I'm an Editor Who Is Hard to Buy for—These Gifts Would Genuinely Impress Me
I’ll admit, I’m a confessed lover of Christmas. With December less than a month away, my nearest and dearest have already been subject to one or two Christmas renditions on my behalf. And while it may seem premature to some, it is that time of the year when whispers of the festive season are in the ether (Word has it that Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé tunes are on the agenda of many). It's also the time of year when gifting ideas are beginning to flood our inboxes, people are drawing names for Secret Santa and echoes of "When is an appropriate time to erect the Christmas tree?” are heard far and wide. Whilst I know the festive period divides opinion and I strongly believe that the objective isn't gifting, I also enjoy commemorating the people in my life that matter most to me.
Although the mass market booms during the festive period, I prefer to turn my attention to small, independent brands, or even hunt down the really unique treasures from some of the slightly more well-known ones. With small brands, you’ll likely discover artisanal products, inimitable services and bespoke pieces, making the gift-giving experience sweeter. And finding a unique gift that is sure to put a smile on the faces of your loved one (yes, even the fussiest ones!), is always a such a joy and a triumph.
So, if you're looking for a special and unique gift to give this festive period, continue reading for a considered edit. You’ll find something for everyone from the keen cook in your life to the beauty lover, and of course fashion lover.
Shop the Best Unique Christmas Gifts to Give This Festive Period:
Not only are the tipples delicious, Amie has one of the most aesthetic bottles around so they're always appreciated as gifts. After sharing the bottles with loved ones, they can be upcycled into vases or ornamental pieces.
Cosy season is nigh and a handstitched velvet quilt is something I will forever endorse. Especially in this blush colourway.
The idea for Celui was conceived by hair expert Anisa Sojka and it's now recognised as a hero hair oil for all hair types. With a blend of Jojoba and Marula oil (and laced with Rose Geranium and Lavender), it's a luxe gift many people will appreciate. This year Celui released a silk hair cap with plentiful hair health benefits, particularly for curly and afro hair types.
I bookmarked this cutlery set at the beginning of the year. It is breathtakingly beautiful and will add a healthy dose of dopamine to every mealtime.
When you opt for Navy Grey knitwear, be assured that it's a gift for a lifetime
Studio Bust offer a unique concept that will make the most thoughtful keepsake with bespoke bust ornaments in myriad finishes. It's a celebration of the form and a beautiful way to say "I love everything about you". Prices vary.
I've included this jewellery Box by Otiumberg in my gift guides two years in a row. I adore the playful juxtaposition between this candied velvet fabrication as compared to Otiumberg's typically refined designs.
We're big fans of Revlon hair tools here!
It's difficult to narrow down Soho Home's many beautiful offerings, but this tea light holder is particularly special.
Statement pearls with an art deco lilt, courtesy of Missoma.
Little Liffner produce some of my favourite handbags and its suede offerings are particularly special.
Phlur's scents every bit as delectable as you'd imagine and this travel set makes for a wonderful gift.
Inspired by boxy silhouettes, Desmond and Dempsey's new pyjamas tick the boxy on style and comfort.
Merit transformed me into a beauty loving girl. I use their makeup daily!
Bring some joy to the mundane with the use of this exceptional hairbrush. The terracotta hue and twisted handle are such special details. As the owner of a La Bonne Brosse brush, I can attest to the look, feel and result. This particular brush adds volume to your tresses!
Liha rose to prominence in 2020 and the brand continues to have our hearts years on. Their arsenal consists of candles, and shea butter-based cosmetics. This set will make the sweetest gift for any beauty lover.
Tablescapping 101, invest in a standout piece of art that doubles up as a functional piece. These jugs will be a table centrepiece you never knew you needed.
There's something so special about Kitty Joyas' pieces that I think every jewellery lover will appreciate. The designs meld classic elements with organic shapes. I'm not usually endeared to silver but there's something unique about these earrings that's coaxing me to the add-to basket button.
