Do you love museums? I know I do! And there’s no better way to end a museum visit than with a browse through the gift shop. It’s like a treasure hunt filled with unique, beautiful, and sometimes quirky items! This year, why not skip the mass-produced gifts and discover the best cultural Christmas presents at London’s museum shops? They’re all overflowing with amazing items, and the best part is that you’re directly supporting the museum with every purchase!
A V&A Feast for the Senses
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is my absolute go-to for a museum shop experience. It’s a haven for independent designers showcasing incredible jewelry, bags, and ceramics. This year, there are so many eye-catching Fabergé-inspired pieces. You’ll find everything from luxurious items to adorable stocking fillers at surprisingly affordable prices. I always struggle to leave without a new piece of jewelry – they have stunning options starting under ten pounds!
Ancient Treasures and Modern Delights
The British Museum is another treasure trove. Their main bookshop is fantastic, but it’s the Grenville Room that steals my heart. Tucked away near the grand staircase, it’s filled with exceptional reproductions and artisan-crafted objects inspired by their vast collection. Whether you’re looking for a Hokusai wave t-shirt online or a charming Egyptian cat, the British Museum shop is a must-visit.
Royal Regalia and Ravenous Delight
Did you know that you can explore all four Historic Royal Palaces in London – Kensington Palace, Kew Palace, Hampton Court, and the Tower of London – through their online shop? It’s your one-stop shop for Dash salt and pepper pots, an Anne Boleyn B necklace, and all things raven-themed! It’s a real treat for royal enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Books, Maps, and More at the British Library
The British Library is a bibliophile’s paradise, and their shop reflects that love. You’ll find a delightful selection of murder mystery books published under their own imprint, along with stunning prints of book illustrations. I almost always walk out with a newly purchased book, map, or other literary treasure – their map collection is particularly impressive.
Artful Gifts and Greeting Card Galore
The Dulwich Picture Gallery shop is a haven for greeting cards. Every time I visit, I stock up on their fantastic selection. They also boast an array of artisan-crafted objects inspired by their current exhibitions, making it the perfect place to find a unique, handcrafted gift.
Vintage Transport and Moquette Magic
The London Transport Museum online shop is a treat for any fan of London’s iconic transportation system. My walls are adorned with vintage transport posters from their shop, and I love their moquette-inspired range, especially the socks! Those socks are practically begging to be nestled in Mr. CW’s Christmas stocking.
Churchill, Watches, and Wartime Memories
The Imperial War Museum (IWM) shop is a haven for watches and Churchill memorabilia. Given that the Churchill War Rooms, a top London attraction, are part of the IWM, it’s no surprise that he takes center stage. I particularly love the book selection at their Lambeth location.
Masterpieces on Canvas and Magnet Mayhem
The National Gallery shop is my go-to for prints and books. While they have a selection of fridge magnets, scarves, and baubles, it’s the prints and books that always draw me in.
A Portrait Gallery of Shopping Delight
The National Portrait Gallery boasts a beautifully curated shop that has become my present-buying destination of choice. They have the most gorgeous scarves, including some designed by Celia Birtwell, along with eye-catching jewelry and delightful ceramics.
Royal Academy: A Feast for the Senses
The Royal Academy shop is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Books, art materials, jewelry, mugs, and the most tempting textiles leave me drooling just thinking about it!
Soane’s Museum: Architecture and Hogarth Inspired
Sir John Soane’s Museum online shop is a fantastic resource for architecture and Hogarth-inspired objects. I especially love the cup and saucer inspired by Hogarth’s depiction of an Orgy – a bit cheeky but absolutely charming!
The Wallace Collection: A Touch of Boucher and Silk
If I could live in a museum, it would be the Wallace Collection. Their online shop is just as delightful as the collection itself. You’ll find items inspired by Boucher’s The Swing, and I’m always tempted by their silken London Map dressing gown. It’s a bit extravagant for an impulse purchase, but it makes a perfect gift. (Mr. CW can attest to this – he received it last year and now it hangs proudly at home!)
Beyond London: Museum Shops Around the Globe
The beauty of online shopping is that geography is no longer a barrier. Here are a few of my favorite museum shops beyond London.
Kettles Yard: Art, Ceramics, and Found Objects
If I were to build an art collection, it would be like the one at Kettles Yard, filled with beautiful paintings alongside hand-thrown ceramics and found objects like pebbles and pine cones. Their shop is a great source of prints and truly covetable ceramics.
English Heritage: Castles, Swords, and More
Over the years, we’ve purchased all sorts of knightly play equipment from various English Heritage shops. Something about visiting a castle just whets the appetite for a wooden sword. English Heritage is about more than just castles, though, and their online shop reflects that.
Supporting Museums and Avoiding Bezos
Remember, every purchase you make in a museum shop directly helps fund the museum, so you’re supporting culture instead of enriching Mr. Bezos via Amazon. Have I included your favorite in my best London Museum Shops?
Give the Gift of Museum Membership
One of my favorite gifts to give and receive is a museum membership. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, allowing you to visit and support the museum for a whole year. Check out my guide to London Museum Membership for inspiration.
