242 best Christmas gifts for 2024: perfect present ideas chosen by the experts | Christmas
Stuck for what to buy everyone for Christmas? You won’t be for long … From gifts for fitness fans and gardeners to presents for pets (and their adorable owners), teens and beauty lovers, we’ve got all bases covered.
Best of all, they’re hand-picked from the experts themselves: we’ve taken out the guesswork and asked the kids, chefs, cyclists and more to tell us what they actually want this year. Merry Christmas!
Stocking fillers
A selection of little treats for all ages
Gardener’s Collection chutney gift set Classic condiments championing the flavours of British gardens.
£11.75, tracklements.co.uk
Taylor Swift stickers “They’re the perfect decoration. I can use them on my guitar and record player.” Charlotte, 14 For more Taylor-inspired gifts, check out our Swifties gift guide
20-pack, £5.78, etsy.com
Heattech socks “Uniqlo makes the best socks on the high street. A Heattech pair in a seasonal red would be very welcomed.” Lauren Cochrane, senior Guardian fashion writer
£7.90, Uniqlo.com
Femme dark milk chocolate Organic chocolate made from beans grown by a women’s co-operative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
£6.99, ocelotchocolate.com
Gardeners’ mini pruning snips Pocket-size, making them perfect for pottering.
£8, grantandbudds.com
Classic recipe shortbread Crumbly, buttery … every flavour’s a winner but the lemon melts are stand-out special.
£4.04, islandbakery.scot
Croissant butter A crunchy, sweet spread made from caramelised croissants and toasted white chocolate.
£10, delli.market
Butterfly nail art Up your at-home manicure game with these nail tattoos.
£5, urbanoutfitters.com
Fish-shaped lemon squeezer Much more fun than a muslin cloth.
£6.95, thehambledon.com
Beeswax candles These Welsh beeswax candles are completely natural and chemical free. Or support your local apiary by buying their versions.
£9, gwenyngruffydd.co.uk
Spreading knife This spatula bladed spreading knife comes in a few fun colours, to add some festive cheer to the breakfast table.
£9.50, londonboroughofjam.com
National Trust bird feeder Encourage some garden birdwatching with this stylish bird feeder.
£10, shop.nationaltrust.org.uk
Floral & leopard print scrunchies “I would like a new scrunchie to go with my outfits.” Polly, 13
Two-pack, £15, nobodyschild.com
Spaghetti Dust seasoning A ready-to-go mix of aglio, olio e peperoncino. Just toss with pasta. Perfect for uni students or the late night party animal in your life.
£7.50, superette.com
Eiffel Tower biscuit cutter “Mais oui! A must for all Emily in Paris fans.” JCM
£5, re-foundobjects.com
Ukrainian enamel mug Every festival fan/camping enthusiast needs a jolly mug for their first cuppa of the day.
£8, objectsofuse.com
Pretzel bottle opener “Looks chic on a tray with nibbles.” JCM
£8, anthropologie.com
Vintage-style storage tins “These storage tins will add a pop of colour to shelves.” Chloe Mac Donnell, deputy fashion and lifestyle editor
£8.95, notanotherbill.com
Sisters Are the Shit cinnamon gum For either your blood sister or your bestie, tell them how you feel with gum.
£1.99, incognito-uk.co.uk
Charred peach, scotch bonnet and spiced rum hot sauce Unusual flavours from this Edinburgh-based brand are ideal for hot sauce devotees.
£6.49, heriothott.com
Organic lavender French soap bar “French soaps are a bathroom classic. Chateau du Savon has them in every colour and fragrance you could imagine – and for less than £4 each.” Lauren Cochrane, senior fashion writer
£3.79, chateaudusavon.com
Sugar Plum pastel purple nail polish A no nasties, scented nail varnish that peels off easily – ideal for kids play.
£9.50, nonastieskids.co.uk
Wooden hand decoration “Made in south Wales, hang from a window for year round cheer” CMD
£9, theprintedpeanut.co.uk
Much Ado About Nothing A5 notebook For all of your inspired musings.
£8, shop.shakespearesglobe.com
Silk polka dot scarf “Whether worn as a bandana, around your bag straps in a nod to this year’s Birkinification movement, or as a top à la various TikTokers, a silk scarf is a versatile accessory. And Depop is fit to bursting with patterns to suit all tastes for under a tenner.” Ellie Violet Bramley, acting fashion and lifestyle editor
£6.79, depop.com
Tokens of Appreciation lip balms Spread a little love with these little lip balms.
£7 each, theeveryspace.com
Pink yo-yo “I want a yo-yo like at Nana’s house. I want a pink one.” Effie, 3
£8, smiggle.co.uk
Knitted striped T rex “I want a T rex. I want it to be yellow, black, white and blue.” Tallulah, 3
£13.95, rockawaytoys.com
Peekaboo Santa book Full of sliders to keep little fingers busy.
£7.99, nosycrow.com
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess “They’re so funny, and you can read them over and over. It’s really exciting that there’s a new one out for Christmas!” Cecily, 10
£13.49, guardianbookshop.com
Kids’ seabed umbrella Make rainy days a little brighter with a fun kid’s umbrella.
