mel

My favorite item from London is a sterling silver wine coaster from Portobello Road- there is a GREAT silver (first quality- not antique) shop there. My husband remember our trips to London each time we use it. In fact, we picked one up on our honeymoon and it was hallmarked the year of our marriage. We keep it on our dining table, right between silver candlesticks! If interested, I can find the name of the shop.

SharonM

I'm with Beer Hound on the coasters! I have tons of unusual beer coasters I've picked up (and use) from all over.

I love to go to the antiques/flea markets for anything interesting and English. Last time bought a beautiful glass perfume vial

First time I went to London I just HAD to check out Carnaby Street. Wasn't the Carnaby of the 60's, but found some great quirky clothes there anyway, and they always bring me back when I wear them.

xxx

Linda: Excuse my ignorance, but what is a Spy print?

Linda

Sorry, in the early 1900's, Vanity Fair published drawings of public officials (usually barristers) and the artist signed "Spy" on his drawings. The prints have one-word titles and "Vincent, Brooks, Day & Son Ltd Irth" on them. They are sold in a number of places. Many law firms have them in their offices.

Erin

When we are in London, the first place we hit for souvenirs is Boots Pharmacy (the big one at the Kensington High St tube station). There we pick up all the tolietries that you can't buy in the US, like Ibuprofen cream (great for aches and pains; can't be bought in the US without a prescription) and Eucerin Dry Skin Body wash. Boots also has a great line of makeup and skin care.

mary

If you have to come home to an office and prove you'd been away, it's great to pick up a tin box of biscuits (aka cookies) at Fortnum & Mason's or Harrods that you can pass around.
Then you have the tin box as a souvenir, to use either for cookies at home, sewing supplies, etc.

Anna

Cadbury Crunchie candy bars

Meg

This thread has been SO useful to me. I live in England and wanted ideas of presents to send to my brother who now lives in Australia- to remind him of home. Keep those ideas coming!

Sheila

Thanks for all the great ideas. I have printed a copy to keep in my London file. If you have any more ideas, keep them coming as I am not leaving until June 6. Thanks

jhm

As of now, prices are cheaper on the standard shoe at the Doc Marten's superstore in Covent Garden than they are in the US. Not that you would buy shoes as a souvenir for someone else!

The English Teddy Bear company on Piccadilly is a big hit with kids. I also always ask if any kids have a coin collection -- they will appreciate your change as a gift in itself! Definitely go to the Waterstones on Piccadilly for books that you can't get in the US. My cousin enjoyed his British edition of Harry Potter, comparing it to his American one.