No boring gifts here, thank you very much!
Welcome to my MEGA Christmas Gift Guide. I've done the hard work so you don't have to, and I've pulled together a rather fabulous collection of presents for absolutely everyone on your list. From the person who has everything to the friend who is impossible to buy for, the beauty obsessive, the interiors lover, the dog (obviously) and those slightly awkward Secret Santa situations.
Expect a little bit of luxury, some wonderfully ridiculous finds, brilliant beauty buys, gorgeous homeware and a few things you probably didn't even know existed. I've included gifts for all budgets, from little stocking fillers to the really rather special.
My golden rule? No generic shower sets, no last-minute panic buys and absolutely no boring presents. These are the things I'd genuinely love to give (and quite a few I'd happily keep for myself).
So, grab a glass of something festive, get comfy and let's get gifting. You're welcome!
Secret Santa:
Scratch Cards | £10
Because who doesn't love the possibility of becoming a millionaire for a tenner? A little bit of festive gambling, a little bit of excitement and, if you're lucky, the best Secret Santa present ever. Just don't expect a cut of the winnings!
Local Coffee Shop Voucher | £10
A lovely little treat that feels much more thoughtful than another novelty mug. Pick their favourite independent coffee shop and give them an excuse to pop in for a flat white and a pastry on you. Supporting local businesses while making someone's morning. Win-win!
Because apparently even going for a wee can now be an immersive experience. This motion-activated little gadget turns your loo into a mini disco, lighting up in eight different colours whenever you enter. Completely unnecessary, utterly brilliant and exactly the sort of Secret Santa gift that everyone will want to steal.
Homeware Gift Idea:
Lucy Mahon
Lucy has been one of my favourite artists for years. I have many of her pieces in my home and have gifted many to friends. I love her style and her messaging. The perfect gift in my opinion.
For the person who loves a beautifully considered kitchen. These are the sort of everyday essentials that look wonderful left out on the worktop. A proper investment in something useful, rather than another decorative thing that ends up in a cupboard. Oh, and it’s a family-run business with skills that have been passed down through the generations.
A little bit kitsch, a little bit fabulous and very much my kind of home accessory. This gorgeous amber glass lamp with its fringed shade is guaranteed to add instant personality to a room and make a brilliant gift for anyone who likes their interiors with a bit of fun.
House of Hackney Saber Large Velvet Cushion | £245
Coffee Table Books:
For anyone who is as obsessed with fragrance as I am, this is a lovely one.And, on top of that, it is written by my beautiful, talented friend, Alice. Perfume is so much more than just smelling nice; it's memory, emotion and personality all bottled up. A beautiful book to dip in and out of and a rather lovely addition to a coffee table.
If there’s one woman I trust implicitly on all things beauty, it’s my wonderful friend Jo Fairley. The Beauty Bible: The Iconic Edition is the ultimate beauty lover’s handbook, packed with brilliant advice, honest recommendations and years of beauty wisdom. Jo and Sarah have an incredible knack for cutting through the noise and knowing what’s genuinely worth your time and money. A proper beauty bible (quite literally!) and an absolute must for anyone who loves a good beauty read. One to keep on the coffee table and dip into time and time again.
If there's one person I trust to tell me what my skin actually needs, it's Caroline. This is a brilliant gift for anyone who wants to understand their skin a little better and get their skincare routine working harder. Consider it an education for your bathroom shelf.
Face Paint by the brilliant Lisa Eldridge is one of those books every makeup lover should own. Lisa has been a friend and an inspiration to me for years, and her knowledge, passion and sheer talent for all things makeup is second to none. This is a fascinating journey through the history of makeup, from ancient beauty rituals to the products and trends that have shaped the industry we know today. Beautifully written and stunningly illustrated, it’s part history lesson, part love letter to makeup and an absolute must-have for any beauty obsessive.
David Yarrow - Photography: Americas Africa Antarctica Arctic Asia Europe | £100
This David Yarrow book is an absolute showstopper. David is an extraordinary photographer and someone I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with many times over the years. His ability to capture the beauty, drama and raw emotion of the natural world is quite something. In fact, one of my own shoots with David features in this very book, which makes it even more special to me. A seriously beautiful coffee-table book, full of breathtaking imagery, and a rather brilliant gift for anyone who appreciates photography, art and a little bit of escapism.
For the fashion lover who appreciates a little drama. Schiaparelli is the ultimate combination of artistry, imagination and extraordinary fashion, and this is a gorgeous way to celebrate one of the most exciting names in couture. A proper coffee table statement.
