Finding a Christmas gift that feels thoughtful, original and just right for its recipient isn’t always easy, so who better to ask for inspiration than a team who spend their days discovering beautiful things?
[ INSPIRATION ]
Christmas
With supermarket shelves full of selection boxes and Christmas lights illuminating streets across the UK, we thought we’d offer some present inspiration in the form of a Christmas gift guide.
Doubtless you’ve already begun thinking about it, but if you’re just beginning your list, perhaps we can help. Our Christmas gift guide includes gifts for him, her, partners, hosts and tech enthusiasts.
Plus, with large Christmases looking unlikely, we’re highlighting gifts that show you’re thinking of them even when you can’t be there. The only thing to decide just how naughty or nice your family and friends have been this year.
Christmas gifts for foodies
For many, the festive period centres largely around eating and drinking. Whether that’s entertaining or simply using the season as a reason to get creative in the kitchen. If that sounds like one of your friends of family members, a food-based gift could be spot on. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be edible or drinkable.
Think outside the (chocolate) box and buy gin lovers new glasses, or gourmands niche tools to cook with. Know they have a cutlery drawer full of mismatched knives and forks? How about some thoughtfully chosen cutlery?
If they’re sweet toothed, the choices are as good as endless. However, we recommend choosing premium edibles like Cartwright & Butler shortbread or some Daylesford honey. For the more savoury among them, how about a hamper of exciting culinary ingredients?
Shop Christmas gifts for foodies here.
Christmas gifts for her
Christmas gifting is all about finding a present that your loved one didn’t know they needed. When shopping for Christmas gifts for girlfriends, mothers or sisters, try to find something they wouldn’t normally buy themselves.
For example, those premium chocolates she only buys on special occasions. Or, comfortable slippers a couple of price points above what they may normally spend.
Home accessories can also prove a good Christmas gift for girlfriends or mothers. We love the ferm LIVING candleholder in our Christmas gift guide because its subtle design looks great in most homes. Complete the gift with an elegant candlestick so she can light it as soon as the gift wrap comes off.
Shop Christmas gifts for her here.
Christmas gift guide for him
Shopping for gents can be tricky. Luckily, at this time of year new product releases and plenty of Christmas gift guides make your job a lot easier.
Always consider their interests and, if possible, try to anticipate what they’ll need or want in the coming months. For example, an angular desk lamp for his home office. Or perhaps he enjoys a good tipple. In that case, a bottle of his favourite gin or whisky is a great gift. Similarly, a new decanter to serve his drink from could be the gift he didn’t know he was after.
Shop Christmas gifts for him here.
Gifts for hosts
Whether you’re searching for a gift to thank your host, or simply have a friend who loves entertaining, there are plenty of present options. As always, a bottle of their favourite spirit never goes amiss.
Or, you could introduce them to a spirit or drink they wouldn’t normally choose. Gifts that enhance their entertaining experience always go down well – think decanters and premium champagne glasses.
A festive scented candle is a good gift if you’re presenting it early on in December. If it’s something they’ll be opening on Christmas day, avoid festive scents as they won’t need it after Boxing Day.
Shop Christmas gifts for hosts here.
Stocking fillers
A Christmas gift guide wouldn’t be complete without some stocking fillers. Instead of tat that won’t last longer that New Year’s Day, we recommend opting for designs with more longevity. These stocking fillers are perfect for adults. Think tricky brain teasers, fancy choccies and their new favourite mug. For a real treat, slip a bottle of gin into their stocking as well.
Whilst these gifts are all perfect for stocking fillers, they’re also great gifts for secret Santa.
Shop Christmas stocking fillers here.
Techy Christmas gifts
For the tech lover in your life, it’s nice to gift them something they haven’t already got. We love the Koble Polestar Lamp because it charges compatible phones wirelessly whilst providing light for your bedside or desk.
If you can’t quite find a gift that they won’t already have, then how about something to organise their gadgets? This Vitra Toolbox is a great choice, but you could also choose for something with more compartments.
Shop techy Christmas gifts here.
Gifts that show you care
Let’s face it, 2020 has been an extraordinarily stressful year and no one knows what Christmas will look like yet. Unfortunately, the odds are that any celebrations won’t be as large as normal.
