Back when I landed in London from the islands with a battered case. The winter shocked me, but London shined. Oxford Street glowed with lights, Regent Street windows looked like theatres, and retro home gift Carnaby Street had colour. That first winter, retro style gift I learned the value of vintage gifts. Back then, there was no online map to show the best gift shops near me. You had to roam, get lost, and uncover retro gifts. The small boutiques were the real magic. Today, I believe the unique gifts are the unusual ones.

A quirky chair that feels like art will outshine ordinary gifts. Hidden independents across Hackney still carry the quirky gifts that people remember. And for glamour, upmarket stores in Kensington bring the sparkle. When Christmas builds up, I feel the city get ready for Christmas. That’s when I start tracking down vintage gifts. Look up best gift shops in London and you’ll see endless options. But the true charm always exist in the independent shops.

For this reason, I always remind friends that retro gifts are the best. They carry stories, one-time offer just like my first Christmas in London.