What to bring from London: souvenirs, gifts, cosmetics. Tea, cashmere and Paddington: what else can you bring from London as a gift? What tea to bring from London

So, you have reached Foggy Albion, delighted with the architecture and already accustomed to driving on the left. It's time to take care of souvenirs for yourself and for those who are looking forward to seeing you at home.

Today I will tell you where to go for souvenirs and what to choose as an original English present.

Where can I buy

In general, it must be said that in the UK they are very attentive to tourists: responsive police, a clear network of signs, all kinds of promotions on tickets to museums. The souvenir industry is also developed. Especially in London, the most tourist city in the country. No need to rack your brains about what to buy as a gift. You can immediately go to specific places where you can buy souvenirs for different tastes and budgets.

Souvenir shops

Small kiosks with magnets from 3.5 EUR (3 GBP), mugs from 5.8 EUR (5 GBP) and pillows with the Union Jack flag from 17.6 EUR (15 GBP) are located on all central streets of London. The blue and red patriotic colors of the signs will catch your eye. The owners are usually Indian, and the range is full of backpacks, suitcases, cups and all sorts of small things costing from a couple of pounds sterling to 58 EUR (50 GBP).

Most products are made in China - although almost all souvenir items are now made in China. The quality of the products is not the best, but a keychain and a tin tray with a picture of London can be bought here for 5.8-11.7 EUR (5-10 GBP). You can also safely take sweatshirts with the words London, Oxford and so on. The quality varies, so does the cost: 11.7-29 EUR (10-25 GBP). I bought this dark blue one for my dad and he wears it with pleasure.

Not worth buying: tea in cans in the shape of Big Ben, a telephone booth or a policeman. Behind the beautiful packaging I discovered rare “brooms”. Tea is undoubtedly a wonderful souvenir from England, but I will tell you below where to buy it.

In general, it’s better to go straight to the two-story Cool Britannia at 225-229 Piccadilly.

Here you will find mountains of souvenirs with British symbols and London inscriptions. There are often promotions, especially for products by a certain date. Let’s say a cup with a wedding photo of Prince William and Kate Middleton worth 11.7 EUR (10 GBP) could be bought for 5.8 EUR (5 GBP) a year later, and six months later for 2.32 EUR (1.99 GBP ).

Street trays

On Piccadilly and Oxford Street you will find street stalls with scarves and umbrellas from 5.8 EUR (5 GBP), which are prudently hung in the front row when it starts to rain. Don't neglect them!

A real Cockney sold us magnets - to hear “Isn’t it quite windy today, ma’am?” on a cold April day it was so amazingly fitting. And another time, such an umbrella saved me from an August downpour. It still serves well to this day.

M&M's World

Not far from Cool Britannia at 1 Leicester Square is the M&M's World store. This is truly a whole world of funny characters: Red, Yellow, Green (she's a girl), Blue and Chocolate. It is in these primary colors that you will be greeted by souvenirs that take up as many as 4 floors.

Mugs and backpacks from 11.7 EUR (10 GBP), pajamas from 17.6 EUR (15 GBP), stationery from 4.7 EUR (4 GBP) - it’s impossible to leave here without purchasing. And if you come with children, the child will also grab headphones or laces with Red and Green, carefully hung all the way to payment. "It is very expensive!" - exclamations from English mothers are constantly heard. And I agree with them. However, I myself couldn’t resist buying a shoe bag with Zelena while standing in line at the checkout - because she’s cool!

It’s impossible to pass by the store: the familiar smell of milk chocolate can be heard a few meters from the entrance. However, after some time, inside, this smell becomes a problem: it starts to sore the throat.

There are fan zones on each floor where you can take a photo with Yellow or Blue or determine your jelly bean color. Speaking of jelly beans. You don't think there are only 5 colors, do you? I used to think exactly that, but it turns out they come in all the colors of the rainbow! Glamorous pink, elegant turquoise, emerald green, with or without peanuts... And chocolate comes not only milk, but also dark! At first you are even lost, then a childish delight appears.

The sweets are placed in tall glasses with a tap at the bottom. Buyers take the bag themselves and pour in the required amount. You have to open it carefully, as a lot of jelly beans spill out at once. And it seems that you took a little bit, but at the checkout you discover that there is more than half a kilo. A kilogram of sweets will cost 23.3 EUR (19.9 GBP), but they are amazing and worth it. Just don't forget about excess luggage!

There are ready-made boxes of chocolates in the shape of a butterfly or bottles of champagne from 9.4 EUR (8 GBP). You can also make personalized jelly beans! You can easily spend two hours in the store without even noticing. And if you are with the kids, then you can completely forget about further plans for the day.

Royal palaces

Surely, your excursion plan will include at least one of the royal palaces, and each of them has its own souvenir shop. The quality of the products will be better than in stores, but the price will also be higher.

Palaces are generally an inexhaustible source of souvenirs. Each of them reflects the theme of its inhabitants: - Princess Diana and Queen Victoria, - Anne Boleyn and the Middle Ages, and - Queen Elizabeth II (in fairness, it should be noted that the theme of Elizabeth as the reigning monarch is in each palace).

In these stores you can find:

• “favorite teas” of the Queen 12.76 EUR (11 GBP);
• umbrellas and pillows with symbols of Great Britain and antique tapestries 29-46 EUR (25-40 GBP);
• chocolates and cookies from 4.75 EUR (3.95 GBP) to 20.34 EUR (16.95 GBP);
• replica royal jewelry, including the famous sapphire ring of Princess Diana from 16.5 EUR (14 GBP) to 114 EUR (95 GBP);
• books from 1.74 EUR (1.5 GBP) and DVDs from 11.94 EUR (9.95 GBP);
• dishes from 27 EUR (23 GBP) to 82 EUR (70 GBP);
• nice little things in the form of keychains, notepads and other things from 2.39 EUR (1.99 GBP);
• teddy bears in the form of guardsmen and royal corgis from 11.7 EUR (9.99 GBP).

