If you’re after some gift inspiration in the run-up to the festive season, then look no further. We’ve pulled together a list of ideas – the luxury, the functional, the romantic, the stocking filler – to help avoid the pre-Christmas stress. For ideas on what to get the little ones this Christmas then check out our separate Kids Guide.
For the coffee lover – MELITTA Coffee machine
Christmas can be tiring, and for all you coffee enthusiasts, The Melitta AromaFresh II Therm Pro Filter Coffee Machine is a game-changer. This sleek bean-to-cup filter coffee maker effortlessly brews a rich, flavourful cup of coffee. With a 10-cup capacity, it’s perfect for one cup in the morning before work and also for a full house at Christmas.
One of its standout features is the built-in, adjustable ceramic grinder, allowing you to use fresh coffee beans. The stainless steel thermal carafe keeps your coffee hot for hours without the need for a hotplate, preserving the flavour of your beans and meaning no more burnt coffee.
I found the interface and setting really let me fine-tune my brew to match my taste preferences. The household favourite was the timer function which ensures you wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee every morning. The filter is dishwasher safe, and the rest of the removable parts are easy to clean, there’s even an integrated descaling program – they’ve thought of everything.
A perfect gift for the coffee connoisseur in your life! melitta.co.uk
For the forgetful – Chipolo item finders
A small, simple and oh-so-handy piece of kit – you’ll never buy someone something that’ll be more used… These mini trackers link up to your phone by Bluetooth and, via an easy-to-navigate app, allow you to locate the thumbprint-sized disk by map (if you’ve left your keys, say, somewhere further from home) or by sound, by asking it to trigger an alarm or ringer (it bypasses silent mode, thankfully).
The Chipolo comes also as a credit card-shaped tracker, for those constant wallet mislay-ers. But it’s the coin-sized key ring that’s done it for me, that’s been pretty transformative in my day-to-day organisation. This past weekend alone, I used it twice to track my keys (lost deep in a backpack and, more seriously, locating the car keys dropped in a field).
Even more handy is its two-way function whereby you can ding your phone by pressing down on the keyring’s imprinted button, when it’s your mobile that’s hiding from you. chipolo.net
For everyone – APS skincare
Skincare essentials for everyone… I can’t imagine anyone, even the most stubborn, skin-care-and-cosmetics-defying man (you know the kind!), who wouldn’t feel the benefits of these pea-sized capsules of hyaluronic ceramide serum that pack a hydrating punch.
I chucked a few in my travel bag for the long haul I took, to rehydrate thirsty skin mid-flight, taking up no space at all in my usually packed placcy bag of liquids under 100ml in hand luggage (and I won’t be travelling without them again!). The super smooth serum glides over the skin, non-sticky and unscented, and will sit comfortably on the skin (like a mask) overnight for ultimate hydration.
The silken serum comes in tiny, squidgy pearl casings (skin benefits aside, these are so satisfying to use – think Body Shop pearlescent balls of bubble bath from way back when, but an adult version…). Twist the neck of these biodegradable pods to squeeze the perfectly portioned serum out between the thumb and forefinger, and smooth over skin.
Complete the gift with a Supercell Matrix bio-cellulose face mask – you know, the ghoulish paper-like sheet masks with holes for eyes and mouth that everyone seems to have got into this year. Perfect post-flight (or mid-flight if you can cast off the funny looks), post-party, or just at the end of a long week for a full-face hydro boost. aestheticallyperfectskin.com
For the best in hair – Philip Kingsley
Now I’d heard on the grapevine how transformative Philip Kingsley hair products are, but I never felt like splashing out on myself (though I have gifted it to friends in times of hair-y (postpartum, stressed, sick). It’s always gone down very well… And now they come in fun gift boxes with retro-style designs, targeting a variety of hair concerns or types.