If you have loved ones and friends you’ll no longer be seeing on the big day, why not treat them with a gift to show you care? Think pampering aromatherapy oils, some delicious chocolate or some accessories to make their home sparkle.
Shop Cosy Christmas gifts here.
Moving into a new home is a milestone that deserves to be celebrated, especially as it’s considered as one of the most extreme things anyone can do in their lifetime, from the paperwork to the finances and the practicalities.
Luckily, Christmas provides the perfect chance to make recently-moved friends and family feel right at home with a well-chosen housewarming Christmas present. Whether it’s a close friend, neighbour or cherished family member, a little something can make a big difference to how someone feels in their new space, so we’ve rounded up the best new home Christmas gift ideas to help you get it right and put a smile on their face.
Practical Christmas gift ideas
Presents that are practical as well as personal are the sweet spot when it comes to new home Christmas gifts. Not only can the recipient actually use them, but they’ll think of you every time they do, from top-notch tableware to beautiful bath linen and A-list accessories. Here are just a handful of pressies we think are practically perfect.
Tableware gifts
Throwing open the door to welcome friends and family is one of the most rewarding aspects of settling into a new home – and signals that most of the boxes have been packed away and you’re more or less sorted.
So why not take stylish tableware as well as a bottle of wine if you’ve been invited over? A dinner set is always a safe bet and our Nordic Sea collection comes with 12 hand-glazed pieces in a striking grey-blue colourway that is sure to set the scene for many a soirée in a new home. Covetable cutlery always goes down a storm, too, such as the stainless-steel Santol set by Charingworth featuring no less than 42 gleaming pieces.
Otherwise, dazzle with a pair of Champagne saucers from The Vintage List –hand-blown and hand-engraved – for clinking and drinking with; get then talking with a centrepiece in the abstract form of the Thyra vase by Broste Copenhagen; or sprinkle a little magic with the Cobra salt and pepper shakers from Georg Jensen. All practical Christmas gifts that equally pretty.
Bath linen gifts
For moments when new homeowners aren’t packing away the last of the boxes or showing friends and family around, the bathroom provides a welcome sanctuary to rest and recharge.
So why not invest in some luxurious bath linen that envelops loved ones in five-star style? The check collection from Hay is as cosy as it is chic, whether the hand towel, wash cloth or bath mat, and adds instant style to even the most unfurnished of spaces; while our waffle range is crafted from ring-spun Turkish cotton for a pleasingly textured finish. New home Christmas gift ideas don’t come more chilled out.
Home bar gifts
Whether mixing and muddling cocktails on a Friday night, or simply pouring a glass of well-deserved wine mid-week, home bars help you to switch off from the strains of everyday life – and have spiked in popularity since the pandemic.
You don’t even need a dedicated bar, either: it can be a zoned area on the worktop in the kitchen or a built-in cabinet in the living room that conceals a secret ‘speakeasy’. From the simple but beautiful Anna G corkscrew by Alessi to the Aurelia Carafe from LSA International and the Indulgence Champagne cooler by Georg Jensen, we’re home to a range of practical Christmas gifts that will help new homeowners create their very own watering hole, whatever their taste or space.
Cosy Christmas gift ideas
From the packing to the moving and the unpacking – not to mention the sorting and styling – it’s hardly surprising that new homeowners can feel exhausted once the dust has settled. So why not spoil them with cosy Christmas gifts that help them feel truly at home?
Sleep gifts
Show them you know them with the gift of sleep. Cosy up their bedroom so it’s conducive to quality slumber with the likes of the lambswool Hottie set from Catherine Tough, our wild fig-scented glass candle and the Mulberry silk eye mask by Gingerlily, sure to soothe them into a deep sleep. Positively dreamy.
Wellness gifts
Amid the chaos, it’s important for new homeowners to carve out time for themselves, and our wellness gifts will encourage them to do just that. Lotions and potions add a touch of luxury to proceedings, from the vitamin E face moisturiser by MALIN+GOETZ to the polyphenol hand pomade from Pelegrims, while the Mulberry silk pillowcase will give them five-star hygge from the comfort of home.
