The year has flown by.
January is but a distant memory, while summer might as well not have happened at all. Before we know it, Christmas will be here and it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
There is something to be said for a tight deadline. Or that’s what we tell ourselves as we race to Oxford Street on December 24 for a Supermarket Sweep-like dash to secure the presents we told our family we’d already purchased. But do yourself a favour and save the stress, faff and dent in your bank balance by planning ahead.
The festive season is a famously expensive time and a little organisation can go a long way. It’s the only way to ensure that all the costs aren’t squeezed into one beans-on-toast-filled month.
Over at ES Best, we know a thing or two about gift guides. Consider us your North Pole delegates right here in the heart of London, bringing you the latest and greatest shopping inspiration to ensure that your item is the most anticipated one under the tree.
Come Christmas, we get trigger-happy on gift guides and curate edits for each and every person on your gift list; for her, for him, for your mum, for dads, kids and teens to name but a few. We’ve also taken it one step further and spotlit particular interests: are they a technophile? A gamer? A beauty enthusiast?
We’ve considered size with stocking fillers for adults and kids and those price points to nail the work or family Secret Santa, budget and luxury categories. And don’t even get us started on advent calendars. In short, if you’ve got a present that needs buying, we’ve got the options to hit the target.
Below you will find our run-down of all the failsafe, universally appreciated items that are either new this year or have remained as covetable today as the day they were launched.
Shop the ultimate ES Best gift guide right here
Best gifts for women 2024: Present ideas she will love
Best gaming gifts 2024: Top ideas for the gamer in your life
Best luxury chocolates: the finest gourmet, handmade selections to indulge in
Best tech gifts for 2024: Top new gadgets of the year and other present ideas
Best beauty advent calendars in 2024: Latest releases for a makeup treasure trove
Apple iPhone 16
The latest iPhone has landed on virtual shelves, and with it comes the annual dilemma for Apple loyalists - is it worth spending the best part of four figures to upgrade our current handset?
Year-to-year, the advancements feel minimal, especially with the anticipated artificial intelligence features delayed till October - but there are developments worth noting. First and foremost (and to the delight of high screen time users), the quartet of 16 handsets have bigger batteries and longer battery lives. The progressed A18 chip promises faster processing and there are new buttons. The customisable Action Button shortcut from the 15 is available on the full 16 family and is joined by the viral touchpad-like Camera Control. With differing pressure or by swiping, it will open the camera, take pictures, adjust shooting modes or zoom.
Experts agree the Cupertino-based tech giant has closed the gap between its standard iPhone 16 model and the Pro. The latter is known for its souped-up cameras – namely the additional telephoto lens, performance boost and higher refresh rate.
Both handsets have a 48MP Fusion camera and have experienced an improvement in picture-taking through added vibrancy and contrast and clearer images in low-light photography. Unlike the pared-back Pros, the 16 comes in an array of bright and bold colourways; pink, teal, blue, white or black. For scrolling, note-taking and holiday snapping, the base iPhone 16 does the job and does it well.
- Dimensions: H147.6 x W71.6 x D7.80mm
- Weight: 170g
- Display: 6.1‑inch OLED display 2556x1179-pixel resolution
- Colours: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White and Black
Buy now £799.00, John Lewis
Yoto Player (3rd Generation)
Best for: bedtime reading
If you feel like you’d quite like to delegate the task of bedtime reading occasionally, you should probably invest in a Yoto Player. The compact, screen-free audio player works with special cards that you simply pop in to read one of your little one’s favourite stories, from The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom to Robin Hood. Plus, each one comes with a blank card so you can add your own audio via a handy app. For the latter, you can get granny or grandad to record their bedtime book of choice and play it as they drift off.
As well as stories, the Yoto can also play white noise or a Sleep Radio channel when it’s time for bed, and comes with a built-in night light. And while it’s screen-free to make sure it doesn’t affect little eyes, it does come with a fun pixel display that can either be used to bring the stories to life – by displaying the Gruffalo’s terrible tusks and terrible jaws, for example – or set as a programmable day and night clock, to let your little ones know when it’s time to go sleep and when it’s time to get up.
While the use of the player itself is only recommended for children aged three and up, there are cards with stories and noises that are suitable from birth all the way to 12 years old.
Buy now £89.99, Amazon
Flos Bellhop plastic table lamp
This chic light from Flos would suit mid-century modern design styles with its elegant mushroom silhouette and functional form. The table lamp is charged by micro USB-C, has four levels of illumination and will tell you when it needs juice via the indicator under the base. It comes in five warm tones that will inject a pop of colour into any space.
Buy now £235.00, Selfridges
NEOM Wellbeing London Matcha Glass Wellbeing Pod
Sure, it’s small but don’t underestimate the power of this mighty little pod. Just take the lid off, fill it with water to the marked line and add five to ten drops of your favourite scent. Once you put the lid back on and turn it on you can select a timer of one, two or three hours with the option to add a calming light.
