Hunting Retro Gifts On Portobello Road - By Alice Davises

Portobello Road is a place in London that has a retro-chic vibe that practically spills onto the streets. In the middle of Notting Hill, this famous street is more than an appealing backdrop for Hugh Grant movies -- it's a paradise for anyone who is a fan of antique treasures and gifts that can't be ordinary.

Saturdays are the days when the streets come alive. The market is an exciting treasure hunt. The air is filled with people talking and the smell of freshly baked sweets from the bakeries. I always start at the antique section in which stalls glitter with silverware, old clocks, and old jewellery. These aren't just objectsthey're historical objects which you can hold in the palm of your hand.

For the curious gift-buyer These stalls from the past are pure magic. You could find an Art Deco tea set next to a stack of vinyl records from the 1970s or interesting present ideas a battered leather case waiting for its next adventure. I've found old typewriters here that are still working beautifully, and Tin toys that add a sparkle to any eye.

What I like most about Portobello Road is the personality in each purchase. Many traders are collectors who like to tell the stories behind their pieces. This kind of story makes a gift seem so much more personal.

It's not just antiques. In the stalls are independent shops selling reimagined antiques old fabrics transformed into cushions, reclaimed wooden pieces made into jewellery boxes, retro gifts prints remastered for modern walls. It's an area where nostalgia meets imagination, and it's the perfect place to find a gift that's both stylish and unique.

Take your time if going to Portobello to shop for gifts. Be patient and stop for a coffee in one of the small cafes and keep your eyes open. The best finds are often found when you're not trying to hurry. You'll walk away with something you won't find in a department shop -something that has soul as well as a story and an element of London magic.