With just two weeks to go until the big day, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the capital. While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the festivities, don’t get so lost in the holiday spirit that you forget your essential to-do list. We don’t intend to instil panic, but have you bought gifts for family and friends yet? Have you ordered your turkey? You didn’t forget your work Secret Santa, did you?
There’s a lot to think about in December. It’s often a fun-filled month, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t also slightly tinged with stress and chaos. So wouldn’t it be great to find a destination where you can tick off your festive checklist in one fell swoop?
Portman Marylebone, set moments away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, is home to an unrivalled selection of independent brands and unique experiences. Boasting an array of boutiques, the shopping area covers Chiltern Street, New Quebec Street, Seymour Place, Old Quebec Street, Blandford Street, George Street and Dorset Street — to name a few. Plus, until 22 December the retail destination will be offering shoppers complimentary festive treats to the sound of Christmas carols on Thursdays from 5-7pm. It sounds like an utterly blissful way to shop, if you ask us.
We’ve rounded up our top shops for Christmas gifts in Portman Marylebone. Just thank us later.
For wellness gifts
Anatomē
This London-based apothecary was founded on the belief that essential oils can play a vital role in supporting wellbeing. A team of aromacologists and nutritionists researched the best botanical extracts for sleep, optimised performance and emotional wellbeing to create Anatomē’s range of oils, supplements, tea blends and salts. Here, you can shop by problem — from sleep to menopause, and gut health to focus — and gift your loved one a personalised, helpful present.
16 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PZ, anatome.co
Back In Action
On a mission to help those with back pain lead a more comfortable life, Back In Action was founded in 1987 to offer stylish but therapeutic furniture that is sure to complement any home or office. Pick from a range that includes everything from gel mattresses to ergonomic chairs which will support your back whether you’re working or relaxing. The in-store team is on hand to help and whittle down your choices, too.
67-69 George Street, W1U 8LT, backinaction.co.uk
Prism
Discover the world of Prism at its flagship Portman Marylebone store where you’ll find the full collection of chic yoga gear and fashionable but functional optical eyewear, plus in-store exclusives. As well as finding you the perfect set for perfecting your vinyasa flow, the team is available to fit your lenses then and there, so you can avoid the usual long delays. Designed by Creative Director Anna Laub, who was previously named Emerging Accessory Designer of The Year at the British Fashion Awards, your gym game will never have been better.
54 Chiltern Street, W1U 7QX, prismlondon.com
For foodie gifts
T by Tamara
Everyone loves a Christmas hamper but, if mince pies and port aren’t their thing, T by Tamara’s gorgeous Levantine-inspired offering is sure to delight. Each hamper has been curated in partnership with fellow female-owned businesses, such as Zeit’s olive oil and Nana’s bakery, thus supporting a network of female foodie entrepreneurs. you could order online but, trust us, it’s worth popping into the store to hear the story behind each brand from the horse’s mouth.
17 Seymour Place, W1H 5BF, tbytamara.co.uk
Fratelli Greci
Bringing an authentic taste of the Mediterranean to London, Fratelli Greci (translating as the Greek brothers) stocks an array of Greek and Italian deli products and wines. For a foodie gift with a luxurious twist, opt for the Dolce & Gabbana Torroncini, which has been made in partnership with Fiasconaro to create a soft almond and Sicilian pistachio torroncini covered with chocolate, orange and lemon.
26 Seymour Place, W1H 7NN, fratelligreci.com
So French
No one does food quite like the French, and Portman Marylebone’s very-own Parisian epicerie and cafe stocks an array of sweet and savoury treats to whet your European appetite. Create your very own French hamper by scouring the So French store, and make sure to include Les Bâtons caramels, Comptoir Du Cacao chocolates and Le Mas Des Confitures high-end jams.
21 Seymour Place, W1H 5BH, sofrench.co.uk
For personalised gifts
Isabel Manns
This contemporary British womenswear brand has sustainability at its core, but that doesn’t mean it compromises on style. Isabel Manns includes a range of dresses, jumpsuits and jackets that can be customised to fit you perfectly. We think the range of headbands make for beautiful Christmas gifts, which can be wrapped in personalised packaging while in store.
18 New Quebec Street, W1H 7RX, isabelmanns.com
Kimai
Creating fine jewellery which is going to last, Kimai is a modern, demi-fine jewellery brand that exclusively uses recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds (stones which are physically and chemically identical to their mined alternatives) for ultimate transparency and traceability. At the Portman Marylebone boutique, its designers are on hand to offer a bespoke service which enables you to see your jewellery’s journey from inception through to creation. At each stage, you’ll be told how you can personalise your item, from choosing metals to gemstones, in order to make it even more unique to you or your loved ones.
