It’s not just something that people say, Christmas really does feel like it gets earlier and earlier each year.
But it’s not a huge surprise really, not for 2023. We’ve had quite a year. With the cost of living crisis, rising interest rates and the fact that the summer was basically non-existent, it makes sense that people are looking ahead to the festive season - even if it’s months away.
It’s famously an expensive and indulgent time and planning is the most financially savvy way to nail the gift-giving process so that all the costs aren’t squeezed into one bank balance-stressing 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.
We have put together edits designed specifically for every member of the family. For her, for him, for your mum, for little ones and for the teen in your life, we’ve got you covered.
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 both adults and kids and those price points to nail the work or family Secret Santa, budget or luxury categories. And don’t even get us started on advent calendars. In short, if you’ve got a gift that needs to be purchased, we’ve got the options for you.
Below you’ll find the kind of presents that will suit anyone and everyone on your ‘to buy’ list, whether it’s for your glam grandma, the uncle who has everything or that family member you see once a year that you have to find something for. This is 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 newborns and babies 2023
Best gifts for women 2023: Christmas and birthday present ideas she will love
Best gifts for him 2023: Present inspo for men who have everything
Best affordable but thoughtful gifts for loved ones this Christmas
Best gift ideas from small businesses in 2023
Best sustainable gifts for Christmas 2023 for eco friendly giving
Best stocking fillers for adults 2023: Top ideas from affordable to luxury
Best luxury gifts for him, them and her 2023: Clothes, accessories and more
Jones Road The Bobbi 3.0 Anniversary Kit
Three years ago, Bobbi Brown unveiled Jones Road Beauty and the brand has gone from strength to strength ever since. During this time, the range has expanded into skin and makeup hybrids to create the makeup artist and entrepreneur’s signature natural aesthetic with subtle tints and skin-loving ingredients.
To celebrate the milestone, the 3.0 Kit is here. The selection includes beloved no-fuss, no-skill required formulas - the Blush in Pop, Pencil in Black, Cool Gloss in Original and Just a Sec eyeshadow in Cool Taupe. To round off the bumper pack is the beloved Miracle Balm in a new Pinky Bronze hue. The products are housed in a reusable bag.
Buy now £80.00, Jones Road Beauty
Smythson 2024 Soho Weekly Diary in Panama
A new year calls for a fresh new diary to fill with all your important dates. Few do it better than Smythson. The luxury label bounds its books in its signature Panama leather made up of cross-grain lambskin, while each page is a pale blue with gilded edges. There are week-to-view layouts and note pages. It is W14 x H19.6cm so can easily be stashed into a briefcase or bag.
Buy now £185.00, Smythson
The Nando’s Socks
Pair your summer fits with these embroidered socks.
Buy now £15.00, Nando’s
Stanley Quencher 2.0 Flowstate
They can barely keep these liquid guzzlers in stock, so when you find somewhere that sells them - move fast.
The viral tumbler comes in four hues, is 90 per cent recycled, and made from hygienic stainless steel. The BPA-free design is complete with a double-wall vacuum insulation and powder coat finish. Designed to keep your drinks as cooler for longer, the Stanley Quencher is complete with a reusable straw and comfort-grip handle – ensuring that it’ll never leave your side.
Buy now £44.99, Stanley
Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Palettes Unlocked
Hourglass is one of those brands that anyone would relish discovering under the tree and this is made all the truer with its festive palettes. The beloved compacts - that are used by pro makeup artists like Daniel Martin - are treated to a fierce makeover with animal designs.
For a limited time, the multitasking product has the illustration of a jellyfish, leopard or snake brought to life by London-based artist Katie Scott. The powders can be used as a finishing touch, bronzer, blush and highlighter, refining your makeup bag with one glow-giving, hard-working essential.
Buy now £86.00, Cult Beauty
Good Squish Blumberg ruffled organic-cotton scrunchie
If you watched the most recent season of Sex Education and wondered where the incredible souped-up scrunchies are from, well the answer is Good Squish. The ruffled hair adornments are the most sought-after accessory of the moment with theiroversized design and pretty broderie anglaise design.
