Christmas ornament shopping in London
 

I will be in London in February. On every vacation I go on, I try to bring home an ornament from my travels. Does anyone have any suggestions for stores in London that sell lovely Christmas ornaments year round? Thanks and happy holidays!

Not sure what you'll find available in February, but I was in London a couple of weeks ago and picked up a gorgeous "Jubilee 2002" ornament at the gift shop at Windsor - saw the same item in the shop in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Red velvet crown with intricate heavy gold thread embroidery - I wouldnt be surprised if this ornament is offered year round. Enjoy your trip!

A good place to try is the fabulous shop at the Victoria and Albert museum. There are also a couple of good Christmas shops - one in South Kensington and another near Covent Garden.

Also the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey - they have wonderful ornaments of Henry VIII and each of his wives that are beautiful, detailed small velvet dolls. Plus there are always the beefeater, bobby, bagpiper ornaments, etc that are available almost everywhere year round.

I got a red velvet crown at the Tower of London and a miniature teddy bear at Harrods. Your problem will more likely be choosing among the offerings.

Harrod's, I believe, keeps a Christmas shop open all year. If I'm right, you may need a cargo plane to get home. We went crazy there last month.<BR><BR>There was also a neat Christmas shop in York where I found a Guy Fawkes for our tree. There's a spiffy one in the Lanes in Brighton, too.<BR><BR>Have a great trip

There's also a year round Christmas Shop at the entrance to Hay's Galleria between London and Tower bridges.

Thanks everyone for all your wonderful suggestions. My first trip to London was in October a few years ago- I went crazy in the Christmas departments at Harrod's and Liberty! Its nice to know that Harrod's will carries some ornaments year round! The Jubilee ornament sounds like a good one to add to my collection- thanks again everyone- Merry Christmas!

I am back 10 days from my London trip and found you can just about buy anything you want for a couple pounds cheaper at Heathrow Airport in the duty free part, i too bought a burgany crown with the tassle at Kensington Palace after the tour and i paid 6 pounds and at the airport it was 5 pounds, and also if you plan on useing you Visa Card look out when you come home, you almost will pay double, i almost fell on the floor, you are better to use there money. If you have any more questions please feel free to email me. London is very beautiful, loved the parks, and loved eating at the Orangery after the tour of Kens. Palace. I also purchased a AAA Access card from Automobile club, it was the easist way to take pounds out. Christmas decoration in Harrods where so beautiful but oh so very expensive, i bought a harneess for my doggie , loved looking around. You will love London. Next year Italy

I'm glad to hear that someone else chooses Christmas tree ornaments as souvenirs (great for tucking into suitcase corners)! I found great ones at Harrod's, including a little red double-decker bus.