Every year, countless people from around the globe come to London. When heading home, you might wonder what treasures you can take back from such a marvellous city. From high-end British fashion to British tea, London's vast markets, historic department stores, and unique boutiques offer distinctly London items. 

Yet, with so many options, how can you avoid the typical tourist traps and find something special? Let's jump into your essential guide to shopping in London, so you leave with bags full of finds to boast about.

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What are the best things to buy in London? 

There are many souvenirs to choose from when you leave London, and some of the popular ones are given below:

• Snacks, Sweets & Speciality Drinks from London 

• Books, Maps & Vinyl Records from London 

• Fan Merchandise & Collectables from London

• British Handicrafts & Home Décor Items

• Beauty, Designer & Vintage Fashion

Snacks, Sweets & Speciality Drinks from London 

British Tea

What better way to capture the essence of London than by bringing home some of its finest teas? British tea is a daily ritual symbolising London's rich hospitality. The beautifully packaged teas make elegant gifts or personal souvenirs that bring the warmth of English breakfast or the charm of afternoon tea to your home.

• Famous market: Speciality tea stalls sometimes appear in markets like Borough Market or Camden Market.

• Price: Prices range from £10 for classic blends to over £40 for rare collections.

• How to avoid scams: Shop at reputable stores, check for proper labelling, and avoid street vendors to ensure quality.

British Chocolates

British chocolates are celebrated for their creamy texture and deep flavors. From luxury brands like Charbonnel et Walker to the beloved Cadbury, there's a variety to suit any taste. These chocolates often come in beautifully crafted packages, making them ideal gifts for sweets enthusiasts or a tasty treat for yourself.

• Famous market: Borough Market

• Price: Prices start at around £3 for a small bar of Cadbury and go up to £50+ for luxury assortments from Charbonnel et Walker.

• How to avoid scams: Buy from established shops or directly from brand stores to guarantee quality and avoid counterfeit products.

Artisanal Gin

If you're interested in gin, consider visiting one of London's many micro-distilleries to see how gin is made and even taste different types from the source. Speciality liquor stores are another great option, offering bottled gins that make perfect souvenirs or gifts. These shops often have knowledgeable staff who can help you choose a gin that matches your taste preferences, ensuring you bring home a special bottle.

• Famous market: Borough Market 

• Price: Typically, prices start around £15 and can go up to £50 or more for a premium bottle.

• How to avoid scams: Purchase from reputable liquor stores or distilleries. Look for labels indicating small-batch production or local sourcing.

Marmalade & Artisan Jams

There’s nothing more quintessentially British breakfast than a slice of toast topped with bright, bittersweet Seville orange marmalade or small-batch artisan jams (think rhubarb-ginger, strawberry-elderflower, or damson). Many makers use seasonal British fruit and traditional copper pans, giving you deep flavour and a lovely set perfect as gifts or to elevate your morning spread.

• Famous markets: Borough Market, Maltby Street Market, and Broadway Market (weekends).

• Price: £5–£8 for small jars; £8- £15 for premium or limited-edition jars.

• How to avoid scams: Look for producer labels, full ingredient lists, and production details (fruit %, origin). Choose stalls with tasting samples and avoid unsealed or unbranded jars.

Scottish Shortbread & British Biscuits

Buttery Scottish shortbread and classic British biscuits (custard creams, digestives, ginger snaps) make easy-to-pack, universally loved treats. From crumbly all-butter fingers to heritage tins with vintage artwork, these bakes pair beautifully with tea and travel well, ideal for sharing at home or gifting.

• Famous market: Fortnum & Mason food hall, Borough Market bakers, and Selfridges Foodhall; for indie finds, try Notting Hill and Greenwich Market stalls.

• Price: £3–£6 for everyday packs; £7–£20+ for artisanal boxes or collectable tins.

• How to avoid scams: Check for butter as the first fat (avoid palm-heavy “shortbread”), confirm best-before dates, and buy sealed tins/boxes from reputable shops.

Books, Maps & Vinyl Records from London 

Books from Iconic London Bookshops

If you are into reading, London's bookshops are like mini-museums, perfect for finding everything from rare first editions to contemporary bestsellers. Buying a book from one of these shops is a way to own a piece of London’s literary heritage, making it a thoughtful gift for yourself or a loved one.

• Famous market: Southbank Centre Book Market

• Price: Typically £5-£30, depending on rarity and binding.