Buy now £40.00, Selfridges
Lumie Task SAD Light Therapy Desk Lamp
Best for: interior design enthusiasts
Lux: 10,000
Brightness settings: Dimmable
Batteries: No
When the winter nights draw in, call on Lumie to brighten your way. This is a lamp designed specifically to counteract Seasonal Affective Disorder aka SAD. It is the latest launch from the illumination specialists and comes in slick, sophisticated hues of sage green, steel blue, charcoal blue, golden yellow and white mist to slip seamlessly among any décor. This is all while working its magic in order to enhance your mood, give you an energy boost and prevent eye strain with the high-end broad spectrum 10,000 lux LED technology.
If you find that it’s dark when you wake up, and dark when you leave your desk, the Task lamp will help promote healthy biological rhythms by mimicking the brightness and spectrum of sunlight. It’s also adjustable at the head, neck and step to place it at the perfect height for your needs – be it on your bedside table, in your home office or dressing table.
Buy now £249.00, John Lewis
Buffalo Bills NFL International Series Games Black 9FORTY A-Frame Cap
The NFL has gone global. You can now see American football teams play two regular-season games right here in the UK at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but of course, you need the merch to match.
Shop the New Era cap of your favourite team, whether it’s the Buffalo Bills pictured - the local team to the accessory label’s Buffalo HQ or the Kansas City Chiefs for the Taylor Swift fans.
Buy now £14.00, New Era
Levitating Moon 3D-printed lamp 15cm
A nightlight like you’ve never seen before, this is one for space enthusiasts.
The out-of-this-world design sets the moon, Jupiter, Mars or a recreation of the galaxy illuminated and levitating as if by magic and defying gravity.
Buy now £149.95, Selfridges
July Child Y2K Butterfly Ring
Noughties babies will recognise immediately the enamel-encrusted designs of the July Child jewels. The brand will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time with its nostalgic Y2K-inspired designs that come in a range of shapes, from the butterfly pictured and clouds to horseshoes and hearts. The candy-coloured creations are hugely covetable, as are the shell or flower-shaped cases that they are presented in. Dua Lip is a fan.
Buy now £55.00, The Hut
ghd Dreamland Limited Edition Platinum+ Styler
With the ability to create effortlessly sleek styles beyond the realm of straightening, it is no wonder that the ghd straighteners have long been considered cult hair tools. This Christmas, the innovative brand has wrapped its award-winning Platinum+ styler in a limited-edition colourway to adorn your dressing table in style.
While the exterior has the peachy hue of the Dreamland design, the rest of the heated device remains much the same with its Ultra-zoneTM technology that adapts to your specific hair needs in order to prevent damage, protect colour and leave a healthy shine.
Buy now £239.00, ghd
Neom Wellbeing Pod Essential Oil Diffuser
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, NEOM
Elemis Pro-Collagen Gift of Rose
When you gift Elemis, not only are you treating your loved one to a luxury experience but you can be sure that it’s a present that they will use and treasure. The British brand considered every price point when it came to their gift set selection and there are beautifully adorned sets as low as £30 that still are substantial and sure to go down a treat. At the top end is the Ultimate Pro-Collagen Gift at £235, containing the full bestselling anti-ageing Pro-Collagen collection.
To elevate their skincare practices, whether they’re a 12 or two-step kind of person, the Pro-Collagen Gift of Rose has caught our attention and not just for the geometric pink and red box. The duo of the Cleansing Balm and Marine Cream in the rose fragrance has long been a staple part of our routine and turns the everyday practice of cleansing and moisturising into one to relish. Worth £91.
Buy now £60.00, Elemis
Papier Wine Pairings Recipe Journal
Here’s the thing with wine tastings, it’s challenging to retain the information, especially if you forgo the spittoon.
Keep notes on your favourite red, white, rose and fizz and the dishes to pair them and you’ll be able to recreate the ultimate combinations when it comes to hosting.
Buy now £29.00, Papier
Eddingtons Onion Goggles
For the home chef, there is no piece of kitchen equipment more essential than onion goggles.
No tears, no touching your precious peepers with spice-covered fingers, this is an accessory to keep in the drawer for chopping, dicing and slicing.
Buy now £23.00, John Lewis
MoKo Neck Phone Holder
This may be the ultimate travel essential. For those short-haul flights where you have to provide your own entertainment, this attachment is a game-changer.
