Few people look forward to selecting a Secret Santa present, because even if you know the recipient well, the pressure to gauge the tone of the item can be enough to throw your normal gifting senses off. Our advice? Look to useful things, like Anya Hindmarch’s water bottle or Smythson’s journal. High-quality candles, too, are always well-received, as are the luxurious skin, hair and body products rarely bought for oneself. Harvey Nichols has a great selection of small gifts under £50, while Diptyque’s small votives all come in at £40, and The Conran Shop’s selection of small and large items means you can not only tick off your Secret Santa in the three-storey boutique but many other recipients, too. And though some might say a gift voucher is cheating, we disagree, because having credit for Pavilion Road’s coffee spot The Roasting Party will surely be welcome on January’s cold dark mornings, as will money towards lunch at the neighbourhood’s much-loved Granger & Co.
Jo Malone London Christmas cracker, £38
Smythson The Boss notebook, £45
Anya Hindmarch Eyes reusable water bottle, £41.25
Diptyque Sapin small candle, £40
Granger & Co. gift voucher, from £50
The Best OUAI’s Kit, £29 at Harvey Nichols
The Roasting Party gift card, from £10
The Conran Shop set of six candles, £36
Bamford Christmas tree gift, £19 at Harvey Nichols
Jo Malone London Christmas cracker, £38
Smythson The Boss notebook, £45
Anya Hindmarch Eyes reusable water bottle, £41.25
Diptyque Sapin small candle, £40
Granger & Co. gift voucher, from £50
The Best OUAI’s Kit, £29 at Harvey Nichols
The Roasting Party gift card, from £10
The Conran Shop set of six candles, £36
Bamford Christmas tree gift, £19 at Harvey Nichols
Want more?
Festive treats and seasonal spoilings…
A Gentleman’s Guide to Christmas: Sam Gray’s Festive Rituals
With a keen eye for detail, London-based men’s fashion and lifestyle influencer Sam Gray is known for his impeccable style and sartorial expertise. We asked him to share the details on how he does Christmas and his own festive rituals.
Bring back the Christmas card tradition
We asked etiquette coach and best-selling author Myka Meier for her expert advice on getting it right, from the card selection to the content and the timing
Beware, the office Christmas party – how to navigate the trickiest party of the season
Polly Vernon on when to arrive, when to leave and what to wear for the office festivities