A contemporary iteration of the mesh mary-jane. I'd expect no less than excellence from Dear Frances.
There's no shortage of creamy liqueurs on the market during the festive period but unfortunately, the opinions are sparse for dairy-free alternatives. Thankfully, Black Lines has swooped in to save the day with a creamy, dairy-free tipple.
I foresee these drop pearl earrings with a frothy, whimsical organza frock.
Bed Threads offers an array of sumptuous linen bedding in myriad colourways but I'm drawn to its neutral offerings. The bedding gets softer with each wash, which will leave you wanting to spend extended hours in slumber.
Make a beeline for Stripe & Stare for supple undergarments comprising biodegradable fibres.
The perfect gift for someone looking to upgrade their beauty regime.
For the frequent traveller in your life, I can't recommend Nere enough.
Astrid and Miyu's adorable crackers are bound to put a smile on your recipient's face, not to mention, uplevel their ear stack!
Frances Costelloe's work has been a firm favourite of mine for some years now. I adore her handwritten prints.
My best friend gifted me a blanket from Tartan Blanket Company and since then I've been hooked. Between the much-adored triangle scarf, to cosy blankets, you'll spot so many covetable pieces.
For lovers of sentimentality (myself included) the best part of receiving gifts is the heartfelt card that comes with. This sweet card doubles up as a keepsake.
I'm always at odds with beautiful ceramics. Granted, they're crafted to be well used but I'm always tempted to use them to display trinkets. One thing's for certain, Laetitia Rouget's creations are wonderfully joyous and tongue-in-cheek.
TOMS donates a third of all profits to grassroots Good, which is incentive enough to invest in their offerings. This year the Valerie slippers are a firm favourite of mine.
I've been harping on about this multipurpose kitchen gadget since its release earlier in the year. It's a 6-in-1 air fryer, toaster, and stainless-steel oven that people with small kitchen spaces will particularly appreciate (something I completely understand living in Paris).
Give your loved one the gift of creativity with a pattern, yarn and a plush blanket outcome.
Irene is Mashu's foray into supple mini bags. Awash with an olive hue and featuring Mashu's signature gold adornments, it's perfectly suited to the fashion lovers in your life.
Allow me to introduce you to Hello Klean, a water filtering system to ensure purified water when showering and washing your tresses. It's genius.
Dora Larsen creates the ultimate "feel good" underwear that every woman will appreciate. Who wouldn't want to receive this gorgeous bra knicker set?
An invigorating body scrub from beauty editor favourite, Wild Source.
I don't know a single person who wouldn't be happy opening up a Strathberry treasure on Christmas day!
Expert craftsmanship and a swoon-worthy design. What more could you want in an accessory?
Between the French-inspired apparel and home furnishings, Sézane is a one stop shop for gifts.
Though we may be a fashion publication, we certainly endorse edible gifts. Grape & Fig is leading the way for grazing boxes in the UK.
My heart skipped a beat when I first witnessed this matchbox. I'm tempted to treat myself!
Fellow sparkling water fans, allow me to quench your thirst with Aarke's sleek designs.
The Metro Weekender will be appreciated for frequent travellers, the base allows enough room for a pair of shoes!
Beloved for its handbags, shoes and dresses, Cult Gaia has garnered quite a fanbase. Earlier this year they released a trio scents in decorative scents spanning sweet to spiced.
V By Laura Vann is one of my favourite jewellery brand finds of 2024.
With this pasta making set you're gifting tools and a joyous shared experience.
Whilst Heaven Mayhem is best known for fabulously bold jewels (case in point), I've turned my attention to its high-spirited jewellery box designs. As stated in the website copy, the jewellery storage options are concieved with an expanding jewellery collection in mind.
Damson Madder's holiday collection comprises a host of bow adorned hot water bottles, mugs (with matching coasters, no less) serving plates and more!
Why not opt for Sitre's sensual-inspired massage candles as a gift for you and your partner.
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
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