Not only do you get the comfort of a neck pillow to make your Ryanair seat feel like first class, but it also has a phone attachment that rests your device at the perfect height for bingeing your downloaded episodes without the arm ache associated with holding it for multiple hours straight. It folds into itself for ease of transport.
Buy now £23.00, Amazon
SUMMER FRIDAYS The Lip Butter Balm Set
Choosing just one of the Lip Butter Balm to hydrate your parched pouts is no easy task but fear not for this Christmas SUMMER FRIDAYS has removed indecisiveness from our lip care. The brand has bundled together three flavours of its beloved balms to soothe winter-chapped lips. The silky formula is one of the best on the market; not only do the flavours make for a delicious treat but the formula infuses lips with intense moisture and shine.
Vanilla is our favourite, but Cherry brings with it a sheer red tint that is suitably festive. Rounding off the trio is Iced Coffee, a cocoa hue that is bang on trend with the popular latte makeup trend. The Butter Balms are vegan, cruelty-free and free from parabens, synthetic dyes and sulphates.
Buy now £42.00, Cult Beauty
GoPro HERO12 Black
Your holiday snaps will never be the same again. Whether you have already been converted to the action-filled world of GoPro or you’re looking for a first introduction, the latest HERO12 iteration should be on your radar.
No matter your level, professionals and casual camera users alike can maximise the elevated video taking of the unbelievably compact gadget. The new model has been upgraded to provide an even more convenient experience as well as advancing the field of view with Max Lens Mod 2.0 now offering 177° as well as 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The runtime has been doubled to give you 70 minutes of continuous recording when at 5.3K60 and increasing to 155 mins when at 1080p30.
Create dynamic content with HDR pics, 5.3K resolution, 8x slow-mo and keep it clear and stable with HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilisation. Now all you need is to book a flight.
Buy now £399.00, Amazon
Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
Key Specifications
Type of pods: Vertuo pods
Capacity: 2L
Dimensions: 24.5 x 41.7 x 32.2 cm
Milk frother: Yes
Nespresso is putting the power in your hands with the launch of its first coffee machine complete with an integrated steam wand. This gives coffee connoisseurs the chance to get creative with milk-based recipes and play with texture with the hands-free attachment that will create a frothy finish at the touch of a button - no true expertise required.
There is also the ability to choose between six different coffee sizes, Expert Mode to flex your latte art prowess and maximise the brand’s own intelligent unique Centrifusion brewing technology that tailors the quantity of water, energy, and rotations for a perfect cuppa every time, taking into consideration the blend, aroma and crema required.
Pros
Perfectly frothed milk just the way you like it thanks to three milk temperature settings, three milk texture levels and an integrated steam wand.
Cons
Most coffee enthusiasts in the market to experiment with latte art have already graduated to a manual coffee machine.
Buy now £649.00, Nespresso
Sonos Move 2
Sonos has made creating a surround sound experience a seamless process, from the way that its speakers pair up to the foolproof app controls. Adding to its collection of sought-after audio is the Move 2, the next generation of its best-selling portable gadgets that boasts a more advanced listening experience.
It is the first of the brand’s speakers to include wide, spacious stereo sound, which is set alongside a 24-hour battery life, a durable construction and water resistance.
Buy now £449.00, Sonos
Rains Jacket
Given its name, Scandinavian brand Rains should know a thing or two about wet weather gear and this jacket is among the best of the lightweight options we reviewed. In a classic, simplistic style that is the brand’s hallmark, it features popper button fastening (no zips), a matte finish and a relaxed fit.
Buy now £79.00, Rains
Google Pixel Tablet
In time for the Christmas season, Google has entered the tablet space, bringing with it clever hacks and elevated features that are designed to make our lives that extra bit easier. First and foremost, you simply need to say “Hey Google” to power apps or ask questions, leaving your hands free to do other tasks around the home. You can also split the screen to view two apps at once and video call with HD resolution where the camera follows you as you move so you’re always in frame.
Best of all, it comes with a Charging Speaker Dock - there’s no extra expense to shop it as an attachment. This converts the tablet into a digital photo frame when on standby, keeps it fully juiced and blasts room-filling sound with quality audio.
