It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but if you’re wondering how you’ll get through your festive shopping list in time for 25 December, never fear – Kathryn Conway has some suggestions.
The city’s shops are brimming with inspiration, whether you’re looking for the perfect present for the hardest-to-please or decorations for your home that put a decidedly glamorous spin on the traditional boughs of holly.
Take Harrods. It’s been spreading festive joy and seasonal cheer since July, when its Christmas World opened offering themed displays, hampers heaving with baubles and Henry, this year’s must-have teddy bear, dressed for the season in a festive jumper and matching bobble hat. With a personalisation service that adds extra pizzazz to presents, Noël here is a suitably extravagant – and unmissable – treat.
For an experience that feels almost as magical as the big day itself, Hamleys Santa’s Grotto is always a highlight of the season (14 Nov-24 Dec). Tickets to this joyful meet-and-greet with the man in red, where elves guide you through ‘a world of wonder’, sell quickly. But even if you do miss out on a slot, as one of the world’s largest toy shops, it’s impossible to leave without bags laden with gifts guaranteed to put the biggest smile on any child’s face.
Also worth popping to for its London-themed decorations designed to jazz up any Douglas fir is the Westminster Abbey Shop. Because
nothing says it’s Christmas quite like a red glass London bus sporting a wreath hanging from your tree. Plus, the branded biscuits and yummy clotted cream fudge make great stocking fillers.
For a regal touch to the festivities meanwhile, The Royal Mews Christmas Shop returns with all the trimmings needed to make the season sparkle (13 Nov-4 Jan). Our picks are the beautifully illustrated reusable and fillable Advent calendar featuring the world-famous façade of Buckingham Palace and the royal guardsmen in chocolate form – a tasty treat anyone would be happy to find under the tree.
With yet more festive shopping fun to be enjoyed at department stores such as Liberty, Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges, you’’ll have this yuletide wrapped up in no time.