Candle gifts
Whether for the beside or bath, scented candles are always a stellar choice when it comes to Christmas gifts for new homeowners, particularly when they feature seasonal fragrances.
Make like the three kings and bestow precious frankincense in the form of this short pillar candle, infused with the evocative scent of pinewood, or our winter spice brick candle, blending clove, orange and cinnamon in an unusual format.
For something a bit different, a set of six Twisted candles from Hay are sure-fire conversation starters, while the Underground candle by self-taught British designer Tom Dixon will never disappoint. Cosy Christmas gifts that are certain to help new homeowners get a glow-up.
Designer Christmas gift ideas
Designer Christmas gifts make for real investment pieces and are received all the more gratefully by new homeowners when you’ve really nailed their taste. Whether it’s a cult designer they’re a fan of, or simply an objet d’art they’ve been coveting, design aficionados deserve the best.
Designer vase gifts
A vase isn’t just a vessel for seasonal flowers or foliage at Christmas, but another way for homeowners to express their personalities, whether oversized and maximalist or delicate and understated.
The likes of the Massimo Bobble vase, the Ada vase and the Hourglass plant pot look as beautiful by themselves as they do brimming with stems or blooms. Why not take them full of flowers rather than wrapped?
Designer drinkware gifts
There are so many things to buy when you first move into a new home that sometimes the most practical items – such as glasses – get completely forgotten about. Give them the gift of gorgeous with stylish glassware such as the Terrazzo tumbler by Late Afternoon, Tint wine glasses from Hay or the Tank whiskey glasses by Tom Dixon. The perfect excuse to use them as soon as they’re unwrapped.
Designer wall art gifts
Walls can be one of the last things to decorate but artwork can be one of the most transformative ways to make a house feel like a home. You’ll need to have a handle on the homeowner’s taste, but consider modern pieces such as the Monstera print from Paper Collective, typographic treatments as in All Is Pretty by Andy Warhol via King & McGaw or surrealist prints such as the Magic Pods by Print Sisters.
Eco-friendly Christmas gift ideas
The most sustainable gift you can buy for a new homeowner is something you know they’ll love and won’t sit collecting dust at the back of a cupboard. But you can also prioritise eco-friendly Christmas gifts that bring together stylish design with sustainable materials and sound craftsmanship.
Cruelty-free beauty gifts
From the 100% vegan Fragrance Discovery kit by MALIN+GOETZ to the all-natural Bloomsbury gift box from Soapsmith and the paraben-free Dinosaurs design organic soap by ARTHOUSE Unlimited, good choices also make for thoughtful gifting with a clean conscience.
Gifts made from recycled materials
Eco-friendly Christmas gifts don’t come much more elegant than the Beach Clean placemats by Liga – crafted from sustainable cork and recycled EVA plastics – our Romilly rug, woven from yarn made from recycled bottles, or the Bit stool from Normann Copenhagen, comprising small bits of 100% recycled household and industrial plastic.
Get inspired by more gorgeous Christmas gifts for stylish new homeowners.
Whether they moved in ten months ago or are just beginning to unpack, new homeowners will be looking forward to the first Christmas in their new home. It can be tricky to find the right gift when they’re still setting up their new home.
So, we’ve compiled some inspiration for first Christmas in a new home gifts to help you decide. Think everything from smart technology to thoughtful decorations. Read on to find out more.
Vases
When moving into a new home, people are often flooded with bouquets of flowers, bottles of wine and houseplants. But what do you display all those flowers in? A vase isn’t normally top of the unpacking list and if it’s their first home then they won’t necessarily own one. So, a vase is a great Christmas gift for new homeowners.
If you don’t know much about their interior tastes, then opt for a more neutral vase. In this case, glass or ceramic in natural hues make great choices. If you’re a little more familiar with their style, then you could gift them a vase in a colour or a silhouette to suit their tastes.
Glassware
Glassware is another thing that new homeowners often receive plenty of. However, that isn’t to say you can’t gift glassware for their first Christmas in a new home. We suggest staying away from classic tumblers or wine glasses and finding cocktail glasses that are a little out of the ordinary.