£10, kidly.co.uk
Kids
Selected by children aged 0-10 (and their parents)
Mini skateboard “Sofia really wants a skateboard for Christmas. Her favourite Barbie is Renee, who is a skateboarder, and she wants to be like her.” Kate, mum of Sofia, 4
£35, saltrock.com
88-piece art set “I would like an art set for Christmas, so that me and my sister can draw together.” Fatima, 9
£38.99, smallkins.com
Shark fin swimming aid “I want a shark fin with a string so it can wrap around my body and point up like a shark.” Chase, 6
£32.99, swimfin.co.uk
Beyblade X starter pack set assortment “I want a beyblade because they spin!” Ava, 6
£9.99. smythstoys.com
Jumbo chalks “My three-year-old loves playing with chalks on our patio.” Annabel, mum of Mikey
£6, johnlewis.com
Friendship bracelet kit “Me and my sister Ayda love making bracelets and it is a fun activity to do. You can make them and give them away to family and friends.” Eva, 10
£14, www.clothkits.co.uk
Disney Frozen kid’s watch “I really want a watch – I love princesses and I’m excited to wear a princess watch on my wrist. It will tell me when it’s 8pm, which is my bedtime.” Lara, 4
£34.99, argos.co.uk
Goalie gloves “I want some goalie gloves for playing football.” Leo, 7
£18, adidas.co.uk
Toniebox “George loves listening to Tonies on his Toniebox before bed. It helps him wind down. He’s asked for more stories” Jessica, mum of George, 2
£79.95, story figures £14.95, tonies.com
Jewellery box “This Christmas, I would like to receive a musical jewellery box. I think this is a very thoughtful and sentimental gift that you could treasure for many years to come.” Lillie, 10
£42, beckyandlolo.co.uk
Play teepee “I’m going to fill the tent with cushions and books from the charity shop and spruce it up with fairy lights because she loves going into tents and is obsessed with books. This will be a nice, comfy, quiet space for her to chill.” Beverly, mum ofSofia, 19 months
£75, laredoute.co.uk
Ikea Flisat desk “I’m getting her this desk because she loves my friend’s little girl’s one, and drawing, and I want to encourage her not to sit on my desk and draw all over it – instead, she can draw all over hers. The Ikea one is amazing, as it has adjustable legs and a roll of paper.” Beverly, mum ofSofia, 19 months
£89, ikea.com
Foil art “I’m definitely getting her more foil art. She is obsessed with it.” Hannah, mum of Georgie, 6
£6.99, johnlewis.com
Magnetic play theatre “I would like this as I like making my toys do shows” Lily, 6
£26, pollocks-coventgarden.co.uk
Squishmallow pyjamas “I love new pyjamas and I love squishmallows.” Izzy, 5
£20, marksandspencer.com
World Football Stars 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle “I’m getting him this jigsaw as he likes the world football stars books” Lynne, mum of Jake, 8
£13, theworks.co.uk
Lloyd’s Elemental Power Mech Ninjago Lego “I love building Lego kits with my daddy. I saw this Ninjago one that looks great.” Toby, 4
£17.99, lego.com
Light-up roller skates “I want roller skates and I like these ones because they look really cool.” Eva, 5
£39.99, from Amazon
So Slime DIY Magical Slime Potion Maker “I love slime and my friend Poppy is getting slime, too.” Sophia, 8
£14.99, smythstoys.com
Marble Run “I love playing with the marble run at school. You put the balls in and they go down, down, down – it’s fun.” Blake, 6
£20, johnlewis.com
Butterfly Garden puzzle “For Christmas, I’d like a bauble to decorate the tree, but as a present on Christmas Day, I would like a butterfly toy.” Marianne, 3
£17.50, smallkins.com
My Little Medical Case playset “I want a doctor’s kit” Willow, 4
£23, elc.co.uk
SuperMario Onesie “I want a Mario fleece onesie so I look cool and can stay warm after swimming.” Harrison, 6
£24.95, character.com
Light up Garage Playset “I’m getting this garage for Jude. The cars go down the ramp, light up and make noise – he loves things like this at the moment.” Melanie, mum of Jude, 1
£45, argos.co.uk
Make Your Own Chocolate Lollipop set “When I go to the Natural History Museum, I like to get a chocolate dinosaur lolly. I looked on the internet with my mum and liked these animal ones. We can make them together at home.” Blake, 6
£10, choconchoc.co.uk
Stanley quencher “This year I, and other children my age and older, may want a Stanley cup.” Jessica, 10
£44.99, lakeland.co.uk
Toy shopping trolley “I want a shopping trolley as I like pushing them around the supermarket.” Freya, 3
£16, asda.com
Teens
Selected by a group of Year 9s, 10s, 11s, sixth formers – and editors who know what they want
Pop Aqua Opal Heart necklace with sterling silver chain “My clothing style has changed and I would like some jewellery that matches my clothes now.” Paige, 17
£49, lauragravestock.com
Vincent van Gogh: The Starry Night Lego set “Lego is one of my favourite things to create, and I love art and the Starry Night painting. I heard about this piece on TikTok while scrolling one night and now I have my heart set on it.” Lois, 15
£149.99, lego.com
Adidas Campus 00s in leopard “I love leopard-print stuff – these trainers would look amazing with most of my outfits.” Lexi, 14
£89.99, zalando.co.uk
& Other Stories Perle de Coco Glow Body Lotion “& Other Stories makes very good beauty products overall. This pleasant smelling coconut lotion moisturises as it deposits golden particles, to give limbs some party glow.” Editor’s pick: Sali Hughes, the Guardian’s beauty columnist
£14, stories.com
Victoria’s Secret Flannel Long Pyjama Set “I want new pyjamas so when I go to friends’ houses for sleepovers I have a nice pair to bring.” Isabella, 13
£59, victoriassecret.co.uk
