jaymie
VIP Member
The Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide For All Budgets
You’d be chuffed to find any of these under the tree…
This post contains ad affiliate links (denoted by a ‘*’) & gifted items (denoted by ‘ad - gifted). You can read my full disclaimer here.
Whatever your budget and whoever the recipient, I’ve trawled the web for the best gift ideas. So if you’re scratching your head over Secret Santa or have no idea what to buy that special someone in your life then here are some points in the right direction…
A LITTLE SOMETHING…
If you need something that fits the ‘Secret Santa/Stocking Filler’ category then here’s what I’m thinking. Who doesn’t love a bit of fancy schmansy stationery? Papersmiths* is my go-to for that and highlights include the Before Breakfast Weekly Notepad*, the Traveller’s Company Brass Ruler* and the Yes! Paper Goods Merci Rainbow Foil Notecards* which are just adorable. These Clara Cotton Alphabet Embroidery Kits* work in two ways; either you can buy it, make it and gift it yourself, or give to the receiver to make themselves if that’s more their vibe. For beauty-related gifts that don’t break the bank I’d recommend the Beauty Pie Redcurrant & Fig Luxury Scented Candle* or their 100% Silk Hair Scrunchies*. Or if you fancy the handmade route, a kitchen-cooked gift is always a good option. This year I’m planning on making my Mum’s Chocolate Truffles – she makes these every year and gifts them to basically every person she’s ever met and they always go down well, along with the Waitrose Double Chocolate & Sour Cherry Cookies, which are the perfect balance of salty, sweet and slightly sour (plus you can always gift them the ‘yet to be cooked’ log so they can cut them up and have freshly baked cookies whenever they want).
SHOP THE EDIT*
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>
FOR THE FOODIES…
We love a meal kit in this house and both Dishoomand Patty & Bun are firm favourites and offer nationwide delivery. Oh and I LOVE the Creme Cookies too. It’s something a bit different, or you could go the more traditional route and buy a cheeseboard or hamper from a local deli (we love Barney’s here in Brighton, that also offers delivery across the U.K – but you have to be quick!). For home bakers I really love ‘Lazy Baking’ by Jessica Elliot Dennison*, which is crammed with super quick recipes that need just a handful of store cupboard essentials to make, or the Greenfeast* books by Nigel Slater that contain veggie and plant-based recipes that are best suited to the season. In terms of kitchen hardware, if your budget is on the larger size a Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Round Casserole Dish* is a classic, however my more affordable picks would be Silicone Baking Mats* (a very good Secret Santa gift if you know your receiver is a keen baker!), the Joseph Joseph Adjustable Beech Wood Rolling Pin* (or anything from the Joseph and Joseph Sage Collection* really!) or the Menu Salt & Pepper Grinders*. Then it might seem a little bizarre to get someone bowls for Christmas, but I really do love the John Lewis x Denby Quartz Rose Collection* – it’s stunning and offers serving-ware across the board.
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
A BEAUTY LOVERS DREAM…
You just can’t go wrong with an indulgent beauty gift in my eyes. I mean I have makeup coming out of my ear holes and I still swoon at the stuff. Gift sets are a solid choice and usually end up being great value too. This year there are some great candle ones – plus I think candles make such a great gift as it’s hard to go wrong; the Diptyque Candle Coffret* is a classic, I love the selection that’s available in the Space NK The Essential Candle Edit* and the Glossier Bath Duo* is a limited edition holiday offering containing a ‘You‘ scented candle and Bath Pods (I’ve treated myself to this already!). Nail lovers might appreciate the Mylee Complete Professional Gel Polish Collection & LED Lamp Kit*, or the extremely luxurious CHANEL La Creme Main*, which is almost too pretty to use, almost. I think gifting actual makeup is always slightly dodgy ground, but if you know the person well enough to know their shade preferences then I highly recommend the Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipsticks* – I love the shades Girl, Twist, Pout and Pop), or the Hermes Rosy Lip Enhancers.