24 Chiltern Street, W1U 7QE, kimai.com
Hamilton & Hare
Need a gift for the man in your life? Look no further than Hamilton & Hare, an independent menswear brand based in Portman Marylebone that’s renowned for its comfortable underwear. It now also stocks other wardrobe staples in luxury fabrics, from T-shirts to suits and sleepwear to socks.
39 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PP, hamiltonandhare.com
For beauty gifts
Perfumer H
It can be tricky to find your perfect scent, especially if you’re buying for someone else, but the helpful team at Perfumer H is one of the best in the fragrance business. The company was founded in 2015 by expert British perfumer Lyn Harris, who trained in Paris and Robertet Grasse, and now stocks an array of fragrances, candles and beauty products. Make sure you get a whiff of the fresh Cucumber scent, oozing aromas of grapefruit, neroli, cedar wood and cucumber.
19 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PH, perfumerh.com
Mathew Alexander
We all know someone who would love a good pampering session, but never seems to find the time. Book a voucher with Mathew Alexander to gift your mother, sister or friend an afternoon of beauty-themed TLC. Among the services on offer are expert cuts, colours and hair treatments alongside special occasion and express makeup looks perfect for getting glam before a night on the town. For the full experience also request a manicure and pedicure by visiting beauty therapist Mila Karayeva.
21 New Quebec Street, W1H 7SA, mathewalexander.co.uk
London Grace
Founded in 2015, London Grace offers an all-encompassing salon experience which combines a nail bar, cocktail bar and coffee shop. But don’t worry, the team takes nail care seriously. Book a table for two so you and your loved one can enjoy a manicure while having a good catch-up. If you’re buying for beauty fans outside the capital, there’s also a range of nail polish gift sets you can take away with you.
7 Seymour Place, W1H 5BA, londongrace.co.uk
Sunspel
British brand Sunspel is renowned for the supreme quality of its cotton T-shirt, linen shirts and luxe casualwear but, for the seriously hard to buy for, it also offers a limited but beautiful range of candles which make for the perfect gift. Available in only two scents, Oak Wood is inspired by the English landscape, while Neroli Sun represents the essence of a carefree, sunny English summer.
13-15 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PG, sunspel.com
For eco-friendly gifts
Jikoni
The Jikoni brand made headlines last year when it became the first independent restaurant in the UK to become carbon-neutral, and elsewhere in the company, sustainability remains at the fore. Aside from enjoying a bite to eat, visit the shop to find beautiful table linens which have been hand block-printed in India by expert artisans. Or send a loved one comfort and joy in a box, with Jikoni’s vegetarian meal delivery subscription.
19-21 Blandford Street, W1U 3DH, jikonilondon.com
Ssōne
Committed to ethical and environmentally-friendly practices, Ssōne is a contemporary womenswear brand stocking everything from dresses to sandals. Purchase the perfect sustainable gift for a fashionista which is timeless in style and made to last.
17 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PQ, ssone.myshopify.com
Cox & Power
Despite being in the fine jewellery game for more than 30 years, Cox & Power still works out of its flagship Portman Marylebone store to create exquisite, ethical pieces. For its 25th anniversary, it created the world’s first Fairtrade and Fairmined platinum jewellery and since then its craftsmen have worked exclusively with certified precious metal, making each new collection in Fairmined or Fairtrade gold.
10-12 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PX, coxandpower.com
For useful gifts
Labour & Wait
Established in 2000 in the heart of London, Labour & Wait still serves the community it was created for with its wide range of timeless and functional products. Shop household items for the kitchen and bathroom including bread bins, knives, soaps as well as food for the larder too.
48 Dorset Street, W1U 7NE, labourandwait.co.uk
Niwaki
Gift the budding gardener in your life expert equipment to help them transform their backyard into a blossoming flower bed. Niwaki specialises in Japanese gardening equipment — from ladders to secateurs — that’s easy to use and, above all, effective.
38 Chiltern Street, W1U 7QL, niwaki.com
Read more: Festive spirits: Portman Marylebone’s cosiest pubs for a Christmas catch-up
The post All wrapped up: Portman Marylebone’s best boutiques for perfect Christmas presents appeared first on Luxury London.