The tailor-made service 

Kate Lauer finds perfect presents thanks to a canny personal shopper

Having never bought an antique before and with a modest, clubbed-together budget of £75 for my friend's 30th birthday present, I'm feeling rather wet behind the ears and in need of guidance as I enter Alfies Antique Market - a mind-boggling maze that is home to 75 dealers selling everything from 19th-century ceramics to funky 1950s furniture.

I'm here to test its new personal shopper service - a free facility for anyone who would like advice and help with buying antiques, whether their budget is just £5 or £5000. I've already spoken to my guide, Sarah Caverhill, on the phone. I mumbled something vague about birthday presents, vintage handbags and jewellery. On arrival, I find that she's already spoken to some of the dealers and picked out some suggestions for me.

At first the choice is overwhelming, but with Sarah to hold my hand as I swoon over sparkly trinkets and pose in vintage hats, my search finds a focus, and I begin to enjoy myself- Sarah introduces me to the relevant dealers, and helps me negotiate a price - something I'd be too shy to do on my own. Using this service is a great way to shop, and a history lesson at the same time, as the dealers are friendly and happy to share their knowledge. As a result, I'm now fully clued up on the evolution of the Thermos flask and the interior designers' colour du jour (lilac, if you were wondering).

After a fabulous half hour of trying on necklaces of every style and shade, I feel very Breakfast at Tiffany's, and it looks like my jewellery box is going to benefit as well as my friend's. We finish off with a debrief at Alfies' sunny roof cafe, where Sarah takes me through a list of the pieces that have caught my eye. I finally decide upon a chic 1930s Deco necklace for my friend's birthday, and a smart 1950s diamante choker for me.

Thanks to my personal shopper's well-informed knowledge and friendly advice, my first experience of buying antiques couldn't have run more smoothly. I've come away with a beautiful, unique present that's full of history, and I can't wait to see my friend tear open her birthday package.

BEST FOR: Novices who aren't sure where to start and those who would like to narrow down the search in advance of a visit.

CONTACT: Alfies Antique Market, 13-25 Church Street, London NWS {020 7723 6066; alfiesantiques.com) and sister market Grays, 58 Davies Street, London Wl (020 7629 7034; graysantiques.com), both offer a personal shopper service. By appointment only - call 020 7725 9601 for more details