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
SOMETHING FOR THE HOME…
It’s perhaps that you might request from a gift-giver as they’ll need to know specifics when it comes to sizing, but I just absolutely LOVE our Bedfolk Bedding Bundle* – big fan over here. Then I think you can’t go wrong with a pillow – especially if you and the gift receiver usually see eye to eye when it comes to interiors. I love these ARKET Handwoven Wool Cushion Covers* or their Shaggy Wool Cushion Covers*. Perhaps I love to receive vases; and the H&M Large Ceramic Vase* and Glass Vase* seem like good people pleasing options. Prints are a great idea too and if your budget can stretch to it then it’s always a nice touch to throw in a frame too, whether you decide to get it framed at the same place that you buy the print, or find a better deal locally. I personally love the selections on The Poster Club, Partnership Editions and King & McGraw (which is actually where I got the Rothko ‘Red Over Pink’ print that I’m always asked about).
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
CLOTHING & CASHMERE…
Gifting clothing can be a bit of tricky one, but here’s a small edit of things which could work, without having to be too accurate with sizing. I am OBSESSED with my new slipper purchases; the Yoko Wool Cloud Slippers* are great if you’re not too sure about size, but if you are armed with that knowledge then I love the Birkenstock Boston Clogs in Latte Cream*. Cashmere just screams luxury and I’m currently lusting over the ARKET Cashmere Blend Snood, although their Oversized Cashmere Jumper* is also a good shout, and you can never go wrong with some socks, like the Rosie Sudgen* ones. A matching loungewear/PJ set is a solid choice too, and I really like the look of the H&M Ribbed Top* and Trousers* in this gorgeous blue-y grey and their Ribbed Cashmere-Blend Zip-Up Hoodie* and the Cashmere-Blend Trousers* – items so nice that you won’t mind answering the door in them.
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY…
If you need some recommendations in this department then I’d highly recommend checking out Mark’s Edit. It’s a good page to bookmark actually as he refreshes it quarterly and it’s always chocker with good gift inspiration. I’ve asked him to pick out his top top picks and he loves this Sunspel Cotton-Jersey Sweatshirt* so much that he thinks he might buy it for himself. We’re both massive fans of the Kiehl’s Richly Hydrating Scented Hand Cream in the Grapefruit*, which would make an excellent stocking stuffer and seeing as Mark is never spotted without his water bottle he recommends the Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle*. If coffee hydration is more their vibe then Mark loves the Kinto Coffee Carafe Set* (we have the Kinto Stacking Mugs* too, and people always compliment them whenever they come round). Or if you fancy the classic hat or sock combo, then Mark recommends the Nigel Calbourn Solid Beanie* and the Folk Wool Melange Socks* respectively.
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
FOR THE LITTLES…
I can’t say I’m particularly well-versed in this category just yet, but if you’re a bit stuck as to what to pop under the tree from Father Christmas for any tiny humans in your life, then I’ve crowd-sourced the best bits from my fellow Mum crew. The most-recommended gift by a country mile are the TOMY Toomies Hide & Squeak Eggs* – literally I would struggle to name a Mum in my life who hasn’trecommended these. They are a crowd-pleaser across the board apparently. Other highly suggested (if not exactly aesthetically pleasing) toys include the Tiny Love Sunny Stroll Activity Arch*, these Baby Soft Rattle Cars* and Matchstick Monkeys* are extremely well received, so I’ve heard. In terms of bigger buys we love the Lovevery Play Gym* in this house – Ralph uses it every single day – plus it adapts and changes to suit children from birth to one year and beyond, so it’s not a flash in the pan toy. And of course I can’t resist ridiculously cute baby clothing. For something special and one off I just ADORE +1 In The Family* (which at the time of writing is currently 30% off!). The Rea Knitted Jacket* is too cute and so thick and cuddly and I’d quite like the James Polar Suit* to come in my size. Oh and I’m a sucker for a cute hat – the Liewood Violet Cotton Bonnet* is our favourite. IT HAS EARS. Need I say anymore?