Remember to choose an aroma to suit your mood, whether you are hoping to feel energised, or relaxed or looking for a scent to help you nod off to sleep. It’s also one of the prettier options and now comes in a tortoiseshell finish.
Buy now £95.00, John Lewis
Hoppstar Rookie digital camera
This vibrant camera will inspire the budding photographer in your life. While incredibly adorable, it’s more than simply a fun accessory with the ability to interpolate snaps up to 30MP. The exterior is made from silicone to withstand inevitable knocks and bumps. It can be charged up via USB-C and includes a 16GB SD card.
Buy now £60.00, Selfridges
LOEWE Earth Elixir
Loewe has turned its fragrances up a notch by amplifying its eau de parfums with a more potent hit of essential oils.
One of the aromas to receive this increased concentration is the LOEWE Earth Elixir which has one of the most unique scent palettes on the market. The infusion of truffle, pear and oud are married with elemi, mimosa and violet to create a complex floral, amber and musk aroma.
You will spot the same one element throughout the fashion house’s entire fragrance collection and it’s a homage to its roots with the resinous quality of Spanish Rockrose wildflower.
Buy now £132.00, John Lewis
Gohar World Set of three silver-tone lemon squeezers
For the loving host, look to Gohar World to elevate the tablescape. Its lemon squeezers are ripe for fish and chip nights, transforming the once mundane task of adding zesty citrus into something quite fun.
Shop an affordable dupe at Amazon for £5.99.
Buy now £110.00, Net-A-Porter
Corsi Design Lezioni Bamboo resin vase 28cm
Striking in aesthetics, it’s not until you get hands-on with the vases from Corsi Design that you truly appreciate their mastery. The fun soft furnishings are crafted from resin and have a soft squidgy texture.
Buy now £210.00, Selfridges
Microplane Zester Grater
It’s universally admitted that Microplane makes the best fine graters. A heavy, all-black grater – a zester here, but there are coarser blades – handy for grating Parmesan and citrus skins.
Buy now £20.55, Amazon
Lexon Mina Sunrise Lamp Alarm Clock
Best for: style and substance
- Lux: 70 Lumen
- Brightness settings: Nine colours
- Batteries: USB-C rechargeable
Resembling that of a traditional mushroom lamp, not only will Lexon’s Mina makes a chic addition to your bedside table set-up but there are health benefits too. When the days are darker, the lamp stimulates sunrise to make you in a gentle way, rather than the jarring Big Light switch on.
It’s satisfying too as to turn the alarm off, you must simply press on the top of the lamp, turning the illumination on or off. There are nine LED colours and an LCD display that shows the time. It’s also lightweight and crucially if you’re lacking in sockets, wireless - providing four months of charge.
Buy now £79.90, John Lewis
beats Pill Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
The beats Pill is back and for many of us, it will immediately make us think back to the Miley Cyrus Bangers era in all its chaotic glory. The latest iteration comes new and improved, boasting a new Stereo Mode that will turn the Christmas party up a notch or six with a surround sound experience. The wireless Bluetooth speaker has an impressive 24 hours of playback and is IP67 so can withstand inevitable drink spillages.
Buy now £149.00, Amazon
Laetitia Rouget Love Box hand-painted ceramic storage jar
You won’t be able to keep your hand out of the cookie jar when the jar is this fun. It’s hard to choose just one item from the Laetitia Rouget playful ceramics collection. We want each and every item, from the plates emblazoned with amusing sayings to the candle holders in snail form or mushroom candelabra. The Love Box has nudged just above the rest with its romantic design.
Buy now £180.00, Selfridges
HexClad 7-Piece Hybrid Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Best for: cheffy flair
It's the cult US brand gaining serious traction on UK soil: HexClad, dubbed ‘the Rolls Royce of pans’ by Gordon Ramsay and used by every food blogger worth their hand-picked Himalayan salt, is making ripples in the cookware world.
The coveted hybrid pan functions like a non-stick thanks to the hexagonal grid on the pan’s surface, while performing like stainless steel with the robustness of cast iron. We’ve not stopped using ours since we got it, from heating refried beans for taco night, whipping up a weeknight stir fry and searing steak before finishing it off in the oven.
For the home chef with Masterchef ambitions, the 7-piece cookware set offers a serious upgrade to any kitchen. Comprising three pans and a wok with lids, the set is non-toxic and PFOA-free too. So confident is HexClad in its pans that the whole lot comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Buy now £439.99, Amazon
Malin + Goetz Tomato Candle
Not your typical candle aroma, Malin + Goetz’s unique Tomato home fragrance permeates a fresh, herbaceous scent. So aromatic is the candle that it need not even be lit to fill the space with its note composition. It has been created by layering basil, lavender and mint leaves with San Marzano tomato leaf, the main accord that mimics the sweetness of a sun-ripened tomato.
