I came to London from the islands with a small bag. It was freezing, retro themed gift but the streets lit up. Neon signs flickered on Oxford Street, Regent Street windows looked like theatres, and rumiki.wapchan.org Carnaby Street had colour. That first Christmas, I learned how special quirky gifts are. In those days, there was no Google to show the best gift shops near me. You had to wander, stumble around, and uncover retro gifts. The independent shops were always the best. Even now, I always remind friends the quirky gifts are the unusual ones.

A quirky chair that feels like art will outshine plastic tat. Hidden independents across Hackney still stock the retro gifts that make memories. And if you want sparkle, high-end boutiques in London will give you polish. Each Q4, I feel the city turn festive. That’s when I start hunting for retro gifts. Look up best gift shops in London and you’ll find plenty. But the authentic spirit always exist in the independents.

That’s why, I always say that unique gifts are the best. They carry stories, just like my first Christmas in London.