Buy now £599.00, Amazon
Smeg BLF01 blender
Best for: Style on the go
This is one of the latest additions to the Smeg range and it takes the idea of a mini blender and runs with it. The pint-sized kitchen gadget would almost be a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it-device if it wasn’t for the signature aesthetically-appealing 50s design that will fit seamlessly among the brand’s other toasters, kettles and the likes. It comes in seven colourways that include pastel pinks and blues as well as the classic red and black.
The Italian appliance label has produced one of the most miniscule blenders on the market that is ideal for smaller kitchens, but it doesn’t end there. Alongside the compact 33.5cm x 14.2cm base is not one but two ready-to-go 600ml containers, the same that are set inside the base. This means all it takes is switching out the blending attachment for the lid to take your milkshake on the move. Twist this lid and you have an easily sippable smoothie. It has 300W power and minimal buttons, just push down for the mixing magic. What’s more, the blender has been made from 50 per cent certified recycled content.
Buy now £79.00, Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch6
With a longer battery life - going up to 40 hours if you turn the display off - Samsung’s latest update of its smartwatch is its best yet. The Watch6 offers fitness monitoring for all sports including swimming with a water resistance of up to five metres.
The 1.5-inch display manages to feel generous yet unobtrusive at the same time. This means that rolling through all the features - and there are many - is quite intuitive. As well as activity tracking, fitness and sleep monitoring, event alerts, alarms and social media notifications, the Watch6 will prompt you to move if you’ve been inactive for too long (easily done when you’re focused on a deadline).
Find the deep dive review here.
Buy now £289.00, Currys
Barbie The Movie Doll, President Barbie Collectible
Naturally a film about a doll would inspire fresh opportunities for merch. Mattel has launched a line of brand new dolls inspired by on-screen characters including President Barbie, played by Issa Rae.
President Barbie presides over Barbie Land in a fabulous pink and gold ballgown, ensuring the perfect town remains idyllic to the centimetre. She comes with a necklace accessory and a pink and gold sash that denotes her status.
You can also find a POTUS Barbie in Mattel’s enormous range of dolls, shop her here.
Buy now £66.99, Amazon
The White Company Hydrocotton Baby Robe
This adorable towelling robe with teddy bear ear detail on the hood will make the perfect gift. 100 per cent hydro cotton and great quality, the little one will look as cute as a button.
Buy now £30.00, The White Company
July Checked Plus
Dimensions: H77 x W50 x D31cm
Heard of July? Hailing from Melbourne, the brand has made a splash on our shores with a collection of stylish but tough luggage that spans everything from totes and weekender bags all the way through to chic coordinated sets which nest perfectly inside each other for easy storage when you’re not on the road. Every product comes with a lifetime warranty; if there’s a manufacturing fault, July will replace or repair your purchase for you.
But will you need it? With an aerospace-level German polycarbonate shell, anodised aluminium bumpers and SilentMove 360° spinner wheels for easy gliding, it seems unlikely.
Inside, the 110L capacity means there’s plenty of space for clothes, shoes and accessories, while a stain-proof laundry bag keeps your dirty clothes from er, scenting all the contents.
It’s a well-made, highly considered piece of luggage, and we love the colour choice too: 12 standard shades to choose from plus an additional four limited edition hues - including this see-it-a-mile-away sunshine yellow.
Buy now £295.00, July
Hamilton American Classic
One of the most iconic watch brands of our time, you’d be hard-pushed to find a timepiece fan who’s not heard of Hamilton. Fusing Swiss-made precision with its American roots, the brand marries the best of both worlds for designs that are packed with both character and quality. If you’re in the market for a collegiate style à la Dead Poets Society (and, I mean, who isn’t?), this is the watch for you.
Buy now £675.00, Hamilton
Clase Azul Reposado tequila 700ml
Long gone are the days of tequila with a worm at the bottom of the bottle. Modern iterations of the Mexican spirit are designed to be sipped and savoured, not shot. With tequila enjoying something of a revival in recent years, here’s an excuse to give something really special.
From artisan producer Clase Azul comes this white and blue ceramic decanter, its beauty rivalled only by the liquid within. Smooth and full bodied, the spirit, made from pure weber blue agave, slips easily down the throat, imparting undertones of vanilla and toffee caramel along the way. We had no idea that tequila could be this good. A triumph.