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
Photos by Mark Newton
You’d be chuffed to find any of these under the tree…
This post contains ad affiliate links (denoted by a ‘*’) & gifted items (denoted by ‘ad - gifted). You can read my full disclaimer here.
Whatever your budget and whoever the recipient, I’ve trawled the web for the best gift ideas. So if you’re scratching your head over Secret Santa or have no idea what to buy that special someone in your life then here are some points in the right direction…
A LITTLE SOMETHING…
If you need something that fits the ‘Secret Santa/Stocking Filler’ category then here’s what I’m thinking. Who doesn’t love a bit of fancy schmansy stationery? Papersmiths* is my go-to for that and highlights include the Before Breakfast Weekly Notepad*, the Traveller’s Company Brass Ruler* and the Yes! Paper Goods Merci Rainbow Foil Notecards* which are just adorable. These Clara Cotton Alphabet Embroidery Kits* work in two ways; either you can buy it, make it and gift it yourself, or give to the receiver to make themselves if that’s more their vibe. For beauty-related gifts that don’t break the bank I’d recommend the Beauty Pie Redcurrant & Fig Luxury Scented Candle* or their 100% Silk Hair Scrunchies*. Or if you fancy the handmade route, a kitchen-cooked gift is always a good option. This year I’m planning on making my Mum’s Chocolate Truffles – she makes these every year and gifts them to basically every person she’s ever met and they always go down well, along with the Waitrose Double Chocolate & Sour Cherry Cookies, which are the perfect balance of salty, sweet and slightly sour (plus you can always gift them the ‘yet to be cooked’ log so they can cut them up and have freshly baked cookies whenever they want).
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
FOR THE FOODIES…
We love a meal kit in this house and both Dishoomand Patty & Bun are firm favourites and offer nationwide delivery. Oh and I LOVE the Creme Cookies too. It’s something a bit different, or you could go the more traditional route and buy a cheeseboard or hamper from a local deli (we love Barney’s here in Brighton, that also offers delivery across the U.K – but you have to be quick!). For home bakers I really love ‘Lazy Baking’ by Jessica Elliot Dennison*, which is crammed with super quick recipes that need just a handful of store cupboard essentials to make, or the Greenfeast* books by Nigel Slater that contain veggie and plant-based recipes that are best suited to the season. In terms of kitchen hardware, if your budget is on the larger size a Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Round Casserole Dish* is a classic, however my more affordable picks would be Silicone Baking Mats* (a very good Secret Santa gift if you know your receiver is a keen baker!), the Joseph Joseph Adjustable Beech Wood Rolling Pin* (or anything from the Joseph and Joseph Sage Collection* really!) or the Menu Salt & Pepper Grinders*. Then it might seem a little bizarre to get someone bowls for Christmas, but I really do love the John Lewis x Denby Quartz Rose Collection* – it’s stunning and offers serving-ware across the board.
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
A BEAUTY LOVERS DREAM…
You just can’t go wrong with an indulgent beauty gift in my eyes. I mean I have makeup coming out of my ear holes and I still swoon at the stuff. Gift sets are a solid choice and usually end up being great value too. This year there are some great candle ones – plus I think candles make such a great gift as it’s hard to go wrong; the Diptyque Candle Coffret* is a classic, I love the selection that’s available in the Space NK The Essential Candle Edit* and the Glossier Bath Duo* is a limited edition holiday offering containing a ‘You‘ scented candle and Bath Pods (I’ve treated myself to this already!). Nail lovers might appreciate the Mylee Complete Professional Gel Polish Collection & LED Lamp Kit*, or the extremely luxurious CHANEL La Creme Main*, which is almost too pretty to use, almost. I think gifting actual makeup is always slightly dodgy ground, but if you know the person well enough to know their shade preferences then I highly recommend the Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipsticks* – I love the shades Girl, Twist, Pout and Pop), or the Hermes Rosy Lip Enhancers.
