Not enough time to buy a British souvenir or gift for someone special in the USA? Don’t worry. I’ve been in this situation many times. In fact, despite how much I’m a planner, it’s inevitable that I forget someone and need to buy a gift as I make my way from the UK to the USA.
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Between not having enough time beforehand or simply being forgetful, I always need to pick up a last-minute gift at Heathrow Airport on my way to visit friends and family in the USA.
Thankfully, I’ve been through this expat drill a number of times so know just where to go and what to buy.
If you find yourself in a last-minute pinch and forget to buy a British gift for that special person picking you up at the airport on the other side, here are my 11 favorite gifts at Heathrow Airport for Americans.
11 Great Gifts To Buy At Heathrow For Americans
These British souvenirs and gift ideas work for any time of year. And they are perfect because they are VAT-free, very British, and good on the wallet too.
On top of simplicity and value, these items don’t take up too much room in your carry-on or handbag.
1 – Ted Baker Clutch or Wallet
If you seek British fashion, Ted Baker at Heathrow carries a fun selection of women’s and men’s clothes, socks, handbags, and even swimwear during the summer months. I’ve always found prices far better at this Ted Baker store than any of the high streets. This is my favorite go-to British store for finding a gift for a stylish friend I forgot to buy before arriving at Heathrow.
2 – Harrod’s Signature Teddy Bear & Tote
You can’t go wrong with Harrod’s and there is one in every terminal. The cutest little gift package for a girl you need to buy for is this teddy bear in a small signature Harrod’s tote bag.
I love it because it’s so useful beyond the cuddly bear part, and with it cheaper than buying on the high street, it’s the sweetest Harrod’s gift without ever stepping in on Harrod’s in Knightsbridge.
3 – Harrod’s Signature Black Tote
The signature black tote bag is perfect for that girlfriend, sister, or aunt you’re going to see. Its long handles make it functional for shopping anywhere. Toss in a few British magazines with biscuits and she’ll totally love it.
It also doubles as a tote to carry anything you might truly not have room for in your carry-on.
But I promise these 11 gifts are small enough to not need a new bag. But feel free to splurge anyway. You know you want to.
4 – Harrod’s Double Oven Mitt
I love this oven mitt for its signature logo and brand. Plus, it’s simply one of those items no one ever really buys for themself until it becomes absolutely necessary.
Practical yet fun, an oven mitt as a gift is a great everyday reminder of you for your American friend.
5 – Hamley’s Lego Exclusive Royal Guard
The idea of a gift from Hamley’s always seems amazing until you actually go to Hamley’s on Regent Street. The store is nearly impossible to maneuver, making you not want to return ever again.
We do. But an even better option is to take advantage of Hamley’s at Heathrow Airport.
This little Lego exclusive is one of my favorite gifts to buy at the airport for a niece, nephew, or cousin.
6 – Aspinal of London Multi-Currency Wallet
Aspinal of London’s multi-currency wallet is one of the best gifts I ever purchased for my husband. Because currency comes in so many different sizes, a normal USA wallet doesn’t work for UK bills.
This wallet holds various bill sizes and makes traveling a lot more organized for any worldly friend. And Aspinal’s gift packaging is top-notch!
7 – Rhubarb Gin From Duty-Free
Flavoured gins are slowly making an appearance in the USA but are still hard to find. Go for the Rhubarb & Ginger Gin or Orange & Basil by Edinburgh Gin.
8 – Arsenal Jersey at JD Sports
For a teen or any football fanatic, buy an Arsenal jersey at JD Sports.
9 – Boots Branded Skincare
Purchase Boots branded products or skincare items like Boots Vitamin C Brightening Moisturising Creme or go for the No7 skincare line. Any friend into skincare would love something exclusive to try that they can’t buy in America. And since you’re already through Heathrow security, you can easily store it in a carry-on bag.
10 – British Chocolate…Tunnocks
Tunnocks biscuit wafers or Cadbury buttons make great chocolate choices. Neither is available in the USA but easy to find at Heathrow Airport.
11 – Cartwright & Butler Biscuits
I was excited to find this brand available at Heathrow on my way to Maine one summer. Cartwright & Butler cannot be shipped to the USA despite trying, and it’s not sold on Amazon either (only in the UK).
The tin doubles as storage when all the tea and biscuits are long gone. My favorite tin to gift is this Salted Caramel one. Find it in any of the quick food and snack shops on your way to the gate.
So, there you have it. 11 great gifts to buy last minute at Heathrow on your way to the USA.
Although some of these items seem so simple, knowing what you can buy at Heathrow Airport and where when there’s limited time to shop can be a life-saver when you’ve forgotten something or someone. 😉
Looking for more expat ideas? Try these.
- 6 Fab Essentials Every Expat Woman Needs
- 5 British Events To Experience At Least Once
- Simplify expat life with this meal plan 👉here
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