Buy now £250.00, Harvey Nichols
Kindle (2022 release)
Amazon’s own-brand e-readers have been around for a while now, but this 2022 release will ignite jealousy from your fellow travellers - and for a very good reason. This Kindle is the lightest and most compact to date, making it perfect for diving into the latest good read while you’re on the go.
The ultimate companion for the bookworm jetsetter, it is small enough to fit in any crossbody bag to offer an entire library at your fingertips for the entire trip. No longer will you need to choose between a book and that extra pair of shoes as whether you have the chance to dive into your most recent literary downloads or not, the featherlight 158g won’t make too much of a dent in those already tight baggage restrictions.
It measures under 16 x 11 x 0.8cm with a 6” display and a built-in light so you can continue to flick between the pages even when lighting is low. You can use it totally wirelessly with no need to connect to a computer and the 16GB gives you the option to download thousands of books to enjoy with no WiFi necessary. Battery life is impressive too and should last throughout your adventures. The brand says up to six weeks but this will be less depending on how usage and if you employ the use of the illumination. Set-up and navigating the system couldn’t be easier - even for the less technology adept among us and recharging is through USB-C so the same cable as the newest iPhones and Android devices.
The cherry on top of the cake is the eco-conscious construction where this Kindle is made from 75 per cent post-consumer recycled plastics. This sustainable approach is continued into the packaging too with wood-fibre-based material and entirely recyclable boxes used.
Buy now £84.99, Amazon
Tekla Striped cotton-terry bathrobe
Established in Copenhagen in 2017, Tekla Fabrics has become a household name within the world of home accessories and fashion. Using only organic materials and cottons, Tekla creates high quality, luxurious pieces crafted to be worn and loved – and this striped terry cotton bathrobe is no exception.
Buy now £155.00, Matches
Vyrao Witchy Woo Candle
If the name isn’t enough to let this candle scent the spookiest month of the year, then the mood-altering woody, floral musk certainly will. The notes of orris absolute, rose, cinnamon, frankincense and musk bring an optimistic feel that is invigorating and magical-feeling, while the beautiful white porcelain ceramic vessel that houses the violet wax will fit seamlessly among your Halloween decorations. Much like the entirety of the Vyrao collection, the candle includes a crystal that has been supercharged by the brand’s own Quantum Energist.
Buy now £69.00, Selfridges
PHLUR Sandara eau de parfum 50ml
Dupe of: Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum (50ml, £157)
This fragrance makes a convincing case for one of Le Labo’s most instantly recognisable aromas yet with a less smokey, warmer feel. It comes from PHLUR, a brand that may not be the easiest to pronounce (it’s like fleur) but is making a name for itself among the TikTok set. The most popular, Missing Person went viral for its nostalgic aroma that was igniting tears among content creators on first whiff.
Sandara is the kind of scent to garner compliments from all, no matter their fragrance preferences. As someone who typically prefers lighter, fresher aromas, I was surprised to be so enraptured by this woody blend. This is a testament to its fresher take on a seductive scent where the spice of Timur pepper is balanced by velvety violet before drying down with sandalwood and patchouli.
Our new signature scent.
Buy now £96.00, Selfridges
ASUS ZenBeam L2 Smart Portable LED Projector
A projector opens a world of cinematic possibilities. Whether you’re looking to stream on the move, or don’t want your TV to take over your bedroom or living room, you can still enjoy the last binge-worthy show with the ASUS ZenBeam L2 Smart Portable LED Projector.
This portable device packs a punch for its compact size - and you can transport it around with the durable leather carrying handle. At home or away, it displays content in full HD resolution, 4K connectivity and a 960 LED lumen output to give crystal clear images so there’s no missing out on the action. It comes preloaded with Netflix, as well as with access to Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more, but you can also use it to create ambience by projecting atmospheric light or a roaring fire, creating a virtual window to wherever your heart desires.
Buy now £699.99, ASUS
Soho Home House Robe
Imagine the luxury of drying off every day in a monogrammed Soho Home fluffy towelling robe. Well, you can make this dream a reality, by treating them to this hooded design that can be embroidered on the chest with three initials. Crafted using 100 per cent recycled polyester, it’s an eco-conscious choice, too.
Buy now £85.00, Soho Home
Scoot & ride Highway kick 1
Kids’ scooters are surprisingly expensive. So this is an excellent option as it easily adapts from a sit-on scooter to a regular one.
