You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a thoughtful and stylish gift. Here’s proof that great presents don’t have to break the bank.
From personalised picks to Michelin hampers to chic accessories and children’s stocking fillers, there’s something for everyone.
For those weary Citizen Femme traveller feet. London-based brand Azura works with artisans in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to create these blue Maya slippers, which feature the brand's signature ikat weave, plus contrast stitching and faux fur trim and 100% silk. Bright colours, bold prints, and a commitment to sustainability, you may want to buy a pair for yourself too. Cosy doesn't even begin to describe it…
Albert Adrià, who is perhaps best known for his eternally hot Barcelona restaurant, Tickets, and pastry chef and creative director of the now-closed, seminal, three-Michelin-starred Catalan restaurant El Bulli, has landed at Piccadilly’s Hotel Café Royal, with ‘Cakes and Bubbles’. A trip to the Salon de Thé is worthy of your time. And to gift (for you or someone else) are the hampers, stuffed with goodies from Albert Adrià’s new collection. The Chocoholic (£55), The Regent (£85), and The Royal’ (£180), containing a selection of his artful chocolates including Mimetics Hazelnuts, an edible postcard, Sable Breton, Hazlenut & Toffee Spread, and wicked treats that may not last passed Christmas Day.
The search for the perfect gift often comes down to what feels the most personal. Adding a custom element makes your gift look that bit more luxurious, and under £100! Personalised Apple Airpods cases protect from daily wear and tear and look chic at the same time. Pick the font, colour and initials or phrase. Its time to get personal.
This is the last straw. And it really is, the last straw you ever need to use. For the ever-sustainable friend, they can keep this piece of saving the world’s oceans in their bag with this ‘Totally Strawsome’, handy zipped pouch containing a reusable metal straw, with a specialised cleaning brush and cloth to ensure your ultimate hygiene standards are met, so there's no excuse to go back to those flimsy other things we've used for so long. Just tell them to suck on that.
This small and perfectly formed mini USB hair iron is perfect for travel or tucking in your handbag in case of any hair emergencies. KOSETTE's (Ko for its Korean roots, and Cosette signifying classic Parisian cool), Mini USB Hair Iron is ultra-compact and light, with a ceramic-coated heat plate and lock for easy storage. Simply connect the USB cord to the device, and attach to portable charger, wall outlet, computer or phone. For stress-free glossy locks, on the go.
Giving to others is the spirit of the season with Choose Love. With its pop up in London and online store, buy individual products and services and ‘bundles’ of items that will be given to refugees. New for this year is the ‘Bundle of Warmth’ featuring hot food, a child’s coat, firewood and a warm blanket; the ‘Bundle of Love’ featuring baby grow, child’s boots, nappies, basic wash bag, tent, tarp and pallet; and the ‘Bundle of Hope’ which features mental health support, adult learning and women’s support.
Give someone good sleep to someone. We all know someone that can’t get to sleep or is stressed by work. And yes, while its obvious that sleep is a good thing, it is often one thing that is most elusive during the dark hours. With over 33 million downloads, let them start a new decade with a real sense of Calm and a one year’s subscription to this ultimate handbook for healthy sleeping with facts, bedtime stories, recipes, and life-changing tips. Zzzzzzzzz.
Asia’s coolest home fragrance line Soohyang not only presents itself in some of the coolest packaging, with its flamingo pink boxes contrasted by a bold, black serif typeface, the names make you want to feel exactly what you smell. “Every day is like a Sunday” you not only picture, but smell the full essence of the scene. Disclaimer: despite popular belief you don’t need to be a millennial to appreciate millennial pink.
It's good to glow. Korean beauty is not going anywhere, and one of our favourites is BEAUTYMORY's Real Glow Mask known for promoting a radiant and even complexion, with vitamin-rich white truffle which helps to reduce hyperpigmentation, as well as naturally lightening and brightening the skin. It is truffle season after all.
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