When I first set foot in London from Kingston with nothing much. The air was sharp, but the city glowed. Oxford Street glowed with lights, Regent Street windows looked like theatres, and Carnaby Street had colour. That first winter, I learned the value of vintage gifts. At that time, there was no search engine to show the best gift shops in London. You had to wander, take your chances, and discover treasures. The independent shops were the real magic.

Today, I say the retro gift gift range gifts are the unusual ones. A vintage clock that ticks with history will mean more than plastic tat. Independent gift shops in Soho still carry the vintage gifts that people remember. And for glamour, upmarket stores in Kensington bring the sparkle. Each Q4, I feel the city gear up for shopping. That’s when I start looking for quirky gifts. Check independent gift shops London and you’ll discover many. But the authentic spirit always exist in the hidden boutiques.

That’s why, I always believe that vintage gifts are the best. They carry stories, just like London at Christmas.