Agree, it’s nice to bring mint tablets in a box with heraldry or chocolate dragees in a bag with a Buckingham Palace ribbon as a gift!

These shops also have a children's section: pajamas in the uniform of guardsmen, T-shirts for princesses and knights, coloring books, books. Pajamas are distributed by age. I was wrong about the age for my nephew, but fortunately, on the larger side! Clothing costs on average 17.4 EUR (15 GBP).

Usually the store is located before the entrance to the palace, so it is not necessary to buy a ticket. There are two shops in Buckingham Palace: in the Queens Gallery, to the left of the complex, and opposite, across the road. Unlike the palace itself, the shops can be accessed all year round.

Nearby there is also a souvenir shop called Royal Mews (Royal Stables), basically repeating the assortment of its neighbors and adding horse figurines. There are as many as 5 shops on the territory of the Tower, the largest of which is located outside the castle walls and is accessible without a ticket. You can look for royal souvenirs in advance. However, one day I decided to bring earrings for a friend from Buckingham, but they disappointed me in person. Nevertheless, there are a great variety of souvenirs here and for different budgets.

It also has its own gift shop, which can be accessed from the street. The assortment partially repeats the rest of the royal places, adding local church flavor to Diana’s ring and chocolates with portraits of kings:

• candles and bookmarks with images of stained glass 5.85 EUR (5 GBP);
• DVD with recordings of the Abbey Choir 16.24 EUR (14 GBP);
• replicas of stained glass and tapestry bags, pillows 35-522 EUR (30-450 GBP).

Museums and themed shops

London museums also provide a good selection of souvenirs.

Victoria and Albert Museum

On the ground floor you can find a large store selling art books, designer scarves and painting-themed jewelry.

Museum of the Guards near Buckingham Palace and the Museum of the Royal Cavalry Guards

Sources of toy soldiers and other military souvenirs.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

World famous address 221B Baker Street and a typical London apartment spread over several floors.

Previously, the souvenir shop was located on the first floor of the museum, but due to the new round of “Sherlock mania” in the world, the store has grown and is now located next door.

There you can buy a wide variety of Sherlocks, Conan Doyle books and even the famous detective’s hat. The headdress has a very specific name - “deer hunter's hat” (or Gray Herringbone) and costs 40 EUR (34 GBP). The price is high, you probably won’t wear it yourself, but it will be suitable as a souvenir for a Holmes fan.

Harry Potter Shop

The store is located directly at King's Cross Station. It's very cramped inside, which makes you feel like you're in Crooked Lane. Uniforms of all 4 faculties (sweaters, vests, ties), pens, ink, mugs are on sale. As a bonus, near the store you will find a cart built into the wall, near which you can take a photo wearing a Harry Potter scarf. The assistant on duty nearby will give you and hold the red and yellow Gryffindor symbol while the second one takes your photo. The photo can be obtained in the store for 11 EUR (9.5 GBP). However, they will give you a scarf, even if you shoot with your camera, for free.

As a Harry Potter fan and lover of things with symbols, I have long dreamed of going to this store. However, in reality, sweaters and scarves are made from coarse, unpleasant wool and do not make you want to try them on or buy them.

There are a lot of boxes on sale with various feathers and magic wands, but it’s completely unclear which one to choose. I clearly missed Mr. Ollivander, and I didn’t want to just buy a vague souvenir for 32 EUR (27 GBP).

Christ Church College

Another point for Potter lovers is where many scenes from the saga about the young wizard were filmed. Remember the corridor with access to the courtyard, along which Harry, Ron and Hermione often walked? In fact, this is a church corridor in СChrist Church College and in the wall on the right is not the entrance to the classroom, but two doors: one to the church premises, the second to a shop where, mixed with church symbols, they sell cups, feathers and magnets with Harry and his friends.

Real university ties and sweatshirts with real college logos can be purchased in the Oxford gift shops. I still couldn’t decide which college was closer to me and whose symbols I would like to wear.

So you have the opportunity to study the souvenir row in advance and think about which Oxford college or Hogwarts house you would like to belong to.

Alice's Shop

Harrods

Harrods is an iconic place on the map of London. It is at the same time a center of attraction for both tourists and lovers of fashionable branded clothing. Opened about 200 years ago, today it is the most famous, expensive and aristocratic department store. Every day it attracts crowds of people. By the way, since 1989, face control has been introduced in the store. But don’t be alarmed, usually well-dressed people are welcome guests, and only a punk with a mohawk or a tramp can be stopped at the door. Located at 87-135 Brompton Road, in the wealthy, aristocratic area of ​​Knightsbridge. You can get here either by metro, the exit of which is literally under the walls of the department store, or by walking from the Victoria and Albert Museum. During the day, the store building is quite inconspicuous, but in the evening it is illuminated by 11 thousand light bulbs, like GUM in Moscow.

Harrods has several floors of expensive clothing and shoe boutiques. The perfumery and cosmetics department is located on the first or, as they call it in England, on the ground floor. However, we are interested in the -1st floor, where, traditionally, the food department is located - the food hall. Here you will find tea and famous jams. English tea is worthy of a separate chapter, so I will tell you more about it below.

From the grocery department you smoothly move into the souvenir department: there will be Harrods toy bears for 8.2-41 EUR (7-35 GBP), mugs with Maltese dogs - the symbol of the store for 11.7-23.4 EUR (10-20 GBP), shopping bags (both polyethylene for 11.7 EUR (10 GBP), and quite normal ones for 23.4-41 EUR (20-35 GBP). I bought one for myself when I no longer had enough hands for gifts. Now This is the fourth year that the handbag has served me well at home.

If you come here in the fall, go up to the toy department on the 2nd floor. Christmas sales start early in England, at least from the beginning of October. And you can get truly great pleasure wandering among all these deer, balls and Christmas trees. I was stuck there for 2 hours, but I was afraid to carry the gorgeous balloons.

