Boozy Gifts
Introducing one of my favourite wine companies which is I heart wines, who produce such aromatic tasteful wines for special occasions. This year I’ve included the best of the best, with their Chardonnay; True to style and full of delicious fruity flavours of pears, apples and white peach all topped off with a soft oaky finish.
Rose; A classic rosé that is bursting with strawberry aromas and soft red berry flavours. This is a ripe, fresh rosé.
Shiraz; An easy drinking red that is bursting with juicy black fruit flavours and a hint of spice.
Finally the crescendo personalised bottle of prosecco; Bursting with classic acacia flower aromas and delicate apple and peach flavours, this light sparkling wine is delicious on its own or for pre-dinner drinks.
One Gin; is distilled using ten distinctive botanicals: Angelica, coriander seed, cassia bark, lemon, liquorice, nutmeg, orange, juniper, orris root and fresh English sage. It has an overall aromatic nose of fresh sage, juniper and freshly cut sandalwood, with hints of orange marmalade. This leads to a palate of juniper, sweet and dry citrus, a hint of spice and a warm, smooth savoury finish.
Described at jaw-droppingly refreshing Jawbox Pineapple & Ginger cleverly combines fiery ginger with the gin and finishes with the intense flavour of pineapple. Jawbox Rhubarb & Ginger combines the finest ginger spice paired with the Victorian garden flavour of rhubarb and Jawbox Gin. Distilled near Belfast, at the Jawbox Distillery located on a 300-acre 16th-century estate where the grain for the spirit is grown and harvested, these new liqueurs have been expertly balanced with the perfect combination of sweet and spice, married with a unique balance of the classic Jawbox Small Batch Gin.
When in Rome – The UK’s first premium ‘bag-in-box’ wine company which is leading the wine box renaissance. The brand offers craft wine from small Italian producers. The format is ideal for large gatherings and their Nero D’Avola or Refosco are perfect to match Christmas dishes (they have 10 wines in the range so one to suit every palates!). From £25.99 at Waitrose and Harvey Nichols.
Time to pop up a bottle of bubbly from British Cassis which is made in Herefordshire by Jo Hilditch, a fourth-generation blackcurrant farmer, its style is totally different than traditional creme de cassis – it has rich ripe fruity aromas and is less sweet. It is also super versatile and great in cocktails and with sparkling wine as a kir royal. It is beautifully packaged in a bottle featuring an etched filigree design and gold elements, ready to impress drinks lovers.
Year after year I always go back to one of the best (and prettiest) gins around which is the Unicorn Tears Christmas Gin Liqueur by Firebox . An epic tipple to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve, or to share with friends. It’s limited edition and infused with the majesty of Christmas pudding. Warming dried fruit, drizzled with cinnamon, cloves, sugar and treacle. With the added bonus of having a beautiful shimmer when shook.
Cranes Liqueur; A sweet liqueur from Cranes of Cambridge, made using a combination of blood orange and cranberries (all the way from Wisconsin, USA!). Enjoy in a glass of sparkling wine, or simply over ice and garnished with a healthy slice of orange.
Now introducing the perfect gift for the whisky aficionado who has everything, which is the Spreadable Whisky It’s award winning marmalade made with real whisky from the geniuses at The Proper Marmalade Company. Warm, dark and rounded as a slug of real whisky, which should be partnered with golden, fluffy bread, crisped to perfection in the toaster.
Langley’s Old Tom gin has sweet, spiced undertones which makes it a must-have for the festive period. The story of Old Tom is intrinsically linked with that of England as gin consumption in 17th century England was beginning to have a massive impact on the social fabric of the city and government efforts to stem the flow of gin forced its production and sale underground. It was a style which stopped been produced in 1970s but has recently seen a revival. Langley’s brown bottle is in keeping with the gin’s story.
Finally are some of my personal favourites for taste which is:
Sisterhood Gin – Sisterhood is a bright and contemporary classic Juniper led gin with a generous helping of rhubarb. Coriander, lavender and cardamom lie just a bit further back distinguished by a beautiful sweet finish.
Next up is the Zymurgorium Sweet Violet Gin – I had the pleasure years ago of trying their gins when they first started out, and they’re smashing the booze industry right now. With a sweet, artisan spirit from Manchester’s most inventive micro-distillery. With a deliciously sweet, pastille taste and a strong aromas, Zymurgorium Sweet Violet can be enjoyed in cocktails in place of Crème de Violette – it makes an especially good Aviator cocktail. Refined with over 20 other botanicals, it is also equally as good on its own, with lemonade, mixed with ice cream or even used in baking.
