Shopping for Christmas presents can often seem like quite a daunting task, especially when you want to make it special for the person/s in question. I usually start searching early and buy a couple of main gifts, before filling the remainder of the stocking with little jokey, or useful (but small) extras. I’ve spotted some great little items on the market so far and wanted to share them with you in a round up post each week. Ranging from £1 to £30, there’s something to suit all budgets. Just stick with me each week and if you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know!
Chi Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil has hit the headlines in recent months, especially in terms of health and nutrition – where it’s highly valued for it’s flavour and benefits. Chi offers a 100% organic virgin coconut oil (500ml) tub which at £9.50 is a great Christmas stocking addition. Added to stir fry’s, curries and puddings, it acts as a fantastic (and much more nutritious) alternative to butter or regular oil and with a strong, yet not sickly flavour – it makes everything taste that little bit extra delicious. An advocate in multi-tasking, this oil doesn’t just add something in the kitchen but in the beauty department too. Renowned for it’s healing properties, this oil is fantastic for fusing together split ends and leaving your hair feel super soft (and smelling good enough to eat). Just a tiny five pence piece serving left on the tips of your hair after conditioning really makes a noticeable difference – and I was impressed by how sleek it left the ends feeling – even after a couple of days. It might not typically be what you’d think to add to a stocking, but if you have any beauty or health fans in the family – this will certainly be a much appreciated gift.
Where to buy: Chi is available online at Amazon, £9.44.
ComplEAT Food Bag
Another rather unusual but very practical gift is the ComplEAT Food Bag, designed and developed in Norway to keep your lunch secure and fresh – but without the added hassle of having to squeeze a large Tupperware into your (rather impractically sized) Mulberry handbag. Available in an assortment of colours (lavender, green, blue, red and yellow), it is made from 100% silicone and can be rolled up/squashed to fit in even the tiniest of handbags. It’s really easy to chuck in the fridge at work, before being cleaned in the dishwasher at home. At €9.95 (it’s bought via a European website – but shipped worldwide) it makes for the perfect stocking staple for those who enjoy cooking – or kitchen accessories!
Where to buy: ComplEAT Foodbag is available online at Unikia, €9.95.
My Midori Hair Chalk
Models Own and Midori melon liquer has teamed up (for the second time) to create another novel beauty idea – a limited edition hair chalk in a vibrant shade of green reflecting the colour of the drink. Inspired by the cocktail (which incorporates lemon and lime too), it’s a really simple and effective product to use – as a means of participating in the pastel hair trend, without the commitment of dying it permanently. It’s easy to brush into blonde or dark hair and washes out with your normal shampoo and conditioner. At £6, it’s a really lovely addition to any beauty lover’s stocking!
Where to buy: Limited Edition My Midori Hair Chalk is available to buy from the Models Own website, £5.99.
Codorníu Classico 20cl
If you’re putting together a stocking for your girlfriend/boyfriend, mother, father or best friend and want to fill it with ‘grown up’ gifts, Codorníu have a lovely mini bottle of bubbles perfect for Christmas. Priced at just £3.49, they make for the perfect stocking filler and with an appealing palette of green apple, honey and citrus – it is versatile in taste and suitable for all preferences.
Where to buy: Available at Tesco, £3.49.
St Kitts Herbery Sample Taster Box
A little bit more pricey than the former stocking fillers, this St Kitts Herbery box is full of sample perfumes ideal for creating your own Christmassy scent. Presented in a lovely black box and including samples of their signature scents such as Rosemary, Colonial, Patchouli, Moonlight and Mist – each sample can be used solo or in conjunction to mix and match yourself a totally unique fragrance. It’s ideal for beauty loving grandmother’s and aunties who seem to have every other product under the sun.
Where to buy: St Kitts Herbery website, £29.95.