• How to avoid scams: Always buy from established bookstores. Check for authenticity, especially when purchasing rare or antique books, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, particularly at street stalls or from informal vendors.

Vinyl Records

Nothing beats dropping a needle on a record you hunted down in London. From classic UK pressings to new indie releases, you’ll find everything from The Beatles to contemporary grime and jazz. Many shops also stock limited runs and Record Store Day exclusives.

• Famous market/shops: Rough Trade East (Brick Lane), Phonica (Soho), Sister Ray (Soho), Honest Jon’s (Notting Hill), Flashback (Islington).

• Price: £8–£15 for used singles; £15–£35 for new LPs; £40+ for audiophile, first-press, or limited editions.

• How to avoid scams: Check vinyl condition (VG+/NM) under good light, inspect for warps/hairlines, confirm original vs reissue, and always ask to test on a turntable when possible.

Vintage London Maps & Transport Poster

Bring home a slice of cartographic history: antique street plans, Ordnance Survey sheets, or iconic London Underground posters. Originals can be investment pieces; museum-grade reprints make stylish, affordable décor.

• Famous market/shops: London Transport Museum Shop (Covent Garden), Stanfords (Covent Garden), Portobello Road Market (antiques), Southbank Centre Book Market.

• Price: £15–£40 for quality reprints; £75–£300+ for vintage maps; £150–£1,000+ for authentic LT posters, depending on age/artist.

• How to avoid scams: Ask for provenance and whether it’s original or reproduction; check paper quality, printing method (litho/screen vs cheap inkjet), and avoid “aged” fakes with artificial staining.

Illustrated Children’s Books

London’s bookshops are treasure troves for beautifully illustrated tales, from classic Beatrix Potter to modern picture books signed by the artist. They’re light, packable, and perfect gifts with a London story inside.

• Famous market/shops: Waterstones Piccadilly (children’s floor), Daunt Books (Marylebone), Foyles (Charing Cross Road), indie shops in Notting Hill & Hackney.

• Price: £6–£12 for paperbacks; £12–£25 for hardbacks; £25–£60+ for signed/special editions.

• How to avoid scams: Buy from established bookshops; for signed copies, look for signature pages or store authentication; avoid “collector” listings with blurry photos or no ISBN details.

Photobooks of London Architecture

From Brutalist estates to Thames-side skylines, London photobooks showcase the city’s layers, perfect coffee-table keepsakes with serious design cred. Look for limited runs by local photographers or museum imprints.

• Famous market/shops: The Photographers’ Gallery Bookshop (Soho), Barbican Shop (Barbican), Tate Modern Bookshop, Daunt Books (architecture section).

• Price: £20–£40 for standard photobooks; £40–£80+ for large-format or limited editions.

• How to avoid scams: Check print quality (sharp images, rich blacks), binding (lay-flat for big books), confirm edition/print run, and beware inflated prices for still-in-print titles.

Fan Merchandise & Collectables from London

Harry Potter Merchandise

Harry Potter's magical world comes to life in London, where you can find a wide array of merchandise at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour or the dedicated shop at King’s Cross Station. From replica wands and robes to collectable items and themed games, each piece is crafted with care, offering fans of all ages a piece of this beloved universe.

• Famous market: Warner Bros. Studio Tour, The Making of Harry Potter

• Price: Items range from £5 for smaller souvenirs to over £100 for high-end collectables like replica wands and robes.

• How to avoid scams: Purchase directly from official stores like King’s Cross Station or Warner Bros. Studio Tour to ensure authenticity.

Sherlock Holmes & British TV Series Merch

From deerstalker hats and 221B door plaques to mugs and limited-edition figurines, London is a playground for fans of Sherlock Holmes and beloved British series (Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, The Crown, Blackadder, Peaky Blinders).

• Famous market/shops: The Sherlock Holmes Museum Shop (221B Baker Street), Forbidden Planet (Shaftesbury Ave), Hamleys (Regent Street) for family-friendly merch, and market stalls in Covent Garden.

• Price: £5–£15 for pins, keyrings, mugs; £20–£50 for scarves, tees, replica plaques; £60–£200+ for limited figures/props or framed prints.

• How to avoid scams: Look for official licensing tags and hologram stickers; buy from museum shops or established retailers; be wary of street stalls selling “replica” props without brand marks or proper packaging.

