If there's a spot in London where retro style spills out onto the pavement It's Portobello Road. Hidden in the heart of Notting Hill, this famous street is more than an appealing backdrop for Hugh Grant movies -- it's a paradise for anyone looking for vintage treasures and gifts that don't want to be ordinary.

Saturdays are when the roads come alive. The air is buzzing with chatter, the scent of fresh baked goods lingers from small bakeries, and the market spreads out like an endless treasure trail. I always start in the antique section, where rows of stalls shimmer with silverware, vintage jewelry, and old clocks. They're not just objectsthey're historical objects that you can take in the palm of your hand.

For quirky gifts for her gift hunters Retro stalls are a delight. You might find an Art Deco Tea Set next to a collection of 1970s vinyl records or an unloved suitcase awaiting its adventure. I've seen old typewriters that still function perfectly, and Tin toys that make everyone's eyes sparkle.

Portobello Road has a lot of personality in each piece. Many traders are collectors who love to tell the stories behind their objects. This kind of story makes a gift seem so much more personal.

There's more than just antiques. There are many independent shops that sell recycled vintage items - old fabrics transformed into cushions or reclaimed wooden jewellery containers, retro wall prints remastered. It's where creativity and nostalgia meet and you can find an original gift.

Make sure you take your time when going to Portobello to shop for gifts. Keep your eyes peeled, stroll at a slow pace, and stop for a drink at one of the cafes. The best finds usually appear when you're not trying to hurry. And when you leave you'll be carrying something that can't be bought in an outlet store -something that has a soul as well as a story to tell, and an element of London magic.