Hailey Bieber’s iPhone and lip balm case “My most asked for item by teenage girls. This repeatedly sold-out case is back in a variety of co-ordinating shades for autumn/winter. You’ll be a hero in your household.” Editor’s pick: SH
£38, rhodeskin.com
Ariana Blouse – pink taffeta “I need new winter clothes and want something that looks nice.” Poppy, 13
£70, damsonmadder.com
Jellycat Amuseables Bubble Tea toy “I find these toys so cute and adorable. I already have three JellyCats at home and want to grow my collection. It is probably the only toy brand acceptable to teenagers” Annie, 14
£25, jellycat.com
Byoma Brightening Starter Kit “Teens have a tendency to treat problem skin like the enemy. The result can be a compromised and upset skin barrier. Byoma specialises in nursing barrier function back to health. It looks stylish, too.” SH
£14.99, cultbeauty.co.uk
Mainoo, Garnacho and Hojlund magnetic metal Man United poster “I have supported Manchester United since I was little and these are some of my favourite players. I heard about these metal posters on TikTok and think it would look nicer than a normal poster.” Josef, 15
£39, displate.com
Kids’ Faux Fur Blanket “They’re very pretty and comforting. My friend has one in her bedroom and when we watched a scary film we hid under it!” Ellie, 13
£24, johnlewis.com
Checked Blanket Scarf “You won’t have to remind them to wrap up warm in this vibrant scarf.” Editor’s pick: Emily Cronin, fashion journalist
£26, urbanoutfitters.com
Personalised Christmas jumper Tony’s chocolate bar “I would like lots of sweets and chocolate.” Lukas, 14
£7.13, uk.tonyschocolonely.com
Fuji Instax Mini 12 instant camera “A Fuji Instax Mini camera, to take pics with my friends.” Seren, 14
£73.99 johnlewis.com
Ted Baker Rose & Orchid Body Spray “I tested it out and it smelled amazing.” Nuha, 17
150ml, £8, boots.com
Ugee Drawing Tablet “I want a drawing tablet because I saw someone using one and it looked like a handy tool to help me get good at drawing.” Joe, 15
£40, shop.ugee.com
Splodge Hardback Lined Notebook “A diary with plenty of space to write down dreams and schemes.” Editor’s pick: EC
£20, papier.com
1988-90 Everton Umbro Zip Track Top “I’ve been a proud Blue all my life and I’ll take any opportunity to get the badge in. I also really like vintage jackets and shirts from the 90s, so this would be a great addition to my collection.” Tomos, 14
£175, vintagefootballshirts.com
The Naturals Complete Box Set by Jennifer Lynn Barnes “I first heard about these books through TikTok and I’ve been wanting to read them for a while. They’ve really captured my attention with the blurb and the covers.” Heather, 17
£32.36, guardianbookshop.com
Food
Selected by top chefs and Feast columnists and editors
Fermentation jar “One of the best presents I’ve ever received was a fermentation jar. Whether your friend is a seasoned fermenter, or just starting out, these jars are brilliant. Take a cabbage, add some salt, and let it work its magic – the handy valves allow you to burp your ferments as they go. And if your friend doesn’t take to fermenting, they can just use the jar to store ingredients such as grains or flour.” Yotam Ottolenghi, Feast columnist, chef, restaurateur and author of Comfort For more tips, see our guide to the kit you need to ferment at home
£11.99, lakeland.co.uk
Lincolnshire poacher cheese biscuits Punchy, shortbread-like cheese biscuits will work wonders on any cheeseboard, or on their own.
£6.80, gails.com
Dishoom tamarind and date chutney A tangy, sweet-sour partner for samosas, pakoras and all manner of Indian fried snacks.
£6.80, dishoom.com
Mariscadora tinned seafood The store cupboard staple gift that keeps on giving.
£22 for three, Honey & Co
Seasonal seed box Grow your own microgreens, from rocket to tai sai.
£20, Planet Good Earth
Cake or Death self-care hamper Because Christmas is for treating yourself too: vegan goodies for a sweet tooth. For more self-care gifts, see our guide
£42, cakeordeath.co.uk
Thai curry paste Spice up your Thai green, red and jungle curry game with pastes made fresh every week.
£4.75, (£26 for six), Payst by Farang
Tortilla chip bag clip Kitsch clips to keep half full bags of grains and crisps fresh.
£2.80, Pophamshome.com
Cheese canteen selection of five farmhouse cheeses Like a monthly Deliveroo delivery, but with artisan cheese rather than fast food.
£28-£32 a month, provisionslondon.co.uk
Citrus juicer Who needs two juicers? This one can handle both lemons and limes.
£9.99, lakeland.co.uk
Honest toil olive oil An unfiltered, cold-pressed Greek olive oil with a peppery kick.
£17, honest-toil.co.uk
Fortnum and Mason tall tin biscuits The packages are an ultra chic treat. The plum and ginger biscuit is delicious.
£14.95 to £21.95, fortnumandmason.com
Poon’s London sauce collection Legendary Chinatown institution brought back to life in sauce form
£38, poons-pantry.com
White Mausu black bean rayu A smoky, savoury banger to spoon over eggs.
£6.99, souschef.co.uk
Classic cocktail selection box Small but mighty, the canned cosmo and margarita are dangerously good.
£34, whiteboxcocktails.com
Spice grinder Neater than a pestle and mortar, this Zassenhaus cast-iron spice grinder has a built-in container.
£42-£55, small to XL, boroughkitchen.com
Chocolate chip cookie selection box A customisable selection of deluxe chocolate chip cookies, from hazelnut and gianduja to butterscotch and dark chocolate.
£21 (for six), Le Choux
Caramel chocolate-coated liquorice A Danish classic, caramel chocolate-coated liquorice.
£10.95, lakridsbybulow.co.uk
Gluten-free Christmas cake Handmade in Devon, with almonds, dark chocolate and frosted icing.