And, if you have already reached Harrods, at the same time take a look at the memorial to Princess Diana and Dodie and the fountain dedicated to them. Until 2010, the store was owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed, Dodi's father. He erected both monuments. The memorial is located on the -1st floor from the main entrance. The fountain is on the stairs on the opposite side of the store.

For me these are quite controversial objects. In fact, right in the middle of London, in a tourist spot, the mother of the future king is depicted with her lover. When I first visited Harrods, I was somewhat indignant about the whole thing. On the other hand, considering what strange memorials the royal family puts up for her (the Diana fountain in Hyde Park in the form of a ribbon of water, which is difficult to detect at all) and how they are reducing the number of souvenirs dedicated to her in Kensington Palace, filling it with symbols of Victoria, who, By the way, I hated Kensington, then these two monuments look like genuine works of art, made with love. Truly, everything is known by comparison!

What to buy

There are some things that are strongly associated in the head with Great Britain. For me it’s a scotch, strong tea and a volume of a good detective story.

Tartan and other Scottish delights

To get the famous tartan, you don't have to go to Edinburgh. In London there is a whole network of shops selling items made of tartan (woolen or wool blend fabric woven from different threads so that they form a checkered pattern). Previously, each pattern belonged to one of the Scottish families or the royal family. Formally, there are still designs that can only be worn by the king. However, many of them are allowed to be worn by everyone, such as the Royal Stewart - the most famous red check.

The shops are easy to spot with Cashmere signs and displays of men's kilts and tartan scarves. Sale inscriptions are very common. The cheapest store is located in Windsor, directly opposite the entrance to the Windsor Castle.

Recently, due to expensive rent, shops have often moved out, such as the excellent shop of two uncles on Regent Street, where, in addition to silk checkered ties, you could also buy fabrics by the cut. It’s so English when you come back after six months or a year, and everyone is in their place and they even recognize you.

Below is a current list of tartan shops in London and Windsor that are absolutely spot on:

Worth buying:

• Kilt. They are quite readily used at weddings and holidays in Scotland, but I have never seen a person in a kilt in London. This Scottish skirt with 2 fasteners comes in one length for men and three lengths for women: mini (knee-length), medium (mid-length). shins) and maxi (to the floor). The average cost of a mini-kilt is 70 EUR (60 GBP) and 46.8 EUR (40 GBP) with a discount. I have 4 of these. They are comfortable, quite warm and not breathable. Of course, there is a risk that the front part will be lifted by the wind, but for this purpose a pin is included with the kilt. It weighs down the fabric and prevents it from flying up (checked!!). The back of the kilt stays in place in all weathers thanks to the pleating. I willingly wear my kilts all autumn-winter and early spring, so if you see a girl in a plaid skirt in Moscow - it might be me! Long kilts cost on average 94-106 EUR (80-90 GBP). The whole world goes with men's kilts: a pin, knee socks, a bag, but this is unlikely to be useful to us... Although the “purse” is usually quite colorful: made of genuine leather with a piece of fur.
• Checked ties. Since each clan in Scotland has its own tartan, which can differ only in one color of the stripe or the width of the stripes between the cells, the variety of things is quite large. But, again, like with Oxford sweatshirts, it’s difficult to choose a tie without knowing the background. They come in wool and silk. They cost 23.4-29 EUR (20-25 GBP). I bought myself a red Royal Stewart to go with my kilt.
• Cashmere sweaters. They are not cheap, from 70-210 EUR (60-180 GBP), but there are often discounts. In addition, they are very soft, cozy and of excellent quality.
• Children's collection.
• Stoles.
• Small souvenirs like wallets for 17.6 EUR (15 GBP).
• Berets(or tam): 3.5 EUR (3 GBP) - made in China, 35 EUR (30 GBP) - made in Scotland.
• Scarves checkered and plain. Scarves come in different sizes: from 17.6 to 147 EUR (15-125 GBP).

Be careful and read the price tags: once in Windsor I bought a lot of souvenirs for myself and my family, including a scarf for 40 pounds. He was so soft and inviting... And only on the train I saw that he cost 125 pounds! But the lamb's wool was worth it. Plus, it was from Princess Diana's collection. A memorial tartan in honor of Diana of Wales was designed by Lochcarron following her tragic death. These are two colours, pink tartan and baby blue, based on the traditional Royal Stewart tartan.

The collection includes: girls' kilts (very short and twice as expensive as regular mini ones - 140 EUR, 120 GBP), scarves, berets, eyeglass cases, wallets and stoles. All costing from 17.6 to 150 EUR (15-129 GBP). From each sale, a portion of the proceeds goes to The Diana Award, which rewards young people from 9 to 18 years old who, through their example, inspire others to change their lives for the better. Every year 20 children and teenagers celebrate.

Stores often have 2 for 1 promotions and discounts. As I already said, the cheapest in this regard is the store in Windsor. There are always sale prices for kilts and cashmere sweaters.

And don't shy away from the big bargain bin, which includes checkered fleece gloves for GBP 5 and berets for GBP 3. Gloves are simply irreplaceable in the English wind, and I’ve been wearing a thin beret for several years now, and it keeps me warm in the fall. I have a denser Edinburgh one in stock for the winter.

Books

If there is someone in your circle who is learning English, it is worth bringing him a book. Yes, yes, regular paper. Of course, they weigh a lot, but I buy 4-6 pieces each time, because they are still more pleasant to read than electronic ones. Even in progressive England there are a lot of people who read paper books. You can leaf through brand new editions with amazing color covers right on the sales floor. There are cozy chairs in which you can fall and wait out the rain.

My favorite bookstore chain across the country is Waterstone's. Not long ago I found out that the owner is Russian. In the center of London in Piccadilly there is a store with 6 floors. There is a cafe on the top floor, and on the stairs between floors you will find free toilets.

