The best decision I ever made was moving to Londonin 2023 for my journalism master’s degree. I spent two wonderful years tubing around the city, pub hopping and taking in every second of my East London flat. Since leaving in 2025, I’ve visited three times (can you tell I’m eager to move back one day) and every time I’ve returned home with more items than I left with.
I always try to pick up something new every trip, but alas I find myself drawn to the same five items and frantically stocking up before I head back across the pond. If you’re looking to bring the London Christmas magic to your home this year, you must shop my favorite United Kingdom-based companies. From coffee pods to Jellycats, there’s something for everyone below.
Nursem
Nursem is the
one item I always make sure to stock up on when visiting London. Every trip, I make an intentional stop at Boots to look for the company’s Caring Hand Cream. The first time I ever used the hand cream was midwinter when I was interning during my master’s and my hands have not been dry or cracked ever since. The hand cream and hand wash are my favorites, but the company also sells eczema cream. Plus, for every product sold, the company gives months-worth of supplies to a nurse or midwife.
Shop Nursem Christmas Gift Sets
Grind Nespresso Pods
Some mornings, I close my eyes and pretend I’m walking 1.5 miles from my flat in Bethnal Green to Shoreditch Grind by Old Street station. In my dreams, I’m there ordering whatever seasonal latte and pan au chocolate before picking out a table and reading a book. In reality, however, I’m popping one of the Grind Nespresso pods into my Nespresso machine and sitting at my kitchen table. Grind is by far one of my favorite coffee shops in London, and I always make sure to buy coffee beans and Nespresso pods while visiting.
Shop Grind Nespresso Pods
Jellycat
Okay, sure you can buy Jellycats anywhere but there’s no where quite like London to buy one of these adorable, heart warming stuffed animals. Jellycats come in all shapes and sizes and they make a great gift for the animal lover in your life. Not into animals? No worries, Jellycats also come in shapes of cups, pizzas, and more.
Shop Christmas Jellycats
Walker’s Shortbread
While its not an English delicacy, these Scottish shortbread treats pair perfectly with a nice “cuppa” and a Christmas movie. I first tried Walker’s Shortbread cookies while visiting my friend in Glasgow, and now I make sure to buy some every time I pass through London Heathrow Airport.
Shop Walker's Shortbread Fingers
Fortnum & Mason Tea
Finally, no trip to London is complete without bringing home a new type of tea. I usually prefer strolling into smaller tea shops, but when I’m in a bind I know I can rely on Fortnum & Mason for quality tea. The legendary tea company has varieties for all types of tea lovers and sells beautiful holiday sets.
Shop Fortnum & Mason Tea
USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the best deals and drops so be sure to check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I lived in London for 2 years, these are the 5 items I always bring home
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