Think luxurious martini glasses, modern champagne saucers and specialised whisky tumblers. For real wine enthusiasts, you could even pair a decanter with a bottle of their favourite vintage. That way they can enjoy their favourite drink in style on Christmas day.
Barware
For aspiring mixologists, amateur cocktail makers and fans of a festive Snowball, an upgrade to their existing barware is a great first Christmas in a new home gift. Whether that means a new cocktail shaker, jigger and stirring spoon or an elegant Georg Jensen corkscrew, they’re sure to appreciate it.
If they already have a world-class selection of barware, then you could gift them the ingredients for their favourite cocktail. Whether that’s everything they need to make a Negroni, or the spirits and garnishes required to make a martini. They’re sure to appreciate a glass of their favourite tipple on Christmas day.
Decoration
A decoration that marks the first Christmas in their new home is a thoughtful gift that they’ll admire year after year when they decorate the tree. Take your time and explore different styles, themes and types of decoration to find one that suits them and their personality.
For example, if they love to travel, find a Christmas decoration gift that reflects this. If their favourite animal is an elephant, find an elephant-themed ornament. With so many different Christmas tree decorations around, you’re bound to find one to suit them.
Smart Lighting
With a new home comes the chance to change the way you live in more than just one way. Gifting smart lighting to people for the first Christmas in their new home is a really unique and exciting idea. There are plenty of different smart lighting gifts, from voice-activated light bulbs to alarm clocks that wake you up by simulating sunrise.
There are even bulbs that you can control via apps on your phone, changing the colour, brightness and settings. Christmas gifts like these light bulbs are great because they’re energy-saving and bound to fit in their home. If you want to gift smart technology for Christmas, there are plenty of other options as well as lighting.
Think smart gardens that help you grow herbs inside, smart speakers like amazon’s Alexa or the Google Home and padlocks you unlock with your fingerprint. The options are endless and are sure to make great gifts for the first Christmas in their new home.
Accessories
Small accessories and candles are great gifts for the first Christmas in a new home. That could be anything from coffee table books and warming winter quilts to picture frames or a keyring. If you’re stuck for choice, then you can’t go wrong with a scented candle that brings an added ambience and beautiful aroma to their home.
If you know they’ll open the present in the run up to Christmas then you could choose a scent that fills their home with a festive aroma. For gifts that’ll be opened on Christmas day, a less festive scent is probably the right choice.
If they’ve just moved into their new home, then a stylish game or jigsaw that doubles as an accessory could be a great Christmas gift. After all, their internet might not be working yet, the TV license won’t be set up and they’ll need entertaining.
Still looking for inspiration? Check out our curated Christmas gift guides.
From particular parents to fussy friends, finding the perfect gift for that special someone can be a trying task. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our top ten Christmas gift shops in London.
The best part is that each one of the Christmas gift shops is also online, so you can master gifting from across the UK.
V&A Gift Shop
Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge Nearest Tube: South Kensington
South Kensington’s Victoria and Albert Museum boasts four gift shops, with its main store located on the ground floor. It features jewellery, prints, toys and crafts, each inspired by pieces in the museum’s collection. So, if you’re shopping for an art lover or fashion follower, the V&A is the place to go.Shop Now
Fortnum & Mason
Piccadilly Street, St. James’s Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
If you’re looking to indulge this Christmas, Fortnum & Mason is the place to go. Head down to Piccadilly and you’ll find hampers packed with delicious nibbles and feast-worthy treats. Plus, Fortnum & Mason also has a store in St Pancras train station for last-minute gifting.Shop Now
Heal’s
Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia Nearest Tube: Goodge Street
The Heal’s Christmas Circus is out in full force at our Tottenham Court Road store. Visit the Heal’s Christmas market on the ground floor and find luxurious gifts for all members of the family. Whilst you’re here, take a snap of the festive Cecil Brewer Stairs – London’s most photographed staircase.Shop Now
Design Museum Shop
Kensington High Street, Kensington Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington
As a hub of contemporary design, it’s only right that the Design Museum’s shop is a must for creative gifts. From architecture books to covetable designs by some of the best-loved designers, you’re sure to find the right gift. Located on the museum’s ground floor, there is also a free permanent exhibition to enjoy whilst doing your Christmas shopping.Shop Now
Present & Correct
Arlington Way, Clerkenwell Nearest Tube: Angel
Present & Correct’s collection of contemporary stationery makes the perfect stocking filler or gift. One of London’s most unique Christmas gift shops, Present & Correct also boasts stationary suited to gifting all year round. Select from notepads, pens, calendars and much more.Shop Now
Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop
The Market, Covent Garden Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
Founded in the 1880s, Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop must be one of the most festive Christmas gift shops on our list. Its collection of toy theatres, shadow boxes and games serve nostalgic style without missing out on functionality. Plus, you can enjoy it all in the festive surroundings of Covent Garden.Shop Now
Daunt Books
Marylebone High Street, Marylebone Nearest Tube: Regent’s Park
Take a trip back in time at Daunt Books’ Marylebone store and stroll through the original Edwardian building to find the perfect literary gift. With stores across London, you needn’t miss out if the Marylebone store is a little out of your way.Shop Now
Native & Co.
