Bring a Bit of England Home

Bring a Bit of England Home

To avoid panic-buying a bulk pack of Cadbury chocolate or "My sister went to London.." T-shirt at Heathrow, it's wise to plan your gift purchasing with care. For everything under one roof, unique department store Liberty is hard to beat—here, you'll find everything from exquisite Miller Harris fragrances by British perfumer Lyn Harris to small leather goods embossed with the famous Liberty prints. Fortnum & Mason is also a good bet for traditional offerings, such as leather-covered hip flasks and its beautifully packaged biscuits, teas, and unusual condiments. For the menfolk back home, consider some traditional shaving cream from Geo. F. Trumper. The museum shops are also bursting with original gift ideas, from Britart books and posters at Tate Modern to double-decker bus models and Tube-map mouse mats at the recently refurbished London Transport Museum. Also check out the craft showrooms listed under Applied Arts & Handicrafts for truly unique items. The shops below will further inspire—and are all close to each other for easy browsing.

A. Gold. All the foodstuffs sold in this Dickensian-looking shop, occupying an old milliner's premises near Spitalfields Market, are sourced or grown in the United Kingdom. A bottle of mead, a jar of English wildflower honey, or Somerset brandy are all great Brit gifts. Stylish gift baskets and old-fashioned picnic hampers are available. 42 Brushfield St., East End, E1 6AG. 020/7247-2487. Tube: Liverpool St.

Geo F. Trumper. If you don't have time for an old-fashioned hot towel shave here, pick up some accessories to take home for yourself and as a gift. The Extract of West Indian Lime is a popular, zingy aftershave, or pick up a Coconut Oil Shaving Soap, which comes in a hand-turned wooden bowl. 20 Jermyn St., St. James, SW1Y 6HP. 020/7734-1370. Tube: Piccadilly Circus.

Labour & Wait. Although household items like colanders and clothespins may not sound like ideal souvenirs, this shop may make you reconsider. The owners are on a mission to revive functional, old-fashioned British goods, such as enamel kitchenware, "Brown Betty" glazed teapots, Guernsey sweaters, and vintage Welsh blankets. 18 Cheshire St., East End, E2 6EH. 020/7729-6253. Closed Mon.-Thurs.; open Thurs. by appointment. Tube: Aldgate East, Liverpool St.

National Trust Gift Shop. If you can't get to one of the country houses owned by the Trust, then this shop-information center in the old Blewcoat School is the next best thing. The infinitely original and covetable gifts include neat pots of preserves, chocolate, china, books, body-care products, and more, whose origins and design are based upon the Trust houses and estates around the nation. 23 Caxton St., Westminster, SW1H 0PY. 020/7222-2877. Closed weekends. Tube: St. James's Park.

Shelf. On the same street as Labour & Wait, this gift shop, run by a pair of artist/designers, sells stationery, books, small household items, and original artworks and oddities made in London and Europe. 40 Cheshire St., East End, E2 6EH. 020/7739-9444. Closed Mon.-Thurs. Tube: Aldgate East, Liverpool St.