One of these boxes is the perfect gift for anyone, well, with hair (especially long). And now I’ve tried it myself… I might just be treating myself on the regular. But back to the Christmas gift guide… Mega volume, super strength, megawatt shine, assess their hair and buy the correcting kit. The Moisture Balancing Collection is making sure my hair is looking its absolute best this Christmas, and there’s not a product in the bundle I won’t be replacing once it’s finished. philipkingsley.co.uk
For the skier – VALLON Eyewear
Have a skier in your life? Check out this luxury eyewear brand that’s got its product list sorted; Just a handful of classic styles to choose from, including the Aviators and the Waylons. VALLON has even got the bang-on-trend Heron Glacier model sunglasses with leather shields, great for side-glare protection and great looking, and bend-to-fit adjustable arms for every shaped head. Then again, you can’t go wrong with a pair of ski goggles for the mountain man or woman in your life – VALLON has a range with a variety of lenses, frames and straps. www.vallon.com
For the ‘I’m taking up yoga everyday’ New Year’s resolution maker – Liforme Yoga Mat
Top-end rubber(-like) yoga mats that are slip-free (for when downward dogs get sweaty), heavyweight (so they don’t roll up on you mid-practice) and, importantly, good-looking. I can’t think of anyone in my life who couldn’t do with one of these – though at £100 upwards, I’ll be selective about who…
Ideal for any kind of at-home workout, or perhaps just to sunbathe in the park… It also comes with a handy carry strap for transporting to and from class (or grass). The quality is second to none, and you’d be well appreciated – trust, it won’t go unnoticed – for splashing out on the best mat on the market. Best of all, Liforme (B Corp certified) mats are biodegradable, non-toxic and PVC-free. Good for the giftee, and good for the planet. liforme.com
For the keeps – Scarves by Basma Design
These oh-so-beautiful scarves will be kept forever, a thoughtful gift to be treasured, brought out winter after winter. With 90% lambswool and 10% cashmere composition, this jacquard weave scarf in cobalt and off-white is pure luxury. Crafted in Scotland, these scarves’ designs are of original artworks translated into textiles – absolutely wearable art. You might just win Christmas with this one… basmadesign.com
For the comfort seeker – Lovall loungewear
This one’s for gifting the ladies in your life – the softest of soft loungewear that doesn’t break the bank. Has anyone else noticed that gym and yoga gear prices have gone through the roof? Well, not at Lovall, which loses none of the quality whilst offering affordable sets in simple styles. Have someone in your life that’s always cold? Try the ultra-insulated fleece-lined leggings that keep the cold at bay whilst still managing to look chic. Match it with a cable knit jumper, or a matching hoodie, and chuck in a silky soft, sloppy lounge set for yourself for all the TV time at Christmas. lovall.com
For the cashmere queen (we all know one!) – Valentina Karellas
As winter’s chill descends, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a pair of Valentina Karella gloves. These handcrafted creations are super sustainable, zero waste and made in London.
Handwoven with care and precision, Valentina rescues surplus yarn from large factories that would have gone to waste and use it to make her unique pieces. ‘Every piece has a story and every item is named after an obscure London road’. This is why no two garments will ever look the same, making these the ultimate one-of-a-kind Christmas gift idea.
The mittens themselves are super soft, light, stylish and feel very well made. I loved the contrast of the orange-coloured piping and as they are fingerless they leave you free to tap away at your phone! For those seeking both warmth and elegance, Valentina Karella gloves are the ultimate winter indulgence. valentinakarellas.com
For the refined friend – Luxury personalised leather accessories from Noble Macmillan
Nothing tells someone you’ve been thinking of them better than a personalised special something – and Noble Macmillan has you covered, whatever that someone’s character. Leather backgammon sets, card holders, photo frames, bound diaries and notebooks, handbags, jewellery boxes (the list goes on), all available in bright colours, with brilliantly clashing lining. Embossed gold initials complete every item. I’d recommend the Chelsea Pouch for her, which fits a phone and lipstick (with a detachable wrist strap) for evenings out, or for keeping jewellery safe while travelling in its silky soft interior. noblemacmillan.com
For the homebody – FitFLop
Game-changers since they entered the scene in 2007 with their first-ever sandal. Every FitFlop product is biomechanically engineered, which means it’s designed to complement your body structure, joint alignment and natural movement. Since its launch in 2007, they have gone on to create a multitude of shoes from boots to wedges, slippers to wellies.
We think the SHUV Leather Clogs are perfect as a Christmas gift for that loved one who likes nothing better than to wrap up and sofa surf come the festive period. Carefully fashioned from a minimal single-piece leather upper on top of FItFlop triple-density Microwobbleboard™ midsoles that are biomechanically engineered for pressure-diffusion, impact reduction, and all-day cushioning they can be worn inside or out so you can go from the sofa to the shops to stock up on the mince pies. fitflop.com
For the stocking – Byrae Jewellery
Gold huggie hoops – you really can’t go wrong with a set of gold-plated hoops if you want to play it safe. A safe bet hoops might be but you can go nuts personalising your choice with dozens to pick from with By Rae Jewellery. And it’s not just small hoops, but large too, crystal-encrusted, with charms. And that’s before you’ve got to the gold chains, bracelets and beaded necklaces that, best of all, won’t break the bank. By Rae is understated, everyday jewellery that’s sure to be a hit. byraejewellery.co.uk
For his stocking – Fleet London boxers
Please the man in your life this Christmas with boxers from Fleet London’s collection in sustainable Indian cotton. With a slimmer fit, and embroidered salmon logo, there’s a good selection of colours, including a Christmas red. fleetlondon.co.uk
For those in need – Satisfyer Pro Penguin
Combining Satisfyer’s revolutionary Air Pulse Technology with a cute penguin design – what else? – this ergonomically shaped clitoral vibrator includes 11 levels of intensity, using air pulses to stimulate without direct contact. The result? Intense pressure waves. The penguin comes dressed for the date – in a bow tie or, Christmas-style, wearing a Santa hat. It’s quiet and waterproof, so you can take it into the bath or shower, and is subtle in look, making it ideal for travel. satisfyer.com
