When I first set foot in London from Kingston with a battered case. Th…

I came to London from the islands with a battered case. The winter shocked me, relevant site but London shined. Oxford Street was alive, Regent Street sparkled with shop displays, and Carnaby Street had colour. My first holiday season here, I learned the beauty of retro gifts. Back then, there was no online map to show the best gift shops in London. You had to wander, drift through streets, retro gift shop and discover treasures. The quirky little stores were where the treasures hid.

Even now, I believe the quirky gifts are the ones with character. A neon sign for the living room will always beat plastic tat. Independent gift shops London still keep the unique gifts that matter. And for glamour, luxury shops in Mayfair will give you polish. When Christmas builds up, I feel the city get ready for Christmas. That’s when I start looking for retro gifts. Search best gift shops near me and you’ll have lots of choices.

But the authentic spirit always exist in the independents. This is why, I always tell people that vintage gifts are the greatest. They last, just like the magic of the season.