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20 Best London Souvenirs and Gifts

Updated: August 4, 2023
 By Margaret

You’re about to head to London - what should you buy? What are the best London souvenirs? We’ve got answers.

Let’s face it – for some of us, shopping is the best thing about travelling.

If you love buying souvenirs for your loved ones (and yourself) while on vacation, this is the post for you.

There’s a reason why London souvenirs are some of the most iconic and sought-after in the world.

From speciality teas to stunning artwork and everything in between, there is a London souvenir for every budget and taste.

Best of all – you don’t need to lug them around. You can actually get a lot of these London souvenirs online!

That will make your bags a lot lighter.

We’ve rounded up a list of the best things to buy in London. What’s your favourite? Tell us in the comment section.


1. Harry Potter Souvenirs

Every Potterhead heads to King's Cross Station and Platform 9 ¾ to visit the Harry Potter shop to find great souvenirs featuring Hedwig, Hermione, Ron, and the professors. Get your wands, robes and brooms here!

But for something really unique, walk down magical Cecil Court, rumoured to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.

There, you’ll find Colin Narbeth & Son, a shop for people who collect rare coins and money.

They’ve printed two wonderful sets of magic money, a truly special way to remember your time in magical London.

Join us on our Harry Potter walking tour and we will take you here.

If you're planning a trip to the WB Harry Potter Studios to do the Harry Potter Studio Tour, save some money for the gift shop as they have goods you can't buy anywhere else!


2. A Book from the Word on the Water – The Canal Boat Bookshop

Usually moored at the lock by Coal Drops Yard, just behind King’s Cross and St Pancras Station, the Word on the Water Canal Boat Bookshop is the most unique book shop in Britain, selling a wide selection of classic literature, counter-culture gems, and travel guides.

If you love bookshops, London doesn’t disappoint. Check out Foyle’s, Daunt Books, and Hatchard’s.


3. A Stuffed Corgi from the Royal Collection Shop

We all know that Queen Elizabeth II was a huge dog lover – there wasn’t a dry eye in England when her beloved corgis were brought out to see her funeral procession go past.

These plush toys are a great gift for anyone who admired the Queen and loves dogs.

In addition, the Royal Collection Shop has loads of other limited-edition gifts and souvenirs to purchase.

You can find this shop at both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, among other places.


4. The Cockney Rhyming Slang Dictionary from the Museum of London

Don’t trip as you go down the apples and pears! Would you like a cup of Rosie Lee? Did you pay the Duke of Kent?

Confused? I just used Cockney rhyming slang for stairs, tea, and rent – and there are more than 6000 more traditional East End slang terms in this dictionary.

You’ll find this and more at the Museum of London.


5. A Box of Spices from Spice Mountain at Borough Market

The UK is a multicultural society with a love for foods from around the world.

After all, the unofficial national dish is Chicken Tikka Masala!

Cook gorgeous curries and more when you get back home with a sample box of spices from Spice Mountain at the legendary Borough Market.

While you’re here, make sure you sample the world cuisines and grab foodie souvenirs.


6. Jewellery from the Victoria and Albert Museum

The V&A is world-renowned for its fashion and design collection spanning centuries and continents.

Their jewellery and accessories are absolutely stunning, drawing influence from antiquities, renaissance art, art nouveau, and the arts and crafts movement.

While some of the pieces are an investment, there are plenty of options at all price points.


7. A Map of London from Stanfords

Stanfords, located in Covent Garden since 1853, is the biggest map and travel bookshop in the world.

Pick up a vintage or contemporary map of London so you can always remember your trip.

You can also grab a travel guide for the next city.


8. Tea and Biscuits from Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason is a legendary London department store that specialises only in food and tableware.

They’re known for their afternoon tea and enviable wine cellar.

Best of all, they sell wonderful British biscuits (cookies), British chocolates and different varieties of tea, all in attractive boxes. You can also pick up beautiful tea cups and traditional mugs to properly enjoy your tea.

If you don't make it to Fortnum & Mason while you're in town, you can buy their goods at Heathrow Airport on your way home!


