Gift ideas United Kingdom

If you're looking to move beyond electronic games consoles and talking dolls, there's nothing like going back to basics at this charming Covent Garden boutique, with its wide selection of traditional toys handcrafted by real enthusiasts. Discover the beauty of Russian dolls, puppets, cut-out cardboard or wooden figurines, to the delight of little ones... This is one of the most beautiful toy stores you'll ever see.

A very English address. Founded in 1830, James Smith is one of the few, if not the only, store where you can buy a proper umbrella. The store is beautiful and offers a wide selection of models with a very British elegance. Apple, maple, ash, cherry, rose, rush wood handles, take your pick, but remember that for any self-respecting gentleman, the fabric must be black. What better gift to bring back from London than an umbrella? It's a useful gift that will come in handy right on the spot.

This boutique takes us back to the days when pipes were an essential part of London society. Founded in 1815, Segar & Snuff is one of the few of its kind to have survived the passage of time. The doors of this temple are well guarded by a wooden statue of a Highlander with a look recognizable from afar. Inside, you'll discover pipes of various sizes and qualities, as well as tobacco and cigars. Not forgetting modern cigarettes, and even a few elegant canes to complete your look.

Liz Cole had always dreamed of having a boutique where she could display beautiful objects from all over the world. It's been a reality for a few years now! From ceramic balls with guinea fowl feathers made by a women's cooperative in South Africa to silver jewelry handmade in Wales, everything is adorable and at pretty reasonable prices! There's also a wide selection of soaps, shampoos and candles! On her website, you can find products sorted by category and with prices.

This magnificent boutique-workshop with its adjoining museum will make your eyes water. Run by the same family since 1954 (the^4th generation is now at the helm), GOJ is an Ali Baba's cave of art lighting. Pieces manufactured on site have appeared in numerous films, including Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut, TheDark Knight and Mission Impossible. Not to be missed on your visit to London, GOJ transports you into a world where light is sublimated and cinema its auxiliary.

As its name suggests, this store offers an impressive selection of original postcards, as well as a wide range of prints, bags, pins, a small selection of jewelry and other collectibles. The quality of the exclusive products on offer at Retrocards is impressive, and makes this store - from which it will be hard to leave - an undeniable landmark for lovers of fine things and those looking for an original gift to offer their loved ones or simply themselves.

This little coffee shop is located just outside St John's Wood tube station, a stone's throw from Abbey Road studios and the famous crosswalk, offering a haven to all fans who come to the area. Indeed, St John's Wood is rather residential, and outside Abbey Road, there's not much to do. So pop in for a coffee and croissant or a delicious cookie, and pick up a few souvenirs: t-shirts, postcards, bags or even magazines dedicated to the UK's four most famous boys.

Here you can buy the legendary Lovespoon, which the Welsh used to offer their spouses to express the seriousness of their love! They're handcrafted, made of wood or silver, and carved with Celtic symbols. Here are the meanings of some of them: a key, "my home is yours"; a Celtic cross, "trust or marriage"; an anchor, "desire for stability"; number of balls in a cage, "number of children desired or years spent together". Also on display in the store is the world's largest Lovespoon!