For the person who would happily book a flight to Paris at the drop of a hat. (i.e., me!) This is proper coffee-table-book territory: beautifully produced, seriously chic and packed with the kind of photography that makes you want to pour a glass of champs and start planning your next French escape.
For the person who believes you can never have too many shoes (meeee!) This gorgeous coffee-table book celebrates some of fashion’s most iconic footwear, from legendary heels to instantly recognisable designs. A brilliant present for any fashion obsessive, and one that looks bloody good left out on the coffee table.
A candle, but with a very clever twist. Pott’s beautiful ceramic vessels can be refilled once you’ve finished the candle, so you’re not just buying another pretty pot destined for the recycling bin. Chic, practical and much more interesting than your standard candle, plus, who doesn’t love a gift that keeps on giving?
Meadow Farm’s Smoked Honey & Orange is a little gem. Think bergamot, orange blossom and ylang-ylang, with delicious honey notes and just a hint of smoky amber. It’s warm, uplifting and wonderfully sophisticated without being overpowering. Made in Yorkshire using eco-friendly soy wax, with the most gorgeous fragrance throw, it’s one of those gifts that makes someone's home feel instantly more inviting.
If you love a candle with a really gorgeous, enveloping scent, the Warmth Candle from Scotts Lifestyle is a little beauty. Think rich, indulgent chocolate with a burst of zesty mandarin, orange and bergamot, softened by warm amber and lavender. Almost like a hot chocolate with a little citrus twist. Hand-poured in Leicestershire, with around 40 hours of burn time, it’s the perfect candle for making your home smell like the loveliest place in the world. And at £24, a rather brilliant gift.
For something a little more grown-up and wonderfully atmospheric, you can't go wrong with True Grace's Library Classic Candle. This is not your usual sweet, floral candle; it's rich, smoky and wonderfully woody, with notes of cade oil, fir balsam and birch, settling into a gorgeous base of amber, wood and moss. Think old leather-bound books, polished antique furniture and a roaring fire in a rather fabulous country house.
Bath Essentials:
Well, I couldn't possibly write a gift guide without sneaking in a little more Velvet Smoke! Our Filthy Rose Bath Soak is the ultimate gift for anyone who takes their bath time seriously (as I most certainly do). Created in collaboration with the brilliant Soapsmith, it's packed with gorgeous, skin-loving ingredients including sea salt and coconut milk to leave your skin feeling silky soft and beautifully nourished. But the real magic is the scent. Think damson rose, saffron, tobacco, amyris and black pepper. It's a wonderfully sexy, smoky, slightly spicy take on rose that lingers on your skin long after you've climbed out of the bath. Just add two or three scoops to running water, pour yourself something lovely, dim the lights and prepare for a bit of unapologetic indulgence. Yes, I'm biased, but she's a beauty!
For the person who considers a bath an event rather than a means of getting clean. A gorgeous soak is one of my favourite little luxuries and this is exactly the sort of thing that makes an ordinary Sunday evening feel a lot more decadent.
One of those classic beauty gifts that always feels luxurious. Frangipani oil smells absolutely gorgeous, it’s actually my fave Elemis scent, and it leaves skin feeling soft, nourished and beautifully scented. If you’re buying for someone who loves a good body oil, you really can’t go far wrong.
I’m a big fan of GROVE England, a beautiful British fragrance and body brand created by award-winning interior designer Laura Butler-Madden. The whole brand feels incredibly considered, combining fine fragrance with natural botanicals and gorgeous, understated packaging. The Anemone Bath Oil is a particular favourite, with its soft white-floral scent and nourishing blend of rosehip, raspberry seed, oat and evening primrose oils.
Beauty Gifts £20 and Under:
A little festive pick-me-up for anyone who feels like they could do with an extra hour in bed! This set of five deliciously scented under-eye masks is perfect for a pre-party pamper or a Sunday sofa session. Packed with caffeine to brighten, marshmallow root to soothe and cocoa butter to hydrate, they're just the ticket for tired eyes. A lovely little stocking filler.
For the skincare obsessives, these Korean beauty favourites are a brilliant addition to any routine. The dual-textured pads combine 4.5% lactic acid and 0.4% salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, help unclog pores and tackle excess oil. There's also hyaluronic acid, allantoin and panthenol to help hydrate and soothe. Think smoother, clearer-looking skin without having to spend hours in front of the bathroom mirror.
