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What to buy in London?

Guide

Guide

Guide

October 13, 2025

Kit Neoh

Quick Answer

Go for classic London-themed memorabilia: red phone booth keychains, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) magnets, and teddy bears in the King’s Guards uniform. You’ll find them at gift shops like the Buckingham Palace Shop and Harrods. For upscale food and branded gifts, check Fortnum & Mason.

Key Facts

  • London-themed souvenirs include red phone booth miniatures, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) magnets, and King’s Guards teddy bears

  • Gift shops such as the Buckingham Palace Shop and Harrods stock classic London souvenirs

  • Fortnum & Mason leans toward luxury food and branded gifts, not typical tourist trinkets like magnets or keychains

  • Big Ben is the bell; the structure is officially Elizabeth Tower; use Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) for clarity

  • These items are light and packable, great for gifting and travel

Step-by-Step

  1. Decide on classic London-themed items like red phone booths, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) magnets, or King’s Guards teddy bears

  2. Browse gift shops such as the Buckingham Palace Shop and Harrods for a wide range of these trinkets

  3. If you prefer upscale gifts, head to Fortnum & Mason for luxury food and branded items (not typical magnets/keychains)

  4. When labeling or describing your souvenirs, use Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) for accuracy

Comparison

Option

Best For

Key Benefit

Caveat

Gift shops (e.g., Buckingham Palace Shop, Harrods)

Classic, instantly recognizable London trinkets

Wide selection of phone booths, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) magnets, guard teddy bears

Touristy; quality and uniqueness vary by item

Fortnum & Mason

Luxury food and branded gifts

Premium feel for special gifting

Not focused on tourist trinkets like magnets/keychains

FAQs

  1. What souvenirs should I buy in London?

    Classic picks include red phone booth miniatures, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) magnets, and teddy bears in the King’s Guards uniform.

  2. Where can I buy London-themed souvenirs?

    Check gift shops like the Buckingham Palace Shop and Harrods for a wide range of classic items.

  3. Does Fortnum & Mason sell magnets and keychains?

    It focuses on luxury food and branded gifts rather than tourist trinkets like magnets or keychains.

  4. Is Big Ben the tower or the bell?

    Big Ben is the Great Bell. The tower is officially Elizabeth Tower, write it as Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben).

  5. How can I reduce foreign transaction costs in the UK?

    A Wise card can help reduce costs, but availability and fees vary, confirm the latest details for Malaysia before you go.

  6. Are these souvenirs easy to pack?

    Yes. Keychains, magnets, and small statues are light, compact, and travel-friendly.

  7. Are these souvenirs available across London?

    They’re widely available in major gift shops, though designs and stock can vary.

References

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Copyright © 2025. TBA.LABS PTE.LTD. All rights reserved.

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Copyright © 2025. TBA.LABS PTE.LTD. All rights reserved.