Homeware Gifts
Cactus vase – Create a striking centrepiece with this Cactus vase from Serax. In vivid green, this vase is in the shape of a cactus and finished with a bumpy textured finish. Ideal for small floral arrangements, it will add a dash of whimsical charm to any setting.
Paddywax candles – Bring your Urban garden indoors with our city-inspired concrete vessels. This collection of on-trend concrete candles with geometric accents are filled with our best-selling fragrances and topped off with gold foil stamped dust covers.
Funk up your plant pot collection with Hubert & George in this gorgeous plant pot for all your small plant needs.
Channel your office or home work space with some sassy desk plates from Firebox I selected Productive As Fuck and I Woke Up Like This – for the ultimate way to spruce up a vibey office desk.
I love snazzing up the home with some cool tablecloths, and decorations – whether you’re vouching for a design this year, then definitely look into the Ragged Rose Tessa Red embroidered Christmas tablecloth – there’s also some fabulous matching Christmas bunting for a traditional Christmas!
Pantone has been the go-to place to see what colours are currently trending! This year it’s been a gem inspired hue that be bought in a variety of accessories – perfect for an office graphic designer! I’m featuring their keychain and colour of the year mug.
Speaking of mugs and cups, I absolutely adore this Penguin cup by Helen Russell Creations – Helen’s fine bone china jugs are available in three handy sizes, and are great for serving custard or other yummy sauces. They are also good for holding flowers, kitchen utensils and even paintbrushes!
Candle hand are 100% handmade and are as close to getting an NME award without having an award winning band. Some of my personal favourites have been the FCUK YOU, and VICTORY candles. Perfect for the novelty gift with a touch of sophistication!
I wholeheartedly adore The Luxe Candle Co, who create magnificent scented candles, that not only look absolutely stunning for the perfect bohemian vibe, but also smell a total dream. It’s always best to invest in the best candles for your loved ones, so I highly recommend the Tobacco and Tonka Scented Candle for impressing your guests or chilling out.
Moving onto art prints – which I believe is one of the ultimate ways of gifting, as nothing says more “I saw this and thought of you” as a precious print, that is beautifully framed.
Ever Made do some of the finest prints I’ve ever seen, including a stylised Cheetah art print, as well as their colour wheel art print – made for any colour fanatic! I love that they also do a bespoke range of iron-on patches including the See you later patch, Queen Bee patch, Rock Solid patch. As well as an epic range of t-shirts channelling both quirk and kitsch.
I spoke about them last year in my 2017 Christmas Gift Guide, but they’ve made another appearance, as I heavily believe every gin fanatic should own some beautiful gin glasses. I always invest in the Dartington Gin Glasses decorated with Swarovski crystals. Glamourous for any dinner party, and makes an almighty appearance for guests on a Saturday night.
To me Christmas is about making fruits cool again, we have them in jams, chutneys, with cheese – so why not try Bonne Maman, delicious tasting marmalades and jams!
Need some cute, quirky and different cards that you won’t find in Hallmarks or Clinton’s Cards? Head to Pieskot who make you grin with each illustated card!
Beauty & Skin Gifts
Discover the Bronzie Ultimate back and body tanning mitt. Award winning 3 in 1 tanning mitt, meaning no stained hands with protective film inside each tanning mitt, as well as a middle section so you can reach every part of your back. Creating a stream free tan.
With SmoothSkin Muse Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal system, you can have silky smooth skin that lasts so long you’ll never worry again worry about stubbly legs or prickly underarms! SmoothSkin Muse is designed to help break the hair cycle and prevent regrowth, giving permanent hair reduction. Full body treatment in 20 minutes: SmoothSkin Muse can be used to treat the legs, bikini line, underarms and face – a full body treatment takes less than 20 minutes.
White witch anti-age moisturiser, is A simple gentle moisturiser, rich in barbary fig seed oil, for all skin types. This simple coconut oil based formulation injects the skin with a big boost of antioxidants, moisture and nutrients, needed to prevent cell degeneration, plump the skin and delay signs of aging. Also team this up with the deep cleanse face mask and you’ll have gentle smooth rejuvenated young skin in no time!