9. A Hat!

The Last Stop for the Curious is a stall in Spitalfields Market that sells wonderful hats of all kinds, from top hats to fedoras and everything in between.

The owner, Colin Rosie, is a dapper chap who is always dressed to the nines.

He’s happy to offer advice and suggestions for the best hat for your needs!

Or, if you want to splash out, considering visiting the oldest hat shop in the country: Lock and Co where the Royal Family buy their head wear.


10. Liberty Print Fabric

Liberty, a Tudor revival department store located a few metres from Oxford Circus in Soho, attracts fashionistas and Londoners with good taste.

They’re famous for their Arts & Crafts William Morris-inspired prints, which feature on fabric, books, dinnerware, bags, and so much more.


11. Vintage duds from A London Market

Of course, London is a very old city. So why not get in the spirit with some vintage clothing?

The ever-eclectic Brick Lane is home to many famous vintage shops, including Blitz, Beyond Retro, the Backyard Market, Atika, and Hunky Dory.

Every Saturday, Portobello Road in Notting Hill transforms into a massive street market selling every type of antique you can imagine.

And Camden Market is open 7 days a week for browsing!


12. Antiques from Portobello Road Market

Vintage food tins, rare coins, knick-knacks and collectables, furniture, and so much more. You’re going to need a bigger suitcase…


13. Chocolate from Dark Sugars

Dark Sugars, with locations on Brick Lane and in Greenwich, is run by Ghanaian British chocolatier Nyanga and her business partner John the Chocolate Man.

They specialise in gorgeous truffles and decadent hot chocolate, made from shavings of milk, white, and dark chocolate.

Don’t miss the liquid sea salt caramel truffle – it's a bestseller for a reason.


14. A Tea Set from Twinings Tea Shop

Twinings Tea Shop has been located on Strand since 1706, and it just keeps getting better and better.

They sell a wide variety of tea gifts, as well as lovely London-themed teacups, teapots, and saucers.

The staff is friendly and always excited to give you a tasting tour through the world of tea history.


15. A Christmas Ornament from Selfridges

Selfridges is one of London’s most famous department stores, and it’s easy to see why.

It’s filled to the brim with a mix of luxury goods and affordable brands, with a sumptuous food floor in the basement.

They do Christmas right – the store is decked in lovely decorations, which you can buy for your own tree at home.

They even carry a small selection all year round.

Consider a visit to one of London's classic Christmas Markets for more ornamental offerings!


16. A London Underground Cushion from the London Transport Museum

The fabrics on the London Underground are much-loved, instantly evoking the history of the world’s largest subway system.

The patterns, printed on moquette (thick, durable fabric), are available at the London Transport Museum in all kinds of quirky souvenirs, including sofa cushions.

Opt for a more traditional fabric for things like neckties, socks, baby bibs, umbrellas, and a lot more.


17. Paddington Merch from the Paddington Station Shop

After the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee appearance with Paddington Bear, we’ll never look at the loveable Peruvian bear the same.

Now, he’s a symbol of the public’s love of the late Queen and of London in general.

You can get all kinds of PPaddington merchandise from the Paddington Bear shop at – where else – Paddington Station. Books, stuffed animals, clothing, and a lot more.


18. British Riding Clothing from Barbour

Do you want to evoke the effortless country appeal of the British Nobility?

Head to Barbour on Regent Street for waxed jackets, tweed, and outdoor attire that will have you looking ready for a fox hunt on an ancestral estate.

Coats, hats, boots, riding gear, trench coats – you’ll fit right in.


19. An Umbrella from James Smith & Sons

London has an (often undeserved) reputation as a very rainy city.

So, what better way to commemorate your visit than with a beautifully crafted umbrella?

Sure, you can grab a cheap and cheerful Union Flag umbrella from any souvenir shop, but James Smith & Sons is a world-class shop that has been making and selling them since 1830.

Even better, they come with a lifetime guarantee. This is one umbrella you won’t want to leave on the tube!


20. Toys and Games from Hamleys

Hamleys is a wonderland for children (or the young at heart).

With seven floors loaded with more than 50,000 different toys for sale, you can wander around for hours.