£29.95, explodingbakery.com
LaoGanMa crispy chilli in oil “I love LaoGanMa crispy chilli in oil, which I get from WaNaHong. It’s not too expensive, it’s super tasty, and it goes with everything – it’s on preorder in my basket.” Tom Kerridge, chef, restaurateur and author of Pub Kitchen
£3.59, wanahong.co.uk
Puntarelle slicer “I would get a Roman puntarelle cutter to use for courgettes. It’s the most satisfying tool (after a box grater, of course).” Rachel Roddy, Feast columnist and author of An A-Z of Pasta
£17, italiancookshop.com
Kapka Splatter Fest enamel roasting tin 21cm “The Kapka enamel range of roasting tins, bowls and plates are stunning, and my go-to gift – they make you smile just looking at them. I get them from Sous Chef, and use them to keep tomatoes, eggs and fruit out on the counter.” Rukmini Iyer, Feast columnist and author of The Green Cookbook
£23.99, souschef.co.uk
Jars Tourron serving bowl 23cm “I would get a beautiful serving bowl to serve pasta dishes and salads at the table. When they have people over or are eating with the family, it’s not only practical but they’ll think of you, too. Divertimenti has really nice ones.” Mitch Tonks, founder of The Seahorse in Dartmouth, Devon, and the Rockfish group of restaurants
£69, divertimenti.co.uk
ThermoPro TP03H meat thermometer, £9.99 “To anyone nervous about cooking, particularly seafood and meat, I always recommend an inexpensive digital meat probe. It will give exact results every time, from cooking steaks to not overcooking fish.” Paul Ainsworth, chef-owner of Paul Ainsworth at No 6 in Padstow, and author of For the Love of Food
£9.99, amazon.co.uk
Porridge spurtle “I’d like a bundle of wooden spoons, including one for porridge, and I’ve previously given small ones from Morocco, which are great for tasting. There’s something about the softness of wood that’s lovely to put in your mouth. I love picking them up on my travels, and they last for ever.” Margot Henderson, chef and co-owner of Rochelle Canteen in London
£5.95, willowandstone.co.uk
David Mellor rosewood cook’s knife 12cm “I have given the David Mellor cook’s knife so many times; everyone in my family has had one for Christmas. It’s beautiful, well-made and indispensable. I’m obsessed.” Phil Khoury, head pastry chef at Harrods and author of A New Way to Bake
£58, davidmellordesign.com
Löfbergs Brazil single origin coffee Award-winning coffee with Rainforest Alliance approval.
Gymkana peanut and sesame chutney Just add poppadoms or crudites.
£7, souschef.co.uk
Retro kitchen timer Forget your phone, this magnetic analogue kitchen timer is much handier.
£18, dykeanddean.com
Harry’s Nut Butter Creamy peanut butter with roast pumpkin seeds and warming spices.
£6.50, delli.market
Odysea Meze Hamper Meze made easy: this hamper contains dips, olives and appetisers, all in a jar!
£39, odysea.com
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve given this book as a gift.” Itamar Srulovich, chef/co-owner of Honey & Co
£36, guardianbookshop.com
Fashion
Selected by the Guardian’s fashion team
Hoodie, £75 colourfulstandard.com
Organic ginger brown hoodie “Brown is a new fashion classic – and Colourful Standard make the best hoodies. This is one for regular rotation until spring.” Lauren Cochrane, senior fashion writer
£75, colourfulstandard.com
J’Adoro socks “Socks are one of my favourite Christmas gifts. And Aries socks? Even better.” LC
£22, ariesarise.com
Patchwork hot-water bottle “A pretty hot-water bottle makes a sofa day even more tempting. This one is handmade in Wales using vintage patchwork pieces.” CMD
£34.99, welshblankets.co.uk
Two-tone ring “Mixing metals used to be seen as the jewellery equivalent of pairing navy and black – no longer. This UK-made ring is crafted out of ethically sourced materials.” EVB
£78, shylajewellery.com
Classic pyjamas “There is something cosy and Christmassy about new PJs. I’d go for a men’s pair, sized down for women. This John Lewis set is ideal.” Jess Cartner-Morley, associate editor (fashion) For more men’s pyjamas, see our guide
£40, johnlewis.com
Gold initial necklace “Jewellery is always a great gift, and this personalised semi precious stone pendant looks much more expensive than its price tag.” Melanie Wilkinson, styling editor
£65, selfridges.com
Fancy flats “These sparkly flats are what I want to be cooking the turkey in this year.” JCM
£45, marksandspencer.com
Retro fleece “This 1/4 zip fleece is 100% recycled – good for the planet and cosy, too.” Helen Seamons, menswear editor
£135, finisterre.com
Chocolate lobster “Say ‘You’re my lobster’ – with chocolate.” CMD
£13.49, selfridges.com
Chic hair accessory set “An affordable bathroom-shelf upgrade for your long-haired pals, from independent female-owned brand Braid & Bow.” JCM
£19, braidandbow.com
Bob Marley tree decoration “Stop the search: this is hands down the coolest Christmas tree dec and future family heirloom ever.” HS
£35, thejacksons.co.uk
Elegant crafting kit “Tapestry Guild make inexpensive, elegant needlepoint kits suitable for beginners and experienced stitchers. I love the Mini Lemon Slice.” JCM
£30, thetapestryguild.com
Late Night Service dad cap “Dad caps are the new (and much chicer) novelty socks.” HS
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£39.95, lesdeux.co.uk
Cross body bag “Animal print is roaring up the trend charts. This bag, made from repurposed vintage material, is perfect for weekend mooching.” CMD
£65, thewellworn.co.uk
Multi-pocket bag “The perfect way to keep your important bits close.” HS
£69, arket.com
Fabric shaver “Perform your own Christmas miracle by breathing new life into bobbly clothes with this fabric shaver.” EVB
£55, steamery.co.uk
Fingerless wool gloves “These fingerless gloves are crafted in Scotland by a company that traces back to 1845, but they are ideal for the modern world, leaving fingers free to tap.” EVB
£45, toa.st
Fashion shopping list “Make more considered purchases by jotting down your new season wishlist.” CMD
£6.75, The Letter Arty
Chunky scarf “Acobalt blue blanket stitch scarf will make your winter coat that little bit more joyful.” MW