A little holiday in a bottle! This duo includes a body wash and body lotion, both with the most deliciously warm, tropical scent of mandarin, creamy coconut, jasmine, sandalwood and caramel. Enriched with aloe vera, agave extract and ashwagandha, it's a lovely way to bring a little sunshine into your everyday shower routine. I mean, who wouldn't want to smell like they've just stepped off a Caribbean beach?
You know I'm never going to say no to a bit of blush, and this little Kosas beauty is a particularly good one. The silky, talc-free powder gives a gorgeous healthy flush of colour, with a clever baked formula containing squalane and hyaluronic acid. The mini size makes it perfect for popping into a handbag, and the pretty festive ornament packaging makes it an easy little gift for any makeup lover.
Glowy skin lovers, this one's for you! BYOMA has put together three skincare treats in one rather brilliant little kit, including a De-Puff + Brighten Eye Gel, Hydrating Serum and Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum. With ingredients including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides, it's a lovely little introduction to the brand and a great way to give someone's skincare routine a luminosity boost. Three products for £15? Yes please!
One of my favourite ways to discover a luxury skincare product is through a little miniature, and this Sunday Riley treat is just that. The C.E.O. Rich Cream is one of my favourite products. It’s a nourishing moisturiser powered by oil-soluble vitamin C to help brighten the complexion, improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and leave skin feeling beautifully hydrated.
A cult classic for a reason! Balm Dotcom has become one of those products that everyone seems to have tucked away somewhere, and I'm certainly not complaining. This multitasking balm is brilliant for keeping lips soft and nourished. It comes in a whole host of delicious flavours and tints, so there's something for everyone. One for the handbag, one for the bedside table and one for the car. Obviously.
Big hair energy without the faff! This clever little root-boosting spray is a brilliant buy for anyone who wants a bit more oomph at the roots. Created by legendary hairstylist Sam McKnight, it gives hair a fuller, thicker-looking finish while adding volume and helping to protect against humidity and frizz.
Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference, and this is a perfect example. A beautifully simple, German-engineered pencil sharpener designed to keep your favourite lip and eye pencils perfectly on point. It also has a clever little cover to catch all the shavings, so no more pencil debris floating around the bottom of your makeup bag. A practical present that every makeup lover will actually use!
Beauty Gifts £30 and Under:
If you're buying for a makeup lover, you really can't go wrong with Lisa Eldridge. The Mini Edit Makeup Set is a gorgeous little collection of beauty essentials from one of the most talented makeup artists in the business. It's the perfect way to discover some of her beautiful formulations and makes a rather lovely treat for anyone who appreciates really good makeup. A little bit of luxury, beautifully packaged, and guaranteed to go down well.
Giorgio Armani – Vertigo Mascara and Mini Eye Tint Gift Set | £30
A little Armani luxury for just £30? Yes please! This gorgeous duo is the perfect gift for anyone who loves a beautifully defined eye. The Vertigo Lift Mascara delivers serious length, volume and definition thanks to its clever asymmetrical brush, while the mini Eye Tint adds a gorgeous wash of colour to the lids with minimal effort. It's the ultimate two-minute eye look, taking you from daytime chic to festive party glam in a flash.
Sculpted by Aimee’s Every Day Glow Edit is one of those kits that earns its place in your everyday makeup bag. It has everything you need for that fresh, polished, softly glowing look without making it feel like you’ve tried too hard. And I have to give a special mention to the mascara because it’s one of my absolute faves.
Beauty Gifts £40 and Under:
A proper little skincare routine rather than one random product thrown into a gift box. This is designed for anyone dealing with breakouts, congestion or post-blemish marks, with a clever combination of effective actives. Great for the skincare obsessive who actually wants their products to do something.
Beauty Gifts £50 and Under:
Cleansing is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine, so why not make it a luxurious one? This collection is a lovely introduction to Elemis' cleansing favourites (they all smell divine, BTW), and perfect for anyone who loves taking their makeup off at the end of the day. A little bathroom indulgence.
Beauty Gifts £100 ish.
A little bit of NARS magic, and even better because it's limited edition! The Après Ski Cheek and Eye Palette is one of those gorgeous all-in-one palettes that makes getting ready an absolute pleasure. Packed with beautiful shades for adding warmth, colour and a little bit of sparkle to both cheeks and eyes, it's perfect for creating everything from an effortless everyday look to something a little more dressed up. My advice? Snap it up while you can, because once these limited-edition beauties are gone, they're gone!