This means your one-year-old will be able to use it until they are about five, giving it a far greater shelf-life than a regular scooter. The transformer-like mechanism to change it from one to the other is super simple, and they look great too with the throw-back vintage aesthetic.
Buy now £115.00, KIDLY
Veuve Clicquot Rose 250th Anniversary Edition
Bubbling with notes of cherries and strawberries and with a baked, biscuity base, this is one of the finest bottles of rose champagne to spend your cash on. The anniversary edition captures Madame Clicquot’s boundary-pushing spirit with an exceptional pink-hued liquid that looks and tastes best in the sunshine.
Try it with a simple tomato salad or serve with lobster, beef carpaccio or duck to highlight the exquisite flavours.
Buy now £56.00, Clos19
FUJIFILM Instax Mini Link 2 printer
He may have your old pics in his wallet, but it's time to create new memories - and Instax has an ingenious gadget up its sleeve. If he's surgically attached to his phone and uses it to take snaps, liberate the best ones from his camera roll with this slim printer.
The lightweight gadget allows you to print snaps through Bluetooth, and you can also use the Instax app to further enhance them by drawing frames or adding text yourself. Party Mode allows you to collaborate with others, while there are options to make collages and edit too.
Once he's happy with his masterpiece, they can be printed out on the mini film. Used with the app, the possibilities are endless.
Shop more portable printers here.
Buy now £114.99, Selfridges
John Lewis Velvet Frill Cushion
You can count on the John Lewis own-brand collection to provide real gems using quality materials and at affordable price tags. Take this cushion as the perfect case in point. It has an attractive ochre colourway on the one side, but is reversible with a striped design on the other.
Buy now £32.00, John Lewis
Benedetta Bruzziches Vitty La Mignon Grande crystal-embellished mesh shoulder bag
Magpies will flock to this glitzy accessory. It comes from Benedetta Bruzziches, a brand excelling in Italian craftsmanship, a luxury use of fabric and embellishment that has sent the style set into a frenzy. For the party season and beyond, see this rhinestone style that is the brand’s bestselling silhouette and was inspired by Michelangelo Antonioni's muse, Monica Vitti.
Buy now £1100.00, Selfridges
totes Cashmere Blend Ankle Socks, Pack of 2
Socks are a controversial gifting item. You really have to know your giftee. Is cosiness always on the agenda? Are their extremities always glacial? Do they appreciate luxury? If the answer is yes to any of the former, a two-pack of sumptuous cashmere socks from totes will be totes appreciated.
Buy now £18.00, John Lewis
Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 In Silver Metallic
The silhouette for the Tabby harks back to the 1970s but it wasn’t until earlier this year that it established itself as an It-bag. Given the seal of approval by JLo, Ice Spice and Lil Nas X, the bag is among the more affordable of the designer offering. It comes in an array of colours, including this metallic silver one that just screams party season.
Buy now £395.00, Coach
CASETiFY Daisies by Laura Jane Illustrations
While protecting their precious device, you are also turning their phone into a statement part of their look. A case will never go amiss, whether they are prone to dropping or their current one is looking worse for wear. CASETiFY has one of the most expansive selections on the market with playful creations like this daisy print option that will put a smile on their face each of the thousand times a day they pick up their phone.
Buy now, CASETiFY
Terry de Havilland Zia Mid Gold/Silver
Party season calls for suitably sparkly footwear. The definition of party shoes, Terry de Havilland made a name for himself adorning the feet of celebs from Kate Moss to Rita Ora. The custom creations became part of the Rock n Roll Cobbler’s eponymous collection and are available to shop on top of metallic designs like these gold and silver lightning bolt heels.
Buy now £335.00, Wolf & Badger
Bala The Play Mat, Blush
Size: L180 x W66 x D0.8cm
Bala is changing the fitness game with its collection of attractive accessories you’ll be proud to display around your home. The Play Mat, as the name suggests, is designed to suit all disciplines and that includes Pilates where the thicker 8mm construction gives comfort and support in equal measure.
The brand has paid attention to the finest details, from the pastel colourway and subtle branding to a waterproof top layer to provide stability but also remain sweat-wicking.
Buy now £119.95, John Lewis
Glossier Limited Edition Cookie Butter + Hot Cocoa Balm Dotcom Original
You may have noticed on the Glossier Instagram page that the posts are littered with comments from fans of the original Balm Dotcom formula begging the brand for its return.
