DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR + WARDROBE CONSULTANT
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2022
If you know anything at all about me, you know how much I love Christmas. It's about so much more than just one day of the year – I love how people collectively start to get more excited about the festive season, everyone's sharing their plans, homes are decorated and lit, you get to see your friends for the annual FriendMas celebrations, but one of my favourite things to do is to come up with gifts for everyone in my life.
​
There is no need for it, nobody has ever asked me to do so, but something psychologically happens to me and I turn into my own version of Santa Claus during Christmas. I started a tradition a few years ago and for each friend or family member of mine that moves to the UK from overseas, I get them a chocolate advent calendar to enjoy all through December. It's a very small gesture but is such a nice way to kick off the festive season and just celebrate that Christmas spirit with other people.
​
SO, after two or so years of promising to upload a gift guide, I've finally done it. Keep reading for some gifting ideas for (almost) everyone in your life.
FOR THE NEW HOME-OWNERS
For someone who has just moved into a new home, I wouldn't gift them anything decor-related, unless you know specifically what they want because that's something they can enjoy putting together by themselves. However, you can always contribute towards the little luxuries to celebrate this new chapter with them. The Aesop hand wash and hand cream set is a classic new-home present, however, if you're looking for a more affordable dupe, the Marks and Spencer apothecary range comes very, very close to the original for maybe a quarter of the price. Although if you've got a bigger budget, or you and your friends are pooling in for a gift, the Our Place starter kit bundle is a really good find. Candles are always a safe bet, as are personalised hand towels – you can find some really nice ones here. If you're looking at the Diptyque candles, the best ones in order from divine to my favourite are Baies, Figuier, and Feu de Bois (this one smells like a bonfire).
FOR THE FASHION COLLECTOR
Like with decor-related items – unless someone has specifically sent you a link to a product, or verbally told you they want a particular accessory or piece of clothing; just don't gift someone a fashion product. If you're feeling incredibly generous, get them a gift card to a store you know they like, or better still just give them cash. Trust me when I say, the gift becomes more of an errand if you gift someone something they might not like because then they have to make time to return/exchange it. However, if you are looking for gifts for someone who loves fashion; give them gifts that will prolong the lives of the pieces they already love. I have had a cashmere comb for my knitwear and I use it on everything from wool, to cashmere (of course) and even regular poly-blend items and it works like a charm, they end up looking brand new and last for years. The leather cleaner from Aspinal of London is a great present for someone to use for their leather shoes and bags, and would also make a nice stocking filler. With the same thought in mind, a steamer is a great investment item and a very good way to iron out wrinkles from a variety of fabrics (also something someone might ask for at Christmas). Lastly, a sewing kit is a lovely and inexpensive present for someone whom you know might be wanting to repair and rewear their favourite pieces.
FOR THE CULINARY EXPERT (IN THE MAKING)
Most culinary enthusiasts celebrate this enthusiasm in their homes, cooking elaborate meals for themselves, for friends, and for family. However, it is very rare for them to buy utensils or gadgets specifically to fuel this interest because a lot of the fancy techniques we see on MasterChef can be replicated in a regular home cook's kitchen with a little time, effort and patience. This is where you step in with your thoughtful gift-giving and find them things they wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves, but would love to have in their toolkits. I'm like a kid in a candy store when it comes to pans because I love how a stainless steel pan is really good for searing meat and fish, but a non-stick pan is a joy to use for things with a sauce element. The Always Pan from Our Place is forever on my personal wishlist and has a lot of functions for something as simple as a pan. If you don't want to invest in the standard size, they have the mini and tiny versions, and also a cast-iron version although I think the original version is the safest and most versatile bet. You could also create a little hamper of non-traditional utensils such as a citrus squeezer, a mini whisk (excellent for dressings) a mandolin, a potato masher, or a Microplane (which works wonders for zesting).
​
Another very thoughtful present is a recipe journal, where these chefs could write their own recipes to save and recreate later – bonus points if you share 2-3 of your own treasured recipes before you give them the journal. You could also gift someone a complete collection of spices; it's simple, it's cost-effective and you know they will use it. Visit your local supermarket and grab one of each of the spices on the shelves and wrap them up really nicely in a box or a basket, and the fact that they're all from the same place will feel very fancy. If all else fails – cookbooks will save you, I love ones by Stanley Tucci, Rukmini Iyer, Le Cordon Bleu and Jeremy Lee.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
If you tell me the days between Christmas and New Year don't make you want to stay warm and cosy at home, with the occasional walk in the park... that's fine, but there are some of us who LOVE to stay indoors with four to five books, hopefully, a fire going, and a very comforting cup of hot chocolate. These gift ideas are for those fellow homebodies. The theme is comfort so you can never go wrong with cashmere socks or a cashmere jumper. If you live in a slightly less-cold area, a loungewear set is a great option too. Next up are some tools for a really relaxing soak, and I would immediately go straight for this set from MirrorWater for pre and post-bath. I personally feel particularly introspective during and after the festive season so a sturdy journal and a really cute mug to sip from while having a potential existential crisis is a great gift.
FOR THE FRIEND OF A FRIEND
For all of us there will come a time when we might want to gift something to a friend of a friend or a friend's partner at one of the many Christmas gatherings, and these are my go-to presents for such occasions. You can never go wrong with a monogrammed beanie, a pair of touchscreen-friendly gloves, a pair of earrings, or some of their favourite chocolate. If you know they really like tea or coffee, Fortnum & Masons do some really nice affordable hampers which look very cute in their blue tins, or make it simple and get them gift cards for places you know they like – whether that's Starbucks, a bookstore or a restaurant they've mentioned to you.
FOR THE BEJEWELED KINGS & QUEENS
Who doesn't like to sparkle during and after the holiday season? And as our lord and saviour, Taylor Swift has recently taught us - we can truly make the whole place shimmer. I may (or may not) be addicted to gold jewellery, so I like to think I have a good handle on where to find some of the nicest jewellery gifts. My first and only stop this season is Monica Vinader. If you want to gift something simple but always elegant, I'd pick these Siren Muse Huggies, however, if you're looking for something slightly more dramatic the Nura Cross Over Ring is my absolute favourite and has become an everyday staple for me. Scroll on for some of my other MV faves, and sign up to their newsletter for early access to their Black Friday sale.
THIS MONTH'S READING
Sam is finally putting 7 years of work to use.
