What to take home: Paddington Bear

There's been a steady stream of visitors to my part of the world recently, and it's got me thinking about the perfect London souvenir.

Now, there's much debate about what makes the perfect souvenir. Of course, the issue is entirely subjective and whether you're after a whimsical snow-dome London Eye fridge magnet or a quality, locally-produced woollen scarf from a remote island in the outer Hebrides is mostly a matter of taste (and budget). And it's not really a debate I wish to enter (although I have been known to indulge in both types of souvenirs, which I think is all the more fun).

So over the course of this blog, I'm going to start posting about some stuff that takes my fancy. I'd like to think that all of them are locally-produced, using locally-sourced raw materials, but sometimes your eye catches stuff that's, well, not. It's a sorry sign of the world that even the most classic, traditional products from a destination aren't as "local" or "authentic" as you'd like them to be. (But hopefully, I'll find some products that tick both boxes!). And you just might spot the odd tea-towel.

Anyway, without further ado, step away from that high-street souvenir tat stall, and put down that khaki vinyl Harrods shoppper ... here's what to take home.

#1 Paddington Bear
I've seen quite few knock-offs of this lovely little marmalade-eating fellow, but you really can't beat the charm of the authentic version (ahem, official licensed product) from London's premier toy store, Hamleys.

Traditional Paddington Bear, £44.99, Hamleys.

Isn't he just the smartest wee chap in his duffle coat and shiny red wellies? I know, you can buy versions of (arguably) London's most famous resident all over the world now, but Hamleys do have an impressive line-up of Paddingtons, starting at £5.99 for a keychain or a clip-on. Alternatively, head to Paddington kiosk at Paddington station in London for more bear fun.

I love this Paddington's furry face and standing at a stately 46cm tall, he's just the thing for a nursery bookshelf.

Hamleys
www.hamleys.co.uk
188-96 Regent Street
London W1
Tel: 0870 333 2455

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Nearest Tube:
Piccadilly Circus
Oxford Circus

Opening hours:
Monday-Friday 10am-8pm
Saturday 9am-8pm
Sunday 12noon-6pm

p.s. Want to know more about Paddington and his wonderful creator, Michael Bond? Check this out.

London shopping: Buggies & Bikes

What’s this? A Bratz-Free Zone? Well, I never. But it’s true, and this toy shop in Hackney is still pulling the kids (and the parents) in with its unique stock of locally-produced goods and products sourced from niche companies around the world.


It’s the perfect destination for picking up a cool gift for your favourite under-12, with a plethora of innovative and educational toys. While this might sound like death-by-dodgy-craft to your average 10-year-old, I’d dare them to not find the love for a remote-controlled moon light (that surreptitiously teaches them the phases of the moon while they’re NOT going to sleep). Nifty.

And I reckon the African xylophone and bongo drums (£16.50) will also do a bangin’ job in extracting them from the X-Box. Create your own Partridge family, noughties-style. Rock on.

The hero products of the store (and hence its namesake) are the collection of beautifully designed German wooden trikes, bikes and walkers. But if you’re on a tight budget or after quality party bag fillers, look out for the RSPCA animal figurines from £2 and the collection of felt fruit & veg for £1.


I like the woven retro-style mini saucer chair from Africa, and the clever range of felt creatures made by a local mum who brings to life her son’s imaginative drawings.


The other big drawcard is the glorious range of children’s fashion, which features many locally-produced brands, like Edge & Jo, a Hackney-based co-op that makes batik-print frocks and matching pants. Christa Davis is another local who makes an ultra-sweet range of vintage and Liberty print dresses for little girls.


If you’re after babywear, look out for the small rack of woollen and cotton hand-knitted pieces. Apparently a Scottish Gran is largely responsible for this adorable range, which includes knitted cardies, all-in-ones and an ultra-cute striped knit pinafore. There’s also a small collection of vintage baby clothes.


Adding to the strong sense of community is the light-filled space downstairs that’s available to hire for parties and groups.

Buggies & Bikes
23 Broadway Market
London E8 FPH
Tel. 0207 923 2408

Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday 10am-6.30pm
Sunday 11am-5pm

Nearetst tube: Bethnal Green Station
Nearest train: London Fields BR

For more shops on Broadway Market, click here.
For more shops in East London, click here.