Mavaderma oil will stimulate nail growth while it nourishes the nail roots. It is protein and vitamin enriched. It helps activate the blood flow to the nail roots for slow growing nails. Apply it to the skin below the crescent of the nail and massage in until it is absorbed.
Bioderma innovation, Sébium H2O gently cleanses the skin without drying it, through the micro-emulsion of impurities and excess sebum. Enriched with purifying active ingredients, Sébium H2O cleanses the epidermis in depth and regulates secretion of sebum. The patented sebo-correcting complex, Fluidactiv, normalises sebum quality.
Muk Spa Argan Oil Repair Shine Spray contains a blend of pure Moroccan Argan Oil, linseed oil, sweet almond oil, keratin protein and aloe vera. It provides intense conditioning, shine and moisture to the hair, whilst smoothing frizz and eliminating flyaway hair. Formulated to protect the hair from blow-drying, hair irons, chlorine, salt water and sun exposure. It can also reduce hair drying time up to 50%. Easy action spray pump delivers a fine mist for economical application.
We all deserve some time to ourselves now & again. So indulge in some relaxation time & discover the crème de la crème array of top-to-toe Sanctuary goodies. Perfect to wash away your worries, make you feel wonderful and leave your face & body feeling so pampered. Which includes a body wash, body scrub, body lotion, moisture burst face wash, hand cream, heel balm and eau de toilette.
Why not get a few presents in one? Like the Sanctuary Bon Bombs, Tumbler cups and Bath Tubs packed with goodies which are good enough to eat and priced from £12.00 and available in-store and online at Boots stores nationwide.
Ted Baker Fragrant Bloom bath and body collection – which includes the body wash, body spray, body lotion and shimmer body wash. Team this with the Ted Baker fragrance Mia and you’ll be fresh and floral all year around. Top notes of lemon, raspberry and blackcurrant with a seductive base of patchouli and golden amber ensure Mia is not a scent you will easily forget.
Rodin olio lusso holiday lipstick coffret – Small in size, big on color. Our Mini Lipstick Set showcases five of their top-selling shades of Luxury Lipstick in a playfully designed coffret: Heavenly Hopp, So Mod, Red Hedy, Loving Lucy and Billie on the Bike.
Airbrush skin to totally tanned perfection with the super Fake Bake Airbrush – the type of airbrushing that everyone loves! The fast-drying formula will develop in 4-6 hours and the refined 360˚ nozzle gives a continuous spray that works at any angle, so say goodbye to any white patches and hello to salon-worthy results.
Year after year I always go back to my beauty favourites at Murad. They’re indulgent, work a treat and would make an ideal present for anyone! Check out their Murad Christmas range for some beautifully packaged beauty gifts.
Inspired by salons and professionals, the Professional Whitening Treatment is your very own three-step whitening treatment that you can use at home, specifically designed to target both surface stains and internal discolouration. This easy to use double-action treatment gets to work straightaway, giving you whiter teeth inside and out – without the need for messy trays, strips or capsules.
Living proof do some of the best haircare I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying, there’s a huge range of products on site, and even a quiz to check out what products are suited to you most. I always vouch for anything nourishing, repairing and suited for coloured hair, but we’ve all got different locks so why not explore the Living Proof range now!
Bow down to the Dr Hauschka Regenerating Day Cream, a genius addition to anyones beauty regime. Regenerating Day Cream supports the skin’s natural processes of renewal to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin looks and feels vital, rejuvenated and smooth.
This is revolutionary, and something I’ve been shouting about lately for all women to try. The Assome kit, which kills cellulite at home like a professional in three stages. Remove cellulite using ultrasonic cellulite removal technology, firm & slim using radio frequency and LED airbrushing.
The ideal all in one skin kit for anyone who likes to take care of themselves with the Image Skincare Age Defying Essentials Skin Kit – which includes: Ageless Total Facial Cleanser, Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic FIller, Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme and inclusive toiletry bag.
Created by all star guru Trinny, who runs the brand Trinny London created a stunning range of products including every travel lovers go-to stacks. It’s easy enough to find the products most suited to you with the Match2Me quiz and create your own bespoke collection of lip, eye and face products.
