Heals and Habitat.
They’re certainly close to the Brompton. Heals has all sorts of quirky gifts. And some very glossy coffee table books. And some rather flashy kitchen utensils. There is more of the same at Habitat - Heals’ sister shop. Perhaps there are some eccentric light fixtures that would brighten up a teenage girl’s bedroom? Certainly worth a try. And for budding fashionistas, there are designer cuddly toys.

Fresh Line. A freshly made cosmetics shop that is less overpoweringly smelly than Lush. And less commercialised. Which is probably why it seems to be in the process of shutting down. If it’s still there (near to McDonald’s), there may even be some clearance bargains to pick up.

Octopus. A crazy, kitsch-fest of a shop, where highlights include ladybird computer mice and shopping bags made of food wrappers. There are a few of these shops around now, but it’s worth exploring for an eccentric present.

The Holding Company. This is down The King’s Road to the right as you leave Sydney Street and the Brompton Hospital. If you like boxes, it’s your place. Perhaps you could hide a less-than spectacular gift in a spectacular box?

Peter Jones. Never knowingly undersold, apparently. The trick is to look in the windows of the nearby branches of Tiffany’s and Gieves and Hawkes, then actually do your shopping in this John Lewis branch.