£38, oliverbonas.com
Thermo mules “Shuffle through the snow or relax by the fireplace in these indoor/outdoor cosy slippers.” HS
£70, thenorthface.co.uk
Silver-plated necklace “Anecklace that looks like gnarled frankincense is the perfect gift for those who prefer their jewels a little more directional.” EVB
£49.99, pilgrim.net
Fair Isle jumper “Christmas jumpers aren’t just for 25 December – choose a cheery red or a Fair Isle for winter-long style.” HS
£35, marksandspencer.com
Reusable coffee cup “For a gift that will keep on giving, how about this unusually nice insulated cup?” EVB
£32, chillys.com
Silver hoops “Silver hoops – yes, you heard me, not gold – are what your fashionable friends crave in their stockings this year.” JCM
£35, whistles.com
Weekend knickers “Day of the week knickers always have me longing for a different style come Thursday, but a four-day-long weekend selection is perfect.” MW
£50, stripeandstare.com
Flower display set “Rather than giant arrangements, displays of singular or several flower stems are the tablescaping look du jour in fashion. Use a flower frog to ensure yours stay upright.” CMD
£13.50, thehambledon.com
Everyday pouch “Instead of losing your phone, keys and lipstick in a giant tote bag, use this pouch as a smaller inner organiser.” CMD
£32, elizabethscarlett.com
Organza hair bow “Look like you’ve made an effort with your Xmas day look with this pretty chiffon hair bow.” CMD
£18, anthropologie.com
License plate shirt “For style-conscious movie lovers, this T-shirt is inspired by the Wim Wenders classic Paris, Texas.” HS
£40, ideanow.online/store
Beaded phone lanyard “Try to beat the phone snatchers with a snazzy lanyard. This one is handmade in Bristol using hand-blown glass beads.” CMD
£35, shopnots
Vintage sunglasses “Peep Eyewear sunglasses combine vintage glamour and safety – with optical grade lenses ensuring 100% UV protection.” CMD
from £38, peepeyewear.co.uk
Hot Mitts “Taking a margherita out of the oven has never been so chic.” MW
£40, fromourplace.co.uk
Canvas apron “Service Works is the brand that even the most serious home cooks – sorry, chefs – will wear with pride as they glug jus over their partridge this festive season.” EVB
£38, serviceworks.xyz
Home and Garden
Selected by gardening and interiors pros
Colourful jute twine Beautifully coloured garden twine spools ranging from indigo violet to deep orchid.
£4.45, nutscene.com
Micro round shovel “This is my go-to tool. The power of a full shovel, but with less stress on the body. And it’s perfect when you’re planting in restricted spaces.” Flo Headlam, designer and Garden Rescue host
£10.51, toolstation.com
Bauhaus candlestick This Bauhaus candlestick is a classic design with a twist.
£10, perchandparrow.com
Let’s Exchange the Experience A4 print A joyful print from artist and poet Rob Lowe, available in four sizes.
£24, supermundane.com
Panisa Khunprasert for MoMA chess and checkers set With its bold look, this chess and checkers set is stylish enough to leave out on display.
£50, saltsmillshop.co.uk
Bella Freud mug Bring Gallic rock-star energy to your morning coffee with this fine bone china mug with nine-carat gold detailing.
£40, bellafreud.com
Higonokami folding knife “A quality gardening knife is an indispensable part of my kit for harvesting. Making sharp cuts is crucial to avoid tears and the introduction of disease.” Claire Ratinon, organic food grower and writer
£36, niwaki.com
Piet Oudolf at Work, £59.95 “A rare horticultural coffee table book with use. This collection of the Dutch garden designer’s drawings showcases unusual plants and how to place them.” Troy Scott Smith, head gardener at Sissinghurst
£59.95, phaidon.com
Hunter Paper Co 2025 cities wall calendar Fill a space on the kitchen wall with this letterpress-printed calendar of cities, made on vintage presses in Belfast.
£19.95, hunterpaperco.com
Terrariums voucher “During the winter months when we spend less time in the garden, having a self-contained and sustained ecosystem indoors tops up our connection with nature. And what’s more fun than building one yourself? This voucher can be put towards a ready-made terrarium, workshop or plant.” Gynelle Leon, houseplant expert
From £10, londonterrariums.com
Nomi photo frames Jazz up anyone’s family photos with this geometric frame collection. Choose from three designs and sizes, all made from recycled cotton fibres.
From £14.50, oliverbonas.com
The Warley Fall watering can “I would love a traditional Haws watering can in racing green. They have been handcrafted in the UK for more than 130 years, and are the ultimate gift.” Pollyanna Wilkinson, garden designer and broadcaster, The Ins & Outs podcast For more essential kit chosen by experts, see our guide to the best gardening tools
£175, haws.co.uk
Bornn Colorama baking dish Brighten up baking days with this fabulous enamel dish that gives strong Barbie-and-Ken energy.
£22, etc.london
Mulier Studio sculptural candles In a palette of softly muted colours, this hand-crafted candle collection is too beautiful to burn. Enjoy them as wibbly-wobbly works of art instead.
From £22 each, anewtribe.co.uk
Gardening gloves “Give me any gloves that aren’t twee with a floral print, and I’ll be happy. These ones are excellent: light enough to do the job but still protective. And, unlike the flowery gloves, it doesn’t matter if the grey ones get dirty.” Jo Thompson, designer and writer, The Gardening Mind
£6, niwaki.com
Pinwheel hot-water bottle cover Hand-quilted in India with cotton wadding, using patchwork panels with a pinwheel design, this is a timeless piece of handicraft well worth investing in.
£45, toa.st
Bit on the side plate This witty typographical plate – there are more designs to choose from, too – is handmade in Bath, by a couple who grew up in Camden.
£18, camdenclay.co.uk
Iris Hantverk computer brush Crumby keyboards, be gone! This little brush will suit neat freaks and tech heads alike.
£19.50, alkemistore.com
Set of two coupe glasses A pretty failsafe gift for anyone. This colourful pair will make cocktail o’clock extra special.
