When you walk through London, every corner feels like it has a story. You see grand palaces. You find cozy tea shops tucked into little streets. The city gives you memories you want to keep. That is where souvenirs come in.
When it is time to head home, everyone asks the same question: What should you buy in London?
There are the usual gifts, of course. But there are also things you can only buy in London. Those are the ones that make your trip feel special.
In this guide, we will share 20 unique London souvenir ideas. Simple, fun, and full of character.
1. British Museum Souvenirs
When you come to London, the British Museum is usually one of the first places that springs to mind. As one of the oldest national museums in the world, it is home to amazing treasures from Britain and beyond.
With such a rich cultural backdrop, the museum shop is also a fantastic place to buy unique London souvenirs. You can find collection-inspired gifts, limited-edition tote bags, jewellery, art prints, and more. The shop is full of distinctive finds.
While many items are available online, some exclusive designs can only be purchased in-store, which makes them all the more special. If you have time, take a stroll around the shop after your visit and choose a keepsake that feels the most ‘you’.
Image: The British Museum
2. Handmade Umbrella from James Smith & Sons
London’s weather is famously unpredictable.
So, having a reliable umbrella is almost a must for anyone living in or visiting the city. James Smith & Sons has been making umbrellas by hand since 1830.Their shop still looks much like it did in Victorian times, with polished wood, brass fittings, and a timeless charm that is rare these days.
You can order simple umbrellas online, but their truly bespoke models require you to visit the shop in person. This is where you get measured and choose details like handles and fittings, making your umbrella unique.
The shop on New Oxford Street is just a short walk from the British Museum. If you are heading there, it is well worth stopping by this historic shop on the way.
Image: James Smith & Sons
3. Posters from London Transport Museum
After visiting the British Museum, the London Transport Museum shop in Covent Garden is a great next stop for unique London souvenirs. You don’t need a ticket to enter the shop, which is open every day until early evening.
The shop has two floors filled with stylish gifts inspired by London’s transport history. On the ground floor, you’ll find designer souvenirs, exclusive moquette accessories, and chic homeware. Upstairs, there are transport-themed books and an impressive collection of London Underground posters.
One thing you won’t want to miss is the print-to-order posters. With thousands of designs and originals by famous artists, they offer something truly special. These posters make perfect keepsakes or gifts with a true London flavour.
It’s easy to pop in while exploring Covent Garden, so take some time to find a unique souvenir that really reminds you of your London trip.
Image: London Transport Museum
4. Miniature Big Ben Clock Tower
When you think of London, Big Ben immediately comes to mind, making these replicas the ultimate recognizable souvenir.
Here's a fun fact you can share: "Big Ben" actually refers to the 13.7-ton bell inside, not the tower itself. The tower was officially renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
While exploring Westminster, look for miniature Big Ben replicas. These working desk clocks showcase Gothic Revival architecture. They can be found at Westminster Abbey gift shop, Tower of London, or souvenir stores along Parliament Street.
Image: ValueKart
5. Handmade Jewellery
We’ve all brought home a souvenir from a trip only to realise later it could have been made anywhere. A better choice is something handmade, with a clear link to local culture.
Tatty Devine Jewellery is a great example. Instead of traditional metals, this London brand use laser-cut acrylic sheets and then add colour or details with UV printing. Sometimes it’s a slogan, sometimes it’s a name. The result is jewellery that feels personal and full of character.
When thinking about things to buy in London, look for items with this kind of detailed hand finishing.
Image: Tatty Devine
6. Harry Potter Merchandise
After exploring traditional London souvenirs, many visitors look for something a bit more magical. Harry Potter merchandise is a favourite for fans and a special keepsake uniquely tied to London.
While Harry Potter shops and goods can be found worldwide, some exclusive items are only sold in London, especially around the Warner Bros. Studio Tour or at dedicated shops like House of MinaLima in Soho. These include beautifully designed prints, limited-edition collectables, and London-themed wizardry gifts you won’t find elsewhere.
Image: Shayna Douglas
7. London Eye Snow Globe
The London Eye became a permanent fixture after initially being a millennium project. Snow globes of the Eye capture this modern icon with a touch of whimsy. LED versions mimic the evening lights, while the swirling “snow” represents London drizzle. They are lightweight, unbreakable, and easy to take home.
8. Authentic Red Telephone Box Replica
One of the most iconic symbols of London is the red telephone box. If you want a classic London souvenir, a replica of this famous box is a great choice.
Today, only about 3,000 original boxes remain across the UK. Buying a replica lets you keep a small piece of British heritage with you. The design dates back to 1924, when Sir Giles Gilbert Scott created it. Painted bright “Post Office Red,” the boxes were easy to spot on busy streets. Each box weighed over 700 kilograms, showing their strength and durability.
When shopping for this London souvenir, you’ll find replicas in different sizes and materials. Smaller versions work well as bookends, paperweights, or desk accessories. Larger decorative models make a striking display at home.
Image: THX NiCk
9. Handmade London Gifts from SoLo Craft Fair
SoLo Craft Fair is one of London’s top craft markets. It brings together local designers and makers from across the city.
At the fair, you’ll find a wide range of handmade items. These include unique jewellery, beautiful ceramics, stylish homeware, and toys for children.
Each piece is made with skill and care. They capture the creativity and spirit of London’s craft community.
The best London souvenirs are not just old stories or famous landmarks. They are the things made by hand with care and pride, right here in the city.
Image: SoLo Craft Fair
10. Hand-dipped Chocolates from Dark Sugars Cocoa House
If you love chocolate, you’ve got to try the hand-dipped chocolate pearls from Dark Sugars on Brick Lane. But these chocolates are super fresh, so you need to enjoy them within a few days. They are made to be eaten right away, not shipped to you.