As I already said, in the halls there are sofas and armchairs in which you can sit and read. Price per volume - 9.4-14 EUR (8-12 GBP). Often there is a promotion: the second book for 50% or three books for the price of two. Very convenient and profitable.

Tea and other goodies

Well, here we come to the most famous souvenir.
Strictly speaking, tea is not the most English product. Of course, the UK has a fairly warm climate and even palm trees grow, but there are still no tea plantations here. Having conquered India and Sri Lanka, the British established the delivery of raw materials. However, simply bringing and packing leaves and sticks seemed insufficient to them, and local tea companies began adding various components. You may well find rose buds, cornflower petals, zest and other additives in tea mixtures.

Speaking of blends: every decent tea company considers it their duty to blend their next creation by a certain date. It’s not a fact that the creation will be edible, like, say, tea from Harney&Sons. In 2011, the company released Royal Wedding Tea for Prince William's wedding: white Chinese tea with rosebud petals, coconut, vanilla and almonds. A tin with vignettes was sold for 10.5 EUR (9 GBP) in all royal palaces. I also bought this one. Well, I'll tell you - rare nonsense.

There are a great variety of tea varieties in Great Britain. Basic:

• English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast - for early breakfast and lunch;
• English Tea No. 1 - for drinking tea between meals;
• English Afternoon - for the famous “five o´clock”.

After five, it is customary to drink light Darjeeling and Earl Gray with bergamot. The Strong variety stands apart: it is a very strong variety, they usually drink it with milk... And it’s really very tasty.

We have already agreed with you that we do not buy tea in cans in the shape of a red London bus and a policeman at street kiosks. We'll go to a decent place for good tea.

• Department store Fortnum&Mason worthy of your attention regardless of whether you need tea or not. The store is over 250 years old, 150 of which it has been a supplier to the royal court. The greenish building with a clock above the entrance is located at 181 Piccadilly. If you arrive around 5 o’clock, then at exactly five the music will start and dolls in livery will come out of the boxes on the sides of the clock. The spectacle is simple, but very interesting.
  The store is famous for two products: tea and baskets. It was here that people first came up with the idea of ​​collecting picnic baskets. Queen Victoria, Jane, and Charles Dickens ordered tea from Fortnum&Mason. Inside you will be greeted by stunning crimson carpets, dark brown oak paneling and truly royal service. However, the now living queen also sometimes comes here.
  The tea department is located on the first floor. The pyramids of jars are simply amazing with their names: Wedding Breakfest, Quenn Anne, Strong Breakfest.... My advice: if you have no idea what is hidden under the branded turquoise wrapper, take tea not in a jar, but in a pack. It's cheaper and easier. A pack costs approximately 4.7 EUR (4 GBP), tin can - 9.4-14 EUR (8-12 GBP). Since tea is sacred to the British, every hotel room has a kettle. When you return after a walk, brew yourself one bag and figure out whether you need it at home or not. I usually go to the department store every day and grab different packs. Then I’ll keep them and buy one in a tin as a gift.
  
• Harrods, which I wrote about above. This is a very expensive store, but we are not interested in the latest collections, but in the food hall. The walls of the food hall are covered with 20th century mosaics. in the Art Deco style, which is strictly prohibited from changing. Here you can taste the freshest oysters, Spanish tapas or drink a cup of coffee.
  Prices in the food hall are relatively affordable; they are written quite large on the wall. In this department you can meditate among the tea shelves, while stocking up on delicious jams and all kinds of chocolates. Tea prices are about the same as in Fortnum&Mason. But I would advise you to take your time and not take too much.
• And the last place to buy souvenirs: airport. In each terminal, in addition to the duty-free store, there are clothing departments and a Harrods souvenir department.
  This is where I buy more tea and jams.
  “Dark Victorian plum” or “bitter Sicilian orange” for 5.8 EUR (4.99 GBP) are really tasty and good both as a gift and for breakfast. There is always a 3 for the price of 2 promotion for jams. It’s profitable and you don’t have to worry about overweight, since it will be counted as hand luggage.
  And, of course, bears.

Finally...

Flights- You can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

It's better to think about it in advance that you can bring something like that? from the country you are going to visit.

And, most importantly, where you can buy it without sacrificing your time and wallet.

Today we will go to England, to London and find out what remarkable and original things you can buy there for your family and friends.

Souvenirs from London (England): what to bring?

Cosmetics and perfumes

There are several good brands of cosmetics in England; any lady in your circle will be happy with such a gift:

• ESPA— produces SPA care products and boasts luxurious hair and body masks;
• Bamford- an English brand that creates body and bath products;
• Margaret Dabbs— produces foot care products: scrubs, peelings, masks, lotions, files and much more.

All this beauty can be purchased in specialized stores and shopping centers in London. It will not be cheap, the cost of one unit of goods starts from 15 pounds.

In London, you can buy perfumes from brands as a gift that are difficult to find in Russia, even in such large cities as Moscow and St. Petersburg, for example. Skin Food or Dr.Harris and Co.

Another plus is that purchasing (not only English brands, but also well-known perfume manufacturers) will cost much less than at home.

Stores to visit when looking for perfume products:

• Miller Harris— a unique perfumery store where your own scent will be created to order;
• Penhaligons-a store supplying perfumes to the royal palace.

Products and spices

The quality of English chocolate is in no way inferior to the famous Swiss one. a wide range of all kinds of chocolate products can be found in the Charbonnel et Walker store. A selection of beautifully packaged chocolates can be purchased from £3 to £7.

How and how long does it take to fly to London from Moscow and St. Petersburg? We'll tell you! Find the answer to the question in this article.

If you are looking for something exotic as a gift, Check out Bricklane and Covent Garden markets.

It is here that you will find all kinds of spices from Eastern countries; as well as a huge amount of vegetables, fruits, food products, the famous English cheeses Caerphilly, Gloucester, Cheshire, of high quality for every taste.