£15, marksandspencer.com
Habitat analogue alarm clock This vivid blue clock is an instant design classic, and it’s perfect for a phones-out-of-the-bedroom digital detox.
£9, habitat.co.uk
Bulb planting auger “My top planting design tip is to plant more bulbs. These augers make it easier, and are also useful for planting 9cm pot plants or in narrow-but-deep containers.” Ula Maria, best in show winner, RHS Chelsea 2024
From £6.99, crocus.co.uk
Habitat geo tufted throw This cosy tufted throw is a great way to introduce texture to a room.
£35, habitat.co.uk
Brown and olive boots “These boots are lightweight and versatile, great for gardening. There is a steel-toe version for super-heavy work, or colour-themed boots you can wear to the RHS Chelsea flower show.” Tom Massey, designer and author of The Resilient Gardener
£170, blundstone.co.uk
Collagerie tray Tapping into the vibrant, bohemian aesthetic of the ex-Vogue duo – former fashion directors Lucinda Chambers and Serena Hood – behind lifestyle brand Collagerie, this tray is from a highly covetable collab with John Lewis. For more homeware collaborations, see our guide to the best pieces
£25, johnlewis.com
Stoneware cups Warm your hands on a hot drink with these glazed cups, and show off on a kitchen shelf in between cuppas.
£19 for two, arket.com
Igi insulated water bottle Keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold with this tree-inspired geometric patterned bottle, which draws on designer Yinka Ilori’s British-Nigerian heritage.
£35, shop.yinkailori.com
Folding saw “Japanese saws (like Japanese ladders) have revolutionised pruning. They are razor sharp, cut on the pull, and are indispensable.” Monty Don, gardener, broadcaster and writer
£39, niwaki.com
Elements Fieldsley floral crewel cushion With a bold floral design, this colourful crewel-embroidery cushion looks pleasingly high-end at a high-street price.
£18, dunelm.com
Alma | Proust seeds “This is the perfect stocking filler: beautifully illustrated packets of impeccably curated cut-flower varieties, grown and packed in Sussex. Choose sweet peas for Boxing Day sowing.” Troy Scott Smith
From £2.90, milliproust.com
Ian Snow katran vase This charmingly earthy decorative vase is Fairtrade and made from katran, a biodegradable material that reuses waste cotton from the fashion industry.
£20, glassette.com
Gardener’s pencils Ideal for dibbing planting holes for seeds and labelling them up.
£3.95, tinkerandfix.co.uk
Fitness
Selected by gym, yoga, cycling, running and swimming enthusiasts
Seamless gym wear Moisture-wicking and the perfect relaxed shape for any activity.
£22, marksandspencer.com
Pastel pillow Great for yoga at home, this eco-friendly buckwheat bolster has a 100% organically grown cotton cover. For more gifts for fitness fans, see our guide
£44, yogamatters.com
Finisterre Nalgene water bottle This water bottle is big, bold and ideal for the gym, plus it’s BPA-, BPS- and phthalate-free.
£25, finisterre.com
Lumi recovery pod Give the gift of cold water plunging this year. The Lumi recovery pod is just the right size to sit in the garden.
£59.95, johnlewis.com
Neal’s Yard Remedies warming salve Massage this into your legs before a run to warm yourself up, or use it afterwards on aching muscles.
£16, nealsyardremedies.com
Howies seam-free knickers Naturally antibacterial, seam-free modal briefs that are super-comfortable for workouts.
£25 for three pairs, howies.co.uk
Ciele running hat A cap that is the stylish choice for running or casual hiking. Its small brim makes sure visibility isn’t impaired.
£40, cieleathletics.com
Pulsio Air massage gun The Pulsio Air massager claims 12 hours of battery life and is only the size of a phone.
£69.99, pulsio.co.uk
Alo Yoga workout vest This Alo Aspire vest will work for pilates and your post-workout coffee.
£44, aloyoga.com
Tala leggings Yoga bunnies will love these stretchy, recycled nylon high-rise leggings from Tala.
£59, selfridges.com
Closca foldable cycle helmet A design award winner, the Closca cycling hat will collapse down to fit in a bag.
£135, closca.com
Weighted triangles Easier to grip than a kettlebell, these Amp Wellbeing weighted triangles will add resistance to any pilates practice or lower body workout.
£65, ampwellbeing.co.uk
Lululemon Energy bra This stylish sports bra offers medium support, so is best for yoga and training.
£48, lululemon.co.uk
Injinji Courtney Crew women’s trail socks “I ran my first 50km ultra wearing these Injinji toe socks, and my feet were fine – no blisters or lost toenails – so I want to add more to my collection.” Tasha Thompson, from Black Girls Do Run For more gifts for runners, see our guide
£18.95, ultramarathonrunningstore.com
Cork massage balls Sustainably made from the bark of the cork oak tree, these massage balls can be rolled over trigger points to loosen tight knots.
£15, fableyoga.com
Zoggs Predator goggles These polarised, anti-fog swimming goggles battle bright outdoor light and glare. For more gifts for swimmers, see our guide
£34, rnli.org
Lezyne bike pump “Lezyne Micro is simply the best portable bike pump I’ve come across.” Emily Chappell, former winner of the ultra-endurance Transcontinental race For more gifts for cyclists, see our guide
£61.99, allterraincycles.co.uk
Shokz headphones “One of the few headphones approved by England Athletics – they sit on the jaw bone so you can hear outside noise.” Matt Whiting, director of the Runner’s Retreat
£129.95, shokz.com
Beauty
Selected by Sali Hughes, the Guardian’s beauty columnist
Vieve Sunset Blush Balm in strawberry Sheer, fresh lollipop-red blusher balm adds a natural-looking flush that flatters everyone. No brush required.
£24, vievebeauty.com
Leopard Print Makeup Bag Leopard is huge this season. This stylish makeup bag is an easy way to embrace it without going wild.
