London’s Best Museum Gift Shops
Because sometimes the shop really IS the best bit…
London’s museums aren’t just crammed with dinosaurs, rockets, paintings and history – they also have brilliant gift shops where you can grab presents, pocket-money treasures and “accidentally on-purpose for Mum or Dad” goodies. Here are our top museum gift shops for kids, teens, families, and secretly, adults too.
Top Shops for Kids
The Natural History Museum – Dino Heaven
If your child can name every dinosaur ever discovered, then the Natural History Museum shop is basically paradise. Expect dino figurines, roaring plush toys, fossil replicas, nature books and pocket-money rocks and minerals. Perfect for birthdays, stocking fillers or bribery.
Top pick for kids: A mini fossil dig kit (hours of quiet time).
Science Museum – STEM Fun That Feels Like Toys
Robotics kits, space gadgets, science experiments, coding toys, slime-making sets – the Science Museum shop is a goldmine for curious minds. Everything is hands-on, clever and fun enough that kids don’t even realise they’re learning.
Top pick for kids: Build-your-own robot arm kit – instantly cool.
London Transport Museum – A Must for Train, Tube & Bus Kids
If you have a child who insists on naming every Tube line in order, welcome home. Find wooden Tube maps, model Routemasters, kids’ tees, classic poster prints and joyful London-themed souvenirs.
Top pick for kids: The iconic wooden train set with real Tube carriages.
Get our lowdown on the London Transport Museum.
Best for Artsy Kids, Teens & Parents
Royal Academy of Arts – Creative Cool
Perfect for arty kids and creative teens. Sketchbooks, art sets, postcards, prints and stylish arty merch that feels grown up but still fun.
Top pick: A pocket sketchbook for kids who doodle everywhere.
Tate Modern – Trendy, Colourful & Design-Led
Think kids’ art books, creative kits, quirky homeware and modern art prints. Great for families with style. The Tate Modern does this so well you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Blavatnik building entrance is the largest of the 3 shops.
Top pick: Tate Kids Art Activity Book – genuinely brilliant creative prompts.
National Portrait Gallery – Faces, Stories & Brilliant Books
Great for thoughtful kids and teens. Art books, portrait-themed gifts, gorgeous stationery and photography goodies are perfect for gifting at the National Portrait Gallery.
Top pick: Kids’ portrait sketching sets – engaging and arty.
Quick Inspiration
For Theatre Kids & Culture Fans
Royal Opera House – Ballet & Theatre Treats
Ballet-mad kids adore the ROH shop: elegant gifts, dance books, miniature ballet shoes, music-themed toys and posters. Parents will spot stunning home items too.
Top pick: Mini ballet shoe keyrings – irresistible.
Shakespeare’s Globe – Bard Fun for the Whole Family
Shakespeare for kids? Absolutely – when it’s this fun. Think comic-style Shakespeare books, quills, play scripts, wooden swords and theatre merch at The Globe shop.
Top pick: “Shakespeare for Everyone” kid-friendly books – brilliant stocking fillers.
Best for Stylish Kids
V&A Museum – Stylish, Eye-Catching Gifts
The V&A shop is a design lover’s treasure trove: jewellery, homeware, fashion accessories and beautiful art-inspired gifts. Kids love the quirky design stationery and craft kits; parents love literally everything else.
Top pick: A design-your-own fashion kit — surprisingly popular with tweens.
Museum of the Home – Cosy, Creative & Lovely
Expect graphic T-shirts that teens will actually wear, colourful decor pieces for their bedrooms, hand-knitted wrist warmers, cosy accessories, candles, books and modern craft kits.
Top pick: A graphic T-shirt or a pair of knitted wrist warmers – ideal for style-confident tweens and teens.
KidRated’s Honourable Mentions
The Crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Compact but full of charm – books, gifts, crafts and London souvenirs, plus lovely handmade items supporting the church’s community.
Top pick: Pocket-money musical instruments (surprisingly good selection).
British Library – Books, Literary Gifts & Story-Lover Treats
The British Library shop is a goldmine for bookworms and young readers: children’s books, illustrated classics, stationery, puzzles, games, tote bags, literary gifts and reading-inspired merch that’s perfect for kids, teens and grown-ups alike.
The Design Museum – cool, creative gifts for everyone
The Design Museum’s shop is a great find for kids, teens and parents who love creativity and cool design. Their range includes trendy T-shirts, tote bags, quirky prints, pencil sets, home-ware, books and accessories — lots of pieces that feel like art and design meets everyday style.
Highlight item: A graphic-design T-shirt or a bold tote bag — practical, stylish and a fun souvenir from the museum.
