A London Christmas Shopping Guide
Laetitia Tomaso gives us her top Christmas shopping tips around London.
“The Mandeville Hotel is spoilt with options when it comes to shopping thanks to its location at the very beginning of the plush Marylebone High Street for a luxurious yet understated shopping experience.Its also moments away from Oxford Circus and its department stores such as Selfridges, House of Fraser, John Lewis and Debenhams along with Liberty tucked away from Oxford Street. Bond Street and New Bond Street’s luxury designer stores such as Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Chanel and Dior and Regent Street for its high street and tech giants are round the corner too.”
“Here’s a selection of my best Christmas presents sourced around the Mandeville Hotel.”
HOME/LIFESTYLE SELECTION
I do love the quirky hampers from Selfridges which start from £50 and combine a selection of products offered in their food hall. Their iconic yellow wrapping won’t fail to impress your loved ones. Opt for the food hampers, ideal for adventurous foodies. For more traditional types with mine pies and great wines, go to
LIBERTY LONDON or
FORTNUM AND MASON on Piccadilly.
Head off to
THE WHITE COMPANY on Marylebone High Street for a selection of stylish and minimalist Christmas wreath, silver frames and cosy lounge wear.
Carry on browsing Marylebone High Street and stop by the iconic and forever packed
DAUNT BOOKS for a selection of coffee table books on interior, travels, photography and fashion.
Stop by
ANTHROPOLOGIE opposite Daunt Books for a selection of cute mugs, kitchen accessories and various decorative items, ideal for the hostess with the mostest.
Finally head to
THE CONRAN SHOP for what is probably the largest selection of candles along with various gadget and broad games.
GIFTS FOR HER
Most women have embraced the new athleisure trend and would most certainly appreciate being gifted a stylish set from
LULULEMON or
SWEATY BETTY (both on Marylebone High Street).
You can equally not go wrong with a pair of Jimmy Choo stilettos and the forever sold out must have handbags from Valextra bag at Matches Fashion on Marylebone High Street (order quickly!)
Another classic which never fails to please and impress are pampering presents. A haircut and blow dry package from
TAYLOR TAYLOR at Liberty would be a well-received indulgent experience you can offer a style conscious friend. Not only does Taylor Taylor have some of the best hair stylists in the industry, the experience itself is divine – think unlimited options of delicious cocktails while you immerse yourself within the decadence of the luxurious grey and gold painted walls and crystal chandelier.
If you want to give something that’s wrapped, opt for the gift box from the newly launched luxury brand haircare brand Lore also at Liberty.
If you wish to gift a timeless, investment piece, consider a Cartier tank watch, a Hermes or Chanel bag or a piece of jewellery from Van Cleef and Arpels at Selfridges.
For a more extravagant and artistic gift head off to
SOTHEBY’S on Bond Street and bid on a piece of art from one of the upcoming auctions or head off to one of the gallery closeby. À now classic piece is the During Love sculpture from Lorenzo Quinn at the
HALCYON GALLERY.
GIFTS FOR HIM
You’re almost guaranteed to make a man happy with an iPhone X, an upgraded MacBook Pro or an oversized iPad, all available at the Apple Store on Regent Street.
For the stylish savvy man, head off to
PAUL SMITH on Marylebone High Street for a jumper in their iconic block colours and their fun line of cufflinks. Head off to MATCHES FASHION, still on Marylebone High Street for a selection of jumpers, scarf and trousers by Boglioli.
Take a look at the new
WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND on Oxford Street or the flagship store on Bond Street, and you’ll find excellent time pieces to suit any man.
Perfumes are always a winner and the Collection Privée from Dior or the range of luxurious fragrances from Tom Ford both at a Selfridges always make a lasting impression.
Top tip: If you’re offering a trip to London this Christmas – hide the plane tickets in a suitcase (Lipault or Antler at Selfridges or House of Fraser) or into a City Guide book (Phaidon at Daunt Book)
FOR THE KIDS
HAMLEY’S on Regent Street is the Temple of Toys, across several floors offering any type of toys and gifts imaginable along with entertainment in and outside the store to enhance the little and bigger ones’ shopping experience!
Teenagers will prefer the gadgets sold at
URBAN OUTFITTERS on Oxford Street or a rare pair of trainers at the
NIKETOWN. Girls would love the selection of tops, tees, dresses and shoes at the plethora of high street stores including
H&M and
TOPSHOP.
TAKING A BREAK
Part of the fun of the Christmas shopping experience is to take regular breaks to enjoy a Christmas lunch or dinner either solo to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet! Kick back with afternoon tea and free-flowing bubbles in
REFORM SOCIAL & GRILL. Try
IL TETTO, the new rooftop restaurant in Selfridges, or for a tipple on the other side of Oxford Circus, head towards Tottenham Court Road
BERNER’S TAVERN at the London Edition.