£20,thehambledon.com
DedCool Xtra Milk fragrance The perfect scent for people who think they hate perfume. Soft, intimate, musky and unobtrusive, its scent is barely discernible from that of an upmarket soap, only much longer lasting.
£24, spacenk.com
Jones Road Fragrance Rollerball: Shower Bobbi Brown’s Jones Road has nailed the desires of busy working women over 35. This just-washed scent is constantly sold out, but back for Christmas in a handy rollerball for on-the-go freshen-ups.
£16, jonesroadbeauty.com
L’Occitane Bonne Mère Rhubarb & Basil Soap There is something intrinsically glamorous to me about bar soap. L’Occitane’s beautiful, creamy, fatty Marseille blocks are among my favourites. Use as intended, or pop an unwrapped bar in your clothes drawer to keep everything smelling wonderful.
£7.50, loccitane.com
Laneige Candy Cane Lip Sleeping Mask A fun, festive-looking lip balm with serious Korean beauty credentials. Apply whenever lips look or feel dry.
£22, cultbeauty.co.uk
Zara Coloured Moisturiser An excellent recent buy, this is super easy, no-makeup-makeup. No brushes or expertise required.
£17.99, zara.com
Lisa Eldridge Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss One of the very few lipglosses I can wear. No jammy stickiness or glued-on hair, just comfortable, pretty shine.
£20, spacenk.com
M&S Hydrating Foot Mask and Socks Set I swear by hydrating gel socks for softening hard skin and keeping feet looking their best through all-seasons, but my usual Amazon generic versions won’t cut it as gifts. This aesthetically appealing M&S set makes a ceremony of an unsexy but deeply effective treatment.
£8, marksandspencer.com
John Lewis Fluted Glass Soap Dispenser I like a designer hand soap, but cost-price versus volume used makes it prohibitive. This elegant dispenser can be constantly refilled with cheap washes, while maintaining a stylish bathroom-scape.
£12, johnlewis.com
Larry King Flyaway Kit Winter is dreadful for fine, flyaway or brittle hair. This handy kit (currently residing in my own handbag) is an instant frizz-tamer and adds non-greasy moisture to dry hair.
£20, libertylondon.com
Violette Invisible Bandage I often use Christmas to gift functional, everyday items made luxurious. Violette France’s chic, French Girl aesthetic adds pizzazz to this useful salve for chapped skin, minor burns, bites, grazes and irritations. Indispensable.
£29, violettefr.com
Nailberry Le Temps des Cerises No one does rich, wintry colour like Nailberry, but this shade in particular sums up the season. The beautiful, luxurious packaging means it’s one of the few nail brands I ever give as a gift (Chanel and Dior are the others).
£16.50, nailberry.co.uk
Saie the Base Brush Its high quality, easy-to-apply and fairly priced makeup makes Saie one of my brands of 2024. The brushes are particularly good. This, for application of primer, foundation, creme blush or bronzer, is among my most used of the year.
£21, cultbeauty.co.uk
Arkive No One Elsie Hair and Skin scent When celebrity hairdresser and perfume nerd Adam Reed launched his hair products a couple of years ago, I practically begged him to bottle their scent and sell it as fragrance. I can’t have been the only one, because here, at last, they are. The tomatoey No One Elsie is my favourite.
£30, arkiveheadcare.com
Sundae Gingerbread Whipped Shower Foam This warm, spicy, squirty-cream-style shower foam brings out my inner six-year-old, and I like it.
£13, simplybe.co.uk
Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream Don’t overlook Fenty’s skincare – it’s very, very good. This rich, luxurious ultra-moisturising butter is my special occasion body cream of choice. Sinks into dry skin fast, but leaves a sexy, flattering gleam.
£17, boots.com
Elemis Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm A beauty icon with good reason. Elemis’s rich, sumptuous cleansing butter is a posh spa in a jar, and rarely fails to thrill mums, sisters, wives, nans and pals. Massage on dry, add a drop of water to make milky, remove with the included cloth.
£49, spacenk.com
Chanel No5 Refillable Purse Spray Jane Birkin-style bag charms are hugely trendy this year, but this will never date. A chic, handy, covetable atomiser containing what I believe to be among the greatest scents of all time. I want.
£165, chanel.com
Celine Beauté Satin Lipstick Rouge Triomphe For the fashionista who has everything. The perfect Parisienne red lipstick in the most beautiful refillable case I’ve ever seen. Touch-up publicly.
£62, celine.com
Susanne Kaufmann Bath for the Senses I love this herbal bath oil for long, muscle relaxing soaks. Makes water milky, skin softening and very subtly fragrant.
£55, susannekaufmann.com
Glossier You Rêve Glossier’s original woody musk, You, is still my favourite, but this new, sweeter, pastry-shop version is surprisingly lovely and a huge hit with teens and young women. Move quickly – it keeps selling out.
£62, glossier.com
Bubble Cloud Surf Water Cream Moisturizer Bubble skincare is all the rage on TikTok and fortunately, it’s good. This non-greasy moisturiser is a great entry-level product.
£16, boots.com
Glossier Chrome Beauty Bag You can’t go wrong with Glossier and teens. This stylish beauty bag fits all essential skincare and makeup for sleepovers, holidays and weekends away.
£55, glossier.com
Zara Applejuice Zara makes some terrific and fun affordable fragrances. Applejuice rarely fails to please teen girls, in my experience, and is affordable enough to replenish when empty.
£15.99, zara.com
Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set – Sunset Tie Dye Heatless curling is a huge beauty trend online and one that is mercifully kind to hair. Before bed, drape the long rod across your head, then wrap each side of your hair, maypole style, around the lengths. Secure with the bands and wake to damage-free waves.
£20, mykitsch.com
AKT London Starter Set Designed by two West End musical actors and stage-tested by every performer they know, this natural, non-aerosol, aluminium-free deodorant is consequently the most robust I’ve tried. It smells great and the metal key squeezer elevates it into something more special.