The store is staffed by delightful toy lovers who demo the products, magic tricks, and games, getting everyone involved. For the best gifts for kids, Hamleys should be top of your list!

Be sure to visit at Christmas – their window displays are next level.


London Souvenir Shops and More

When it comes to deciding where to go shopping in London, the choices are nearly endless.

Whether you want rare collectables, classic London souvenirs, or edible gifts, there really is something for everyone!

Of course, you can buy classic London souvenirs nearly everywhere.

If you’re in the market for a Union Jack keychain, a Big Ben shot glass, or a double-decker bus magnet, they’re everywhere.

But what do Londoners actually buy? Where do they spend their money, and where do they think you should spend yours?

And finally, what do they recommend you take home as a meaningful gift from their great city?

Read ahead to find out more.

  • You’ll find tons of cheap souvenir shops around Chinatown and Piccadilly Circus
  • Funky vintage markets and hipster must-haves in Shoreditch and Spitalfields
  • Luxury department stores like Harvey Nichols and Harrod’s in Knightsbridge
  • Cool boutiques and Beatles memorabilia in Covent Garden and Soho
  • More Beatles gifts at St. John's Wood Tube Station near Abbey Road (just one stop from Baker Street Station)
  • Shoes and Cosmetics on Carnaby Street
  • Famous bookshops along Charing Cross Road
  • Punk and goth clothing (and a lot more) in Camden Town
  • Excellent quality souvenirs at the museum gift shops (especially the Tate Modern, the British Museum and the Tower of London)
  • Children’s toys at Hamleys on Regent Street
  • Haute couture on Bond Street
  • Bags, wallets, backpacks and more from Cath Kidston on Piccadilly
  • Independent shops for art and cool clothing on the King's Road in Chelsea
  • Chain stores galore on Oxford Street - also a location for football (soccer) merchandise, such as Manchester United kits
  • Go for a full day out at Westfield Stratford and Westfield Shepherd’s Bush shopping centres

Famous Department Stores in London

As tour guides, here is another question we get asked regularly: “What are the most famous stores in London?”

Here are some of London’s favourite places to shop – even if sometimes we’re just window shopping!

  • Hamleys – The iconic 7-story toy store on Regent Street that will delight children of all ages
  • Liberty – Stunning department store in a beautiful mock-Tudor building near Carnaby Street, famous for their fabric patterns
  • Selfridges – Grandeur and deluxe shopping on Oxford Street, with a delicious food hall in the basement
  • Harrods – Where the richest of the rich do their shopping, also known for their food hall
  • Harvey Nichols – Another iconic Knightsbridge department store known for fashion and luxury, with a mix of established brands and indie labels
  • Heal’s – Housewares and furniture since 1810 at this Tottenham Court Road stalwart
  • Fortnum and Mason – A department store filled to the brim with luxury food items and edible gifts (and a top choice for afternoon tea)
  • John Lewis – Solidly middle class, this is a sensible choice with high-quality products
  • Marks & Spencer – These days, M&S is more known for their food halls, but this is still a favourite British place to buy underpants, bedsheets, and other practicalities
  • Fenwick – Located on Bond Street, this Northern department store chain now has only a few flagship stores left in the country

What do you think about our list of famous places to shop in London? What would you add – what did we miss? Leave your comments below.

Remember to share this article with anyone visiting London in the future –  it’s the perfect hint for them to bring you back a great souvenir!


Why trust us?

As tour guides, we spend a lot of time researching the best London souvenirs. That said, we’re locals. As a result, we don’t always see the world the same way tourists do.

That’s why we’ve reached out to our London Travel Tips Facebook group for suggestions and guidance.

It has more than 50K members and is growing every day. So, you don’t have to take our word for it!

These are the unique and special things that visitors to London love to buy.

About The Author

Margaret

An American simply by accident of birth, Margaret moved to London over 16 years ago and hasn’t looked back since! With a keen interest in History – and a BA degree to match – Margaret prides herself on her knowledge of the amazing city she calls home and she's been guiding here now for nearly a decade. Social history is her real expertise, with sound understanding of the day-to-day lives of Londoners over the past centuries. Read More...
Updated: August 4th, 2023
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