Umbrellas

What else can you bring from London? England is a country of eternal rain and dampness, so workshops for hand-made umbrellas can be found here almost at every turn.

A good umbrella costs at least £50. Of course, you can buy it much cheaper, but cheap does not always mean “good”.

Tea

English tea party, English tea- the calling card of this country. Despite the fact that England itself is not a tea producer, this drink is highly valued here and every self-respecting Englishman understands tea varieties and the tea drinking ceremony.

You can purchase tea in original souvenir packaging in the Tea Palace store, the cost depending on the type of drink starts from 5 pounds and above.

English cashmere

It’s impossible to be in London and not buy something made from the famous English cashmere as a gift or for your loved one.

Cashmere sweaters are sold all year round in many English stores; hand-knitted products are highly valued. The price of such things is quite high, so it is better to go to the Portobello market to buy a sweater or pullover.

Portobello Market has a whole town of cheap sweaters - Portobello China & Woollens. And if in a regular store in London a sweater costs from 60 to 100 euros, here you can buy the same one for 45 euros.

In the “flea” part of Portobello you can do inexpensive shopping, where you can buy designer items for yourself and as gifts at a cheap price; this is a paradise for shopaholics.

Alcohol

England is famous for its beer and ale, but the most worthy gift would be the famous Scotch scotch or English whiskey The English Whiskey.

You can buy all this in almost all supermarkets in London. Its price is approximately 20 pounds.

Clothes and shoes

What clothes can you bring from England? For it, it’s better to go to Oxford Street; on this street there are more than 300 different shops where you can buy clothes from the most famous brands: Gap, New Look, Zara, Dorothy Perkins and many others, but provided that you have enough money to purchase, since branded clothes are not cheap at all.

If you want to buy all this variety for pennies, then you better visit TK Maxx stores.

It is here that all the stale clothes from various stores and boutiques are brought, the reasons for which goods are discounted are different - initially the astronomical price, the rather conservative tastes of visitors, to whom these things seem too provocative and trendy.

Jeans, cardigans, suits, pullovers can be bought 10 times cheaper than their original cost in any branded boutique.

Magnificent English leather goods are popular all over the world, including practical, stylish shoes.

If you find yourself in London, be sure to visit Shellys shoe store, where you will find collections of the most fashionable London designers. A pair of shoes or boots is a great gift for yourself and your loved ones.

English souvenirs

England has a huge selection of souvenir symbols of this country. Especially Camden Lock Market is full of souvenirs.

What's missing here: sweatshirts with the British flag, T-shirts with Big Ben, T-shirts with a portrait of the Queen, bracelets, belts, pens, mugs, figurines, a sea of ​​beads and earrings, boxes, key rings and much more for every taste.

Antiques and porcelain

If you are looking for something unusual and unique as a gift, you should visit the antique shops in the Covent Garden and Portobello markets.

Certainly, an antique is an expensive pleasure, but unique and memorable. Antique engravings, silver, fine porcelain, watches - this is just a small part of what you can buy in these shops.

Medicines

If you want to do a good deed and buy something special as a gift for your loved ones, for example a miracle medicine, then I strive to disappoint you: in Russia there are almost all analogues of foreign pills.

The only thing you can buy is medicines for babies, in England they are natural, safe and quite effective. For example, Nososal nasal drops or a medicine for tummy problems - Infacol.

Souvenirs from Great Britain

What can you buy in London as a gift?

To the girl

If you have sufficient funds, buy her a Prada bag. This is a world-famous brand, real luxury and, by the way, the purchase will cost you less than in Russia.

If the principle is closer to you: “It’s not a gift that’s precious, it’s attention that’s precious,” bring it to your girlfriend a beautiful handmade umbrella or a box of English chocolate.

To a man

If your friend, relative or boss is a football fan, the question “what to bring as a gift from London?” disappears by itself. England is home to two famous football clubs Chelsea and Arsenal and their paraphernalia will delight any fan.

If none of them are interested in football, visit the Portobello market. There you will find a huge selection of leather products for which England is so famous: belts, gloves, traveling bags, which you would not be ashamed to give as a gift.

To kid

It’s easy to choose a gift for a child in London; children will be equally happy with a box of sweets and a toy. Be sure to visit the children's shopping center Hamleys, believe me, you will not leave there empty-handed.

The cutest gift would be toy paddington bear, who is equally loved by kids both in his homeland in England and in Russia.

Of course, when traveling, you should not forget that you came to see the sights of this country, its museums, monuments, parks, and not to run around the shops in search of souvenirs.

We hope this article helps a little save your time and money and give more attention to your vacation.

Photo: goodfoodshops.blogspot.com

When in England, be sure to go to a traditional English tea party. Tea ceremonies (afternoon teas) are offered by many respectable hotels and restaurants in the UK. And bringing English tea with you will make you feel like you’re in England again and will warm you up on cold winter evenings. A particularly wide selection of first-class fine teas in solid tins is offered by the iconic Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly Circus in London.

Gift price: from £7 per jar.

2. Tea towels

Photo: flowerona.com

Tea parties in England are unthinkable without tea towels. Every English housewife has a whole collection of tea towels at home, carefully selected to match the interior of the kitchen. Exquisitely painted towels, sometimes reminiscent of works of art, can be placed under glass and hung on the wall, like paintings. In addition, tea towels are convenient because they take up little space and are easy to transport. You can purchase them in any large stores and shopping centers.

Gift price: from £10 each.

3. Cookies

Photo: www.walkersshortbread.com

Continuing the theme of tea parties, do not forget to take with you traditional Scottish cookies - shortbread. These crumbly shortbread cookies with a simple recipe (only sugar, butter and flour) are especially loved by children. But adults will certainly enjoy these sweet “breads.” Shortbreads come in different shapes, but I like the classic fingers that look like dominoes. You can buy them at absolutely any grocery store.

Gift price: from £3 per pack.

