Christmas shopping is one of those things that sounds lovely in theory, until you’re staring at a blank notes app trying to remember what your sister mentioned wanting back in August.
I firmly believe the best gifts aren’t necessarily the most expensive or extravagant. They’re the ones that make someone feel known. The little luxuries they’d never quite justify buying themselves, the things that make an ordinary day feel a bit more special, or something that proves you’ve actually been listening.
So, I’ve done a little of the legwork for you. This is the first in a series of Christmas gift guides, starting with beautiful things for her, thoughtful finds for him and gifts for the people who organise their lives around their next meal. Consider it your starting point for a more considered Christmas, with plenty more gifting inspiration to come.
Because luxury is noticing, and Christmas is a rather lovely excuse to show it.
Christmas Gifts for Her
For the women who make your life a little brighter.
For your mum, sister, best friend, girlfriend, or the woman who insists she doesn’t need anything (but absolutely deserves a treat). Consider this a collection of little luxuries, everyday upgrades and things she might have admired but never quite justified buying for herself.
From chic pyjamas and gold jewellery to the sort of slippers that make cancelling plans feel like a perfectly reasonable decision, there’s something here for every kind of woman. Including the one who is notoriously difficult to buy for.
Slumber Leopard Button Down Long Pyjama Set, £52, Cyberjammies at John Lewis
Paradoxe Eau de Parfum, from £75, Prada
Dolce & Gabbana Moka Express Hob Espresso Coffee Maker, £85, Bialetti
Gold Tone Chubby Hoop Earrings, £14, M&S
Nova Hand Woven Small Shoulder Tote, £69.99, Katie Loxton
Archi Animal Print Tassel Scarf Grey, £29, Monsoon
Chubby Oval Small Hoop Earrings, £65, Missoma
Bangle S Gold Watch, £135, Rosefield
No Crying on the Yacht Cap, £32, The Go-To
Borg Corkbed Mule Slippers, £65, The White Company
Soreira Ring, £86, CAINTÈ
Great Escapes Italy - The Hotel Book 45th Ed., £30, Taschen
Great Escapes Mediterranean - The Hotel Book 45th Ed., £30, Taschen
The ‘Still Believe’ Candle, £39, Natural Isle
Fold-Out Mirror Makeup Bag, £24.99, Katie Loxton
Luna Blue/White Stripe Hooded Fleece Dressing Gown, £49, Joules
The Everything Shower Kit, £70, Selfridges
Sheet Mask Bundle, £60, Selfridges
Christmas Gifts for Him
For the men who are notoriously difficult to buy for.
Buying gifts for men can feel like a surprisingly complicated exercise. Particularly when their only contribution to the conversation is that they “don’t really need anything”, which is lovely for them but not especially helpful for the person doing the shopping.
I’ve pulled together a few things that strike the balance between practical and a little indulgent. Think good-quality everyday essentials, things for their hobbies and a few treats they might not think to buy themselves. Whether it’s for your boyfriend, dad, brother or someone else entirely, there’s plenty here worth wrapping up.
Bird Head Toque, £55, Arcteryx
Merino Wool Beanie, £75, GANT
Canvas Watch & Jewellery Box, £30, Stackers
Chimac 3 Really Yummy Sauces Gift Set, £24.99, Sous Chef
Cypress & Grapevine Travel Kit, £128, Jo Malone
T1 EVO Turntable, £359, Pro-Ject at John Lewis
RENPHO Massage Gun, £79.99, Amazon
Series 2 Double Wall Insulated Travel Coffee Cup, £32, Chilly’s at John Lewis
Sling Bag, £53.99, Carhatt
The Woody Opulent Christmas Cracker, £20, Molton Brown
Slim Credit Card Holder, £75, Aspinal of London
Charge 6 Speakers, £129.99, JBL
InGenious Lazy Man Frying Pan, £29.95, Amazon
RippleGlaze Textured Whisky Glass, £24.95, Veverra
Men’s Flannel Large Check Pyjama Bottoms, £55, The White Company
Suede Mule Slippers with Freshfeet™, £42, M&S
Christmas Gifts for Foodies
For the people who believe the kitchen is the heart of the home.
We all know someone who plans their next meal while eating their current one. The person who has strong opinions about olive oil, owns more serving dishes than strictly necessary and considers a trip to the food hall a perfectly acceptable afternoon activity.
This one’s for them. A collection of beautiful things to cook with, eat from, drink out of and proudly put on the table. From excellent pantry staples to delightfully unnecessary prawn forks, because sometimes the best gifts are the things you wouldn’t think to buy yourself, but would be absolutely thrilled to unwrap.
Soup of the Day Large Bowl, £19.95, Anna + Nina
I Love You Tea Mug, £22.95, Anna + Nina
Golden Retriever 1/2 Pint Mug, £25, Emma Bridgewater at John Lewis
Puglian Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Blue Splatter Ceramic Bottle, £34, Sous Chef
Set of 6 Prawn Snacking Forks in a Tin, £15.99, Sous Chef
Black Toast Set Of 2 Crystal Glass Flutes, £90, Emma Bridgewater
The Best of Japan Hamper, £90, Sous Chef
The Cheese Board & Wine Hamper, £90, On The Table
Animal Icon Photo Holder: Dog Edition, £22, Anthropologie
Striped Ceramic ‘Popcorn’ Bowl, £45, Lillian Daph
Cheeseboard ‘Dippy Dinner’ Plate, £55.50, Polly Pots at Holly & Co.
Eden Floral Scalloped Ceramic Serving Platter, £66, Anthropologie
Sirene Shrimp Serving Platter, £59.95, &Klevering at John Lewis
Isla Stainless Steel Butter Dish, £57.99, Victoria Beckham X Westwing
Scribble & Savour Recipe Journal, £29, Papier
Luxe Crystal Wine Carrier, £29.99, Vinari
Olive Tree, £65, The Present Tree
A little inspiration, a few thoughtful finds and hopefully one less name to worry about on your Christmas list.
Until next time,
Kate x