Royal Memorabilia

Celebrate London’s royal heritage with commemorative china, crest-embossed stationery, tea towels, coins, and ornaments marking coronations, jubilees, and royal residences. Elegant and very giftable.

• Famous market/shops: Royal Collection Trust shops (Buckingham Palace, Windsor), Fortnum & Mason (royal warrants), Liberty, and curated stalls around Covent Garden.

• Price: £8–£20 for tea towels/ornaments; £25–£80 for mugs, tins, stationery sets; £100–£400+ for limited-edition bone china or boxed coin sets.

• How to avoid scams: Prefer official palace/Royal Collection merchandise or reputable department stores; watch for maker’s marks on ceramics; avoid items that mimic official crests without attribution; ask for gift receipts and keep packaging intact.

London Transport Museum Collectables

Iconic Roundel logos, vintage Tube map reprints, seat moquette accessories, enamel signs, and original poster art, perfect for design lovers and London nostalgics. Expect everything from coasters and cushions in classic moquette fabrics to limited-run prints featuring historic Underground artwork.

• Famous market/shops: London Transport Museum Shop (Covent Garden), the LTM Depot (Acton) open days, and the Museum’s official poster/print store.

• Price: £6–£15 for keyrings, badges, moquette coasters; £20–£60 for prints, cushions, scarves; £100–£1,000+ for authenticated vintage posters or enamel signs.

• How to avoid scams: Buy via LTM’s official shop for guaranteed authenticity; check edition details and artist credits on posters; avoid “aged” signs with suspicious weathering; for big-ticket items, request proof of provenance or a certificate.

British Handicrafts & Home Décor Items

Handcrafted Candles

London's markets and boutiques showcase a beautiful selection of handcrafted candles and home decor. You can find scented candles with classic fragrances like English rose or bergamot and home decor items, including artisanal ceramics and custom textiles. These pieces are great for bringing a bit of London's unique style into your home.

• Famous market: Maltby Street Market

• Price: Candles can start from £10 to £100 or more for large, intricately designed pieces. Home décor items range similarly depending on craftsmanship.

• How to avoid scams: Shop at reputable markets or stores, and look for signs of genuine craftsmanship such as natural materials and hand-finished details.

Quirky Home Decor

If you’re looking for something uniquely London to spice up your living space, the city’s quirky home décor options are not to be missed. Shops in Camden and Greenwich offer everything from punk rock memorabilia to antique furniture and modern British art, providing plenty of choices to find something that matches your style and memories of London. These items are not just decorations but are pieces of London itself, allowing you to bring a bit of the city's dynamic culture and history into your home. 

• Famous market: Camden Market or shops in Greenwich

• Price: Prices vary widely, from around £10 for smaller items to hundreds for large furniture or unique art.

• How to avoid scams: Purchase from established vendors known for their quality and authenticity. Avoid buying expensive items off the street or from non-specialist sellers.

Handmade Soaps with Botanicals

Level up your daily routine with cold-processed, small-batch bars infused with real botanicals, including lavender, rose, geranium, mint, lemon verbena, neroli, and bergamot. Makers often blend shea/cocoa butter, olive, coconut, and sweet-almond oils for a creamy lather that cleans without stripping. Dried petals, oatmeal, or poppy seeds add gentle exfoliation, while essential oils deliver a natural, not-too-strong scent. They’re solid (TSA-friendly), easy to pack, and make thoughtful gifts.

• Famous market/shops: Borough Market (artisan body care stalls), Hackney/Herne Hill markets, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Skinsmiths, independent apothecaries

• Price: £4–£8 per bar · £10–£20 gift sets

• How to avoid scams: Look for full INCI ingredient lists, cold-process or small-batch notes, and plastic-free or recyclable packaging; avoid unlabelled bars.
  

British-Made Throws & Wool Blankets

Wrap up in heritage weaves, from buttery-soft lambswool and merino to rugged Harris/Donegal tweeds, woven in centuries-old British mills. They add instant texture to sofas and beds and are perfect for chilly garden evenings or picnics on the heath.

• Famous market/shops: Liberty (home textiles), The Shop at the Museum of London, Notting Hill/Spitalfields textile stalls, Tartan Blanket Co. stockists, John Lewis (British-made lines)

• Price: £45–£80 lambswool throws · £90–£180+ premium merino/tweed or extra-large blankets

• How to avoid scams: Check fibre content labels (avoid “acrylic blend” sold as pure wool), feel for density/hand, and buy from shops that list mill/origin and care instructions.

