The Stylish Shopper's Guide to Christmas

~ this post includes gifted items ~

I truly believe that Christmas should be thoroughly prepared for and joyfully celebrated… in DECEMBER! So now that all the November birthdays are behind us, and St Andrew’s Day is a mere hangover in the making, my timely [not tardy!] guide to Christmas shopping is ready to share!

But before we get to the gifting, the scene must be set. And that can mean only one thing - decorations!

My own Christmas tree is a 7-foot beast of white, pre-lit sumptuousness [I bought it for the house I’ve yet to find]! I decorate it in all white snowflakes, marabou feather baubles and icicle droplets.

I’ve pretty much reached my limit in terms of Christmas tree decorations [it’s years since I bought any new baubles, not wanting to add unnecessary consumption, expense and the need for storage], but sometimes I cannot resist the odd one!

Here are the baubles on my lust this year:

Now that your home is looking festive, why not sit back with a delicious glass of mulled wine [or try making your own Fairtrade spiced cider from Old Hamlet Wine and Spice Co] , and click to shop my gift guide that I’ve handily curated by shamelessly stereotyping the recipient! [Ho ho ho - just kiddin’ - ‘tis the season…]!

For the Culture Vulture

I love a good exhibition, especially when there’s a fashion theme! But the hard part is leaving the museum without spending a small fortune in the store on the way out. Now’s the time to indulge that impulse by gifting these beautiful, interesting and innovative products from our treasure trove of national galleries and museums.

For the Wordsmith

In what must now be considered the post-digital age, there’s surely nothing quite as grounding as picking up a pen and a pretty piece of notepaper and writing something down! From a day planner, to notelets and old-world fountain pens, there’s bound to be someone on your list who would delight in one of these:

For the Pamper-Seeker

There can’t be many among us who wouldn’t love receiving the gift of “me-time”! But while bottling time is still beyond our capabilities, give the next best thing in the form of a relaxation gift set [like this one from Happy Box], a spa day experience or a glamorous makeover at home with Secret Spa.

Even a simple bath bomb says - “hey, you deserve some self-care…”

They’ll be forever grateful!

The Conscious Consumer [ideally EVERYONE]!

Of course we hope that all the brands we love and consume are doing their bit for the environment, but there are also those products that are consciously and overtly designed to reduce single-use plastic, to reward makers fairly for their work and to repurpose materials, as opposed to increasing landfill. As I researched these products, I was delighted by some of the stylish, innovative and heartwarming ideas I discovered. I hope you will be too.

For the Bling-Lover

I’m sure no one can resist finding a little bit of bling in a tiny box at Christmas… It’s all I ever wanted, let me tell you! Here are a selection ‘for him’ and ‘for her’, suitable particularly for the new-to-jewellery wearer - perhaps a teenage daughter or son - something to make them feel special, that they can keep and cherish as they grow up.

For the Impossible-to-Buy-For!

There’s always one, right?! The ‘person with everything’, or the one with no hobby, who’s incredibly tricky to buy for! But instead of seeing it as a chore, why not rise to the challenge? There are a wealth of websites out there than can help, like Menkind or The Present Finder or Great Little Trading Co for kids. But if you’re really over it - why not click these images to shop my ideas directly?!

For the Gourmand

Nothing says “You’re special” to a foodie like the gift of a delicious sweet treat, a truly pungent cheese, or utensils for cooking and dining.

If you’re giving to a drinker, why not choose their favourite spirit and indulge them in a tasting set to discover new and individual flavours?

It’s the time of year when food is properly prepared, enjoyed and savoured. So get creative and shower your friends and family with yumminess this Christmas!

Here are some of my favourite foodie finds…

Biscuiteers Baking Company, Jolly Gingers, c.£6.95 each

Master of Malt Tasting Sets, from £25

…not forgetting the Kids!

For baby…

I think these little darlings speak for themselves!

Imaginative play for 3+ years

I know Christmas is supposed to be about joyful fun and abandon, but I think there’s nothing more stimulating in the long run than teaching kids skills for life from an early age. That’s why I love the concept behind Tech Will Save Us! Shop these fun and educational gifts that will set your little ones on a path of discovery that could fire their imaginations for years to come.

Well, I hope that helped, but if you still have someone on your Christmas list that’s causing you confusion, leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help find the perfect gift idea!

With special thanks to Anna and all the suppliers at Christmas in July Festival for inviting me and opening up a world of gifting possibilities!

Happy Gifting, everyone!

Nx