Top Souvenir Ideas For Family And Friends

London is famous for many things: endless historical buildings and museums to explore, an exciting nightlife scene – and great places for shopping, too. Bring a little bit of England home with you after your semester abroad with these great souvenir ideas for family and friends.

We’ve sorted these shops based on different areas in the city, so start by shopping near your student accommodation. London is abig city, after all!

North

North London is filled with some great places for browsing for both magical and handmade souvenirs. 

Ollivander

There’s no denying the influence of Harry Potter, especially this city – it’s filled with important landmarks from the books and movies. If you’d like to bring a little bit of the capital city’s magic home with you, check out the Harry Potter-themed shops around the city for your very own Ollivander’s wand.

Camden Market

Camden Market is a must-see for any visitor to the city, no matter the location of your student accommodation. London is knownfor its sprawling markets filled with vintage ware and handmade items, and Camden has one of the largest. Here, you can find one-of-a-kind gifts in original designs from different stalls.

South

Head south of the Thames River for some exceptional gift-shopping at some of the city’s most iconic locations.

Borough Market

If you want to bring home special alcohol from England, head to Borough Market. Gin and whiskey vendors will answer all your questions and help you pick out your bottle of choice.

Tate Modern

The museum’s gift shop features many items related to the modern art museum, but also a good variety of London-inspired gifts, including children’s items, books and graphic posters.

West

For those in a western student accommodation, London has a lot to offer in terms of extraordinary shops to look for gifts.

Portobello Road

Vintage lovers, this is the place for you. Portobello Road is known for its huge selection of rare gems – from unique homeware items to cool clothing.

Abbey Road

Abbey Road isn’t the only Beatles-related location in this city. After you’ve posed on the iconic walkway, head over to the nearby Beatles store for the perfect gift for that Beatles fan in your life.

Cath Kidston

This London favourite opened in 1993 and is famous for its vintage-inspired selection of wallets, umbrellas, luggage and more.

London Transport Museum

Not only is this museum worth a visit, but this one-of-a-kind shop sells souvenirs celebrating the city’s iconic buses and metro. Look here for unique London Underground posters, pillows and other gifts.

East

If you’re living in eastern student accommodation, Londonis home tosome incredible international designers located right in your neighbourhood.

Dover Street

Get ready to shop ‘til you drop in one of the most interesting shopping hubs in town. Dover Street Market is filled with unique pieces from local designers in a variety of fashions.

Brick Lane Market

Like Dover Street Market, Brick Lane Market is a shopping addict’s dream. The specialty stores at Brick Lane range from indie to vintage, and there are plenty of styles to choose from.

T2 Tea

England is famous for its tea, so don’t leave London without some! T2 Tea is a true tea-lover’s paradise, where you can buy any number of items related to the famous beverage, including loose-leaf tea in every flavour, tea sets and storage containers.

No matter the location of your student accommodation, Londonhas plenty to offer in every corner of the city. Just be sure to save enough room in your luggage to fit all the souvenirs you’ll bring home for your family and friends.

Author Plate

Sophie Smith works as an independent consultant and offers advice to young people looking for London-based student accommodation. London has a wide range of options when it comes to student living, and Sophie’s helpful suggestions make deciding where to stay even easier. Her expert tips and tricks stem from her first-hand experience studying in the city and living on a budget, so she is more than qualified to support others doing the same.