The ULTIMATE Christmas gift guide
| 11th November 2021
The ultimate Christmas gift guide: Tis finally the season to be jolly! Christmas is coming and I am not ashamed to admit that I have been looking forward to Christmas since August.
The cooler weather, hot chocolate, roaring fire and the iconic Coca-Cola advert are just a few of the wonders of winter. Now that the thrills of fall are out the way and Halloween and Bonfire night are behind us, I am now officially in Christmas mode.
This Christmas marks the last Christmas I will spend child free. With our little baby girl due in February, 2021 marks the end of an era. So, to mark the occasion, and to get our VIVA readers into the festive spirit too, I give to you, the ULTIMATE Christmas gift guide with something to suit even the most hardened scrooges.
Let’s kick off the gift guide with one for the forgetful friend. The Tile Mate (£19.99) is a versatile tracker that can be used to locate everyday items from keys to bags. If you know someone who is constantly losing their keys, they will certainly thank you for this gift all year round.
Whilst we are on gadgets, the HyperX streamer starter set (£84.99) is perfect for any budding gaming influencer.
For the gin lovers (of which there are many) Bloom Gin have launched a limited edition passionfruit and vanilla gin (£25) that will be a sure hit on the drinks table. For a Christmas themed gin, Crane’s Cranberry Gin (£35.95) goes great with a classic Indian tonic water. Burleigh’s Pink Gin (£37.50) is another great option, a London dry gin taking inspiration from Japan with a sweet hibiscus and cherry blossom flavour. For an earthier flavour you can’t go wrong with Opihr Black Lemon Gin, available in Sainsbury’s for £18. Finally, let’s not forget a true classic, Tanqueray Gin which is also available in Sainsbury’s for £20, along with an alcohol-free version for £15.
If you are wanting to gift something special to the gin lover in your life. The Hepple Gin set (£60) is the perfect blend of science and nature and comes with two stunning etched cocktail glasses.
What about something for the drivers amongst us? Jing Sparkling Tea (£17.95) really is something special. Created from a green tea base, this tea is a welcome relief from the limited options of water, orange juice and lemonade options usually available.
For the kids this year we have found some educational and fun gifts to make you as favourable as Santa. The Janod World Map Magnet Puzzle (£39.99) is a great way to get kids learning about the world, as well as different animals and cultures.
For fun the whole family can get involved with, board games make a great gift, as well as providing hours of fun on Christmas day. 30 seconds (£14.99) is a fast-paced general knowledge game whereby players have just 30 seconds to describe five names on their chosen card for their team mates to guess. For more of a challenge, why not try the who wants to be a millionaire board game (£26) and put your family members in the hot seat to test their knowledge. For a more relaxing activity, Dunelm have created a Mindfulness jigsaw (£12) a 500 piece jigsaw with soothing and calming illustrations.
For the smaller ones, perhaps celebrating their very first Christmas the Kaloo Tendresse My First Doll (£19.99) is perfect for newborn upwards. For an extra special touch, you can even personalise your doll’s dress with a name of your choice. To help your little one learn, the Ladybird Baby Touch Happy Christmas Book (£4.99) is a great stocking filler and offers a sensory story time to keep little hands busy.
If you have a teen to buy for, Nivea have a great range of skincare goodies to help pampered princes and princesses relax and unwind. I’d highly recommend their rainbow moments collection (£29.99)
Are you attending a festive soiree this year? If so, we have found an array of tipples which will make you the life and soul of the party. To get the party started, Black Cow Vodka have created a Christmas Spirit (£25) which tastes just like a Christmas Pud. For those who prefer something a little sweeter, The Duppy Share Aged Caribbean Rum (£25.90) will warm even the coldest of nights. If you know someone who loves rum as much as Captain Jack Sparrow, the aptly named Pirates Grog have a perfect miniatures treasure chest (£32) for your recipient to discover. They also have full sized bottles buried in wooden chests with prices starting from £50.
Whilst we are on tipples, we have tested a range of whiskies from American bourbons to Scottish single malts and we have found some of the best on the market. Starting with the New World, the Yellowstone Select Whiskey (£50) is a full-bodied dry oak with a sweet fudgy flavour. For a Whiskey backed by none other than America’s sweetheart, Matthew McConaughey Wild Turkey Longbranch Bourbon Whiskey (£37.50) is a sure winner.
The Highlands are famed for their single malts. For the whisky lovers the Nc’nean Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky (£46.95) is made from organic Scottish barley and is deliciously balanced with a dry finish. For a dark and rich single malt, the GlenAllachie 15-year-old whisky (£63.95) will please any whisky expert.
Christmas isn’t just for humans. Every year I always make sure my lovely little Pomeranian Gigi has some presents and a bit of Christmas dinner. Lily’s Kitchen has a fantastic Christmas range for cats and dogs alike. From festive Turkey Jerky (£3) to a meaty selection of festive Christmas treats (£16) there is something to pamper your pooch this Christmas.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I always find the men in my life hard to buy for. I like to be creative and personal in the gifts that I give which can be quite difficult. If you have a man in your life that loves his cars, buyagift.com has a range of experiences, from supercars to off-roading, there are experiences to enjoy all over the country.
If your man spends his summer guarding the BBQ, then Bull’s Eye has you covered. Check them out and create your own bundle with a range of BBQ sauces (the original is my personal fave) hot sauces and BBQ equipment.
