Christmas Gift Guide
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By Sara Darling
Advent calendars are in full swing, and mulled wine is on every pub menu, and although I never get a tree, I’m beginning to feel a tad festive!
With just two weeks to go, it also means that I have the challenge of getting gifts for my ever increasing family and friend circle! Don’t get me wrong, I love gifting but I am also a perfectionist so I want to get something that someone will love, rather than the fake kisses and exclamations of adoration, when in reality it’s stuffed in a drawer and within a week, it's forgotten. Within a month, it's on eBay or off to the charity shop. Worse, it just ends up in a landfill.
Realistically, huge sums of money are wasted every year on gifts that nobody really wants, so this year, I want to make sure that my pressies are gifts for life, and not just for the wow factor or give me Brownie points for looking virtuous.
In assessing what to buy others, I’ve realised I’m not actually that great at receiving gifts; I have narrowed down to the fact that often the token has nothing to do with my lifestyle (books on baking when I don’t even own an oven glove!), items that aren’t useful (a bird feeder when I don’t have a garden), poor quality or novelty items which are basically not going to last, or generic candles!
When we give gifts we are mostly thinking about 'the moment' in which we hand it over. I love an “ooh” and “aaah” as much as anyone, so hopefully these gifts will inspire you to get a gift that will make someone grin- or perhaps inspire you with doorstop size suggestions for yourself!
Whether it's a good 'consumable' like a decent bottle of wine or a box of chocolates, or something personalised like a passport cover or their initials on a necklace, or a practical gift like luxury bedding which will always be useful. There is something out there to show everyone you care. You just need to know where to look!
Liforme
If yoga is good for the mind, having a fabulous yoga mat is good for the spirit. Liforme yoga mats are totally customisable and you can transform someone’s Downward Dog by snapping up something meaningful.
Permission to be f*cking happy, by Sarah Anne Miller
Do you know someone who is stuck in a rut? Permission to be f*cking happy, by Sarah Anne Miller is an inspirational part memoir, part self-help book which lifts the lid on self-procrastination, and has lots of practical advice and checklists. This inspiring read will get you out of your rut, you just have to be true to yourself and you can change your life for the better. Available online from Amazon in both Kindle and paperback.
Milk Tooth LDN
Earring lovers will go gaga over the collection at Milk Tooth LDN which have been spotted on celebs such as Alexa Chung, Callie Thorp, Munroe Bergdorf and Tavi Gevinson. It was hard to pick just one pair, so enjoy browsing the eclectic styles which include reclaimed vintage pairs alongside unique original designs. My current faves are the Cosmo Statement Earrings from the Sphere Collection which is the perfect amount of funky bling for NYE.
HADES
Cult knitwear brand HADES, owned by sisters Cassie and Isabel, has so many inspiring gift options for an eco-conscious fashion warrior. Spotted on the likes of Florence Pugh, Hayley Williams, Chloe Sevigny and Daisy Edgar Jones, the jumpers and scarves are handcrafted in Hawick, Scotland, England and Spain. I’m a huge Bowie fan so I need this Hunky Dory vest in my life, and are investment pieces that will last a lifetime.
WOLF & BADGER
We’ve got at least three months of the cold stuff, so everyone needs a bobble hat! My current fave is this gorgeous cashmere option with a faux fur pom pom from Wolf & Badger.
DOWER & HALL
If in doubt, jewellery is always a safe bet, and I’m in love with this engravable Small True North necklace from Dower & Hall. Available in gold and silver in two lengths, I’d quite like one of each. Please!
NUDEA
You can never have too much underwear, and your lucky recipient can enjoy your pick of ethical undies from Nudea. It may be a little cliche, but gifting smalls is a great practical pressie which will keep on giving all year round! I love this seamless bralette and brief set in Rose Pink which without any wires guarantees all day comfort.
SERENE BODY
Don’t know what perfume to gift? The selection of roll on scents from sustainable outlet Serene Body are designed with essential oils and focus on rest, relaxation, lifting or grounding. All have a subtle but long lasting scent and the bottles can easily fit in your handbag and your hand luggage.
Nearly new cashmere
Buying cashmere is always a quality gift, and Nearly New Cashmere is a revolutionary enterprise that restores and recycles discarded 100% cashmere. Alison Orr established the brand in 2015 and you can snap up an original item from the brand’s collection of restored cashmere, which is good for you and the environment.
Chatty feet
Have a man to buy for and don’t know where to start? Head to Chatty Feet on the UAL site, and snap up their statement socks in a box. I know all the chaps in my life would be happy if their toes were encased in Vincent Van Toe! Or if you need to buy something a little less exuberant, get a personalised pair from classic sock suppliers, Burlington.
Don’t know their favourite author? Opt for a picture book instead. Film fans will be bewitched for hours with the deluxe coffee table tome, Film Noir Portraits. Including previously unseen images and unpublished outtakes, this is an exquisite collection of the very best portrait photography of the Film Noir era. A collaboration between Paul Duncan and Tony Nourmand, two of the UK’s most renowned experts on film noir and film art, it is published by Reel Art Press.
Dagsmejan
Keep the traditionalists happy with a pair of pyjamas. Dagsmejan are the hottest label on the night scene at the moment, and they have a range of sleepwear which is designed to keep you cool or snug. Choose from the extensive range here.
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Dr paw paw
DR PAW PAW ointment is a great stocking filler gift for a teenager or an essential item for your sister. This Christmas it has launched a festive 97% natural shimmer balm that uses eco foil and is 100% recyclable. Partnering with Teenage Cancer Trust, 15p from each sale is donated to the charity, and this multipurpose product is a handbag essential that can be used on lips, eyes or a cheeky cheeks highlighter!
Teenage cousins are a tricky nut to crack! What to buy without breaking the bank, but showing that you care? This Lyla bracelet from boho brand Pineapple Island is eco-friendly and subtle enough to wear every day.
BIG POTATO GAMES
Need to buy something for a whole family? This Shoot for the Stars from Big Potato Games is a family trivia board game for kids and adults where all the answers are numbers! With fun questions on everything from hot dogs to Harry Potter, all you have to do is aim for the ballpark figure, without going over, and you might be surprised by what you learn!
Cartwright & Butler
Fed up of mince pies and After Eights? Treat a foodie in your life to Cartwright & Butler’s Merry Treat-mas gift tin, which is filled with an array of festive delights that are guaranteed to fill you with festive cheer. From Mulled Wine Spice Bags to Finest English breakfast tea, to boozy whisky fudge and irresistibly spicy Winter Shortbread rounds, it takes Christmas treats to another level; and with a reusable tin, you can be remembered all year round.
PACT COFFEE
Life’s too short for bad coffee, which is why I am addicted to Pact coffee grounds. With a spectacular choice of blends, you may want to get them a starter pack, but I am personally obsessed with the Christmas coffee.
BONE IDYLL
Finally, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of your pal’s favourite booze. Whether they like vodka tonics, classic Baileys or Espresso Martinis, pick up a traditional Christmas tipple such as this Ciroc or Bone Idyll premixed martini that will get the party started over the holiday season.