Christmas Shopping in London: Insider’s Guide

If you’re buying for that special someone who has everything this Christmas, turn to one of these coveted spots in London to find the perfect gift. From luxury artisanal goods to quirky specialist stores, you’re guaranteed to find something unique (and perhaps something for yourself too) with our insider’s guide to Christmas shopping.

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Christmas Shopping in London: Insider’s Guide

Penhaligon’s

Surprise your loved one with a heavenly fragrance this Christmas from none other than Penhaligon’s. A heritage brand with a rich and fascinating history, the luxury perfume house – which holds two Royal Warrants – has been producing its signature scents since the late 1860s when the illustrious founder William Henry Penhaligon became perfumer to Queen Victoria. Whilst you’ll find an array of Penhaligon’s stores dotted around London, the charming Burlington Arcade branch is most definitely worth a visit. Too many scents to choose from? The store offers a unique and bespoke service tailored to finding the perfect fragrance for you. 16-17 Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, W1J 0PL, penhaligons.com

TIP: Book at stay at the decadent DUKES LONDON, located just around the corner from Burlington Arcade – an ideal spot to rest up after a day of festive shopping around the upscale district’s multitude of authentic stores. What’s more, the prestigious hotel provides Penhaligon’s bathroom amenities in all of its guest rooms so you can try before you buy.

The Moomin Shop

Home to the sweetest gifts to bestow upon a loved one, the Moomin shop in Covent Garden is filled with adorable Moomin memorabilia, from ceramic festive mugs and soft phone cases for grown ups, to plush toys and a beautiful leather book bags for little ones to treasure. 43 Covent Garden Market, WC2E 8RF, themoominshop.com

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Alice Through The Looking Glass

Located within the West End’s Victorian shopping street, Cecil Court, Alice Through The Looking Glass is a charming boutique inspired by Lewis Carroll’s fantastical 19th Century novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. From first edition copies of the beloved book, to beautiful cheshire cat notebooks and Charbonnel et Walker Mad Hatter-inspired top hat truffles, there are plenty of treasures to uncover – even Harely, a British Giant White Rabbit. 14 Cecil Ct, Covent Garden, WC2N 4HE, alicelooking.co.uk

Fortnum & Mason

A luxury store which needs no introduction, Fortnum & Mason has been providing unique and luxury gifts to the capital since 1707. Specialising in the art of artisanal goods, from biscuits to champagne and Fortnum’s signature brews (famously created for King Edward VII in 1902), it’s easy to lose yourself for hours in the Piccadilly store. Spoil someone with an indulgent Christmas hamper, pick up a delicious pack of Fortnum’s biscuits – we recommend the delicious Toffolossus selection – then treat yourself to a spot of traditional afternoon tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER, fortnumandmason.com

Books for Cooks

If your giftee loves cooking, Books for Cooks is your go-to. The Notting Hill store is filled to the brim with all sorts of cookbooks, hosting cookery classes and workshops where the recipes are tried and tested. 4 Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill, W11 1NN, booksforcooks.com

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Benson & Clegg

Legendary bespoke tailors located within St. James’s Piccadilly Arcade, Benson & Clegg has been suiting and booting men (and women, on the rare occasion) since its establishment in 1937. Holders of the Royal Warrant to The Prince of Wales, the historic brand produces exquisitely crafted gentleman’s garments, as well as a traditional range of blazer buttons, ties and cufflinks. Take a loved one along to the sumptuous store to have a made-to-measure suit created alongside cocktails at the resident bar, or peruse the perfect pair of cufflinks to place under the Christmas tree. 9 Piccadilly Arcade, St. James’s, SW1Y 6NH, bensonandclegg.com

Mint & May

Ideal Christmas shopping for interiors enthusiasts, Covent Garden’s Mint & May sells eclectic and gloriously outlandish homewares. From a gorgeous Tropical Toucan Cushion to quirky candle holders and cutesy prints, you’re bound to find something special. 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden WC2H 9JQ, mintandmay.co.uk

Postcard Teas

When in doubt, gift someone a luxury box of tea – because who doesn’t love drinking tea? Make it even more special with a box set from Postcard Teas. Specialising in unique flavours of the well-loved beverage, the Mayfair store sells teas crafted from small farms worldwide, including Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam. 9 Dering St, Mayfair, W1S 1AG, postcardteas.com

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Petersham Nurseries

Petersham Nurseries has long been a shopping destination for more than just beautiful blooms. Their Covent Garden store specialises in exquisite homeware, from cushions and soft throws to delicate tableware from Astier de Villatte, to really make someone smile this Christmas. 31 King St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8JD, petershamnurseries.com

Harrods

With a history dating back to the 1800s, Harrods is as much a memorable shopping experience as it is a practical place to find a noteworthy gift. Boasting over 300 departments, from the Harrods Bookshop to toys, technology and the Salon de Parfums, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Don’t forget to stop by the Dining Hall for a much-deserved post-retail therapy indulgence. 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL, harrods.com

The Alkemistry

You’re guaranteed to find a meaningful gift in this fine jewellery store. Situated on Covent Garden’s Floral Street, The Alkemistry – founded by former Harrods buyer Kirstie Gibbs – creates exquisite bijouterie with pure gold, diamonds, pearls and a range of precious gemstones, from 18ct white gold drilled diamond earrings to aquamarine rings and sumptuous velvet jewellery boxes. The flagship store also offers an in-house piercing service as well as the opportunity to create something bespoke and personalised for that very special someone. 22 Floral St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DS, thealkemistry.com

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