OH my! Good thing Mom didn't know about this! We would have had to rent a trailer for all the stuff she would have bought!

thanks for the info though!

Shops vary in their requirement for VAT refunds. In a couple I was in, the minimum was 50 pounds.

and vice versa.

I was in a shop in Avoca, Ireland that honestly asked if I wanted a VAT form for a 5€ ring . I said no.

Tulips - yes, shopping tips appreciated! Anything, like what the best areas are for different things (clothes, souvenirs, food, etc), would be great!

Heather, I mostly shop for clothes in London (and food), so here's a few ideas; You probably know Sloane Street for the top brands. Harvey Nichols is much hipper than Harrods (cafe on the 5th floor good for people watching!). Just off Sloane Str; Pont Street has some interesting small shops. At the end of Sloane Street near Sloane Square too (Pickett's for shawls, leather; Smythson for very smart stationary, Links for silver jewellery and gifts and Jo Malone for perfume, body lotions). Then go onto Sloane Square and turn right into King's Road. In the Notting Hill area go to the Paul Smith shop in Kensington Park Road (absolutely gorgeous, even if you don't buy) and also go into Westbourne Grove for hip small shops. The market on Portobello Road is good on Saturday for "antiques" and second hand clothes. Another gread area is Brompton Cross, with the Conran Shop for home/furniture (also go to the oyster bar at the entrance). There is also the large Joseph shop here, and opposite Joseph is Joe's cafe; great for lunch. There are some nice shops in that area (Jimmy Choo) and if you go into Walton Street from there, there are a number of great small shops, for clothes, jewellery, interior design (go for drinks in The Enterprise, and have your morning coffee at Baker & Spice). For food-related shopping, also in Brompton Cross is Divertimenti (kitchen things). Harrods and Harvey Nichols food halls, Bluebird on the Kings Road. There's too much to mention; haven't even started on Covent Garden, Bond Street (go to Nicole's for lunch if you're there), Selfidges on Oxford Street (also has a good food hall). One last tip; the best souvenir you can bring your female friends and relatives from London is something from Jo Malone; especially the lime/basil/mandarin scent. It's all beautifully wrapped up too. Have fun!