It’s officially December and just a few weeks away from Christmas! I can’t believe how quickly it’s come around again, more so because of the fact that I haven’t done any of my Christmas shopping (oops!). Every year, around this sort of time – I put together a massive Christmas gift guide, filled with some of my best finds for the festive season. Whether you’re looking to treat your grandmother or provide some ideas for your wish list – they’re the items I think you’ll absolutely love. So without further ado…
For grandmothers
Aromatherapy Associates Gifts | link
There’s something so relaxing about Aromatherapy oils, as (for me) even catching a whiff of the scent is enough to chill me out and transport me to an imaginary spa (not quite as good as the real thing, but still). In the past few years I’ve invested in a couple of my favourites and if I’m having a stressfully busy couple of weeks, I spritz them on my pillow before I go to sleep and try and get a bit of an earlier night. It’s a remedy that seems to help even my most stressed out state. So, when looking for gifts for family – it’s nice to have personal experience with something you’ll know they’ll love too. Aromatherapy Associates are the go-to brand for relaxing oils and their festive gifts are absolutely adorable. My favourites are the Relax & Revive (for morning and night) and The Star (which contains a bath and shower oil). They’re packaged so prettily and make great little additions to a pamper package – which could be a really personal and thoughtful gift.
Baylis & Harding Slipper & Pamper Gift Set | link
Everyone loves to treat their grandmothers – and there’s no better treat than a pamper session. This Baylis & Harding gift set contains the fluffiest pair of slippers, a soothing foot lotion and a box of jojoba, silk and almond oil foot soak crystals. It comes packaged in the sparkliest of gift boxes and is a super affordable gift – which looks far more expensive than the actual price tag! Ideal if you’re on a budget but want to make sure every member of the family is treated!
I know in my family, with any female family member – a staple gift each year seems to be a luxuriously soft pashmina. It’s not my thing (if I’m honest) but they do make for amazing gifts and I know they’re always well appreciated due to their versatility. Jules B have an amazing selection of really well made pashminas in an assortment of rich colours – in particular this amazing deep purple shade, which I think my grandmother would absolutely love.
For mums
Murad Beautiful Smooth Skin Gift Set | link
Skincare is always a great place to start searching for gifts when it comes to mums, as both the high street and online marketplace have an amazing array of options. I personally always head over to Murad (both for myself and present wise) as they provide luxurious and great quality products – which are always packaged up beautifully for gifting at this time of year. The Beautiful Smooth Gift Set would be great for sisters, best friends and mothers alike, as it contains three staple favourites which have both anti-aging and incredible hydrating properties. Worth £108 (if all bought separately), the set contains their full size AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, their Rapid Collagen Infusion and their renowned Invisiblur Perfecting Shield (which is fab under foundation for a protective SPF and to work as a blurring primer).
Willow and Honey Soy Fig & Cassis Candle | link
Candles are another great gifting option (especially if you’re buying for the person who seemingly has everything) and a favourite go-to of mine of late is Willow & Honey (who feature again further down). With a fabulous assortment of options, the 100% natural soy wax really holds the intensity of the scented oils for a lengthy period (rather than dulling down quickly) so they make for great home fragrances (always appreciated). The Fig & Cassis is a very subtle but warm scent, perfect for the festive period – which permeates through whatever room its situated in almost instantaneously. It has quite a fruity base (a little reminiscent of mulled wine) with some juniper berry notes running through. Worth mentioning also is the unique wooden wick which runs through the middle – meaning it softly crackles as it burns – so even if your giftee don’t have an open fire, this can add to the cosy, homely feel!
Kerstin Florian Caviar Collection | link
Caviar is a word commonly associated with luxury and indulgence – so to have it as a base ingredient for a range of skincare is pretty unique but similarly, very intriguing. Similar to our own skin cell format – with protein, water, lipids and minerals – it acts as a superb skin regenerator and stimulates the production of collagen. Kerstin Florian have developed an entire product line with the specific ‘superfood’ and have it packaged up and ready for the festive season within their ‘Travel Collection’ in a chic white box. It makes for a great gift for mothers and grandmothers alike, especially if they’re at a loss with their skincare and are looking for a really effective and luxurious solution.
For sisters & best friends
Nicky Clarke desiRED Ceramic Straightener | link
Hair stylers in general make for a great gift option, however if you’re looking for something specifically festive – then Nicky Clarke have an amazing selection of heated tools – all decked out in a glitzy red covering. As one of the more popular brands when it comes to hair stylers, Nicky Clarke have recently updated their range to infuse each product’s ceramic plates with Moroccan Oil and Black Pearl, which sound a bit like fads – but actually ensure that the final result is much smoother and less fly-away (gone are the days of those straw-like static ends). The streamline shape of the straighteners mean that you can create both sleek styles and use them for curling and waving – each achieving a glossy finish. What more could you ask for?
The Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Company | link
I’m almost 98% sure that if you asked any girl what her favourite meal consisted of, it may involve pizza or chocolate. Or potentially both. I know that for many of my friends anyway, that’s true. So imagine if you could find a gift that tied those two treats together – for one ultimate present? Luckily, I’ve done just that! The Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Company specialise in making pizza shaped pure milk chocolate, topped with sweet treats. Depending on their preferences (and love for chocolate I suppose), you can either opt for the mini trio of pizzas or the large full sized version – which also comes in a Salted Caramel flavour (insert heart-eyed emoji). Some of the topping options I’ve chosen to gift this Christmas include jelly beans, puffed rice, rainbow drops, white chocolate curls, brownie biscuit and vanilla fudge.
Willow and Honey Sox Wax Candles | link
Candles, as I said before – make for a fabulous gift idea, as often they’re the kind of thing that people look over buying for themselves but actually really love. Willow and Honey have been a go-to site for me when it comes to present ideas this festive season – as they have a great assortment of different scents to suit all ages (and tastes). While I opted for a fruity, spicy scent for the ‘mothers’ tab, I think younger generations prefer something slightly more adventurous (although still subtle enough that you’ll have an entire room smelling like it). The Himalyan Cedar & Jasmine scent is a great option, as it’s quite an exotic blend of floral and fruity – housed in a chic white frosted glass container and steel lid (fitting in with any Instagram worthy monochrome interiors). I also think the Black Pomegranate scent (in a black container) is a fab option for something slightly spicier and warmer.
If you’re buying for the friend (or sister) that is always out somewhere exciting, partying the night away – then a candle or a sweet treat probably won’t suffice. Instead, I’d recommend a Peony & Moore clutch – which still makes for a wonderful gift (the brand is a luxury leather designer) however it’s both affordable and a sure-fire appreciated present. The Lily is a classic design with a slightly patent leather exterior and cotton lining – meaning it will go with any outfit (are we all planning our New Year’s Eve attires already?) for both a day-time or evening look. There’s a secure zip pocket for keys/phone (I’m sure we can all vouch for how handy this is) and it’s the perfect size for your iPad’s/Kindles so it doubles up as a protective bag for your devices too. Amazing!
For dads
Chocolate is a pretty universal gift (and always well appreciated) when it comes to parents, however if you want to present something that is a little more unique than a box of truffles – the Schokolat site is where you’ll want to cast your eyes. Not only do they offer amazingly realistic (their tagline is ‘I can’t believe it’s chocolate’ – and it’s totally true) DIY tools but an assortment of other objects too, including keys, paintbrushes and cosmetics!
Accent 5 in 1 Grooming Set | link
Grooming sets are another much appreciated gift when it comes to men, as they tend not to buy it themselves (or know where to even start looking). Accent offer a really great (and affordable) cordless trimmer with a shaver attachment, 3 precision trimmers (for detailed styling, apparently) and a comb. It looks rather sleek – with a black and silver exterior – and all comes packaged in a handy caddy – so it can stay neat and tidy on the bathroom shelf.
For boyfriends
Daily Greatness Business Planner | link
If your other half is an aspiring entrepreneur then this is the ideal gift for them. Full to the brim with business advice, handy weekly priority planners, monthly check-ins/review pages and diary inserts, it allows the user to actively manage their time, review what’s going right (or not so right) and plan ahead. It’s a smart personal organiser x1000.
Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Groomer | link
Again, you can’t go wrong with a grooming gift – and Wilkinson Sword offer a really affordable but stylish solution. Consisting of a hydro 5 groomer handle, blade cartridge, battery, shaving soap, shaving brush and grooming guide – it contains everything he could possibly need for a clean, smart shave – neatly packaged in a monochrome box.
For kids
Uni Unicorn Ambient Light by SMOKO | link
If you’re keen to get the child you’re buying for a non-disney/commercialised/movie related gift then there a tonne of amazing options out there on independent sites. One thing I came across that I just know my 8-year-old sister would LOVE is this Unicorn lamp, which can be used as a night light or desk illuminator. Wireless (so you’ll need batteries instead), he can be taken away on holidays and sleepovers and sits pretty on any window sill or dressing table.
Bio Synergy Fruit Infuser | link
This might seem like a strange suggestion for a kids gift but seeing as it’s very difficult to get young people to eat fruit these days, this infuser is a really fun and interactive way to do so. Essentially, you make drinking water more flavoursome by adding fruit into the middle tube – which gently flavours the water and absorbs the nutrients. They’re great if you don’t enjoy drinking plain water (or know someone that doesn’t like it either) and at just £14.99, make a fab gift!
The Snowman remains a festive favourite for many – and for me as a child, seeing him was the epitome of the Christmas period. Wrapped in his renowned green scarf and hat, he will make for the perfect festive companion!
If the Snowman is a little too tame for your giftee, then perhaps Tristin the T-Rex is the present you’re looking for instead. Sitting at 31cm tall, he has a green corduroy body and rather ferocious looking teeth. But I’ve been told he’s quite friendly and would make for the perfect bed guard!
What’s on your Christmas list this festive season? Do you think any of the suggestions above would be appreciated in your household?