Korres Total Indulgence Bergamot Pear & Guava – Treat someone you know to shower gels and body milks in an opulent Bergamot Pear & Jasmine scent, specially formulated to cleanse and nourish skin. Containing Bergamot Pear Shower Gel 250ml, Bergamot Pear Body Milk 40ml, Guava Body Milk 200ml, Guava Shower Gel 40ml.
31st State for men – California-inspired product range, created with great-smelling, natural ingredients, perfect to kick start your daily routine. Whether you’re after a cleansing face wash and soothing spot gel to prevent pesky breakouts for clear skin, or you’re in need of great-smelling, easy hold styling gel to keep hair in place whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered.
Achieve your most flawless makeup look with this ultimate collection of cruelty-free complexion, eye and lip brushes. Perfectly packaged in an elegant brush roll. Nude by Nature makeup brushes are made from high quality synthetic fibres. They perform just as well as natural hair.
Add a little sparkle to your makeup collection, with this one of a kind purple and gold makeup brush set from I Heart Revolution.
PERFUME GIFTS
No 1 by Purple Scent is a sensual, fresh, and addictive. Woody and ambery, the scent combines notes of rose and jasmine with the freshness of citrus.
Missguided Babe Power Pom Pom Gift Set – BABE POWER is the embodiment of the iconic Missguided brand with its scent designed to evoke a feeling of strength, confidence and femininity. Key fragrance notes include a vibrant splash of grapefruit zest and sour cherry, sharpened with crisp apple and pink pepper. At its heart, orange blossom is accentuated with soft peony and jasmine for a succulent signature; while vanilla, creamy musk, playful candy floss and amber crystals combine to leave a provocative lasting impression.
Hair Gifts
Natural sea salt creates a crisp, tousled appearance whilst adding amazing texture to the hair, which can be achieved using the Beach Muk Sea Salt Spray. The result is sexy beach hair all from a bottle! The weightless formula is not greasy as it is oil and silicone free which produces a light matte finish. Shake vigorously prior to use, spray on dry or damp hair working from the roots to the tips. Tousle hair and allow to air dry naturally or blast dry with a hair dryer.
Do you love working beachy waves, a textured pony tail or Hollywood glamour curls but worry about heated styling contributing to your colour fading? Worry no more because the Remington Advanced Colour Protect Wand uses Unique Colour Protect technology to ensure your curls don’t come at the cost of your colour. Producing an optimal heat for perfect styling, this technology helps protect coloured hair for long lasting vibrancy and shine.
A professional solution for colour treated hair. Color Extend Magnetics from Redken. This attractive gift box makes the perfect pressie for a friend or a great way to bag yourself a deal as the pack includes a FREE shampoo. This luxury gift box contains: Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo 300ml Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner 250ml One United 150ml Contents
Curls are in and Kinky Muk is the perfect partner to enhance and control curls and ringlets. Accentuates both natural and heat generated curls with their epic Muk Curls+ range which includes a Kinky Muk Leave In Moisturiser, Amplifier & Extra Hold Curl Amplifier
The Remington Keratin Protect Hair Dryer is designed to protect your hair from the effects of heat damage, so now you can achieve a sensational and healthy looking finish. The professional hair dryer’s advanced ceramic coated grille is infused with Keratin and Almond Oil to give you smooth, healthy looking blow dry results.
The Lee Stafford Original Chopstick Styler Curling Wand is one of the best must-have beauty tools to create lush and iconic corkscrew curls which are mega on trend right now.
Jewellery Gifts
This fun blue eye statement necklace will give a boost to any outfit! Ustudio are amazing for some bespoke designs that you won’t find anywhere else, supporting artists from across the globe, including one of my ultimate jewellery faves Katy Welsh. One of my other personal favourites from the Ustudio range Katy Welsh range, which I have been wearing none stop is the Tiger necklace.
Yaa Yaa London is a new brand I’ve been introduced to, who specialise in natural gemstone jewellery, using semi-precious stones to make fashionable cocktail rings, necklaces and bracelets. Take a look at the Yaa Yaa London range to look at some of the Druzy and Araba, designs that I fell in love with.
Stackers are another new brand that I cannot believe I’ve survived this long without. They supply large jewellery boxes, and what I adore the most is their Stackers Large Travel Jewellery Box – no need for tangled necklaces when you’re on the go. Stackers also have chic makeup caddies which are amazing for organising your makeup collection. This is the Stackers makeup caddy I own, and find it mega handy for home organisation so my makeup stays tidier for longer.
