The Top 10 Gift Shops in Brixton

By Anna Muir

Stuck for places to buy presents? Now that JOY on Coldharbour Lane has closed there’s an opportunity for local Brixton gift shops to take centre stage, we’ve shortlisted some of our favourites, and in no particular order here are the top ten:

1. BRIXI

This gem of a shop contains a huge variety of eccentric objects, from unicorn cake-toppers and woven frisbees to Nepalese shawls and vintage doll’s houses. There is also a large range of paintings and prints by local artists, beautiful pottery, and handmade homewares. Described by one of their customers as being “like a museum where you can touch stuff”, it is the perfect place to find something for the person who has everything.

Takes Brixton Pounds.

http://www.brixi.co.uk/about.php

2. Rose and Thorn

A recently opened boutique in Brixton Village which sells a combination of clothing, accessories and gifts. Inside you’ll find beautiful printed dresses by Anami & Janine. There’s also jewellery by a variety of independent designers, vintage garments, candles and quirky bags. Some of the stock has been transferred from the equally lovely Woo Woo Boutique round the corner so it may seem familiar.  It’s reassuringly easy to find great gifts among their selection of carefully curated and charming items.

https://www.facebook.com/Roseandthornbrixton

3. The Turpentine

The Turpentine opened not long ago on Coldharbour Lane and is an enchanting shop that stocks art, crafts and gifts made by artisans. Inside you can find brooches, prints, pillows and pottery to suit most budgets. There’s also news of workshops in jewellery making, photography and up-cycling to be held on site during the summer, next time you’re looking for a present or want to learn a new skill, why not check it out?

http://www.theturpentine.com/

4.  20 Storey

This groovy gift shop, near Franco Manca on Market Row, is the  ultimate place to buy novelty presents such as Ryan Gosling paper dolls, cardboard pets and “I heart Brixton” t-shirts. Every shelf is packed with an array of knick-knacks, beautiful books and writing sets, there’s even build your own camera kits. Their great selection of comedy cards and tea towels is another reason to pop down to this present buying paradise.

Takes Brixton Pounds.

https://www.facebook.com/20Storey

5. Rachel and Malika’s

On the corner of 3rd Avenue, in the heart of Brixton Village you can find Rachel and Malika’s, a shop which sells an eclectic mix of home furnishings, gifts and jewellery from around the world. Outside the shop there’s a multitude of baskets, bowls and fabrics which are from the Sahara region of West Africa. Inside there’s up-cycled bags and accessories and a lovely jewellery range, which the owners source from local markets they’ve visited whilst travelling. It’s an enchanting cave of  bits and pieces, perfect for present buying.

Takes Brixton Pounds.

http://www.malika.org.uk/

6. Book Monger’s

A slight wild card of a choice, but this secondhand bookshop on Coldharbour Lane is brimming with books, and there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to find one to suit the person your present hunting for, whether it’s a travel guide, novel or ancient encyclopedia.

Takes Brixton Pounds.

http://www.bookmongers.com/

7. Full Moon designs

Another gift shop in Brixton Village, but this one mainly focuses on exquisite handcrafted jewellery, and what’s more it’s affordable. As well as the pre-made items you can commission a unique piece to be put together. Alternatively there are stunning scarves and various other accessories on offer, maybe one of their hanging tea light holders will entice you.

Takes Brixton Pounds.

http://fullmoondesigns.co.uk/

8. Diverse

This gift shop has recently moved from its previous location on Atlantic Road to Coldharbour Lane, but it’s been around for ages. Inside you can find striking textiles by Design Africa, a great selection of cards,toys and  an award-winning range of beauty products. If you’re looking for an original present there’s beautiful african print furniture, espadrilles and hand painted photo frames. Hung all around the walls are prints and paintings by local artists if you’re in search for an arty gift alternative.

Takes Brixton Pounds.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diverse/105051386207617

9.  Circus

Circus Brixton is a creative emporium which sells a fabulous range of  vintage homewares, crafts and inexpensive artwork. Whilst inside you can browse the Circus library of handmade books or try on some of the recently added label Minus-Sun. Their range of retro vases and glassware is also highly commendable and has served as a great go to Mother’s/Father’s Day present solution.

Takes Brixton Pounds.

http://www.circusbrixton.com/

10. Cornercopia Larder and Homestore

Cornercopia not only serves delicious food but also sells fantastic gifts. Inside the Homestore there’s a great selection of ‘kitchenalia’. For a more practical present idea you could buy a tagine, beautiful enamelware, bottles for preserving or a  hand dipped beeswax candle. As well as the Homestore, Cornercopia runs a larder which stocks homemade relishes, jams and sauces. Finally if you’re feeling especially generous they have Brixton Village hampers filled with lots of foodie items from around the market, and the best thing is it can all can be bought with the Brixton Pound.

 http://brixtoncornercopia.co.uk/

Photos by Anna & Jamie Muir