Fortnum & Mason
📍 Address: 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER, United Kingdom
A venerable department store holding a Royal Warrant, Fortnum & Mason is a must-visit for almost all travelers coming to London. Since its establishment in 1707, it has consistently offered high-quality teas and gourmet foods. Its beautiful mint-green brand color is instantly recognizable, giving a sense of exclusivity. On the first floor (ground floor), you’ll find an array of teas, biscuits, and beautifully canned jams perfect for souvenirs. The displays are as refined as those in a museum, making a stroll through the store feel like a truly elegant experience.
A practical tip for buying souvenirs here: items like jams and bottled goods often come in simple packaging, wrapped only in thin paper. If you plan to carry them in your suitcase, it’s a good idea to bring cushioning material like bubble wrap from home. Also, paper bags are not free (costing around 0.3 pounds), so keep this in mind if you need multiple bags for your souvenirs.
As you go up to the higher floors, it becomes less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed shopping experience. The perfume department, in particular, is a hidden gem where staff will attentively help you find your preferred scent. While it might be slightly more expensive than buying in Japan, the experience of choosing ‘your own fragrance’ with courteous service in this historic setting offers value beyond its price. Furthermore, in the basement Food Hall (deli), you can purchase scones and prepared foods at reasonable prices. Taking out delicately sweet mini scones or flavorful garlic steak bagels for breakfast at your hotel or a snack when you’re hungry is a unique local pleasure.
Liberty London
📍 Address: Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH, United Kingdom
Near Oxford Circus station, the striking Tudor-style architecture of ‘Liberty London’ suddenly appears. This historic building, reportedly constructed using reclaimed timber from Royal Navy warships, exudes a sense of history the moment you step inside, with creaking wooden floors, aged elevators, and beautifully carved pillars telling tales of the past. It’s a place worth visiting not just for shopping but also to appreciate its architectural beauty and unique world.
Liberty is famous for its ‘Liberty prints,’ beloved in Japan, but the selection and scale at the flagship store are simply overwhelming. Beyond fabric itself, you’ll find an abundance of exclusive designs not easily available in Japan, including scarves, cosmetic pouches, bags, and even stylish stationery. Prices are generally on the higher side, but the quality is excellent, making these items suitable as lifelong treasures—perfect for special gifts or a treat for yourself.
Depending on the season, beautiful Christmas ornaments are also displayed, making for delightful seasonal souvenir hunting. The shopping bags provided are also exquisitely designed, almost like a lovely souvenir themselves. Enjoy shopping as if you were exploring an old mansion, ascending and descending its historic staircases.
Little Britannia
📍 Address: 5-6 Coventry St, London W1D 6BW, United Kingdom
This souvenir specialty store is located on Coventry Street, close to Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. It’s packed with classic ‘quintessentially British’ souvenirs, from magnets, keychains, and teapots to plush toys, baby items, and clothing. The selection of Harry Potter merchandise, especially wands, is particularly extensive and beautifully displayed, making it an irresistible spot for fans.
Although the store is compact, it’s clean and well-organized, making it easy to browse, and friendly staff are on hand to assist with product selection. Its convenient location makes it ideal for travelers with limited time who want to purchase a variety of casual ‘scattered’ souvenirs for friends and colleagues, or standard London-themed goods all in one place.
However, it’s important to be aware of the price range. Compared to street vendors or market stalls, similar items might be priced slightly higher here. Therefore, a smart shopping strategy would be to purchase specific licensed Harry Potter merchandise or unique items not found elsewhere at Little Britannia, and then buy general ‘scattered’ sweets and snacks from a supermarket.
Buckingham Palace Official Shop
📍 Address: 7 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PP, United Kingdom
Located just outside Buckingham Palace, this shop allows you to purchase official Royal Family merchandise year-round. Its greatest appeal is the wide array of exclusive items unique to Buckingham Palace, which cannot be found at other official shops like Windsor Castle. In addition to canned teas and biscuits, and commemorative tableware, there’s a rich selection of adorable plush toys and goods featuring royal corgis, beloved by the late Queen Elizabeth.
The biggest ‘trap’ when shopping here involves shopping bags. This shop does not provide free plastic bags. To carry your purchased items, you must either use your own reusable bag or buy a sturdy fabric tote bag sold in the store. If you want to avoid unnecessary expenses, be sure to bring a large eco-bag when you leave your hotel.
It might be assumed that it gets crowded right after the Changing of the Guard, but depending on the timing, you can sometimes browse surprisingly smoothly. Also, despite being an official Royal shop, some items may be sold at discounted prices during certain periods, so you might stumble upon an unexpected bargain. Why not choose a prestigious royal souvenir while asking the enthusiastic and helpful staff about the product’s background and recommendations?
Selfridges
📍 Address: 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB, United Kingdom
Rising majestically on Oxford Street, ‘Selfridges’ is a colossal and opulent luxury department store, emblematic of London. Its astonishingly vast selection is remarkable. From high-end luxury brands to accessible casual fashion, and even toys for kids, there’s a lineup to delight every generation. The men’s department, in particular, is exceptionally well-stocked, making it a rare spot where men can enjoy a full day of shopping without boredom.
A major reason Selfridges is invaluable for travelers is its operating hours. While many shops in London close in the early evening, Selfridges often stays open late into the night, allowing you to rush in for last-minute souvenir shopping after sightseeing or dinner. The kids’ department on the 5th floor even features a ‘POPMART’ ROBOSHOP, offering a different kind of entertainment compared to Japanese department stores.
Furthermore, the Food Hall on the ground floor is not to be missed. Gourmet souvenirs like elegantly packaged sweets, teas, and seasonings are perfect gifts for foodie friends. Sales and promotions are frequently held, offering chances to snag high-quality items at great prices. Experience London’s cutting-edge vibrancy and gorgeous atmosphere while efficiently acquiring high-sense souvenirs.