You might wonder why they are so special. Well, chocolate has a long history in England. Back in the 1600s, Londoners would gather in chocolate houses to sip rich, spicy drinks. That old tradition has shaped a love for chocolate that still warms hearts today.
Image: Dark Sugars
11. London Tea
When you are in London, don’t miss out on this treat.
Tea is a big part of life in London. People drink tea in the morning, at work, and with friends in the afternoon. Drinking tea here means experiencing British culture firsthand.
Popular teas include English Breakfast and Earl Grey. English Breakfast is strong and wakeful. Earl Grey is fragrant and soft.
Shops like Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, and Twinings offer many kinds of tea. You can find loose leaf tea, tea bags, and pretty tins.
If you want a souvenir that is thoughtful and truly British, choose tea from a historic London shop.
Image: hudsoncrafted
12. Exclusive Merchandise from Harrods
Harrods remains a must-visit for anyone in London, especially in autumn. It is home to some truly unique London souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
Take, for example, their famous Harrods teddy bears. It is dressed in the iconic green and gold, is instantly recognisable, and loved by visitors of all ages.
Moreover, Harrods’ Food Hall is a treasure trove for seasonal indulgences. You will find rich chocolates, spiced baked goods, and artisan delicacies that perfectly suit the cozy feel of autumn. It is also the ideal time to enjoy an elegant afternoon tea or a hearty Sunday roast at The Grill on Fifth, complete with stunning views over the city.
Image: Malgorzata Bujalska
13. Custom Hat from Lock & Co Hatters
Lock & Co. Hatters isn’t just any hat shop.
Founded in 1676, it is the oldest hat shop in the world, and has dressed some of history’s most famous figures.
The shop itself is steeped in tradition, still run by descendants of the original founder and housed in its original St. James’s Street location.
If you want a souvenir that carries real British craftsmanship and history, a custom hat or one of their elegant miniature hat boxes or hat pins is a perfect choice. You don’t have to buy a full hat if that isn’t for you.
These smaller items still capture the spirit of timeless British style, making for a unique and refined memento.
Image: Custom Hat from Lock & Co Hatters
14. Leather Goods
If you’re wondering what to bring back from London, leather goods are a solid choice. They mix practical use with a touch of classic British style. England has a long history of leather craftsmanship that’s still very much alive today.
What makes these items special?
You can add your own touch by printing on leather, such as patterns, logos, or names. The combination of London craftsmanship and personal elements makes leather goods truly special.
15. Paddington Bear gifts
If you’re a fan of Paddington Bear, the Paddington Bear shop at Paddington Station is the perfect place to find authentic London souvenirs. It’s the world’s only shop dedicated entirely to this beloved bear.
In the shop, you’ll find genuine Paddington bears complete with his signature blue duffle coat, red hat, and vintage suitcase. There’s also a great range of clothing, homeware, toys, and collectables inspired by this classic character.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Paddington statue beneath the clock on Platform 1. This spot marks the very place where Paddington first met the Brown family. It’s a charming piece of London’s story that fans won’t want to miss.
Image: Billy Joachim
16. Art Prints from the V&A Museum
The V&A Museum is one of London’s most unique cultural spots. It holds design, fashion, photography, and decorative arts from around the world and across the centuries.
Even if you don’t spend hours inside the museum, the shop is worth a visit. Many of the art prints there are exclusive to the V&A and often link directly to current exhibitions or rare collections.
When you visit, you can really soak up the atmosphere of creativity and culture. This lets you connect with the artworks in a way that’s far richer than just looking at a screen at home.
If you enjoy this kind of creativity, you might also appreciate exploring ways to create your own art prints at home.
Image: V&A Museum
17. Double Decker Bus Money Box
No list of things to buy in London would be complete without a nod to the red double-decker bus. The Routemaster, once common across the city, remains an enduring symbol of London life.
Money boxes shaped like these buses mix function with nostalgia. They’re instantly recognisable, bright red, and full of character. More than just a playful gift, they embody the everyday rhythm of the city—the commute, the weekend ride, the heritage routes still running today.
Image: Anna Claire Schellenberg
18. Tower Bridge Opening Model
Tower Bridge has been part of London’s skyline since 1894. It built with a unique system of bascules that still rise today to let ships pass along the Thames.
Watching it open up over the Thames is one of those little London moments that sticks with you.
If you pop into the Tower Bridge Exhibition, you can actually see how the old machinery worked. That’s why the small opening models make such fun souvenirs. Wind one up at home and it’ll remind you of standing by the river, waiting for the bridge to rise.
19. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Mode
History buffs and theatre lovers will appreciate models of the Globe Theatre. The original burned down in 1613 but was rebuilt using Tudor methods. These models showcase the Globe’s unique circular “wooden O” design that brought people of all classes together under one roof.
You can find official models at the theatre’s gift shop or nearby stores in Southwark.
Image: PaperLandmarks
20. Royal Wedding Commemorative Items
Royal weddings have produced some of the most recognisable souvenirs from London. A printed mug or decorative plate doesn’t just show a royal couple; it preserves the memory of an event that once brought the city together.
Even when there isn’t a wedding on the calendar, London is still the best place to find these keepsakes. Antique shops and museum stores often carry designs from past ceremonies, giving travellers a way to take home a piece of royal history.
Image: TillyofBloomsbury
Closing Thoughts
London is a city full of stories, and its souvenirs let you take a piece of them home. From handmade crafts and iconic landmarks to tea, chocolates, and royal keepsakes, each item reflects the city’s history, creativity, and culture.
Next time you explore London’s streets, markets, or museums, keep an eye out for these special finds
