

From limited-edition designer sweaters to slabs of chocolate made to look like gold bars, it’s a treasure trove of options.Įven if you decide not to buy anything, be sure to treat yourself to a tasty patisserie or truffle in the basement food hall before you leave! Antiques from Portobello Road Market If you’re on the hunt for the very best gifts from London, you’ll find them in Harrods. The ultra-posh department store’s gilded elevators, chandeliered ceilings, and marble floors make it feel more like a palace than a place to shop. Anything posh from HarrodsĮvery London sightseeing trip should include a visit to Harrods. If you can’t splurge on a £300 umbrella with a wooden jaguar handle, their affordable standard retractable umbrellas are excellent and won’t break like the cheap ones they sell at convenience stores and London souvenir shops. And there’s no better place to pick one up than James Smith & Sons.įounded in 1830, they sell quality British crafted umbrellas and walking sticks with stunning carved details. Umbrellas have to be one of the most iconic things to buy in London. They also have really nice hampers (gift baskets for my American friends) that include jams, drinks, truffles, biscuits, and other goodies.
#Unique gifts full#
If you don’t want to splash out on a full set, you can buy individual cup and saucer combos as well. But their gift shop has some lovely teas and tea sets, including limited edition items you can’t find anywhere else. The Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea experience is overrated in my opinion. RELATED: 15 Non-Touristy Things to do in London Tea sets from Fortnum & Mason They add a nice “only in London” touch to your gift. Most of the city’s independent booksellers also give out beautiful (and free) bookmarks with every purchase. Their original Marylebone store is utterly gorgeous and has a large travel section filled with international and local guides and fiction works. Pancras International station.ĭaunt Books is another fantastic bookshop with multiple locations. They also recently opened a smaller location inside St.

Their flagship store in Picadilly opened in 1797, and it has three Royal Warrants from the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, and the Queen herself. My personal favorite is Hatchards, which is London’s oldest bookshop. Given its rich literary tradition, a book from one of the city’s famous bookshops is an ideal gift from London for the readers in your life. London is a bookish city, with over 100 independent bookshops and countless chain locations. Books from one of London’s famous bookshops But if you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift, it’s an excellent choice. Les Senteurs is one of the more posh places to shop in London, so it’s best suited for splashing out on a partner or dear friend/relative. You can also get suggestions based on other fragrances you (or your gift recipient) liked in the past. Their staff are true experts, with the ability to recommend a perfume based on vague descriptions. They use a color-coding method called the “ Senteur System” that groups scent profiles together, so you can seek out Aquatic perfumes that evoke days on the beach, or Floral perfumes that conjure up a sweet summer garden. Located in the gorgeous Belgravia neighborhood (near the Insta-famous Peggy Porschen cupcake shop), Les Senteurs is all about helping guests find the perfect fragrance. Les Senteurs is London’s oldest independent perfumery. RELATED: Ultimate 4 Days in London Itinerary From a Local Best Gifts from London Shops Perfume from Les Senteurs Whether you’re a traveler looking for unique London souvenirs, or a shopper in need of gifts for people who love London, you can’t go wrong with these items. That being said, I couldn’t resist sharing a few of my top spots to splurge (Choosing Keeping is a dangerous place if you love beautiful notebooks and pens)! London is a notoriously expensive place to shop, but you’ll find plenty of affordable things to buy on this list. Having lived in the city for a few years now, I’ve sussed out the best places to shop for everything, so I can help you avoid paying £50 for a mediocre box of posh chocolates. As an expat, I feel compelled to bring a few of the best gifts from London when I return to the US to see family and friends. From antique books to adorable bears, there are endless things to buy in London when you come for a visit.
