Bedfords

Bedfords is a charitable gift and home store in the middle of Holloway Road, not that you would know it is charity shop on first sight.
They trade in furniture and furnishings which are made by people on the Peter Bedford scheme in their own workshops, as well as selling home accessories, glass and ceramics from other suppliers.
They specialise in Polish glassware (the first thing you see when you enter the shop is a display of handmade, glass wind chimes) and ceramics– there is a whole wall of hand decorated mugs.
The best thing about the shop is the selection of very affordable traditional children’s toys at the back of the shop– marbles, cards, board games and rattles.

I personally think Bedfords is the coolest gift shop around. I had no notion of it’s philanthropic ties until now.
Bedfords sells really cool gifts and stuff for the home for amazing prices.
Some of the stuff here is made by people in the community, some is not. I did not know the skull pencils in the skull pencil container for 1.75 was made by someone trying to better themselves. I just liked the gift.
I love the dishware here and the bath sponge which looks like a burger (a soya burger.hello.) I loved the elbow mouse resting pad.
I liked everything about this place. Nothing is used but the proceeds go towards helping the community and the shop is staffed by people looking to move into retail and the goods are created by people less fortunate.
I just think this store has great stuff. Nice to know it also helps society but the main draw is the gorgeous stuff!