From birthdays and baby showers, to weddings and anniversaries, we all want to give a gift that really shows how much we care. Thanks to the range of thoughtfully curated independent shops and signature brands, you needn’t look any further to find something truly extraordinary. These are some of our favourite destinations for the perfect present shopping.
Blomma Beauty
Go completely natural with Blomma Beauty. Stock up on eco-conscious beauty products from independent brands – that will be appreciated by your loved one and the planet. You’ll find organic, vegan and cruelty-free skincare and makeup brands that will make everyone look and feel fabulous.
Ask all the questions and receive all the answers from the highly-knowledgeable staff that will help you make informed and conscious decisions. And feel good in the fact that you are giving a gift to the environment as well.
Cissy Wears
Cissy Wears has it all. It’s a concept store for the modern family, stocking a curated edit of beautiful brands for kids, parents and the home. It is perfect for the people in your life that have kids but don’t want to compromise on their taste.
Choose from innovative products and sustainable brands, including Saga Copenhagen, Heimess, Neu Oils and more. There is also a wide range of prices to suit every budget, starting with a £1 pin badge to a luxe £245 throw from Slowdown Studio.
Aesop
The cult Australian skin, hair and body care brand is the perfect place to go gift shopping. Their products are utterly pleasing; created with the finest botanical ingredients, meticulous attention to detail and sensory pleasure in mind.
Choose from a wide array of pre-selected gift kits that will suit recipients of all types – the seasonal-focused, the self-care enthusiasts, the home-obsessives or the jet-setters. Whether you pick up a gift set or just a single item, an Aesop product will always make someone’s day.
Astrid & Miyu
Jewellery is an unbeatable, classic gift idea, and at Astrid & Miyu they have some truly unique options to choose from. Full of beautiful, affordable jewellery designed in-house at their London studios, pick up pieces that are perfect for stacking. Ideal for those who want to create their own style and look.
Don’t miss Astrid & Miyu’s welded bracelets. These elegant chains are permanently attached so they’ll stay with you forever! They also offer pieces of jewellery that can be engraved – perfect for celebrating a memorable experience or special occasion.
Space NK
Space NK has everything for the beauty-obsessed amongst us. You will not be short of gift options, with over 70 bespoke beauty brands, spanning makeup, haircare, skincare, and fragrance to choose from.
Focusing on the most in-demand, highly innovative and boundary-pushing beauty brands, Space NK on King’s Boulevard doesn’t disappoint when it comes to offering the best in beauty.
Roseur
There is nothing better than receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Especially when they are from Roseur, arguably the prettiest shop in Coal Drops Yard, filled floor to ceiling with flowers, wreaths, candles, ceramics and vases.
They specialise in dried flower bouquets, meaning that your gift will last for a long time and will go easy on the environment. You can also pick up a seasonal fresh bloom as another sustainable option. If you want something really special, opt for a bespoke flower arrangement.
Botanical Boys
No plant is the same as another, so when it comes to birthdays, housewarmings and engagements, Botanical Boys is a great place for finding a thoughtful present. Plants have tons of benefits, they will improve mood, reduce fatigue and lower stress. So you are not only giving the gift of greenery, you are giving so much more.
Their terrarium kits and terrarium workshops also make great gifts, allowing anyone to build their very own indoor garden — a great choice for green-fingered friends.
Maya Magal
Jewellery is always a good idea, and nothing says thoughtful gifting like beautiful designs from an independent jeweller like Maya Magal. In the Coal Drops Yard store you’re encouraged to play with convention, layering necklaces, stacking rings, mixing silver and gold. There are no rules, just the invitation to express yourself. Each piece is lovingly designed and expertly crafted by a team of talented artisans.
If you want a gift that is truly memorable, why not create your own piece under the guidance of their expert jewellers? Don’t miss the opportunity to hand-craft your own wedding bands or conjure up a completely personal piece of jewellery.
Earl of East
More than just a shop, Earl of East is a lifestyle emporium, where you can find an enchanting blend of ceramics, furniture, fashion and skincare that is guaranteed to add magic to your loved one’s life.
