December 3, 2018

The ‘His & Hers’ Christmas Gift Guide

Because it’s no longer socially acceptable to fold over pages of the Argos catalogue

It’s that time of year where you agree to not to do Christmas presents this festive season because you’d rather save the money and go out for a nice meal/holiday/*insert other spendy activity here*, then one of you changes your mind at the last minute and present buying panic ensues. So here’s a guide for that exact moment. Bookmark it for a later date, eh? Or if you are doing the whole present buying thang this year then here is my definite ‘his and hers’ edit. There should be something for everyone here; all budgets, high-street and independent, even if you have a secret santa to buy for – I’ve tried to cover all bases.

We’ve gone past the point of folding down the pages of the Argos catalogue and writing down a list of item numbers (which is basically a nineties childhood in a nutshell), so instead send this to your present buyer for some inspiration…

GIFT IDEAS FOR HIM

Mark has a very narrow list of websites that he likes to browse, so actually I have some recommendations for menswear thanks to his internet history. Peggs & Son is a Brighton-based store that Mark likes to dip into every time we head into town. He has this Stan Ray CPO Shirt that he wears as a jacket and always gets complimented on – it’s one of his favourite things in his wardrobe. He also really enjoyed Native North when we were in Copenhagen (they ship internationally) and Norse Projects gets a thumbs up from him too.

He loves his Wood Wood Double A T-shirt which I feel would make a great gift and if I had a penny for every time he said how much he loves his Carhartt Socks then I’d be able to afford a new Loewe bag. A beanie always goes down well, and I think he’d really like these Norse Project ones that come in a range of colours and are made in Portugal.

In terms of grooming, Mark is an absolute Kiehl’s fanboy. In fact after a night out at the weekend, he got in the shower, used the Facial Fuel Face Wash and shouted ‘I LOVE FACIAL FUEL’ at the top of his lungs, and let me tell you – he is a tough cookie to please when it comes to skincare and it took me five years to wean him off E45 cream. The ‘Man on a Mission’ Gift Set is sold out everywhere, but follow that link as I found it in stock! It comes in a handy travel case too.

Other more miscellaneous ideas I have include a Hasbean coffee subscription – Mark gets a bag every month and really enjoys trying new beans, BeerBods is a great craft-beer subscription service, which starts at just £3 a week and keen cyclists will love anything from Rapha. Mark just bought this Pro Team Shadow Hat to keep his ears warm during winter rides and while it looks hilarious and makes him look like a Lego man I can agree that it does look very cosy.

SHOP THE ‘HIS’ GIFT EDIT

GIFT IDEAS FOR HER

I put together a lot of edits throughout the year, but I feel like this is perhaps the most fun to create. Mark if you’re reading, any of the following items are guaranteed winners. I feel like jewellery is always a safe bet and if the receiver of your gift is anything like me then any item from Missoma, Daisy or Mejuri is going to be a safe bet. I particularly love the look of the Missoma x Lucy Williams Tiny Horn Necklace, Daisy x Estée Lalone Octagonal Stud Earrings and the Mejuri Black Diamond Necklace, which is a piece that I wear every single day and never take off.

If you fancy going down the clothing route then I’d recommend picking something from the accessories or loungewear and pyjamas categories. This & Other Stories Wool Scarf comes in 14 different colours (the mustard yellow, or black are good choices if you ask me) and Yawn is a great place to go for fancy schmansy pyjama sets that don’t break the bank – I love this Blue Chambray set. Any lover of leopard print will adore this Whistles Leopard Print Reigate Wallet. It’s the one that I’ve had for the past four years and I still smile every time I get it out my bag.

Books and art are always a good option too. For books I’d recommend my favourite reads of 2018: ‘Everything I Know About Love’ by Dolly Alderton, ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman and ‘Normal People’ by Sally Rooney. One piece of art that I’m lusting over right now is LouLou Avenue’s Melancholic Art Print, but basically anything from The Poster Club gets a thumbs up from me – plus they do framing too. Partnership Editions is a good place to grab affordable one-off art as well. Alexa Coe pieces are EVERYTHING.

I feel like beauty is a tough one, so opt for the luxe additions to a beauty routine, instead of colour products. The Commodity Candles look stunning and throw off scent without even being lit – Book is a good all-round people-pleaser. On my Christmas list this year is a Diptyque Candle Snuffer because I don’t think anything would make me feel more chic than using a snuffer to blow out a candle. Does the receiver love a good pamper session? Well treat her to a Herbivore Jade Facial Roller and she will thank you later.