Hi Going to London for a week over Easter. Any suggestions for inexpensive (under $10) trinkets/treats to bring back for several pals? I always collect postcards, magnets, etc and a nice print for us, but not sure what is touristy-but-not-too-trashy stuff in this price range.
Also, do you think there are certain tourist sites to avoid on Good Friday or Easter in London? Thanks, you have been so helpful w/all our questions!
Sue

I brought back several different souvenirs for my family/friends like little 6" tall Big Ben statues, Paddington Bears, "Mind The Gap" Tee shirts, small Red Double Decker Bus models, Union Jack flags and Tee shirts.... All were very inexpensive. Some were tacky, but loved nonetheless.

Keith

Anything w/ Mind the Gap or routemaster buses. And preserves/Marmalades/teas from any grocery.

But every site (Museums, Cathedrals, the Abbey, Galleries, the Tower) have gift shops with a very broad range of thingsin all price ranges.

So instead of looking for specific souviners - wait until you are there - if you fall in love w/ a painting at the National Gallery - buy a print or postcard of it, a piece of jewelry at the V&A - a copy or print of it, a carving at the British Museum - the same. Or at the Tower - fabric christmas ornaments of Henry VIII and each wife, or of Beefeaters

You will be overwhelmed w/ the choices

The flea market at Covent Garden is fun, and a good place for the type of cheap souvenirs folks are suggesting.

Keith

A proof set of British coins (or of national Pound coins).

Models of landmark buildings such as St. Pauls, Westminster Abbey, The Clock Tower, Nelson's Column, The Monument, or Battersea Power Station (kidding).

If you want to see Westminster Abbey, check their schedule first. They have a lot of special services during Easter that you could attend for worship but would not be able to tour the Abbey.

I don't remember either services or tours being offered as souvenirs. But maybe I wasn't paying attention.

Janis, I forgot that I had bought the cloth christmas ornaments of Henry VIII and his six wives. That got more buzz from my friends than any other souvenir I brought back. I also went to Scotland and had several different type Nessies and Clan Tartans. And small Blue Bears with the Scottish Flag on their belly. And a Celtic Cross from Iona. And a "Hairy Coo"

Every attraction will most likely have a souvenir shop with dozens of choices.

Keith

Janis is right about the gift shops at various sites. For 5 GBP I got a print of my favorite painting at the National Gallery - "The Ambassadors".

Museum gift shops:

London Transport Musuem in Covent Garden(all sorts of things on with tube station signs, tube maps etc on - mousemats, pens, mugs, tea-trays, underwear, babywear with the station sign for Angel - aaaah)

V&A and British Museum - range a lot pricier, but still some small items.

The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden has a great shop where you can buy 'iconic' London things (road signs, model Routemaster buses, t-shirts with 'Mind the Gap' on, model London taxis, repros of old tube advertising posters etc etc).

http://www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk/

Isn't that strange?

The thread has been up for almost a day, and no one has mentioned the London Transport Museum.

Then two posts within two minutes of one another.

- Fade out (<i>Twilight Zone</i> theme).

Liberty of London dept. store has some &quot;relatively inexpensive&quot; items made from their lovely fabrics, such as little tissue holders, and other such toiletries.

Another vote for gift shop at V and A Museum.

Goodies from Fortnum &amp; Mason food hall are always great gifts. They also have excellent tea.

Cadbury chocolates, too.