Johnny Loves Rosie is such a sweet brand, they encapsulate the romanticism of jewellery within little delicate designs. My favourites from the collection is the acorn necklace, gingerbread necklace, selection of star earrings and headband. Perfect for any Christmas stocking filler.
De Caron offer a unique watch ring, which has been seen in publications all around the world, and amongst many Instagrammers – you’ve probably seen it on your social media at some point! It makes the sweetest addition to any jewellery collection, whilst having the added benefit of having the correct time. This juxtaposition of fusion jewellery is in my opinion the feminine rendition of a males pocket watch. Being both classy and functional.
Mens Gifts
The NO GUNK core product line comprises of this year’s Best Male Hair Product Winner – The NO GUNK Styling Funk, as well as the NEW Matte Lava Clay, and Lava Clay Face Mask. Furthermore, the award winning ‘Styling Funk’ has been specially formulated to provide dual functionality for both hair & beard, perfect for busy men on the go!
A fresh, bracingly masculine fragrance with a sleek, modern presentation, Momentum Unlimited launches as a Harrods exclusivity in early March 2018, the fragrance will then be available worldwide at all Bentley Fragrances retailers. A global traveller for business or pleasure, the Momentum Unlimited man enjoys the ultimate luxury: freedom. Successful, style-conscious and driven, the Bentley Momentum Unlimited man is inspired by challenge. For him, the sky is the limit.
There’s nothing more predictable than unwrapping a supermarket standard bodywash and chemically scented deodorant combination on Christmas Day. To give the man in your life a grooming gift that will make him look and feel like a top dog, Bulldog have a range of gifts that will be coveted by men of all grooming tastes.
The best console meets the best beverage-holding utensil, and what’s even better is that the handle is a little controller. This would make the perfect gift for any nostalgic gamer. This playstation controller mug is available at Firebox.
Why not get the men in your life the brand new Gillette Mach3 gift set in both Chrome and Black which includes additional cartridges, a shave gel and, for the first time, a stand for the razor – making it an ideal gift for Christmas!
Kick-off the festive season by delivering smart grooming tactics with the launch of the new label.men Essentials Gift Set. Packed full of award-winning products – this is all about giving the gift of style that’s high on performance, yet with minimal effort.With label.m being the Official Hair Product Sponsor at London Fashion Week Men’s – the gift set is inspired by what the session team love to use backstage and what’s more, label.men Essentials Gift Set follows a prescriptive ethos within a three-step regime, that facilitates: an invigorating cleanse, scalp stimulation and a great style finish.
Boots Exclusive Champneys Relaxation Body Kit (£18.00) Let him soak away his stresses and leave him feeling revitalised with the Champneys Relaxation Body Kit. This gift set gives you all the feel-good essentials, it includes Rewarding Hair & Body Wash 200ml, Rewarding Body Scrub 200ml, Relaxing bath soak 200g and Rewarding Body Moisturiser 200ml.
Boots Exclusive Ted Baker Travel Pouch (£30.00 The Christmas holidays can often mean lots of travelling for the great big family get-together. So keep him feeling and looking good on the go with the Ted Baker Travel Set. The pouch contains a Refined & Invigorating Hair & Body Wash 200ml, Refined & Invigorating Body Spray 150ml, Sporty & Fresh Hair & Body Wash 200ml and the Sporty & Fresh Antiperspirant Deodorant 150ml.
Stocking Fillers
These are just a few fun gifts that I’ve added in, that can make a magical Christmas just a smidge cheesier:
Starting off with one of Firebox’s finest games: What Do You Meme – near enough cards against humanity, but with the twist of minennial hilarity with meme’s we all know and recognise.
Next up on the agenda of games is the Fake News Game – where politics becomes the topic of choice. It’s true or false just with the orange president as the subject whether he said those quotes or not.
This would make a great stocking filler for anyone working in an office – sass up your desk with some sassy desk plates, relevant, funny and incredibly pretty!
Who doesn’t adore David Attenborough, he’s both a national and global treasure, so I’m introducing the David Attenborough activity book. Packed full of entertainment, quizzes, quotes and fascinating facts!
Finally is the KiiPix Polaroid Printer the ideal choice for anyone wishing to make their selfies and memories tactile photos to keep forever and ever.