If you want to bring a little bit of facialist magic into your bathroom, the Sarah Chapman Skinesis Pro Hydro-Mist Steamer is a brilliant bit of kit. It uses a fine, warm mist to deeply hydrate the skin and help soften and prep it for your skincare, leaving everything feeling plumper, softer and properly juicy. I love anything that makes a skincare routine feel a bit more of a ritual, and this is one of those gadgets that feels luxurious rather than just another thing taking up space on your shelf.
Mega Presents:
Apple Watch
For the person who likes their tech to actually earn its place on their wrist. An Apple Watch is so much more than a watch, it keeps you connected, tracks workouts and activity, monitors sleep and generally makes everyday life a little easier. An extremely useful gift that you’ll wonder how you lived without.
For the person who is never without their headphones. The Beats 360 are a brilliant everyday pair for music, podcasts, workouts and travelling, with that unmistakable Beats look thrown in. And you can change the colours of the cushions just by twisting them off! A proper useful gift that feels a bit more exciting than your standard pair of headphones.
Ninja Shark – Slushy | £309
This is one of those gifts you absolutely do not need but will become obsessed with. The Ninja SLUSHi makes frozen drinks at home without needing ice, from slushies and frozen cocktails to frappés and milkshakes. Basically, it turns your kitchen into the fun bar you didn’t know you needed and I’m very much here for that.
For the person who likes a glass of fizz but doesn’t necessarily want to finish the whole bottle. The Coravin Sparkling system keeps opened Champagne and sparkling wine fresh for much longer, so you can pour a glass whenever you fancy without sacrificing the rest of the bottle. Basically, it’s the gift that makes drinking Champagne on a Tuesday feel completely reasonable.
If you’re buying for a beauty lover, you really can’t go wrong with an advent calendar. You get a whole stash of gorgeous products to discover, try and enjoy, and they’re often brilliant value compared with buying everything separately. I’ve rounded up my favourites, from luxe splurges to more affordable beauties, so you can find the perfect one for everyone on your list.
The Best Pet Presents:
Finally, an advent calendar for the dog! Because there's absolutely no reason the humans should have all the fun at Christmas. A lovely little countdown treat for your four-legged friend, and considerably more exciting than their usual dinner.
Gifts For The Person Who Has Everything:
For the person who has everything, give them something they can’t put in a cupboard. Afternoon tea at Claridge’s is one of those properly special London experiences; beautiful surroundings, impeccable service and an extremely good excuse to spend an afternoon eating tiny sandwiches and far too many cakes.
Forget another thing to unwrap,this is a gift they’ll actually remember. A dinner date at my fave spot, Dover Street Counter, is the perfect present for the person who has everything, combining amazing food, cocktails and a buzzy, cool atmosphere. Basically, an excuse to get dressed up, eat very well and have a brilliant night out. Read why I love DSC here.
For the culture lover who has everything, a V&A Membership is a great gift. It gives them a whole year of exhibitions, inspiration and reasons to pop into one of my favourite London museums, plus all the perks that come with being a member. Much more exciting than another candle, and a gift that keeps giving long after Christmas is over.
Le Luxe turns the most mundane household chore into something a little more luxurious. Gorgeous washing products that make your laundry smell and feel beautifully considered, because honestly, there’s something very satisfying about opening the machine and being hit with a gorgeous scent. Practical, but with a proper treat-yourself twist. My fave is Vintage Vanilla.
A flower subscription is one of those gifts that keeps on giving, quite literally. Instead of one bunch that lasts a week, they get beautiful fresh flowers delivered regularly, bringing a little bit of joy into the house long after Christmas is over. Perfect for anyone who loves flowers, beautiful interiors or simply deserves a regular reminder that you’re their favourite person.
Anything from Soularsoul, a beautiful new jewellery brand by my wonderful friend, Jules Von Hep, would be a stunning gift. Founded from a belief that what we wear can change how we feel, the pieces are designed to feel like they’ve already lived a life before becoming yours. I love the idea of gifting a pair of Soularsol earrings that someone can wear, travel with and eventually give a story of their own.
And there we have it, my mega gift guide, packed with gifts that are anything but boring. From little treats and Secret Santa surprises to super special presents for the person who has absolutely everything, I’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to. Whether you’re shopping for your mum, your best mate, your other half or, let’s be honest, yourself, I hope you’ve found something you love. Now all that’s left to do is buy it, wrap it and take all the credit.
Love,
Lisa xx
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