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Christmas decorations have been up for weeks in the supermarket, so quite frankly, I’m extremely overdue in putting these gift guides together. I know right? I mean, what’s the point of even putting this together now? Despite my tardiness, I have outdone myself this year and not to toot my own horn, but this is some of my finest work folks. Many hours were spent exploring the deep dark corners of the internet to collate the best gift ideas for the ones you love – specifically 188 ideas for those of you wondering (ie. nobody).
Welcome to the 5th edition of my festive gift guide, where there are ideas for everybody! Use my lists to inspire gifts for the loved ones in your life or share this link to send a not-so-subtle hint to whoever it is struggling to buy for you! I’ve organised this gift guide into 10 categories below (in no particular order by the way) with a range of gifts from different price points – everything you need is just a scroll away.
Happy festive shopping, folks!
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A lot of the things that appear above are items I’ve got in my own collection. There’s a bit of bougie hair gear, make-up favourites and some gift sets that I would be thrilled to unwrap. For make up things, this Hourglass brush is honestly one of the best I’ve used. I typically apply my makeup using my fingers but this brush blends like no other and I cannot imagine it not being in my life anymore! I’ve also included my everyday lipstick, blush (honestly, Westman Atelier blushes are better than the rest) as well some skin care gear like this universally-loved face oil and my favourite moisturiser (I love the gel-like texture).
For hair things (because I’m very passionate about having good hair days, every day), I honestly think anything from this blog post (where I talk about all the products I use in my hair) would make a great gift. But If needed to call out just a few products, it would be this scalp scrub from Christophe Robin which is a weekly non-negotiable for me, this hair mask (also a weekly non-negotiable, particularly if you heat style your hair often like me), this serum (that I apply to my hair every time I step out of the shower which works to reverse damage) and I ALWAYS ALWAYS apply this hair oil after heat styling my hair. Oh my goodness – the shine! But it also protects and strengthens your hair (particularly important after you’ve singed it with heat!)
If you’re looking to go big with a proper hair tool, might I suggest one of the three I rotate between – the Dyson Airwrap, Cloud Nine Wide Straightener and the GHD Soft Curl Tong. All three tools have been excellent for my hair, but if I had to pick one, it would have to be the Dyson!
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I’ve really been getting into the groove of keeping as fit as possible this year. I’m not aiming for abs (though that would be a nice by-product), but it’s the mental health benefits that I thrive from. I recognise that I can get easily overwhelmed if I don’t take care of myself, so exercise is a must. I would be chuffed to unwrap any of the items I’ve featured in this list (though a lot of these I already have so no need for seconds if you’re looking for ideas ;))
To do a bit of scene-setting for the items I’ve curated, walking continues to be my primary form of exercise, I’ll do strength training workouts at home and go to my local Pilates studio a couple of times a week to mix things up. For a gift that’s both useful and friendly on the hip pocket, these socks from Move Active are awesome, particularly if the special person in your life does yoga and pilates. Otherwise, some decent activewear never goes array and I love lululemon for all of this gear – their buttery soft Align tights and this Scuba hoodie are some of my most worn items.
I haven’t had a chance to try these, but these Bose earbuds get great reviews for those of you that like walking / running. They let the right amount of ambient noise in, and they’re also not bulbous (a common complaint for Airpods) and securely stay on your ear with the flexible and light grip design. I recently added a new pair of Bose over-ear headphones (featured below in another category) but if I didn’t have those, these earbuds would be miiiiine.
For at-home workouts, your giftee will need a mat, and some gear (like this and this) and of course, a compact but amazing blender for your post-workout smoothies (which is the one we have at home). Oh yeaaah – she’s thought of everything – hair flick
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I feel like this is a category that’s becoming more exciting as I get older. I’m a homebody and naturally, love a good homewares gift. A lot of this gear is kitchen-centric as there’s nothing more satisfying than having the proper gear to execute a delicious meal. But it’s Christmas, so you need to level things up right? I’ve included a few suggestions (including some gear we’ve got at home) that strike the right bougie/exciting brief but are also just well made and do what they say on the packet – like these nesting bowls which we received as a wedding gift over 8 years ago that still look brand spankin’ new, a cast iron pot that just feels cosy when you’re cooking with it and this Moka coffee pot, but not just the original one, but the luxe version in collaboration with D&G. This gets used every morning in our house and it sits proudly on the stovetop when not in use.
There’s also a bit of dinnerware for an aesthetic table, as well as some home decor stuff, like this lamp and these candles.
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Now we’re getting to the serious end of things. I’m going to guess that if you’ve found yourself in this section, you’ve been sent here by a particular someone… am I right? And that particular someone has directed you here as you need some hints because you’re overwhelmed with what to buy your special person? Well, can I just say, I’ve got your covered. Any of the items would make your special someone feel extra special.
If you want to go big, might I suggest a timeless handbag – like this iconic Loewe bag (in the exact size I’ve linked please, any smaller and not much fits inside), this Gucci bag that comes with a longer shoulder strap so it can be worn in different ways), these other options (here, here and here) are also excellent.
If a bag is a little intense for you, these Celine sunglasses are having a bit of a moment, and this scarf is a classic that will last for years and years. There’s also this belt which is a personal favourite of mine as well as this cute leather pouch from Anya Hindmarch (quirky accessories are her thing).