4. Chocolate

Photo: worldchocolateguide.com

It cannot be said that England is famous for its chocolate, but good, high-quality chocolate can be found here too. Those with a sweet tooth will certainly appreciate the wide range of Thorntons products, and true chocolate connoisseurs will be able to find exquisite, albeit expensive, premium chocolates in the Hotel Chocolat chain stores.

Gift price: from £5 per box.

5. Smoked salmon

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I promise we're almost done with the edibles. However, when touching on the topic of food, it is impossible not to mention the famous Scottish salmon. More than a year ago I gave up meat and poultry, but I never became a complete vegetarian, continuing to consume fish. Scottish salmon is absolutely impossible to resist as it is a pure taste delight and is also rich in healthy omega acids. Thanks to vacuum packaging, smoked salmon cuts are easy to transport and take up little space in your bag. The low temperature in the luggage compartment will keep the fish fresh, so feel free to take it with you - nothing will happen to it during the flight. You can buy Scottish salmon at any grocery store.

Gift price: from 3 pounds per 100 grams.

6. Alcohol

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We will probably end with edible gifts on a particularly happy note. Great Britain is famous for its strong drinks. The names of Scotch whiskey - scotch - and English juniper vodka - gin - are familiar to everyone. So if you're looking for a solid gift for your boss or friend, a bottle of Chivas Regal scotch or Beefeater gin would be a great choice.

Gift price: from £15 per bottle.

7. Porcelain dishes

Photo: lovelyprincess2u.blogspot.com

Returning to the topic of tea, one cannot help but recall the famous English porcelain - elegant painted cups with thin edges, elegant teapots where the taste of tea is revealed in full force - all this is an integral part of the tea drinking process and creates an authentic English flavor. You can buy beautiful china that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to give as a gift in large British department stores such as John Lewis, Debenhams or House of Fraser.

Gift price: from £20 per set.

8. Tweed products

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Tweed is a woolen fabric with various patterns originating from Scotland. Tweed clothing is practical and elegant. A tweed suit or coat will probably serve you for many years, but if you are not interested in clothes, then a checkered tweed handbag or purse will be a wonderful reminder of your trip to the UK. It is better to purchase such products in Scotland or in specialized premium stores.

Gift price: from £20 per item.

9. Vintage items

Photo: www.fleamarketinsiders.com

The British adore antiquity and try in every possible way to preserve it. That's why vintage items and flea markets are especially popular here. If you are not afraid of specific smells, then be sure to go to vintage shops in Shoreditch, where you can sometimes unearth genuine rarities at a very reasonable price.

Gift price: from £10 per item.

10. Scarves

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If you want to bring a piece of clothing as a gift, but are afraid of missing the size, a scarf will be an excellent solution. The changeable local climate forces the British to wear several layers of clothing, and cozy scarves save their defenseless necks in chilly, windy weather. Particularly convenient are looped scarves - snoods - which do not need to be tied, but just need to be wrapped around the neck a couple of times. Light scarves made of silk and viscose are suitable for the spring-autumn period, and woolen scarves made of thick Scottish yarn for the winter.

Gift price: from £10 per scarf.

11. Umbrella

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Well, since we are talking about English weather, we cannot fail to mention an accessory that is no less significant in Britain, namely the umbrella. It is absolutely impossible to do without this item here - the very first rainstorm that unexpectedly falls on your head will force you to learn this first English rule forever. English umbrellas are famous for their durability, but if you want to look aristocratic, buy a solid cane umbrella.

Gift price: from £10 each.

12. Products Jo Malone London

Photo: www.cguidemacau.com

British perfume house Jo Malone London offers the widest selection of luxury products: legendary perfumes, colognes and aromatic products for the bath, body and home. Add to this the elegant branded packaging and you have the perfect gift for your loved ones.

Gift price: from £14 per item.

13. Bathroom accessories

Photo: www.liberty.co.uk

The British are real fans of bathing procedures (in some incomprehensible way, this love coexists with the habit of saving water). For an Englishman, the bathroom is truly a sacred place, a purgatory not only for the body, but also for the soul. In a typical English bathroom you will find neatly arranged dried flowers, colorful bathing balls and many other, not quite familiar to us, accessories that will become an original gift for your friends.

Gift price: from £10 per set.

14. Home fragrances

Photo: www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Continuing the theme of improving everyday life, one cannot help but mention the British love for all kinds of home fragrances in the form of candles, liquids and other “incense”. My English neighbor, who also happens to be our landlady, vacuums the common hallway every day, and at the end of the cleaning, she always sprays it with a special lemon spray.

In every major UK store you will find a wide range of similar products that will become a pleasant reminder of England.

Gift price: from £10 each.

15. Wooden home decorations

Photo: pinterest.com

Another popular household item in England is carved wooden ornaments hanging on the wall. These could be signs with funny inscriptions or various figures. These enlivening wall decorations, usually hanging right opposite the entrance, create a cozy feeling in your soul that you are finally at home.

You can buy similar jewelry from major retailers and homeware stores such as John Lewis, Debenhams, Primark and others.

Gift price: from £5 each.

16. Postcards

Photo: www.abacuscards.co.uk

Not a single more or less significant event in the life of an Englishman is complete without postcards. The reasons for writing cards can be very different: birthdays, weddings, graduation from school. The British also express their apologies and condolences in writing. Therefore, it is not surprising that in England there is a thriving industry for the production of cards for literally all occasions. Postcards here are not cheap, but you can’t do without them. English masters of postcards sometimes create real masterpieces: postcards are laid out in 3D images, and the most bizarre materials are used to decorate them - feathers, beads, ribbons. Such unusual postcards will surely delight your friends, so take a few with you “in reserve.”

Gift price: from £2 per postcard.

17. Souvenirs

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If you need to buy a lot of small gifts, then drop into any souvenir shop, where you will find many souvenirs with paraphernalia of London and the royal family. Pens, keychains, notepads and other useful little things will certainly be useful to your friends and won’t put a big dent in your pocket. Good quality souvenirs can also be found at Cath Kidston, Paperless and John Lewis.

