Gift-it local in Islington!
If you long to shop local for gifts from smaller shops but don’t know where to start, this page is just what you need. Most offer online shopping too to make it even easier for you.
You can also browse My Virtual Islington for more businesses in your neighbourhood.
Claytime Pottery
168 Blackstock Road London N5 1HA
This not-for-profit community interest company offers a chance to create and paint with clay and ceramics. They hold regular classes and workshops for children (after school and during holidays) and for adults, at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, helping you learn to hand build, to throw and use pinch, coil and slab methods.
International Magic Shop
89 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1R 5BX
Trading since 1957 in the same place on Clerkenwell Road, this magic shop stocks tricks for beginners to professionals and have served celebrities such as Derren Brown, Paul Daniels, David Copperfield, Dynamo, Magical Bones and a number of TV and movie personalities. You never know who you might meet in the magic shop.
Mama Owl
Green Lanes, Newington Green, London N16 9BU, UK
This stunning shop sells beautiful, natural clothes, perfect for those concerned about toxins and for children with sensitive skin. These are items that last and can be handed down: high quality and sustainable clothes made from wool, cotton and silk. They also sell lovely toys. The business is run by Danish mother Anna, who was determined to make her favourite organic European merino and wool brands more readily available in the UK.
Marby and Elm
53 Exmouth Market, Farringdon, London EC1R 4QL
Fun and quirky gifts and cards. Marby & Elm is a letterpress stationery and design shop. What began as a hobby in a garden shed has become a family business. Eleanor is the designer, Charlie, her sister, manages the shop, their father is the lettering artist whilst Tim their brother does the photography & website. Marby & Elm are the nicknames of Eleanor’s boys.
McCaul
56 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 4QE.
Traditional goldsmiths, known for their unique modern fine jewellery. Their signature style is curvaceous, modern and elegant. Each piece of McCaul Goldsmiths’ jewellery is designed made and set in-house, from start to finish, using traditional techniques and modern technology.
Stephen Einhorn
210 Upper St, London N1 1RL
Stephen Einhorn is a British family business, founded in 1995 by Stephen Einhorn and Jane Best, with an aim to create truly individual designs handmade by skilled craftspeople. Their client list now includes Disney, Warner Bros, Netflix, Paul Smith and A Bathing Ape .
The Archway Planter
The Junction Market, Archway, Islington
If you’re on the lookout for funky foliage to green-up your home or workspace, The Archway Planter has a fabulous selection. Founded by Tiffany Dent, the company offers online delivery (perfect if you’re sending a gift) or you can browse their stall at The Junction Market. They also have stunning pots (vintage and new). The team are highly knowledgeable and can help pick out the perfect plants!
The Pantry Underwear
Unit 14A, North Mall, Islington Square, 129K Upper Street, London N1 1QP
The Pantry Underwear is 'The Everyday Underwear Shop' that focuses on fit & value, without compromising on style. Their collection is a concentrated, non-intimidating range of shapes by household names as well as little known designers. Local Buyers Club members save 10% off their first online order.
The Wearer
2 Charlton Place, Islington, London N1 8AJ, UK
Self-confessed jewellery junkie Rachel launched her Islington boutique and online shop after a decade working as a jewellery buyer for leading high street stores. Her ethos is all about sourcing what she calls “jewellery with personality” – innovative, under the radar labels that offer something different to what’s widely available – and championing the independent designers and creative brains behind them.
Twenty Twentyone
274 Upper St, Islington, London N1 2UA, UK
Twentytwentyone was founded in 1996 by Simon Alderson and Tony Cunningham with the aim to supply the very best design-led furniture, lighting and accessories. As the name suggests, they combine classics from the twentieth century with progressive contemporary work.
Velorution
123 Essex Road, London, N1 2SN
An uber-cool bike shop servicing the community and the local cycling clubs. This store has an emphasis on road cycling with its unique requirements for performance bikes and gear. Professional bike fitting is also available for anyone who is looking to make their cycling life more comfortable.
Vicky Davies Jewellery
Islington, London, UK
This established jewellery designer and maker works from her garden studio in N16. She offers ready to buy online collections made in silver, gold and gemstones including unique earrings, handmade chains and gemstone rings. Vicky Davies also specialises in jewellery commission’s and remodelling including coming of age, wedding and engagement rings. All gemstones are ethically sourced.