Beauty & Fashion from London

Designer & Vintage Fashion

London is a global fashion capital, and its shops are filled with high-end designer labels and stunning vintage finds. Whether you're searching for the latest runway trends or retro styles, London's fashion offers endless possibilities. Vintage stores in areas like Notting Hill and Shoreditch are especially great for discovering one-of-a-kind pieces with a story to tell.

• Famous market: Portobello Road Market (vintage), Bond Street (designer)

• Price: Vintage items might start at around £20, while designer fashion items can range from £100 to thousands of pounds.

• How to avoid scams: Know the signs of wear and authenticity for vintage. For designer items, shop at official boutiques or trusted department stores.

Leather Goods

London offers an impressive selection of leather goods crafted by skilled artisans. From luxury handbags and shoes to hand-stitched wallets and belts, these items showcase the quality and durability of British leather craftsmanship. Shopping in established leather goods stores ensures authenticity and style in products that last a lifetime.

• Famous market: Leather Lane Market 

• Price: Prices start at about £30 for small leather accessories and can reach hundreds or thousands for bespoke items.

• How to avoid scams: Always check the leather's quality (it should be supple and smell like real leather), and buy from reputable stores or artisan workshops.

Perfumes

London's perfumeries are renowned for their quality and range, offering everything from bespoke scents to traditional fragrances. Explore stores like Floris and Penhaligon’s, where you can discover scents that capture the essence of English gardens or the urban sophistication of London itself. Many shops also offer the experience of creating a custom perfume, making it a truly personal souvenir.

• Famous market: Luxury boutiques in Covent Garden and Mayfair are known for their bespoke perfumeries.

• Price: Ready-made fragrances start at about £40, with bespoke scents costing significantly more.

• How to avoid scams: Buy from reputable perfumeries. Avoid street vendors and check for packaging that is correct and sealed to ensure authenticity.

Find the Best Shopping Spots for Unique Items in London's Markets

Whether you're looking for handmade souvenirs, antique finds, or delicious street food, the city's markets have something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best things to buy in London and the markets where you can find them.

• Antiques: Portobello Road market

• Designer & vintage fashion: Camden market

• Handmade crafts: Greenwich market

• Books & vinyl records: Southbank Centre book market

• Gourmet food: Borough Market

• Exotic spices & tea: Spitalfields market

• Handmade jewellery: Covent Garden market

• Trendy streetwear: Brick Lane Market

• Fresh flowers & plants: Columbia Road flower market

• Handcrafted candles & home décor: Maltby street market

If you're looking for a detailed guide, take a look at our comprehensive guide to the best markets in London.

Tips for Shopping a Souvenirs in London

Shopping in London is an exciting experience, filled with lots of unique items and great souvenirs. Here are some simple tips to make your shopping trip even better:

• Plan: Before you go, decide what you want to buy and where you want to go. Places like Notting Hill are great for antiques, Camden for funky fashion, and Mayfair for luxury items.

• Do some research: Find where you can buy the things you want and how much they might cost. This can help you get the best deals.

• Use public transport: London has a great transport system with buses, trains, and river boats that make getting around easy.

• Shop early: Popular spots like Portobello Road and Borough Market get busy later in the day. Going early can help you avoid crowds.

• Check market days: Some markets have special days for food or antiques. Knowing these days can help you plan your visit better.

• Watch store hours: Many shops close earlier than expected, especially on Sundays. Check their hours so you don’t miss out.

• Ask for proof of authenticity: If you’re buying something expensive like antiques or designer clothes, ask for a certificate to prove it’s real.

• Negotiate if you can: You can talk down the price in smaller shops or markets. Just remember to be polite about it.

• Save your receipts for a tax refund: If you're visiting from outside the EU, you might get some money back on big purchases. Keep your receipts and claim your tax refund when you leave.

• Bring an extra bag: If you plan on buying a lot, having an extra bag to bring things home might be a good idea.

Don’t Wait Up and Be Ready to Bargain!

Now that you know what to buy from London, make sure to leave some space in your luggage! Always be cautious when purchasing at London markets to ensure you get genuine items. With this shopping list, you are ready to explore and enjoy London's vibrant markets.