It is only the first week of December as I write this, but the shopping for Christmas gifts has to be done soon. I personally hate Oxford Street and all the touristy areas, not least of all because of the throngs of people pushing, shoving and making the experience a nightmare. I also prefer not to give ‘standard’ gifts bought from the usual high street shops. This is just another reason – amongst many – that I love Shoreditch; because there are little boutiques, cool vintage shops and art galleries where you can buy neat trinkets you won’t find anywhere else.
So here is my list of top 5 places to buy Christmas gifts:
1. Maiden Shop – I am sure all of you have heard of it, walked past it and scrolled through their online store. I have a brother and a few male friends, and I think this is the perfect place to buy their gifts. From the ‘1990’s Colouring Book’ to the Facebook ‘Like’ cufflinks, the shop is full of funny, witty and boy-oriented gifts. Shop Online
Perfect for: Boyfriend, Brother, Guy Friends
2. Labour and Wait –a truly beautiful façade equals the interior of this magnificent little store. I was never particularly domestic or girly, but even I am drawn in by the variety of home and kitchen products in this store. With a selection of vintage items and more contemporary ones, this is the perfect place to buy gifts for those who love to host dinner parties and spend time decorating their flat. Shop Online
Perfect for: Mother, Sister, Girly Friends
3. Rokit – down in Brick Lane, nestled amongst the handful of vintage clothes stores, is Rokit. Their selection of clothing is rather special, with pieces from the 1940’s to 1980’s, selling everything from hats and scarves to shirts and bags. Whilst it can be difficult to buy someone clothes, the accessories at Rokit are stunning and certain to be super unique! Shop Online
Perfect for: Girlfriend, Mother, Sister
4. Jester Jacques Gallery – based in Shoreditch, this brother and sister team have just redesigned and launched their online store, just in time for Christmas! With a selection of affordable prints by Shepard Fairey, Sweet Toof, and other well known street artists, as well as work by emerging young talent, this is the place to buy your festive gifts. With a skull Hello Kitty print entitled ‘Dead Kitty,’ one of a kind toy necklaces and a hand detailed glitter print by Henry Hate, the products for sale are fun and unique! Shop Online
5. Art Words Book Shop – on the quiet Rivington Street is a sweet bookshop, wonderful for hanging out in on weekends or quiet evenings. I find that the books on sale are real objects to be admired; with large, colourful art and design books, graphic novels, fashion books, and ‘out of print/special edition’ books, this is a wonderful place to buy a one of a kind gift. Laid out on a dining table, some of the books can become eye catching, decorative pieces. Shop Online