If craft beer is his thing, Lion Brewery Co is a Singaporean beer company with British heritage, dating back to 1836 London, where it was originally founded on the bank of the River Thames. After taking a 72-year hiatus, Lion is back with a bang! I’d recommend the Pale Ale available online.
Perhaps there is a keen learner in your midst. Masterclass.com has a range of online classes where you can learn to cook with Gordon Ramsay, learn music with Alicia Keys or refine your style with Tan France.
Is there a foodie on your Christmas list? For the curry enthusiast Spice Pot’s Curry Night Kit (£14.95) will be a sure hit. Maybe your foodie in a sushi fanatic? Well if that is the case the Fresh Wasabi Starter Kit (£23) contains Rhisome (the stuff Wasabi is made of) which has been grown for 18 months before reaching harvest, along with all the tools you need to make the freshest Wasabi they will ever taste.
We all know someone who just cannot survive without coffee. This is where the Melitta Enjoy Top Timer filter coffee machine (£64.99) comes in. This machine not only provides the perfect filtered coffee, but you can utilise the timer mode to make sure that every morning when you come downstairs, there is a fresh pot of coffee waiting for you. What more could a caffeine craver desire?
Maybe your foodie has a sweet tooth? The exploding bakery has some of the best brownies I have ever tasted, and they fit right through the letterbox! Prices start from £13.95, and I can highly recommend the Nutcracker brownies for a special festive treat. If you are looking for a foodie stocking filler, Cambrook Nuts (£14) are super tasty.
A brand that foodies everywhere will recognise is Kilner. Their yoghurt making set (£23) makes the perfect gift for your dairy queen (or king).
If your recipient is more of a home bird, we have sourced some great options to suit them too. The IGGI Steamer (£179) is a stylish and hygienic handheld steamer that disinfects all fabrics and objects. The hygienic Dry Microfine Steam (DMS) kills 99.9% of viruses (including coronaviruses) and bacteria present throughout the household, IGGI steams clothes at a high pressure and thoroughly beautifies even the most delicate of fabrics.
I also recently came across the Cath Kidston Spitalfields Navy Bedding (£38.99) which has totally transformed my bedroom. With a 200 percale thread count this set is silky soft and makes a real statement. For a perfect pairing, the floral street scented candle discovery set (£18) will transform any room into a floral delight for the senses.
If you prefer a festive scent, Olivia’s Haven has a Christmas range to die for, including candles, wax melts and reed diffusers. I personally recommend the “Christmas at the Old Rectory” a spiced scent that reminds me of an xmas pud.
If you have a spa fanatic amongst you, I highly recommend the Jane Scrivner brand. A natural and organic brand with scents that transport you back to your favourite spa day, I am obsessed with their Peace Reed Diffuser (£39) which helps turn our bedroom into a tranquil haven.
If self-care is on the cards, there are plenty of gifts that can revitalize and rejuvenate – item’s which are top of my Christmas wish list as I head towards my third trimester. First up is the Oliverum Bath Oil (£36.50) when a few drops are added to a bath, your entire bathroom is transformed and smells just like a spa. For ultimate bath relaxation, JustCBD bath bomb and hemp soap will help melt any stress away.
Ted Baker have also recently released a beautiful gift range in Boots featuring sets for both men and women, and they have a handy 3 for 2 offer on too! If you know a Harry Potter fanatic they also have a great range of Hogwarts themed bath and body care products also featured in the 3 for 2 offer.
The ultimate gift guide wouldn’t be complete without the ultimate makeup lovers gift. The Morphe Fine Nine nine-piece eyeshadow palette (£89) exclusive to Selfridges is guaranteed to put a huge smile on their face. I absolutely adore the Morphe brand. The Morphe eyeshadow palettes have an incredible reputation within the beauty industry and it’s not hard to see why. The eyeshadows have a lovely pigment and the quality is up there with the best. The Fine Nine contains all the shades you could possibly need.
For a little hand care, SEAMS hand love gift set (£20) includes a hand cream, hand sanitiser and nail file and comes in canvas bag, perfect to slip into any handbag or stocking. Speaking of handbag essentials, the Arran after the rain perfume (£50) is one of my favourite scents. Made in the Scottish Highlands, this fragrance is fresh and musky and citrusy.
For the party prepper, Revlon has created a one-step style booster (£49.99) hot brush which guarantees a bouncy blow with each use. If you know someone who always strives for the perfect pout on a night out, then Project Lip has the solution. Their XL lip kit (£39.95) nourishes lips for a softer, fuller look and feel, without the needles, which they will certainly thank you for. Find Project Lip at lookfantastic.com. To add a little sparkle, Matchbox Jewellery are a fantastic brand that specialises in earrings, Iove their best sellers giftbox (£50).
If your friend or family member is big on the environment, perhaps a David Attenborough fanatic then there are a range of eco-friendly gifts on the market. Rens Sneakers are a fabulous new brand who have created the world’s first sneakers made from coffee and recycled plastic. Not only are these sneakers super comfortable and super stylish, but they are super sustainable too.
Another brand paving the way in sustainability is FFS (For Future’s Sake). Specialising in skincare, FFS are a premium quality skincare brand who are fighting against single use plastic. Using natural ingredients, you can find a range of eco products from shavers to hair and body care.
