S/O - What would you like to receive from London?

[Anonymous]

I like the ideas that were give in the other thread about Paris, but since my destination is London and it is my first time there, I decided to start this thread to get some good ideas of small things to bring to some friends (and kids) and for me as well - I mean, is there anything super special that I am sure I don't know about that I should buy for myself? I am not talking luxury items, design anything... more like lotions, perfumes, this kind of stuff.

For example, last year while in Florence I got some panforte and some rose water from a famous pharmacy to clean my skin - loved it! I know Paris is famous for the chocolate, perfumes and cheese. What about London??!!

[Anonymous]

We got butter cookies/tea biscuits in a nice tin. They were irresistible and so yummy!

[Anonymous]

Perfume - Jo Malone, Penhaligons. Check out Boots for some regular but unusual for the US stuff.

Tea! Twinings, Whittards, Fortnum and Mason, Harrods, etc.

For foodstuff, check out Fortnums and Marks and Spencer for everyday things like tea, biscuits, candy, and snacks.

[Anonymous]

I was going to say tea or something else from Fortnum & Mason.

[Anonymous]

Fortnum & Mason tea, cookies and jams. Same for Harrods. There is tons of Harrods branded stuff. Olympic mementos. Premier league swag ( go to Lillywhites in Piccadilly for deals). Mars and aero bars.

Heathrow is a shopping Mecca. I usually buy trinkets/food at the airport because then you don't have to pay VAT and can carry it on the plane. There are Harrods boutiques in every terminal and a big F&M section in the duty free.

[Anonymous]

A tin of tea biscuits from Marks & Spencer is an awesome, inexpensive gift. I always bring at least 5 or 6 home with me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fortnum & Mason tea, cookies and jams. Same for Harrods. There is tons of Harrods branded stuff. Olympic mementos. Premier league swag ( go to Lillywhites in Piccadilly for deals). Mars and aero bars.

Heathrow is a shopping Mecca. I usually buy trinkets/food at the airport because then you don't have to pay VAT and can carry it on the plane. There are Harrods boutiques in every terminal and a big F&M section in the duty free.

Good idea to get Harrods stuff at the airport. Harrods main store is always so crowded its not even worth going.

[Anonymous]

Harrods has a big section with specialty biscuits and teas.

Also, I collected several tea towels when I was there. I picked out cool London designs (maps and red buses and Henry VIII's wives) and I use them every day. I am big on either edible or useful items.

I also purchased some antique prints from Portabello Rd street fair.

[Anonymous]

A sexy man with a charming accent. Not that sloppy accent, but a charming one.

[Anonymous]

Rhubarb and Ginger jam. But somehow I can't find it when I am there in the spring ... I have better luck on an end-of-summer visit.

Try the Tea House north of Covent Garden for tea selection and fun tea accessories.

Stilton cheese

[Anonymous]

Really fun and tacky stuff from the museums dealing with the Queen ... dish towels or coffee cups with royal symbols. Hilarious!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A sexy man with a charming accent. Not that sloppy accent, but a charming one.

+1

[Anonymous]

Extra mature cheddar. Stilton
Pickled onions.
Piccalilli.
Milk chocolate hobnobs.

[Anonymous]

Carmel Hobnobs

Christian Bale

[Anonymous]

I'd love a gift that will last, that I can use on an everyday basis. A sturdy totebag that nobody here will have - that'd be great. Nothing tacky/touristy, but different-looking enough that people will ask where I found it.