Gift price: from £2 each.

18. Teddy bear

Photo: www.johnlewis.com

Don't know what to bring for your child? A traditional plush teddy bear will be a great gift for a baby. They can be bought in many large stores, some of which even have their own branded bears (among the latter are Hamleys and Harrods).

Gift price: from £5 each.

19. Books in English

Photo: www.waterstones.com

If you are improving your English or someone you know is doing this, modern English literature will be a good help in this. After all, where else, if not in England, can you buy it?

For children, bookshops such as Waterstones have a variety of colorfully designed books that are sure to delight your child and spark their interest in learning the language.

Gift price: from £2 per book.

20. Christmas tree decorations

Photo: www.johnlewis.com

Closer to Christmas, English shops turn into a real winter fairy tale: every self-respecting store considers it its duty to display a tall New Year tree, stylishly decorated with toys, including intricate antique glass figurines. Such jewelry is not cheap, but it will delight you for many years and will be a wonderful gift for family and friends.

Gift price: from £5 each.

I hope that the ideas listed above will ease your pain of choice and help you quickly decide on gifts.

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When going to the capital of Great Britain - London, travelers are concerned about the question of what they are bringing from London and what are the best souvenirs to bring home to commemorate their visit.

How much do souvenirs cost in London?

You can buy souvenirs in almost any store. Prices for souvenirs differ depending on the distance from the city center. So, the same refrigerator magnet can cost from three to six dollars.

In London, prices are very reasonable and there are sales quite often. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to stores whose windows are decorated with banners with discounts. In such shops you can save a lot on buying souvenirs for loved ones. So, for example, if a woman’s bag initially cost $150, then taking into account the discount, you can buy it for $45.

What can you bring from London as a gift?

If you are deciding what souvenirs to buy in London, then you should pay attention to the following items:

Football has gained particular popularity in London. The city even has branded stores of football clubs, for example, Chelsea and Arsenal. By visiting such a store, you can purchase paraphernalia of a true ball game fan.

During this time, you can ask the seller to beautifully pack gifts from London. Such a souvenir in a beautiful wrapper can be presented for a birthday or any other festive event.

A trip to any country is invariably accompanied by the purchase of a variety of souvenirs. Traveling through England, a country with a rich history, leaves an indelible impression, and various products that have become traditional for this state will help you preserve pleasant memories. The choice is huge, and not everyone is satisfied with trinkets with the symbols of the country, which are purchased in a hurry before departure. To please your loved ones and keep your memories of the trip vivid for a long time, you need to think in advance about what to bring from England - for friends, colleagues or children. This approach is also justified from an economic point of view - being part of the European Union, England is a very expensive country, and it may turn out that there is simply not enough money for everything that you want to take with you as a souvenir.

Traditional souvenirs and gifts from England

For the local population, an umbrella is an essential accessory that every family has. This need is related to the peculiarities of the climate - very frequent rains force the British to constantly have it with them. Almost every city in the country has special workshops for making umbrellas. They are small and the work is done by hand. This ensures the highest quality - an umbrella purchased in England will serve its owner for many years. When choosing such an accessory, you should know that you should not purchase a product that costs less than 50 pounds.
If a tourist is not ready to pay that kind of money, it is better to pay attention to other souvenirs. By the way, all payments in the country are allowed only in local currency - dollars and euros will not be accepted in stores, so it is better to exchange them at the bank immediately upon arrival, rather than look for exchange offices in the future where the rate is less favorable. A good umbrella goes well with a scarf, which has also become a common accessory due to the climate.
Almost every clothing store has a huge assortment of scarves - for many tourists this becomes a pleasant discovery. This fashionable and stylish wardrobe item in England can be purchased in a wide variety of colors, and the material used can be almost any fabric - from silk to the finest cashmere. The price “starts” from 5 pounds, and in branded boutiques it is generally unlimited.
Low-budget, but bright and desirable locally made souvenirs include:
- keychains;
- fridge magnets;
- covers for mobile gadgets;
- mugs and mouse pads with country logos;
- decorations in the form of Vikings, many hand-painted;
- various printed products presented in local shops.

Gifts for business and hobby people

As an original and practical souvenir for a business partner, manager or colleague, you can consider business souvenirs from Graft of Dalvey - they are widely known throughout the world for their quality and practicality. The range of products is quite large - pens, diaries, cases for business cards and credit cards, pocket watches and elegant ashtrays, boxes for cigars, cigarettes and playing cards. Everything is made in the original design, traditional for this brand.
Original figurines will decorate the simple interior of an office or home office. Their range is impressive, and they reflect many of the famous sights of this country, the history of its development and great victories. A small copy of one of the famous palaces in England, a figurine of a pensive Sherlock Holmes, or a red telephone booth will look very original on the table. A red double-decker bus, invariably associated throughout the world with England, will also look very original in a home interior.
People who collect various collections can be pleased with musical instruments, the choice of which is simply huge here. A football fan will be delighted with a T-shirt with the symbols of local clubs - Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea. In local souvenir shops you can purchase such equipment not only with club paraphernalia, but also autographs of the players - the cost of such a gift starts from 30 pounds. Many will be pleased with a real police helmet - you can buy it in any souvenir shop.

