Alice Davises - Retro Hunting Gifts In Portobello Road

If there's a place in London that retro-chic spills over the pavement It's Portobello Road. Tucked in the middle of Notting Hill, this famous street is more than a beautiful backdrop for Hugh Grant movies -- it's a dream for anyone who is a fan of vintage treasures and web site gifts that aren't afraid to be ordinary.

Saturdays are the time when the road really comes alive. The market is an exciting treasure hunt. The air is filled with conversations and the scent of freshly baked pastries from the bakeries. I always start at the antique section with rows of stalls that glitter with silverware, old clocks, and antique jewellery. These aren't just objects -- they're objects of history that you can hold in your hand.

Retro stalls are a treasure-trove for curious gift-buyers. There's a chance to find an Art Deco Tea Set next to a stack 1970s vinyl records or a battered suitcase waiting for its next adventure. I've seen old typewriters that still function perfectly, as well as a the tin toy that makes everyone's eyes sparkle.

Portobello Road has a lot of personality in every purchase. The sellers are usually collectors themselves who are eager to share the story behind a item, whether it came from a Georgian townhouse or flea market in Paris. This kind of story makes the gift more personal.

And it's not only antiques. There are also independent shops selling retro-inspired vintage items like old fabrics used to create cushions as well as reclaimed wooden jewellery boxes and vintage wall prints which have been remastered. It's where nostalgia meets creativity and you'll be able to find a unique gift.

If you're headed to Portobello for gift shopping My advice is simple to take your time. Keep your eyes peeled, stroll slowly, and then stop to have a coffee in one of the tiny cafes. The most interesting finds usually show up when you're not on the run. And when you leave, you'll have something in your bag that can't be bought in the department stores -Something with a soul as well as a story to tell, and an element of London magic.