£32, aktlondon.com
Discothèque Hacienda Candle Former ravers turned centrist dads will appreciate this beautiful scented candle, inspired by the legendary Manchester nightclub (thankfully not its loos).
£54, discothequefragrances.com
Sunspel Sea Moss Eau de Parfum This Lyn Harris-created fragrance is among my favourite launches of the past few years. It’s an interesting, original and quintessentially British blend of moss, cedar wood, roses and patchouli – any human with taste is likely to love it. Few will be able to identify it.
£80, sunspel.com
Marvis Cinnamon Mint Toothpaste A stylish stocking filler or standby gift that is both useful and oddly delicious. Try not to ingest.
£7.50, thegroomingclinic.com
Grown Alchemist Mini Skin Essentials Bundle I recently had a Grown Alchemist facial and to my great surprise, it was among the best of my career. I will never underestimate its natural skincare again. This starter kit contains its excellent primer, which essentially works as invisible makeup on men.
£29, grownalchemist.com
London Brick Soap A useful pressie for design nerds. A slab of good soap with satisfying heft.
£10, designmuseumshop.com
CO Bigelow Natural Bristle Toothbrush – tortoise effect A classic stocking filler from New York’s beauty and grooming supply store. This attractive toothbrush is pleasure to use and will impress any unexpected overnight guests.
£9, thegroomingclinic.com
Urban Apothecary Fig Tree Hand and Body Wash I’m a big fan of Urban Apothecary, which makes very stylish bathroom beauty kit while undercutting its pricey competitors. This shower gel and hand wash smells delicious and leaves skin comfy and soft.
£24, urbanapothecarylondon.com
Pets
Selected by the Guardian’s Emily Goddard – owner of Twig, the working cocker spaniel, and Freddie the cat – and other animal lovers
Cat Laptop Scratching Board If your moggy is more suited to a desk-based job or just loves to climb on your laptop while you’re trying to work, this hilarious scratching board will keep them entertained.
£19.36, amazon.co.uk
Reptile hideout Hiding is a natural behaviour for tortoises and other reptiles, which would have to take cover from predators in the wild. Go for one that’s made from natural, renewable materials– wood in this case – to do your bit for the planet.
£8.99, amazon.co.uk
Best friend iced biscuits Every pet parent deserves a treat, and these charming biscuits make a lovely one. Packaged in a classic Fortnum’s green recyclable box are five dog-shaped gingerbread biscuits along with one of a tennis ball, all artfully iced. They’re almost too beautiful to eat.
£19.95, fortnumandmason.com
Tug toy “A dog tugger toy is always a winner because it keeps energetic dogs occupied. Just be sure to get an indestructible one so it lasts!” Reese, owner of Serge the cockapoo
£15, petsathome.com
Dog tote bag This fun gift captures my vibe, and it would that of all my dog-doting friends. I love the contrast of the brown fabric and baby blue childlike canine sketches and that the screen-printing ink is eco-friendly. And you can never have too many tote bags, can you?
£14, etsy.com
Pet portrait “My bestie got me a regal portrait of my pet wearing a fancy Renaissance outfit. It’s always a talking point in our home – no one walks past without smiling.” Tracey Morton-Wells, owner of Bob the chug
From £10.12, furrandfamily.com
Turtle socks Feel warm inside and outside – 10% of profits go to the Turtle Foundation, saving turtles from extinction.
From £9.99, barekind.co.uk
Bistro tile pet bowl Pets will dine in style with these restaurant-worthy dishes. They’re made from easy-to-clean 100% stoneware, and come in small and large sizes for cats and dogs.
From £18, anthropologie.com
Politician dog toy We see dogs at polling stations, but they appear to be pretty apolitical. Perhaps gifting your dog a parody politician toy with reveal their leanings: will they cuddle up to it in bed or rip it to shreds? Choose from toys that look alarmingly like Donald Trump, Keir Starmer and Vladimir Putin. But our favourite is this one, bearing a striking resemblance to Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader.
From £15.49, pethatestoys.com
Eco bird box For those with animal allergies, a bird box is a lovely gift so they can enjoy wildlife from afar.
£25.80, nestbox.co.uk
Burrow bag They may be on the expensive side, but cosy faux-fur-lined burrow bags are worth every penny. My pup adores her, and I could never put a price on her comfort, so I’d recommend them to any cat or dog owner. These ones are exquisitely made in soft fabrics and various colours, and they’re machine washable for when they (inevitably) get grubby.
From £100, charleychau.com
Hamster earrings Hamsters are cute, but have you ever seen hamster earrings? They make the perfect gift for that person who’s either got one of the sweet little rodents or is longing for one but has to wait a little longer. These ones are handmade in the UK, hypoallergenic and suitable for pierced ears.
£10.95, artandsoulhub.co.uk
High bounce ball SportsPet’s dog balls are great fun and bouncier than any tennis ball. They’re very satisfying to volley and dogs like them, too.
£3, petsathome.com
Personalised pet ID tags ID tags are a necessity for pets, but they needn’t be dull. These ones are cute, come in several fun designs and can be personalised with all the details you wish.
£14, cocopuplondon.com
Smart pet monitor Every pet owner knows the guilt and worry of having to leave their furry companion home alone, but this HD camera and app will put minds at rest. You can watch pup’s every move in the room, hear them, speak to them and even get the machine to throw them treats when they are being especially well behaved.
£148.99, currys.co.uk
Chief mouser training kit Perhaps not the gift for rodent owners, but it will delight cats with aspirations of following in Downing Street star Larry’s pawprints. Inside imaginatively designed packaging are three natural felt wool mice, complete with sustainable leather tails made from cat collar offcuts.
£29, cheshireandwain.com
Rodent exercise wheel Hamsters and gerbils are notoriously active but are often confined to a cage, but this wooden exercise wheel should keep them busy.