English souvenirs for lovers of home comfort

It’s easy to give yourself or your loved ones a truly “royal” gift by purchasing traditional porcelain dishes. It is in England that centuries-old traditions are strictly observed in its production. The most famous brands were Royal Doulton and Wedgwood. They will certainly be appreciated by lovers of home comfort, elegance and aristocratic sophistication. A set from a well-known company will be an excellent and welcome gift for any family.
If you don’t want to spend a significant amount, you can limit yourself to purchasing an elegant tea pair. The finest creamy porcelain will certainly decorate any interior. In addition to porcelain, the expensive category includes crystal from the Bristol blue crystal brand, as well as the famous Wiltshire wool carpets - their colorful oriental pattern and luxurious pile will certainly be appreciated by lovers of cozy interiors with a claim to aristocracy.
Other household attributes that are required in every home are more accessible - bath towels, kitchen aprons, bathrobes. Their high quality and pleasant patterns will invariably remind you of your journey. It is worth paying attention to Toby Jugs ceramic jugs - made of high-quality ceramics, designed in the form of a man with a mug of beer, dressed in a traditional costume of the 18th century. The jug can serve a purely decorative purpose, but it can also be used for its intended purpose.

What will England please the fair half of humanity?

Bringing a gift to a girl from England is as easy as shelling pears, and perfumes and cosmetics have long occupied the leading positions. When choosing products in this category, it makes sense to pay attention to exclusively English brands - Penhaligon's, Porosenka, Ormonde Jayne, Creed, Rahua, Margaret Dabbs. These brands are deservedly popular not only among English women, but all over the world. A good choice for a beloved or parents will receive a handbag, jewelry, wristwatch.
In this country, it will not be difficult to choose a gift for children of any age:
- books in original design;
- music boxes;
- handmade puppets;
- models of airplanes and sailboats;
- educational toys/game sets.
Designer dolls are presented separately - every girl dreams of becoming their owner. Traditionally, a large selection of children's dishes made of safe plastic with bright images of your favorite cartoon characters.

Alcohol and cuisine - the success of the presentation is guaranteed

Anyone even briefly familiar with the culture of England will say that cheese is a special product for an Englishman. Local cheesemakers are famous for the highest quality of the product and adherence to centuries-old traditions, which are perfectly combined with innovative production technologies. The most ancient, famous and delicious variety of local cheese is Cheshire, well known to gourmets from all over the world. Such varieties as Cheddar, Stilton, Wensleydale, Gloucester, Caerphilly are not inferior to it in taste. An important feature is that you can buy this product either as a whole head or in small packages of 100 grams.
When in England you can't help but try locally produced Cadbury chocolate. Its delicate taste is loved not only by little sweet tooths, but also by all adults without exception. It goes well with a variety of English tea flavors. Local residents treat this drink with special reverence, which is why there are many exquisite varieties of tea in the country. You can purchase it for daily use at any supermarket or stall.
But if we are talking about a gift for another person, you will definitely need to look into branded stores, for example, Whittard of Chelsea. Here you can choose tea to suit every taste, and buy beautiful gift packaging in the shape of a London bus or an ancient castle. The origin of such a souvenir will not need explanation. Here you can also buy souvenir tea spoons, as well as other useful accessories for the tea ceremony.
Alcohol deserves special attention. At all times, alcoholic drinks have been a wonderful and universal gift - for a friend, colleague or boss. The British cannot imagine a holiday without beer - it is no less popular here than in Bavaria. But strong alcohol is more appropriate as a gift. Thus, it is not for nothing that Scotch scotch, a famous drink with a history of several centuries, has become the owner of the status of “national treasure”.
The production of Scotch whiskey dates back more than 5 centuries, and today it is distinguished by the same rich, elegant bouquet and pleasant aftertaste as many centuries ago. This drink can be presented to both men and women with equal success. Traditional English ale will appeal to every man - there are dozens of varieties, and the most popular are Porter, Barley Wine and Bitter. All tourists should definitely try these drinks.

The best places for shopping and its features

Immediately upon arrival in London, you can go straight to the Harrods department store, known to all shopping lovers in the world. They will consider it a crime if a tourist does not visit this center, a trip to which can be compared to visiting a museum. The prices in the department store cannot be called low, but knowledgeable people immediately go to the upper floors of this center. It’s easy to stumble upon a large number of things here, from brands such as Miss Sixty, Diziel, and similar ones, the prices of which are quite affordable.
There is an entire floor dedicated to furniture. It is of no use to tourists, but a visit here is simply necessary - this is where the cafe is located, which will allow you to instantly appreciate the pedantic, slightly old-fashioned and prim spirit of this country. The fact is that the cafe's visitors are pretty old ladies with curls and hats. You might think that the well-known character Miss Marple was invented in this establishment. They serve excellent milk tea that is worth trying. On the same street is the famous Emporio Armani boutique.
All people who come to this country specifically for shopping begin their “tour” in the Regent Street area. There are many shops located here, among which the most famous are:
- fashion boutique Deakins and Jones - everyone will find stylish, original and exquisite things here;
- Liberty department store - a huge selection of fabrics, cosmetics and perfumes, clothes of famous fashion designers;
- Garrard & Co. and Mappin & Webb salons - will certainly be appreciated by lovers and connoisseurs of exquisite jewelry, they have long been the official suppliers of jewelry for Her Majesty the Queen.
If a person does not plan to leave a fortune in London, it is worth getting off at Ladbroke Gravey tube station and heading towards Portobello. As a rule, a huge number of people always move there - from among tourists and local residents, so knowledge of the area is not at all necessary. It is impossible to get lost or pass by this paradise for shopping lovers. The most famous flea market on the planet is located here. Its name is rather arbitrary and does not at all reflect its essence.
It is so different from traditional flea markets in other countries that many buyers who come here for the first time find themselves confused for a long time. As soon as it passes, you can appreciate the chic assortment of this place:
- stylish elegant accessories for youth and adults;
- vintage clothes;
- expensive jewelry;
- antiques;
- souvenirs flocking here from all over the world.
There are few fixed prices here, so the “golden” rule applies - you can and definitely need to bargain. When asked about the cost, the seller will most likely answer with a question - how much will you give. If you have free time and a certain talent, many worthy things can be purchased for very reasonable money. It is also worth remembering the traditional politeness of the British, therefore, if you plan to purchase from a specific seller, do not forget about the smile - it should not leave the buyer’s face.