Portobello Road is a place in London that has a retro-chic vibe that practically spills onto streets. This infamous street, which is located in the heart of Notting Hill is more than a pretty background for Hugh Grant films. It's a haven for anyone who loves antique treasures and gifts. Saturdays are when the street truly comes to life. The air is filled with chatter, the scent of freshly baked pastries floats through little bakeries, and the market spreads out like an endless treasure trail.

I always begin in the antique section, where rows of stalls shimmer with antique silverware, old jewelry, and old clocks. These aren't just things they are pieces of history you can hold in your hands. The stalls in the Retro Gifts company (like it) era are a treasure trove for unusual gift seekers. You might find an Art Deco Tea Set next to a pile of 1970s vinyl records or a battered suitcase, waiting for its next adventure.

I've found vintage typewriters that still function perfectly, and the tin toy that makes any eyes sparkle. Portobello Road has a lot of personality in every purchase. The traders are usually collectors themselves willing to tell you the story behind each piece, regardless of whether it came from a Georgian townhouse or flea market in Paris. This type of history makes the gift more personal. It's not all antiques. There are also independent shops that sell recycled vintage items - old fabrics transformed into cushions and reclaimed wooden jewellery boxes and retro wall prints that have been which have been remastered.

It's where nostalgia meets creativity and you'll find an unusual gift. Take your time if you're going to Portobello to shop for gifts. Wander slowly and stop for a cup of coffee at one of the tiny cafes, and keep your eyes open. When you're not in a hurry, retro items the most interesting finds are usually discovered. And when you leave you'll have something in your bag that isn't available in an outlet store -- something with a soul or a story and some London magic.