Shops offering quirkier alternative Christmas presents

We are officially in the countdown to Christmas. Many pooh-pooh the celebration of Christmas before advent starts, declaring it too early for the carols, streamers, tinsel and trees. However with the 1^st of December on our doorstep it is time to let in the Christmas cheer and all that comes with it, including fairy lights lining the streets, the coloured baubles dancing and dangling on display in every home, shop and restaurant and, most forebodingly, the presents. At the end of each year one must dig deep into the idea cache and come up with something new that either excites, satisfies or touches your loved ones hearts. Or, for those looking for a gift that truly has not been bought before, something that inspires more than fills a genuine need, then have a look down this concise list of quirkiness.

Gosh! Comics 1, Berwick St, London W1F 0DR

Nestled on the corner of Berwick Street in Soho, this chic shop is home to comics, graphic novels and manga. It is overflowing with options, with the staff as knowledgeable as they are friendly. A great spot to pick up the new, trendy graphic novel or an animated short story for a light read for your nearest and dearest.

Penhaligons Covent Garden

Not the most modest of presents, but for those unfazed by the price tag Penhaligans offers bespoke fragrances designed within the store to match your specific aromatic fancies.

Blade Rubber Stamps 12 Bury Place Holburn

If you want a truly unique Christmas gift then get yourself down to the rubber stamp store. This is no Christmas cracker joke, although its produce could be used to make some. This shop offers a full range of stamps, from beautiful calligraphy to child-friendly pieces. They even offer greetings card craft classes to really personalise those Christmas gifts.

Blitz Brick lane

Blitz is not just a vintage shop, it is a vintage department store set in an old furniture factory. Within this beautifully up-furnished building there is vintage furniture, old and classic books, and clothes from across the decades, alongside floor upon floor of floral prints, silk kimonos, devilish denim jackets and lots of leather. You could buy all your presents in one fell sweep in this stylish and effortless vintage funfair.

Nottinghill and Portobello Road Market

There is not much that needs to be said about this notorious, sprawling street market that sprang to fame in the 50s for its fantastically varied array. From posters and small shiny brick-a-brac from around the world to vintage clothes and organic food, you’re sure to find a gem or two hiding within the stalls that line this market.

Chiswick Antiques Vintage Etc 58b Wellesley Road

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of inner-city shopping, look no further then this hidden gem. This small warehouse shop is charming in its organised chaos, featuring a typewriter masquerading as a jewellery stand, a collection of leather briefcases that house polished chess pieces and embroidered boards, delicate silk bags and heavy winter coats hung on ornate furniture propped up by old instruments. This is a treasure trove for the vintage hunters out there and a delight to lose an hour or two in, discovering what others have left behind.

Melissa Hoban