It’s that time of year again when we start thinking ahead to the festive period, making our homes feel warm and inviting, preparing for guests coming to stay, and getting organised for the big day itself.
One of the most challenging tasks, taking time and consideration, can be finding the perfect present for your family, friends or colleagues.
Our expert interior designer, Amanda Hanley, shares her ultimate Christmas gift guide, full of handpicked inspiration and ideas to help you tick off your list and find thoughtful and unusual gifts you know they will love. But be warned, you will probably want to buy them for yourself!
Picture courtesy of Life of Riley & Christina Bull
Let them play with style this festive season
Add some vintage charm to your gifts with a classic, beautifully handmade backgammon board. The ultimate luxury for any games enthusiast. Or perfect for bringing fun to lazy holiday afternoons and dinner parties, as well as a stylish, elegant decorative piece when not in use.
For the animal lover
If you are looking for a quirky present which will make your recipient smile, take a look at this charming, hand-painted, ceramic hippo vase. This is perfect for showcasing real or faux floral displays or as a utensil pot in a kitchen. It is also available in a large collection of animal-shaped egg cups, pencil pots and mugs.
Picture courtesy of Addison Ross
The elegant and useful gift
Made from lacquer, these glossy boxes with croc finish have metallic hinges and a cream suede interior. Perfect for keeping jewellery and accessories, such as TV remotes and glasses, stylishly out of sight. Pair them with more accessories from Addison Ross products to complete the look.
The gift of light and beautiful fragrance
Scented candles make our homes smell amazing, have the power to soothe, invigorate and lift spirits and are lovely presents for both family and friends. Our bespoke scent, ‘Amanda Hanley By Design Number One’ is a blend of autumnal berries, vanilla and evergreens warmed with sweet notes of frankincense, clove and citrus. This is the perfect, subtle Christmas aroma, beautifully packaged in our branded gift box and a fantastic gift.
Santa’s favourite little helper
Little Leffy Elf is a delightful stocking filler for the children (or big kids!) in the house. His rosy cheeks are as red as his boots and his little button eyes and warm smile sparkle with seasonal cheer. Pair it with Leffy's Christmas Gift Book, a charming tale about one little elf's very thoughtful present.
A warm and luxurious gift
Faux fur accessories, such as throws, beanbags, cushions and even hot water bottles are popular year after year. With a choice to suit all budgets, you’ll find luxuriously soft faux furs in realistic, natural colours. Whether draped over a sofa or used as a beautiful bedspread, a faux fur throw is a fabulous and generous gift that will be appreciated every day. And you can’t fail to notice that furry hot water bottles are the ideal size to fill an empty stocking!
The out-of-the-ordinary
This jar is definitely the catch of the day! Doubling as a decorative ornament, this fat fish is perfect for storing Christmas chocolates and treats. It’s been expertly crafted by hand from glass in transparent green, an eclectic and unique gift by which they’ll certainly remember you.
Picture courtesy of Pols Potten
Give the gift of relaxation
Let’s face it, we could all do with a little of self-indulgence and wellbeing this year. Join’s luxurious, triple milled shea butter vegan soap is a treat for the senses. Handcrafted in small batches using vegetable-based soap with natural ingredients, it will leave your skin feeling nourished and hydrated. A perfect, plastic-free, zero-waste and indulgent gift.