Want to go a completely different route? What about a Georg Jensen toaster? I know – but it’s Christmas, so why not! And if you’re still indecisive, you cannot go wrong with this Loewe candle, it gets rave reviews, it’ll provide hours of loveliness and it’s not so bad on the hip pocket.
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This is probably one of my favourite categories to put together, only because I find it very easy (these ideas are literally barked at me daily by my minis), but it’s also pretty special to watch them unwrap their pressies under the illusion that Santa knew what they wanted (in the exact colour mind you) in addition to receiving positive reinforcement that the tantrum from the other day didn’t warrant Santa not leaving them a gift under the tree and they really are “good” 🙄
Some of these toys can also be enjoyed by those young at heart, like Bop It (an oldie but a goodie) and also this particular Rubix game, which isn’t like solving a Rubix cube in the slightest, but has kept us entertained for HOURS as we’ve facilitated structured competitions at home (with intense finals rounds and everything). It’s SO fun!
For school-aged kids, you can’t go wrong with Lego, or these V-tech goodies like this watch and camera (their stuff is really well made). For younger kids I don’t think you can go wrong with a toy that makes noise (like this one, apologies in advance to the parents) or this cute comforter.
When I was a kid, I used to always receive a fresh pair of sneakers, so it was only fitting that I include a couple of options in the mix (that so happen to be shoes my younger boys are currently wearing).
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Not gonna lie, I found this particular category of gifts difficult to curate, only because there are so many other excellent gift ideas from other categories and there’s not really a one size fits all set of criteria for “her” gifts, if you catch my drift.
That said, I did collate a few of my favourite wardrobe things (both practical and luxe), and some cute kitschy items that I think would delight the special woman in your life. I bought these sandals a few months ago (way before the warm weather hit) and I will be getting some solid use out of them as the weather continues to heat up. You can’t go wrong with a pair of slippers, or jewellery (like this luxe item, and this fun pair that you might recall seeing me sport often). Anya Hindmarch goodies are my go-to for fun and luxe presents – I love this Stabilo Boss collab, as well as this organiser that would get solid use. Then of course, you can’t go wrong with comfortable footwear right? These tall boots would make a great gift (read my comprehensive review about them here), as would these classic pumps. But if you want to go down the fun route, these sandals are awesome. I took them with me to Japan and walked over 20,000 steps on the days I wore them.
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This was so fun to put together! Only because I feel like the world is your oyster when it comes to all the fun and gadgety things out there. I’ve struck a balance between useful gadgets (like this robot vacuum, and this air fryer), as well as artful pieces to elevate your home – like this beautiful vase, or this Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana kettle.
I recently received these headphones from my family as a birthday gift and they’re incredible! The sound quality, the ability to customise different noise cancellation modes depending on what you’re using them for. I’ve linked the limited edition Diamond Anniversary headphones.
Also included on the list are gadgets that improve the quality of your everyday life, like this steamer and this wind-resistant brolly, which might sound boring to some, but as the owner of both of these items, I always feel very satisfied every time I use them because of their stellar design and the fact that I’ve had both for quite some time.
For something on the whimsy side, you can’t go wrong with a Polaroid camera for both young and old, and for the ultimate fun present – a Nintendo Switch. We love ours.
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Behold, a selection of gifts I think he will love! From the lightest (but extremely functional) backpack (this was my husband’s backpack during our Japan trip), to this most excellent sweater (we love these at home and hiked Mount Kosciusko in them lol), to these most excellent New Balance sneakers (here and here).
I’ve also included some quintessentially “man” gifts – like this fragrance, and this drink bottle. But there are lots of other gifts that I’ve included that I hope the special man in your life will love unwrapping – including a fair few that I’ve already gifted to my husband – like these boots and this ice ball tray (which you’ll benefit from too!).
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What a lucky duck. Honestly, I would love to be a travel nomad so there was a fair bit of channelling when I was putting together my ideas for this particular category. There’s a mix of functional gear – like this compact carry-on suitcase, and this carry-on suitcase if you don’t want to subject your loved one to just the bare basics. I also used this luggage tag on our most recent trip to Japan and loved how it brightened things up (there are also a heap of colours – and it’s so cheap!). This travel folio served us well while travelling Japan (in fact, all of this gear did!).
I also included a notebook, to jot down thoughts, plans and reflections while on the road and your special someone is going to want some crazy good headphones for the flight right? We don’t want crying babies disturbing in-flight movies now do we. Some of my other favourite travel accessories are also included in this guide, including this Toiletries bag (it opens wide, so no rummaging!) and these packing cubes – a must for keeping things organised in your case.
To cap it off, we’ve got some practical travel gear, like this lightweight and packable rain jacket and these comfy (but stylish) sneakers!
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This category is perfect for the person in your life that you struggle to buy for – whether it’s because they’ve got everything already, or whether you’re drawn the name or someone you’re not very acquainted with in the office Kris Kringle – I’ve got your back folks.
A lot of the gifts in this guide are light-hearted and fun, some of them whimsy and a lot of them useful. For starters, Nagi’s new cookbook is awesome and just an all-round top gift in my opinion! You can never go wrong with homewares and there are some great quality ones that I’ve found that won’t break the bank (but also won’t break period given they’re top notch quality). This fabric shaver is one of the most satisfying things to use – gift someone that feeling for under $20!
As always, thanks so much for stopping by! Happy festive shopping!
