Holiday Gift Guide 2024: The Ultimate London Souvenirs

London's buses and department stores offer fantastic options for gift shopping.

London has captivated countless figures, from Dickens to Adele. The city that captivated Turner and Monet is now a vibrant hub for contemporary artists, drawing inspiration from its iconic skyline. While the vendors outside its museums and shops might offer ordinary souvenirs made in China, the real treasures lie inside, where you can discover exquisite gifts that stand the test of time.

Tobias Till: Oranges And Lemons Explored

Tobias Till's "Oranges & Lemons" pays homage to the rich history and vibrant culture of London.

Tobias Till, an artist who has studied at London’s Central School of Art and the Royal Academy of Art, employs different perspectives of the city, ranging from bird's-eye views to those at street level, to craft his celebrated pieces. He is represented by TAG Fine Arts, and his artwork captures the essence of the capital while also revealing personal touches. One of his notable pieces, "Oranges & Lemons" (£3,500), draws inspiration from the well-known nursery rhyme, reflecting a unique perspective that embraces both the history of London and elements of popular culture.

Silk Scarf Featuring Buckingham Palace Music Room

This scarf draws its inspiration from the ceiling of the Music Room at Buckingham Palace.

Overlooking the West Front of Buckingham Palace, the Music Room is the venue for royal christenings and various significant events. This beautiful scarf (90cm x 90cm) created by Ivana Nohel for the Royal Collection is made entirely of silk (£195) and draws its inspiration from the room's intricate decorations. These ornate designs have remained unchanged since the 19th century when they were originally conceived by Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert.

Christmas Tree Decor At Claridge's Hotel

One of the artisan-crafted ornaments offered by Claridge's hotels this year.

The grand Victorian redbrick structure that contains the renowned and lavish Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair, along with its iconic Art Deco decor and staircase, is celebrated through these unique hand-painted Christmas tree ornaments (starting at £50). Each bauble is created using a special 'inside out' method, guaranteeing that no two ornaments will ever be exactly alike.

Fortnum & Mason's Piccadilly Puzzle

This jigsaw puzzle features the front of the Fortnum & Mason shop located in Piccadilly.

Wentworth produces some of the most challenging jigsaw puzzles available. Although this particular puzzle has just 250 pieces, its unique designs present a tough challenge. The Piccadilly puzzle (£39.95), crafted from wood, showcases the iconic front of Fortnum & Mason’s building and includes several of the shop's well-known features, such as beehives, footmen, and a clock.

Helen Beard's ceramic pieces showcase cherished spots around London.

This collection, starting at £36, created by potter Helen Beard, showcases the parts of London that hold a special place in the hearts of its residents. Featuring iconic elements like red buses, black cabs, and trips to the Columbia Road flower market, along with charming Georgian terraces, these pieces make an ideal present for anyone nostalgic for the city.

Selfridges' Ultimate Christmas Hamper Selection

A classic British gift basket is filled with delicious food items.

Wicker baskets built to endure for many years are cherished and time-honored Christmas gifts in Britain, especially when filled with festive food goodies. Selfridges, a well-known department store in London, offers a lovely assortment of these hampers. One standout option is the Ultimate Christmas Extras Selection (£350), which is brimming with luxurious items like wines, liqueurs, tea bags, cookies, jams, and chocolates.

Liberty's Tana Lawn: The Big Smoke Collection

The Big Smoke material, available only at Liberty in London, is made from tana lawn fabric.

Show off your affection for London with MacDonald Gill’s delightful and clever map guide to the city’s iconic sites. First released in 1914, this design has now been crafted from Liberty’s renowned Tana Lawn fabric. Made from a blend of cotton sourced from India, Egypt, and the United States, this high-quality fabric features a durable 240 thread count and an exceptionally fine long staple. Known as Big Smoke (£29.95 per meter), this Tana Lawn fabric, like others in the collection, is ideal for making stylish clothing.

Crumb: My London Baking Craft Kit Love

Express your affection for London with this baking set.

A fantastic holiday activity for kids who are crazy about London—or a fun way to hint that they'll be visiting soon. The I Love London Baking Craft Kit (£10) from Crumb includes cookie cutters shaped like Big Ben, crowns, taxis, and buses. Plus, it comes with everything you need to bake cookies and decorate them with colorful icing.