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
SOMETHING FOR THE HOME…
It’s perhaps that you might request from a gift-giver as they’ll need to know specifics when it comes to sizing, but I just absolutely LOVE our Bedfolk Bedding Bundle* – big fan over here. Then I think you can’t go wrong with a pillow – especially if you and the gift receiver usually see eye to eye when it comes to interiors. I love these ARKET Handwoven Wool Cushion Covers* or their Shaggy Wool Cushion Covers*. Perhaps I love to receive vases; and the H&M Large Ceramic Vase* and Glass Vase* seem like good people pleasing options. Prints are a great idea too and if your budget can stretch to it then it’s always a nice touch to throw in a frame too, whether you decide to get it framed at the same place that you buy the print, or find a better deal locally. I personally love the selections on The Poster Club, Partnership Editions and King & McGraw (which is actually where I got the Rothko ‘Red Over Pink’ print that I’m always asked about).
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
CLOTHING & CASHMERE…
Gifting clothing can be a bit of tricky one, but here’s a small edit of things which could work, without having to be too accurate with sizing. I am OBSESSED with my new slipper purchases; the Yoko Wool Cloud Slippers* are great if you’re not too sure about size, but if you are armed with that knowledge then I love the Birkenstock Boston Clogs in Latte Cream*. Cashmere just screams luxury and I’m currently lusting over the ARKET Cashmere Blend Snood, although their Oversized Cashmere Jumper* is also a good shout, and you can never go wrong with some socks, like the Rosie Sudgen* ones. A matching loungewear/PJ set is a solid choice too, and I really like the look of the H&M Ribbed Top* and Trousers* in this gorgeous blue-y grey and their Ribbed Cashmere-Blend Zip-Up Hoodie* and the Cashmere-Blend Trousers* – items so nice that you won’t mind answering the door in them.
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY…
If you need some recommendations in this department then I’d highly recommend checking out Mark’s Edit. It’s a good page to bookmark actually as he refreshes it quarterly and it’s always chocker with good gift inspiration. I’ve asked him to pick out his top top picks and he loves this Sunspel Cotton-Jersey Sweatshirt* so much that he thinks he might buy it for himself. We’re both massive fans of the Kiehl’s Richly Hydrating Scented Hand Cream in the Grapefruit*, which would make an excellent stocking stuffer and seeing as Mark is never spotted without his water bottle he recommends the Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle*. If coffee hydration is more their vibe then Mark loves the Kinto Coffee Carafe Set* (we have the Kinto Stacking Mugs* too, and people always compliment them whenever they come round). Or if you fancy the classic hat or sock combo, then Mark recommends the Nigel Calbourn Solid Beanie* and the Folk Wool Melange Socks* respectively.
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
FOR THE LITTLES…
I can’t say I’m particularly well-versed in this category just yet, but if you’re a bit stuck as to what to pop under the tree from Father Christmas for any tiny humans in your life, then I’ve crowd-sourced the best bits from my fellow Mum crew. The most-recommended gift by a country mile are the TOMY Toomies Hide & Squeak Eggs* – literally I would struggle to name a Mum in my life who hasn’trecommended these. They are a crowd-pleaser across the board apparently. Other highly suggested (if not exactly aesthetically pleasing) toys include the Tiny Love Sunny Stroll Activity Arch*, these Baby Soft Rattle Cars* and Matchstick Monkeys* are extremely well received, so I’ve heard. In terms of bigger buys we love the Lovevery Play Gym* in this house – Ralph uses it every single day – plus it adapts and changes to suit children from birth to one year and beyond, so it’s not a flash in the pan toy. And of course I can’t resist ridiculously cute baby clothing. For something special and one off I just ADORE +1 In The Family* (which at the time of writing is currently 30% off!). The Rea Knitted Jacket* is too cute and so thick and cuddly and I’d quite like the James Polar Suit* to come in my size. Oh and I’m a sucker for a cute hat – the Liewood Violet Cotton Bonnet* is our favourite. IT HAS EARS. Need I say anymore?
SHOP THE EDIT*
<
>
Photos by Mark Newton
@Omegawild lol
Wth is Mama jaw then.
And I knew this was coming BTW 
