Christmas Shopping in England – Part One

Once again, Christmas is right around the corner and it’s time we Anglophiles made a crack at checking those names off our lists. After all, Harrod’s and Selfridge’s have had their Christmas Departments up and running since August (!?). While some of us can’t actually do our Xmas shopping in England, we’ve rounded up some fabulous items found on websites across Britain that would be perfect for gift giving – or keeping – and we’re bringing them to you early enough to take shipping times into consideration.

These lovely pillows from the Jan Constantine Collection can be found at Sugar and Spice Furnishings. Do be sure to browse for more English themed pillows on their site, as well as  for charming cottage-type decorative items.  
Or go directly to the Jan Constantine website for even more London themed gifts

Everyone needs a solar powered waving QEII figurine, available from Findgift.com, who also purveys Xmas ornaments and a wide range of other British themed goods.
At Thebritishshoppe.com you’ll find everything for the tea drinker on your list, including authentic Brown Betty teapots, sugar tongs and strainers.
Don’t forget the digestives!
The distinctly British motto on this apron from Decorative Things can be applied to tasks in the kitchen, as well as to life in general – Keep Calm and Carry On.

Or be very naughty and order yourself a tee that’s fit for a queen from Cafe Press
As every girl knows, the perfect handbag is a must, at Christmas or any time. Drop by Harrod’s and snap up this padded Union Jack Lips clutch by LuLu Guinness at a price just shy of four hundred pounds.  While you’re there, pick up this tin filled with biscuits in the shapes of iconic London landmarks.

If you want to make a larger splash, opt for the Mayfair Hamper below from Fortnum and Mason

At a cost of close to $500, you or your gift recipient will receive, among other things: Champagne Truffles, PicKadilly Blend Coffee, Gigantissimi Florentines,  Regent’s Blend Tea, Vintage Champagne, Claret Jelly, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, a bottle of St Emilion, a bottle of Sancerre Blanc, Goose Foie Gras en Gelée, 200g Valencay and Green’s Cheddar, all of which is of course presented in a traditional wicker basket.

At The Royal Collection Online Giftshop you can shop for items inspired by the Royals or by the various Palaces. There’s china inspired by the Great Exhbition . . . .
Grape scissors . . . . .

and books, videos and exhibition catalogues galore.
Booklovers on your list will be a snap to shop for with these suggestions, all available from the Signals catalogue.
For the Jane Austen lover . . .
The Jane Austen Collection Audios
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen’s novels are delicious read aloud. Sit back and listen to five great novels and a short story read by some of England’s top actresses: Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), Belinda Lang (Inspector Alleyn), Anna Massey, and Harriet Walter. Set includes Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and “The Watsons.” Abridged. 15 hours on 12 CDs in a compact box.
 
 
T-shirt or sweatshirt for the avid booklover
 
 
 
 
and one for the author in your life 
 
 

and finally, the absolutely perfect gift for everyone at Number One London –

 
Need even  more inspiration? Look for Part Two of our gift guide coming soon!

1 thought on “Christmas Shopping in England – Part One”

Leave a Reply