And just like that, Christmas is upon us. I always try to make lists in September, and then fail every time. I love the day itself, but the run up can often be very exhausting. I mean my to-do list has its list. So this year I thought I would give all the special women something that was unusual for Christmas. I needed a list, fast! PS: it’s still not too late.
I thought I might as well write a guide of some unusual, a few spendy, shiny and some literary. It is a great idea to get it for your bff, gf/bf, your OH, your sister, mother, daughter, grandma, mother in law…heck get it for yourself.
( No more last minute dashes to Boots for that generic manicure set, or garage flower bouquets, nor a sock set in sight…PHEW!)
My Ultimate thoughtful gift guide for 2018
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For the best friend who loves to read…
As a bookworm, this particular gift idea is my jam. Always give pressies you would love to receive yourself. I loved the idea of A reading in heels subscription or a monthly book subscription box. It’s not just a paperback they receive every month but often a lovely curated box of lifestyle and beauty products.
This review by the Independent is really comprehensive. Whichever way you go, your friend will get a new book delivered every month in a neatly, and elegantly delivered parcel. Plus the satisfaction one can only get from truly giving a christmas present thats really thoughtful is indescribable.
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Your clueless about skincare mum…
Every time my mum uses Nivea and a splash of water, I put a penny in a jar. I swear, at this rate I’ll be a millionaire in three years. If your mum is anything like mine, clueless afraid to start…I’d go with Lixir. It doesn’t have an SPF. But from my earlier post on SPF’s any from the selection of SPF’s would be great.
Lixir is a beautiful, simple range that has a cleanser, a Vitamin C mask. The curated collection also contains a simple Emulsion that is suitable for both day an night, but here’s the beauty of the system. The Lixir range contains three bottles of switch ups, you mix these into the emulsion on alterlntative weeks. It is has a simple usage reference grid and it is really helpful, think about how much she’d love the elegant yet simple Lixir range.
Christmas is the season for giving we know that. It would be awesome to receive this thoughtful gift, and I bet she will love the results too! This would be the ultimate gift for mommy dear.
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Your Partner who wants something shiny (hint… It’s not diamonds)
Your Girlfriend is into beauty and makeup, but you don’t know what to buy her? Luckily you may have stumbled onto just the right post. Either of these would make him/her realise how thoughtful you are. And Christmas might just get luckier for you.
Here are what I would put on the gift
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Tom Ford anything, but their latest Soleil Eye and cheek palette is everything I would want under a tree( a bit speedy at £98, but it’s Christmas and it’s cheaper than diamonds 😉
- If you’re on a budget…then the Becca X Chrissy Teigen icing lipglow kit at £24 from John Lewis is a great deal. I dont know about anyone else, but if this set was under my tree, I’d be a happy camper.
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Your trend conscious younger sister
Your sister is a fashionista. She pores over Vogue like it’s her Bible. She can tell you the full form of BCBG Mx Azria’s full name. An iconic Bella Freud Jumper would be a great idea, spendy but she’s your sister! Keep the gift receipt, but I promise you that she will be talking about this thoughtful Christmas for ever… (To be honest, this iconic jumper is so stylish, that it is called a classic for a reason.)
( If the Jumper is out of your league, Bella Freud also makes candles etc, cheaper but still stylish enough to make her Christmas for years to come.)
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Your office colleague
With office rules on gifting , interpersonal relations in the office can be tricky. However your college deserves a token of appreciation for putting up with you 😛
Here’s a thoughtful idea -a stationary set from Kikki K, ( if you’re skint you could try PaperChase. One rule is to keep it simple ; a planner, or a monogrammed diary is perfect. It will avoid any misunderstandings with HR. ( And please stay away from red or anything resembling roses.) This is one place where I will segue and say that if you’re really unsure, go for a Joules/ Cath Kidston giftcard.
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Your grandma
Getting flowers through the letterbox every month?It is such a thoughtful and unique idea. Bloom and Wild are so beautifully packaged, that I received a delivery once and was in love, to be honest these are so beautiful that anyone would be happy to receive them every month. Especially your Gran. They are modern and trendy (they don’t scream Grandma, if you get what I mean…)
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Your celebrity obsessed tween or teen.
LMX by Little Mix… it’s all glitter and sparkle, and peppered with pics of the quartet. I have seen the packaging up close and centre, and whilst I can’t attest to its quality, it’s a perfect Christmas Gift perfect for the tween who’s trying out their best smokey eye, or your teen who’s into festival glitter. This thoughtful gift will win you serious cool points too. Available now at Boots.
3 things to avoid at all cost
- A sock set… please, please please don’t give this to anyone except maybe as a stocking filler. No, actually not even then…
- Foot Cream or a pedicure set ( really?)
- A Blender ( No really, let’s not even go there)
These are the few that I’m thinking of, what are your favourites? Is there something you think I could or should add to this list? I’ve tried to keep the list eclectic, with a decent options for most budgets. Whilst list making, gift shopping and wrapping are serious tasks, my tone is light hearted, a gift is from the heart after all… What do you think? Please do let me know `Love, Elle xx
Note of disclaimer: All opinions are my own, I have no affiliations with any company, there are no affiliate links on this post; pr samples, if any have been kindly gifted by the company, but this has not affected my opinion, nor swayed it . Please check the ingredients list of all products that you buy, in case you have allergies to any of the products that I have mentioned. If you are particularly sensitive or even if you’re not, allergies can happen suddenly, even with products that you may have used for years. If unsure, please do a patch test on your elbow, and wait 48 hours before using any of the products I’ve suggested. Please do not copy, publish any photos on this blog or contents in its entirety or otherwise without my express permission.
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