10 Recommended souvenirs by London BlueBadge guide

LondonShoppingGifts
Written By K Williams

Available at Waitrose supermarkets, for colleagues. Wallet-friendly prices. Memorable gifts for loved ones as well.

It started as a bakery shop on a small island in Scotland in 1996. Since then, it has been dedicated to using carefully selected organic ingredients to provide high-quality biscuits. It quickly gained popularity when it started selling in London's well-established department stores. Many of its biscuits have received the "Great Taste Award" in various years. Look for the distinctive black sticker. A recommended choice is the second one from the left, the "Lemon Melts." These thin and crispy biscuits offer a perfect balance of the delightful scent and flavor of lemon. When you find them, you can't help but buy them. Starting from £3.75.

Montezuma uses 100% recyclable packages. The name is inspired by Montezuma II, the ruler of the Aztec Empire, who is said to have been a devoted consumer of cocoa drinks. Founded in 2000 by a former lawyer couple in Brighton, in the southern part of the UK, they transitioned into the world of chocolate entrepreneurship. They offer a wide range of chocolates with a focus on high-quality ingredients for vegans (people who do not consume animal products). In addition to chocolate bars, they also offer assorted chocolates in their stores. You can purchase their products in supermarkets like Sainsbury's or Whole Foods in London. The Chili & Lime variety in this photo starts at £3.29. It's truly delicious.

Established in 1875, this is the oldest chocolate shop in the UK. Its origins trace back to when the future King Edward VII, during his time as the Prince of Wales, invited a renowned chocolatier from Paris to London's Bond Street to open the shop. It holds a Royal Warrant, meaning it's a supplier to the British royal family, and it continues to thrive as a shop. In recent years, salted caramel flavors have gained popularity, but a recommended choice is the Pink Champagne Truffle. It's packaged in pink and made with strawberry puree and rich milk chocolate, perfectly complemented by the champagne flavor. Starting at £18 for an 8-piece (135g) box. You can also find it in Waitrose super markets.

These are organic biscuits from the current King, King Charles, who founded this organic brand during his time as the Prince of Wales. He dedicated a decade to turning his own Highgrove estate into an entirely organic farm, practicing organic farming, food production, and the conservation of the natural environment and ecosystems. The products are made from the crops grown on his farm. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity. The shortbread biscuits are even shaped like crowns, and this year, they have a special label (top right of the package) to commemorate the coronation on May 6th. In addition to the plain version, they come in various flavors like chocolate chip, lemon, ginger, and more. The reasonable price is also a plus. One box costs £2.5.

Compared to the long-established tea shops, this one is relatively new, founded in 2006. They use only carefully selected quality tea leaves and adhere to a motto of "no airs, no graces, just real tea." Their products are all-natural with no additives. They've received over 150 "Great Tea Awards," which is a testament to their commitment to quality. Most of the flavors on their shelves come with a black sticker as a quality assurance. They offer a variety of options, including herbal teas (with chamomile tea being outstanding) and caffeine-free choices. Classic options like English Breakfast and Earl Grey are also available. The teas are packaged in pyramid-shaped tea bags and have been reduced to £3.5.

In London's South Kensington, you'll find the Victoria and Albert Museum, often referred to as the V&A. In addition to its extensive collection of furniture, textiles, fashion, and jewelries, their gift shop is a must-visit. It offers tasteful souvenirs, including scented soaps that have a pleasant and not overwhelming fragrance. They come in various scents like Lemongrass & Lime, Lavender, Mango, and more. The packaging is stylish, making them ideal as souvenirs. If you tuck them into your closet, they'll infuse a delightful fragrance every time you open it. Priced at £5.

This bakery started in the Cotswolds, a hilly region 200kms northwest of London, in 1890. Even if you can't venture out to the suburbs, you can easily reach the shopping paradise of London's Oxford Street. Located in the John Lewis department store on Europe's longest shopping street, you'll find Haffkins Tea Room, and you can purchase eco-bags here as well. The small size eco-bag in the photo is priced at £8.95. It features charming colorful designs and Union Jack patterns.

Liberty, the long-established department store tucked away in a lane off Regent Street in central London, was founded in 1874. The building, with its Tudor-style grandeur, incorporates wood from two Royal Navy battleships. The store is renowned for "Liberty Print." What is it? It refers to a full pattern of small floral motifs covering the entire fabric, made by Liberty, and it became famous through the department store's name. On the side of the fabric section on the third floor, there's a corner for handkerchiefs and scarves, featuring various vibrant print patterns that can brighten your mood. The medium-sized ones start at £15.

Founded in the UK in 1994, Jo Malone London's perfumes carry on the tradition of gardening culture. The charm of these perfumes lies in their ability to let you directly experience the atmosphere of flowers and woods. They also have the distinctive feature of changing tones over time. Even within their refreshing scents, many of them exude a somewhat mysterious impression. You're bound to find a scent that suits your taste. They've had a series of hits with collaborations with famous fashion designers and brands and are a leading fragrance in the world of London fashion. They offer a wide range of variations, including herbal, woody, floral, spicy, and fruity. Scents like Wood Sage & Sea Salt, which evokes the fresh and impressive imagery of the goddess of beauty, Venus, born from the sea, and Pomegranate Noir, perfect for winter attire and special dinners, are highly recommended. Prices start at £55 for a 30ml bottle. They also have popular products like candles and hand soap.

Smythson, a stationery shop with a Royal Warrant, has been a well-established business for over 130 years since Frank Smythson opened the first store in London. Their items are designed to be cherished across generations, becoming a part of your life as time goes by. They offer personalization services, making them perfect for souvenirs for your loved ones. Their cardholders come in ten different colors, with prices starting at £135.

K Williams
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