Well, the label has listened and for a limited time, you can add limited edition holiday flavours; Cookie Butter and Hot Cocoa with the previous formulations – before it became vegan. The former has a caramel tint and a cinnamon-spiced speculoos aroma, whilst the latter is a chocolatey-vanilla treat with a subtle chestnut brown hue.
Bundle these together with the Glossier’s Holiday Tumbler (£29) for a gift that can’t fail.
Buy now £14.00, Glossier
Amazon Fire TV 2-Series
Best for: The bedroom
Available in 32- and 40-inch options and in corresponding 720p and 1080p resolutions, the two models in the 2-Series may be the babies of the bunch, but they still come packing the spec you’d expect.
Firstly, simple to set up, plug it in, turn it on, add the apps you want, sign into each with your account details and… watch TV. Yep, even though you get 2x HDMI 1.4 and 1x HDMI ARC ports to play with, add the Amazon to your Wi-Fi and just stream straight to it.
Looking at the 720p model, at 32-inches, it’s very light and the build feels a bit on the delicate side, resulting in me almost accidentally throwing it across the room while using too much force to pull it out of the box, but once you get the legs on, it adopts a reassuring sturdiness and sits nice and securely without fear of it blowing away in a sudden breeze.
Aesthetically, well, it’s black; and a nicely thin bezel gives the 32-inch a sophisticated air, but other than that it looks in every conceivable way just like a flatscreen TV. I mean, hey, what were you expecting exactly? Let’s get it turned on.
Picture-wise, the littlest Amazon Fire TV is nice and bright and delivers pleasingly vibrant colours. High Def at 720p, as mentioned, it also supports HDR10 and HLG, so images are detailed and sharp, but if you’re used to watching your telly in 1080p, you may want to consider stepping up to the 40-inch option.
Adding apps is a straightforward procedure (as long as the apps you’re after are actually available), so once you’ve gone through the motions, you’re good to go. And accessing those apps is made all the easier by the Amazon’s well laid-out remote control, complete with dedicated buttons for Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and Freeview, plus a big blue button at the top that summons Alexa so you can just tell your TV what you want, whether that’s to open a certain app or, for smarthomers, turn on your lights.
On the sound-front, both 2-Series models come with Dolby Digital Plus and built-in speaker, but you may find you want to add your own external audio options to up the oomph.
All in all, the Amazon Fire TV in its 32-inch format is a more than capable smaller smart TV option for the more enclosed areas of your home. Picture quality, ease of installation and access to so many entertainment apps, whether that’s TV, films or games, are all impressive and with the option to outsource your audio, coming in at just £250 for the 32-inch and only £299 for the 1080p 40-inch, the 2-Series are incredibly value for money.
Tech Spec
Sizes: 32- and 40-inch
Display type: LED
Resolution: High Definition
HDR format: HDR 10, HLG
Press & Ask Alexa: Yes
Hands free with Alexa: No
Ports: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x HDMI ARC, Ethernet
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Buy now £189.99, Amazon
Aspinal of London Travel Wallet with Removable Inserts
When you’re making your way through customs, the last thing you want to do is to hold everyone up whilst rummaging around in your backpack for the correct documents - which is where Aspinal of London’s travel wallet comes in.
Crafted using full-grain leather with a soft suede lining, there’s space for tickets, passports, boarding passes and currency - and each section even has its own label. Sophisticated organisation at its finest.
Add a loved one’s initials by selecting the personalisation option before checkout.
Buy now £150.00, Aspinal of London
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Media Cologne Forte
Maison Francis Kurkdjian, the brand behind the iconic Baccarat Rouge 540, has taken a very different approach with the Aqua collection. These summery scents are light and bright and there’s a new addition taking the fourth spot alongside Aqua Vitae, Aqua Celestia, and Aqua Universalis.
Aqua Media is a mood-boosting scent that is vibrant and fresh and, much like the others, has bergamot from Italy (it’s a consistent note that runs through the Aqua range). This is set alongside crystalline hedione that provides the airy feel with sweet fennel, aniseed and citrus. It’s green most of all with fresh wild herbs, a base of woody musks, patchouli and green moss.
Buy now £175.00, John Lewis
