Few people know London’s second-hand and vintage scene as well as Bay Garnett. The author and fashion stylist is the city’s best-known ‘thrifter’ — and a major advocate for sustainable style. So who better to guide you on how to shop smarter this Christmas? From the charity shops worth rooting around in, to the better-for-the-planet boutique and indie labels to know — and how not to shop — these are Bay’s rules for finding truly unique gifts.
Take heed and you’ll be top everyone’s nice list for 2025...
Be a good guest
If I’m staying with people then I make a real effort to get them something great, because I think it makes them feel special. I try to buy them vintage because then it’s a one-off. It’s always a gamble but if it’s a good friend it usually pays off and they’re likely to love it! So it might be a belt, or a bag — something that doesn’t need to be sized.
My hidden gems for the best unique gifts are...
I love the British Red Cross in Chelsea, it’s a real favourite, and the one at World’s End, Fulham. I’d look for a great picture — that’s a fun present. Or I’d go to Portobello Market on Friday morning because you can get very special gifts. I also love Santa Maria Novella: their diffusers are great, anything from there is great, in fact!
Only buy gifts that bring you joy
If you get distracted by something you love while shopping, then the person you’re shopping for will probably love it too. You have to appreciate it I think — it’s always important you like something you’re gifting, too.
Buying presents for somebody should feel like a pleasure and a joy. If it’s kind of perfunctory, “Oh I’ve got to buy that because it’s Christmas,” then don’t bother. I think there has to be some enjoyment from you getting someone something they love.
Never leave it until the last minute
I start thinking about my gifts in November. I hate being rushed, because then you end up spending more money, and getting stuff that you feel compromised about. I think everyone does that. If you leave it to the last minute, you end up just being in panic mode. It takes the joy out of it.
When I’m shopping for kids and teens I try to...
Get them something vintage they might think is cool — I try and introduce them to something they might not have thought of. Or get them a gift voucher from Vinted — there are ways of giving teens a way into vintage and second-hand. It’s not like you’re compromising.
Yes, there is such a thing as a bad gift...
The worst gift I’ve ever been given was a weird child’s game. It was a novelty thing… and I thought: just don’t give it to me! We all know what tat is, and we’re all guilty of buying it at times.
If in doubt...
The thing that I always love — in case anyone ever wants to give me a present — is bath oil or bubble bath. It’s always a winner isn’t it?
Bay’s commandments for a more sustainable Christmas
Keep it, recycle and re-use — or don’t buy it all. Think about where the things you buy over the festive season will end up when you’re done with them, such as balloons and Christmas decorations. I keep my tinsel every year. If you’re going to buy something, think about how you’ll re-use it for years to come I think we all need to take more responsibility for what that we buy in the knowledge that it might to be discarded, in a moment, on Christmas morning. It’s just not okay anymore. It never was, but less so now.
Ditch the tat! We all know what tat is, and we’re all guilty of buying it at times. I’ve got two children, and they’re not small anymore, but they’ve had plenty of tat. And maybe it’s time to rethink the stocking fillers: the stuff you know isn’t going to get re-used again and again.
4 presents Bay would love to see under her tree...
Aspinal of London Travel wallet in evergreen patent croc, £120. aspinaloflondon.com
This is one of my favourite present ideas of all-time! It will last a lifetime and is perfect for travel with your initials added.
Bay Garnett X Herd Stevie bag, £845. herdwear.co
A kind of gothic, highway man's saddle bag, the Stevie bag is part of my Herd collaboration. It was based on a vintage piece. It’s British-made and vegetable-tanned.
Santa Maria Novella Room fragrance diffuser Europa, £80. uk.smnovella.com
No one would ever scoff at a present from Santa Maria Novella!
Vetrofuso Purple glass salt cellars - set of 2, £185. artemest.com
I just love these! They’re so unique and made from hand-sculpted Murano glass.