They produce their own brand of deliciously scented candles, alongside incense, bath and body care products. Every Earl of East fragrance comes with its own ‘scent story’, revealing the inspiration and evocation behind the fragrance blend. Alternatively, grab a friend and get stuck into one of their creative workshops, which include candle-making, terrazzo tiling, terrarium building and bouquet arranging.
Caravane
There is nothing better than receiving a beautifully designed cushion or a wonderfully smelling candle. We spend so much time in our homes and so the addition of a carefully considered piece of homeware makes for the ideal gift.
Stepping into Caravane, you will be met with 350 square metres of gorgeous textiles, furniture, homewares and accessories to choose from. It is a treasure trove of interior design. Need help selecting the ideal present? Call in help from the friendly staff who will offer expert guidance on fabric, texture, pattern, and colour.
& Other Stories
& Other Stories is known for quality and attention to detail at an affordable price. Stocking clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery, accessories, swimwear, lingerie and beauty products – there is something for everyone.
Search out the perfect gift, choosing from one of their three collections, from ateliers in Stockholm, Paris and LA, each with a different design ethos. The pieces from the Stockholm studio are ideal for those searching out that pragmatic Scandinavian vibe. The Paris collection is for the romantics amongst us. And the Los Angeles collection is all about creativity and confidence.
Honest Jon’s
Established in 1974 on London’s vibrant Portobello Road, Honest Jon’s sells a specially curated selection of vinyl, CDs and books, including releases from their eponymous label. The Coal Drops Yard store is your go-to destination for gift inspiration for music lovers.
Expect a wide variety of music and be inspired to try something new. A considerable section of the space is dedicated to second-hand vinyl, as well as stocking super-hard-to-find records, books and specialist magazines.
Wolf & Badger
Wolf & Badger houses all of the coolest independent designers under one roof, featuring sustainably and ethically produced jewellery, fashion, accessories, homeware and beauty, without compromising on quality and design.
You will definitely find a unique and wonderful gift within this three-level, 12,000 square foot department store. Especially as every item is carefully-curated, meaning that you will be spoilt for choice amongst this well-edited selection of products.
Hato Store
The Hato store on Lower Stable Street is a must-visit for gift shopping. Everything in the store is imbued with a sense of creativity and the brand’s Japanese heritage plays a large role in the sourcing and quality found in the products and books stocked.
The space brings together all the elements that form the Hato DNA, from prints and clothing, Japanese crafts, homewares and printed matter. Founded on the principle of play, the carefully curated collection has been specifically chosen to make shoppers think differently and to bring an element of fun to everything.
Outsiders Store
Looking for a gift for the modern adventurer? Look no further, as Outsiders Store stocks all the clothing and equipment they could ever need. Choose from authentic outdoor clothing alongside camp gear and gadgets from brands who understand that people want style as well as function for their outdoor equipment.
This outdoor lifestyle store sources and sells versatile, durable and functional outdoor gear for men and women that is designed to last…and last. Making for a gift that will keep on giving.
Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
Who doesn’t like to receive a box of chocolates? But it has to be said, chocolate from Alain Ducasse is not ordinary chocolate. No, these are Parisian chocolates handcrafted from bean to bar, using only the finest ingredients selected by Alain Ducasse himself.
Grab a box filled with the finest ganaches and pralinés à l’ancienne, and be blown away. You can also build your own box, selecting your loved one’s favourite chocolates. A gift that is a real treat in every sense of the word.
Kitchen Provisions
This is the ideal place for the cooking enthusiasts in your life, be they total experts or just starting out. You’ll find everything from hand-forged knives and out-of-the-ordinary cookbooks to innovative kitchen gadgets, edibles and delicious ingredients. Even a totally unique item that you may not have even considered, how about a wasabi grater?
Everything at Kitchen Provisions is tried and tested before making it to the shelves, sourced from the world’s finest makers and specialty independent retailers.