company 

If you’re looking for an experiential treat that involves more sitting back than it does solving puzzles, The Massage Company on Market Street offers a special price for your first massage with them. 

Crunch Comics 

If you’re on the hunt for something nerdy in Reading, we have a great, well-stocked independent comic store, towards the station at the Harris Arcade. There's so much to explore here, from vintage comics to the latest releases.

HMV

If you’re looking for posters, books or music, HMV in the Oracle is the place to go. They have a fantastic selection of vinyl which will not only transform the way you listen to music but will look great on display if you don’t yet own a record player, whether it's indie, pop, rock, soul, new or classic music.

MenKind 

Perfect for film lovers, MenKind offer a range of fun items, such as their Lord of The Rings Lamp and a range of Star Wars helmets, both real and chocolate!

Whittard’s 

If you’re buying for any foodies or hot-drink lovers, Whittard’s in the Oracle has got plenty of festive gift options, including Mulled Wine Instant tea, Gingerbread Hot Chocolate and Christmas Spiced Chocolate covered Espresso beans.

Siren 

If you’re looking for something alcoholic, Siren has a fantastic selection of cans you can buy in-store as well as their own festive Craft Beer Christmas Crackers and Brewery Tour Vouchers for two.

7 Flowers

What about gifting the treat of an afternoon tea experience? The independently run florist and tea room in central Reading offer vouchers for a Three-Tier Afternoon Tea that includes a scone, mini quiches and mini desserts!

The Christmas Shop

And finally, for something that captures the essence of Christmas, where better to look than in the Broad Street Mall? The Christmas Shop is always packed with sparkle and glitter.