‘It’s the thought that counts,’ will echo across the nation on December 25th, as families and friends unwrap gifts they weren’t quite expecting or hoping for. Novelty socks, anyone? A fragrance that just isn’t right for you?

And don’t get us wrong, it really is the thought that counts – well-considered, rare and special gifts bought with a loved one’s personality in mind are always a cut above the rest. They’ll put you in the recipient’s good books for a whole year, make them feel truly seen, and maybe even cement a blossoming relationship. To that end, here is our list of the best things to buy in Chelsea this season.

Sloane Street’s Private Shopping service is an excellent way to end 2023 because your giftee can start their new year with a whole new wardrobe, or perhaps the perfect outfit for their New Year’s Eve festivities.

One of Sloane Street’s stylists will meet them at The LaLee, before taking them around the area’s luxury boutiques to find pieces that suit their personal style. Choose from two-hour, half- or full-day options and packages for individuals or couples.

But if your recipient needs no fashion advice (they’re the person whose style you can pinpoint in one or two words), then a gift card for Sloane Street could be just what they’re hoping for. Valid for use in almost all of the Street’s luxury boutiques, this exclusive card represents the ultimate London shopping trip – you can top up with any amount you choose. Be sure to point them to our sweet treat guide for when they need a pitstop.

If your loved one’s skincare routine has more steps to it than Sloane Square station, then send them to iconic facialist Teresa Tarmey, who now has a residency at The Cadogan.

Tarmey’s glittering background includes a stint at Dior and clients such as Emily Ratajkowski, Julianne Moore and Kate Moss, while Vogue has labelled her a “super facialist”. All of the signature facials on the treatment menu use advanced technologies like LED therapy, micro-needling and clear-skin lasers to leave skin looking and feeling beautiful. Team it with a stay in the hotel and make them feel totally pampered.

Chelsea’s range of luxury hotels is unrivalled, but for the ultimate boutique stay, gift them (or both of you) a few nights in Suite Sloane – the very best of …At Sloane hotel’s offering.

Situated in the spot formerly known as the “best bedroom” in a Victorian mansion just off Sloane Square, the suite is an exceptional example of design and attention to detail. It features vintage furniture carefully selected by interior designer François-Joseph Graf, a roll-top bath behind sumptuous bespoke curtains created by one of the world’s most luxurious fabric makers, dreamy bedding, and naturally, bedside buttons to control the room’s ambience.

Can your loved one quote Hamlet, recite Les Mis and wax lyrical about the best playwrights in theatre today? Then a backstage tour of Chelsea’s legendary Royal Court Theatre will undoubtedly delight them.

The 60-75-minute tour behind the vermillion wall can also include a glass of bubbles or a cream tea, and offers an insight into the workings of one of the world’s most important centres for new playwriting. And if you’re going all out, get them a ‘Good Friend’ membership (which includes exclusive ticket access, an annual special event, five playtexts, and more) to the establishment, for good measure.

Personalised and in particular, monogrammed items are among the most thoughtful gifts you can give, not least because many people don’t usually have it done for themselves. You can choose up to three letters to be appliquéd onto a bag from Anya Hindmarch’s Walton collection – there is bound to be a style to suit every personality in the line-up. For something smaller, try the brand’s personalisable clutches, cardholders, journals or bookmarks (the latter is an ideal companion for John Sandoe’s book bundle, below).

For interior obsessives, there are few better places to buy gifts than The Conran Shop – a pioneer in the world of design. Its new three-storey flagship store on Sloane Square has a wealth of options, but for a truly outstanding present, opt for a piece of original art from the store’s rotating selection. We love Composition 421 by Italian artist Gabriele Cappelli – the abstract geometry will make a beautiful centrepiece in any living room. If furniture is more their thing, then try Huw Evans’ striking Iris lounge chair – it pays tribute to Sir Terence Conran’s iconic mid-century Cone Chair.

The ultimate gift for any fashionista is a bespoke item from one of the most important designers working today: Emilia Wickstead. From the beautiful boutique on Sloane Street, the design team will dream up a new piece in collaboration with the lucky giftee. Wickstead’s bespoke offering includes bridalwear, so this could make a very impressive wedding or engagement gift, too.

The gift that keeps on giving, John Sandoe’s book bundle is hand-picked by the legendary bookshop’s experts by genre and available as a monthly subscription or as a one-off. The bookworm in your life will think of you each time they pick up one of the tomes and leaf through its pages.

We are continually enchanted by Anabela Chan’s ethical jewellery, which uses recycled materials and lab-grown gems for the most beautiful, nature-inspired creations – the designer recently won Walpole’s Game-Changer award for her work in this area. So delving into the brand’s vault is a very special experience indeed.

These one-of-a-kind diamond vine earrings – only available to buy on request – are perfect for someone who loves sparkles. Drawing on the whimsical blossoming of spring, they’re handcrafted in London from 18-karat Fairtrade white gold and set with 144 laboratory-grown diamonds (with a total weight of 6.95 carats), in partnership with Diamond Foundry.

The fitness club and spa at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah is the peak of luxury (pun very much intended), so a membership will make a perfect gift for any wellness enthusiast. With panoramic views of Chelsea, a members’ lounge, indulgent treatments and products supplied by Seed to Skin, Omorovicza and 111Skin, they’ll feel treated by you all year long.

A personalised and intimate dining experience with Catinetta Antinori, the restaurant by one of the world’s most celebrated Italian winemakers, would make a particularly memorable gift for foodies. Its Tuscan cuisine and extensive wine selection (all from the Antinori family’s prestigious wineries in Italy) will raise the bar for all your recipient’s future culinary experiences. Book a chef’s table in the restaurant’s private dining room with head chef Marco Squillace – the pretty space overlooks Harriet Street and seats up to 12 guests, so it’s perfect for gathering their closest friends, too.

For the person devoted to their pet, only the very best will do. This Christmas, dog couturier Poldo has partnered with design legend Giorgio Armani for a characteristically refined collection. There are velvet monogrammed beds, supple leather leads, jumpers, and this fabulous puffer jacket, which is guaranteed to keep your pooch warm on walks around Cadogan Place. Treat them to the whole collection and watch them trot into 2024 as the most stylish hound in the ‘hood.