When you are making up your Christmas list for yourself or for lucky giftees, you might want to take a look at the National Trust's gift shop.
The historic Blewcoat School on Caxton Street in London is a to-die-for shop you won't want to miss next time you are in London. But if you can't quite make it to London this holiday season, shop on line here. There is something for everyone.
If you live in the US and travel to Britain, you should join the Royal Oak, the US support group for the National Trust. It will give you free admission to Trust properties, newsletters and magazines from both organizations, discounts on purchases, and a great deal of satisfaction. I have often shown my Royal Oak membership card at a Trust stately home and received a big cheer from the volunteers. "We love our Royal Oak members," they always say. Additional perks are invitations to special programs in major US cities by traveling lecturers and authors sponsored by the Trust and the Royal Oak -- and some travel tours that sound brilliant. Or if you are in Britain or elsewhere, join the Trust. And memberships make great gifts too.
As you will see on their website, the Trust's shops have a wide variety of books. The Christmas recipe collection above is on my list, for sure.
A few more selections... of 100's.
Or you could choose a photo album and fill it with your own snapshots.
As seen in the examples above, the Trust sells magnificent prints, many by renowned photographers, suitable for framing.
The National Trust runs many shops both in cities and on their properties. They are always good for a browse.
Many popular items such as ceramic mugs and pieces of china compete with wonderful lotions and soaps, silk scarves and shawls, umbrellas and even hiking shoes. Here are two more books I covet:
Could someone please contact Santa and give him my list?
Photos from the National Trust.Labels: Christmas, Travels With Victoria