Buy now £54.00, Space NK
Stubble & Co Hybrid Backpack
Stubble & Co’s Hybrid Backpack may arrive almost flat but it opens to reveal a capacious interior that, like something out of the Wizarding World, just keeps on expanding.
It’s ideal for overnight trips with three sections to partition valuables from dirty laundry and even an airflow back panel to encourage breathability and ward off sweat. This hints at its versatility - it can be used as a gym bag, weekender or for commuting. The laptop compartment is padded and can fit PCs of up to 16 inches. The Hybrid bag is made from waterproof recycled materials, while the zips and seams are weatherproofed too.
Buy now £165.00, Stubble & Co
Sessun Rosemary
Mary Janes are dominating footwear trends and the Rosemary from French fashion brand Sessun is a clean, classic and elegant entryway into the silhouette. They suit all manner of smart and casual dress codes, offering a tinge of nostalgia.
Buy now £300.00, Sessun
Nike Alphafly 3 Road Racing Shoes
Supercharge training with the Nike Alphafly 3s. One of the best speed running trainers on the market, these shoes will suit those with a passion for pounding the pavement or provide a newbie with all the motivation they need to hit the streets. There are a range of colourways, all of which will make a striking addition to their activewear.
Buy now £284.99, Nike
Miu Miu Narrow High Bridge Fit
Be prepared for the return of the sunshine with the retro silhouette of Miu Miu’s 52YS shades. The frame is composed of metal in brass gold with an oval shape that will suit those with angular face shapes. The quality specs are emblazoned with the logo of Miuccia Prada's eponymous label at the temples.
Buy now £360.00, Sunglass Hut
Emi Jay Superbloom acetate hair clip
Flower hair clips are the accessory of the season. The joy-giving adornment will brighten even the darkest of winter days and will make a great stocking filler.
Buy now £16.00, Selfridges
Ugg Women's Goldenstar Clog
One of the most searched shoes of the moment, UGG proves that the ugly shoe trend shows no signs of wavering. Why suffer in uncomfortable footwear when you can slip your tired tootsies into the sumptuous softness of the Goldenstar Clogs that were created for wear outside of the home? They come in six shades and have a suede upper on an EVA footbed.
Buy now £125.00, Ugg
Ichendorf Deco Assorted Shot Glasses - Set of 6
Take inspiration from our Italian friends and end each meal with a shot of Limoncello or liven up your next soiree with tequila. And what will you use to serve up these entertaining elixirs? These show-stopping shot glasses from Ichendorf Milano with their vibrant decorations.
Buy now £60.00, Not Another Bill
Kikkerland Boules Set
London has gone bonkers for boules. The sport might have once been the reserve of Parisian octogenarians but it has experienced a renaissance with a whole new generation. Get your giftee in on the petanque action with this boules set from Kikkerland.
Buy now £18.00, Not Another Bill
Vilac Classic Car
Push the iPad to one side and send their imagination into overdrive with this vintage racing car. Your little one can channel their inner F1 driver with their own customisable vehicle that can be emblazoned with the text of your choice. It is crafted from a hard-wearing metal and encourages motor skills.
Buy now £119.95, Not Another Bill
The Newt in Somerset Savour The Flavour Hamper
A stay at The Newt in Somerset might blow the budget but you can gift a taste of the country estate with the Savour The Flavour Hamper. Sample a glass or two of the smooth Babylonstoren's Shiraz alongside bar snacks to complement its fruity flavours. The chilli-roasted nuts are a particular highlight as well as the chilli biscuits, cheese straws and marinated olives. The pickle lover in your life will adore the cornichons. Hosting flair? Covered.
Buy now £65.00, The Newt in Somerset
JIA JIA + NET SUSTAIN Birthstone 14-karat gold beaded bracelet
Take a personal approach to your festive present exchange and select the bracelet that represents the birth month of your giftee. The vibrant jewellery is made from 14-karat gold and has an adjustable fit. You can opt for the correct month or select on the basis of your preferred colour. I’m a May baby but October has caught my eye (friends take note).
Buy now £170.00, Net-A-Porter
Lily's Kitchen Christmas Bedtime Biscuits
Don’t exclude your furry friends from your seasonal gifting list. Treat your pups to these bedtime biscuits from the experts at Lily’s Kitchen with aptly festive flavours like cinnamon, chamomile and ginger and an oven-baked crunch that your canine companion will go mad for - and it will encourage a sound slumber at the same time.
Buy now £3.50, Lily's Kitchen
Isla de Gar Hair Accessory - Lipstick Red Heart
You can’t move for a scrunchie in the capital right now but to break through the sea of Good Squish, Isla de Gar has the romantic design we never knew we needed. The label’s heart-shaped hair tie is an adorable finishing touch to any look, constructed from satin ribbon. It comes in four shades, from classic red to punchy fuschia pink.
Buy now £50.00, Isla de Gar
