Where to shop unique Christmas gifts in London for 2025
London has several shops and markets that offer something a little different for Christmas. Whether you’re looking for gifts for friends, family, or even a treat for yourself, our guide highlights some of the city’s most unique and exciting shopping destinations this festive season. From historic toyshops and independent markets to avant-garde boutiques and curated art book shops.
Columbia Road’s Christmas Wednesdays
Columbia Road’s Christmas Wednesdays. Image courtesy of Aaarven
#FLODown: Columbia Road, legendary for its weekly flower market, is also home to a long line of independent shops selling everything from homeware to chic clothing and much more. Its Christmas Wednesdays are returning as a festive highlight, offering late-night shopping, mulled wine, mince pies, and the perfect opportunity to explore the UK’s longest stretch of independent stores. The historic Shoreditch street, celebrated for its flower market and Christmas charm since the 1860s, provides an ideal setting for finding unique gifts and enjoying a lively local atmosphere, with shopkeepers continuing the long-standing tradition of keeping their doors open into the evening.
Date & Time: 5pm to 9pm on 26 November 2025, 3 December 2025, 10 December 2025 and 17 December 2025. Location: Columbia Road, London, E2 7RG.columbiaroad.info
Dover Street Market
Image courtesy of Dover Street Market
#FLODown: Dover Street Market is a must-visit for anyone passionate about fashion, where high-end couture and experimental streetwear share the same dramatic space. Conceived by Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons, the six-floor store is more like a constantly evolving art installation than a shop. Each designer has their own section, with displays that surprise and inspire, making it the perfect place to spot the latest trends from both established names and emerging labels.
Location: Dover Street Market, 18–22 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4DG. london.doverstreetmarket.com
Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, Covent Garden
Image courtesy of Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop
#FLODown: Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop is a historic and enchanting destination for unique children’s gifts this Christmas. Founded in 1856 when Benjamin Pollock took over a theatrical print warehouse in Hoxton, the shop became famous for its beautifully crafted toy theatres, puppets, and other imaginative toys. Over the years, it moved locations several times, including a period on Monmouth Street in Covent Garden and later to Fitzrovia in 1969, before returning to Covent Garden, where it continues to operate, offering a a timeless selection of traditional toys.
Location: Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop 44 The Market, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RF. pollocks-coventgarden.co.uk
Alfies Antique Market
Image courtesy of Alfies Antique Market
#FLODown: Alfies Antique Market in Marylebone is a lively, multi-floor market full of unique finds. From vintage jewellery and ceramics to mid-century furniture and retro curiosities, each stall offers something distinctive. Its eclectic mix of treasures and the expertise of the dealers have made it a go-to location for fashion shoots, editorial inspiration, or anyone hunting for unusual gifts with character.
Location: Alfies Antique Market, 13–25 Church Street, Marylebone, London, NW8 8DT. alfiesantiques.com
Petersham Nurseries
Image courtesy of Petersham Nurseries
#FLODown: Petersham Nurseries in Richmond is a truly magical place to experience Christmas, full of natural beauty, handcrafted gifts, and a cosy, festive atmosphere. The shop is filled with artisan homeware, vintage furniture, sculptural vases, candles, incense, and gardening accessories. During the festive season, there are hand-finished Christmas decorations, luxury hampers with fine wines, Panettone, olive oils, and candles, and even a bespoke Christmas tree decorating service in themes like Classic, Woodland, or Dreamland. This year, the much-loved Annual Christmas Shopping & Carols Evening returns on Wednesday 3 December, with glowing braziers and twinkling fairy lights setting the scene. Mulled wine, mince pies, and live carol singing add to the festive charm.
Location: Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Petersham, Richmond, TW10 7AB. petershamnurseries.com
London Gallery & Museum Gift Shops
London Gallery & Museum Gift Shops V&A Museum Gift Shops. Design by Friend and Company. Image credit Ed Reeve
#FLODown: The gift shops at London’s galleries and museums offer a rich mix of items inspired by the collections, from exhibition books and prints to stationery, jewellery, and homeware. Each shop brings a distinct personality, reflecting the character of its institution, making it easy to find presents that feel considered and unique. Whether browsing the V&A Shop, the British Museum shop, or smaller museum stores, there are plenty of special gifts to discover.
Click here for our top picks and guide to London’s gallery and museum gift shops to shop this Christmas.
London art book shops
Whitechapel Gallery Bookshop
#FLODown: London is home to a wide range of art-book shops, from the rare and collectible to the modern and experimental. Marcus Campbell Art Books specialises in hard-to-find exhibition catalogues, artist monographs, and limited editions, while Tenderbooks on Cecil Court offers independent zines, photobooks, and hand-produced works. These shops are perfect for anyone looking to discover something unusual or to find inspiration through books that push the boundaries of creativity.
Click here for our guide to London’s best art book shops.
