If there's something I adore about London, it's the city's endless treasure collection of vintage and retro finds. London is the ideal spot to find a unique present for a birthday, a nostalgic present for Christmas, or anything that is more meaningful than your typical high-street set.

Vintage markets are one of my favourite weekends rituals. Portobello Road is always at the top of my list -- not just because of its vibrant chaos, but also for the sheer variety. There's everything from mid-century homeware and enamel kitchen tins to classic vinyl records that still crackle with life. I'm not sure how many occasions when I've received "just one small gift" that turned into an entire bag of treasures.

For something a little more well-curated, I frequently go to Shoreditch and Islington. These are the neighborhoods that house boutique vintage stores that specialize in particular eras. There's for example, a store selling lighting from the 1970s and a shop devoted to 1940s fashion there. It's the sort of browsing experience where you'll end up talking to the proprietor of the shop for about half an hour about the history of a lamp, or the provenance of a leather satchel.

When buying retro gifts I always search for authenticity. Maker's marks, original labels and even a bit of wear and tear add character. The stallholders and dealers in London are generally willing to tell the story behind the piece, and that story is often part of the present. Imagine gifting a scarf from the 1950s that travelled through Europe, or a typewriter used to write love letters in the decades past. This transforms a present into a living part of history.

Mixing the old and the modern is part of the fun. I sometimes put together a vintage piece of furniture with modern packaging or an attractive bouquet of flowers to give it a contemporary twist. It's a great way to give something old a fresh look, while still honoring the original design.

London also hosts amazing seasonal fairs, particularly during Christmas time. The Southbank Winter Market, as and a variety pop-up vintage markets, blend the magic of Christmas with stalls that offer unique and unique cool gifts. I'm never left empty-handed, and often, I leave with something for myself, too.

In a world in which so many things are disposable, giving a retro or vintage gift feels thoughtful and personal. It's a nod to the craft and stories that are worth keeping and to the satisfaction of discovering beautiful objects that have stood the test of time. London is the perfect setting for this hunt. It's an old city that has embraced history and still feels vibrant and alive.

Next time you go gift shopping, avoid the sexy high-street chains. Put on your most comfortable shoes and spend your Saturday scouring the streets of London. You are never certain what you'll find -- but I promise, it'll be something memorable.