Kensington Park Rd, Notting Hill Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate
Notting Hill-based home-ware shop Native & Co. boasts a spectacular selection of designs from Japan and Taiwan. As a champion of traditional crafts, Native & Co. the perfect places to find a unique gift. Its refined collection ranges from pared-back slippers to clay rice pots.Shop Now
Circus
Brixton Village, Brixton Nearest Tube: Brixton
You’ll find Circus tucked away in the hustle and bustle of Brixton Village. The boutique is a colourful extravaganza of hand-picked vintage and contemporary pieces. From Picasso prints to vintage Fritz Nagel candleholders, the world is your oyster at Circus.Shop Now
Kitchen Provisions
Coal Drop’s Yard, King’s Cross Nearest Tube: King’s Cross
Gifting white appliances is a thing of the past. This Christmas think Japanese hand-forged chef knives, bespoke gin sets and stylish leather aprons. Located in Coal Drop’s Yard, King’s Cross’ latest shopping destination, Kitchen Provisions is in good company.Shop Now
The festive period can be hectic enough without the stress of finding the perfect Christmas gift for that special someone. To make things easier, we’ve carefully curated a detailed guide to make gift buying easier.
From boyfriends and girlfriends to parents and children, we have everything needed to make Christmas magical. Plus, as it’s always hard buying ‘Presents for Particular People', we’ve also created a gift edit for design lovers.
Christmas Gift for Him
Whether he’s your father, partner or son, it can be hard shopping for a man who has everything. We recommend erring on the side of quality rather than quantity to ensure a smile on Christmas Day.
Think whisky connoisseur sets, luxurious soft furnishings and cutting-edge gadgets. For smaller budgets, culinary delights such as Cartwright & Butler biscuits or Charbonnel chocolates will always go down well.
Christmas Gift for Her
If you feel like you’ve exhausted traditional Christmas gifts, why not opt for something a little different? In the Heal’s edit you’ll find design objects, luxurious accessories and technology that are perfect for placing under the tree.
Select from brands such as Ferm Living, Catherine Tough and Fornasetti to find a Christmas gift for your sister, mother or partner.
Christmas Gift for Kids
If you’re hunting for a unique Christmas gift for a stylish little one, look no further. The Heal’s collection boasts a collection of designs that are perfect for children. Select from game sets and small accessories for playful gifts. Or, if you’re working with a higher budget, opt for child-sized design classics like the Panton Junior Chair.
Christmas Gift for Design Lovers
Finding a gift for a design enthusiast can be a particularly troublesome task. However, there are some renowned brands that are bound to delight most design lovers. Select pieces from world-renowned designers such as Tom Dixon, Anglepoise and Vitra to master gift giving. From decorative accessories to desk lamps and prints, there’s something suit all tastes in the Heal’s collection.
Secret Santa Gifts
Shopping for a stocking filler or Secret Santa gift? We’ve got you covered. From sweet treats and games to alcoholic tipples, we have the finest selection of small gifts for children and adults. Discover a gift that is sure to delight colleagues, friends and family alike.
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