Giftmas Gift Guides 2023: Day 1, For Your Bestie

(Love Stories star sign knickers, Nora Ephron book, Rouje comb, Katie J Pearson record, Paul & Joe lipstick, Lisa Eldridge Velveteen lip colour, Rouje palette, Lancôme Louvre collaboration palette, Jones Road fragrance, J Hannah nail varnish, L.K Bennett & Tada & Toy hoops)

*post contains affiliate links and press samples

It’s back! Giftmas 2023 is here and what better way to begin than a handful of things for your bestie (or…ahem… just things I’d really like)…

It’s back! After a fallow year last year to recoup in the ol’ gift giving ideas department, Giftmas is back and (hopefully) shinier than ever- huzzah! I know there are plenty of brilliant places to dose up on inspiration around this time of year, so thank you as ever for tuning in and coming back! I personally don’t think you can ever have enough gift giving inspiration, so hopefully you find a few ideas over here across the next few days (and if not, maybe just some terrible cracker-style jokes and festive puns instead). As with previous years, I wanted to get these guides out in time for any offers coming up that you might be able to take advantage of, as well as to allow time for shipping and for any small brands to keep on top of any orders too!

Anyway! I thought I’d get the ball rolling with a category that I always disguise as ‘gifts for your best friend’ but just seems to be really nice things I’d quite like for myself.  As with most categories, these things are obviously subject to who your best friend is (for example, if it’s Wilbur your family Labrador some of these might not be completely apt)- but by and large there’s something about a beautiful edition of their favourite book, a new fragrance or some unique beautiful jewellery that I think is largely fail safe across the board for your special pal (as long as they don’t have four legs). So let’s start at the top; if like me they’re a sucker for the stars these knickers from Love Stories (in collaboration with Moonsisters) are pretty special indeed. Love Stories also are expert at beautiful pjs and slinky sets- which I always think is lovely if you know that’s the kind of thing they’d never buy for themselves. I also think the same goes for fragrance and beauty too- two things which often feel a little more indulgent to buy for yourself and this debut scent from Jones Road feels like the perfect clean, fresh and warm fragrance (with notes of neroli, orange blossom, and sea spray). Additionally, I also love the Paul & Joe beauty collections for excellent reasonable product and playful retro (and changeable) packaging, and have fallen head over heels for pretty much anything Lisa Eldridge releases (her lipsticks would be the perfect treat). There’s also J Hannah for the most beautiful cruelty-free varnish shades- or these beautiful palettes from Lancôme (their Louvre collection looks like *actual* art) and Rouje, who naturally succeed in making anything from the perfect lippy to the coolest comb (why yes, combs *can* be cool thanks for asking). One of my favourite presents from my birthday this year was this special edition of one of my favourite Nora Ephron booksfrom a friend; anniversary editions or reissues are a beautiful excuse to pick up something you know they’ll love. I also love the idea of picking up one of your favourite records to share with them too. Finally, one of my favourite jewellery collaborations this year came from L.K Bennett and Tada & Toy with these chunky sparkly hoops; but I also loved the Shrimps x Daisy collection which has some absolute gems in it too.

And if my best friend budget was limitless I’d also be picking up these too…

• Uncut Stems: Another gorgeous gift I had from my birthday this year was a flower subscription from two of my besties from Uncut Stems; a flower subscription service who deliver unarranged blooms to your door so you can embrace your inner florist from the comfort of your own home. It was such a treat to spend a morning every other week arranging flowers (with their handy guide), and I felt very wholesome indeed.
• A Favourite New Cookbook: For the home cook or baker, a new cookbook is always a treat. With so many beautiful ones continually coming out, The Art Of A Friday Night Dinner caught my eye as a beautiful gift- for an extra thoughtful touch pop in some post its for recipes you think they’d love.  
• Lisa Says Gah: If you’re after a bit of a one-stop heavenly shop, I could spend a small fortune on my friends on Lisa Says Gah. Whether that’s their precious little nail stickers (yes I want pears, cheese and bows on my fingers), or pasta earrings– everything is a dream.
• Damson Madder: One brand who continually deliver the gems; whether that’s the perfect knitted snood, beautiful pyjamas or v.v. cool homeware are Damson Madder- and with a delicious selection all under £50 there are some beautiful pieces to snap up.

 I’ve also added previous links to guides for your bestie if you need further reading too (as well as some extra picks below)!

2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2021

Come back tomorrow for day 2 of Giftmas, for the new family additions (and people you don’t know *that* well yet)!

x