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If you’re looking for somewhere to start with your Christmas shopping, searching for that final stocking filler to be the finishing touch to a gift, or are hunting for ideas to add for your own Christmas wish list, then you’re in the right place.
I’ve been documenting my top beauty picks and style favourites for the best part of a decade, consider gift giving as my love language, worked five holiday seasons in high street retail and I’m a full-time shopping writer, which puts me in pretty good shape to make some festive gifting suggestions that are certain to be a hit.
What sets this guide apart, though, is that every single item on this list, I’ve physically had my hands on. Some of them are things I bought myself, while others are products I’ve been gifted – but each one I’ve been able to pick up and unwrap to get a real feel for what it’ll be like to receive it on December 25. And let me tell you – it’s all killer, no filler, here. There’s nothing on this list I – or someone I know – wouldn’t be delighted to open up this Christmas.
Covering all bases, there are ideas suitable for the teens and tweens in your life, as well as mums, nans, partners, sisters, aunts, mother-in-laws, secret santas and everyone in between. The gifts span a range of categories, including makeup, skincare, fragrance, fashion, home and tech, not to mention the fact there are recommendations to suit every budget, with options from £4.50 through to £250. So, let’s get straight into it, shall we? Here are my top festive gifting picks for 2024:
£15 and under
Sanctuary Spa Signature Starter Kit Gift Set (£8)
For someone who needs a pamper, this trio of Sanctuary Spa classics is a fab little set. Coming in at £8 at Boots, it contains a Body Wash, Body Scrub, and Body Lotion in the brand’s signature fragrance. Infused with the signature jasmine, grapefruit, and vanilla scent, these vegan-friendly, 95% natural formulas will leave skin nourished and fragrant. Buy it here.
The White Collection Frosted Fir Reed Diffuser, 150ml (£8)
Home fragrance fans will love this festive reed diffuser from The White Collection at Boots. It boasts a seasonal scent of bergamot and cool fir needles blended with warming cedar and earthy moss. A 150 ml reed diffuser can last up to 12 weeks, so it’s perfect for adding a cosy, wintery vibe to any room throughout the holiday season. If you prefer something a little more timeless though, they also have fig, pomegranate and floral options, all of which are £8 here.
Weleda Skin Food Lip Balm, 8ml (£6.95)
A lip balm is a stocking filler essential and this one from Weleda is one of the best. The Skin Food facial moisturiser has reached cult-status among celebrities and beauty experts, and this delivers the same nourishing formula in lip balm form. Made with botanical extracts and natural oils, this balm works wonders on dry, chapped lips, making it an ideal stocking stuffer. I really like the tube applicator, and it’s the ideal size for taking anywhere, so you can keep lips hydrated and protected on-the-go. You can shop the Weleda lip balm here.
GUVU Under Eye Masks 5 Pack (£14)
For those who are overworked, have early morning starts, and hate eye masks that slide off, the GUVU Under Eye Masks are going to be their new favourite product. In just ten minutes they provide relief to tired eyes, reduce the appearance of dark circles over time, help reduce fine lines and moisturise the delicate under eye area. Super moisturising, the vegan and cruelty-free masks are non-slip, meaning you can continue multitasking without them sliding halfway down your face, and they’re even suitable to use during pregnancy, so a lovely little addition to anyone who is expecting in 2025. You can pick up a pack of five for £14 online and Oliver Bonas. And since they’re individually wrapped, you can split them up and give them as five separate stocking stuffers.
FatFace Multicolour Alphabet Floral Mug (£14)
While FatFace may be best known for their gorgeously versatile wardrobe staples like the Adele dress and crossbody bags, don’t sleep on their homeware section – because their products make the best gifts. Their alphabet mugs feature a pretty floral print and bold lettering in complementary colours of navy, light blue, pink and gold. At £14, they’re a great Secret Santa option and can be filled with sachets of hot chocolate, or some cool coffee or unusual teas. Alternatively, they make great couples gifts for the duo that are spending their first Christmas in their own home together. You can buy the mugs here.
Ted Baker Jasmine & Lime Blossom Body Spray, 50ml (£4.50)
When I unboxed the Ted Baker beauty advent calendar earlier this year, I loved the Jasmine and Lime Blossom fragrance from the collection. At £4.50, this travel-friendly body spray is such a sweet little addition to your festive gifting, and the fact it comes in a beautifully designed box which you can hang on the tree makes it feel really elevated. The scent is floral and zesty, ideal for on-the-go touch-ups and the 50ml size is ideal for carrying in your gym bag, in the glovebox or anywhere you might want to just feel refreshed. If Jasmine and Lime Blossom isn’t to your liking, there’s also Rose and Orchid, or Peony and Camellia, all of which can be bought here.
Bubble Polar Pair Mini 2-Step Routine (£10)
If you’re shopping for a teen or tween this Christmas, I love this mini skincare duo from viral brand Bubble. The two-step routine features two of the brand’s bestsellers, both of which are a great introduction to skincare, including the Fresh Start Gel Cleanser and Slam Dunk Hydrating Cream Moisturiser. Suitable for all skin types, they contain kind-to-skin ingredients like calming lavender water and vitamin E, making them ideal for refreshing and protecting the skin. And don’t think they’re just for younger beauty fans – I’m a big fan of Bubble’s affordable range and this travel-friendly set would be perfect for anyone going on holiday, too. You can buy the set for £10 here.
Revolution Makeup Essentials (under £10)
Revolution are best known for their high quality but low cost products, which often rival high end brands with their ‘dupes’, which is why they’re such a great option for stocking fillers. Plus, because they all come in under £10, you can tailor the amount you pick up to your budget. My mum is obsessed with the viral Bronzing Drops which launched earlier this year, they cost £9.99 and are a buildable and blendable formula that you can mix with foundation or moisturiser for a natural, radiant finish. Or how about the Jelly Blush, which is a deadringer for the Milk Cooling WaterJelly Tints? You can’t go wrong with a Juicy Peptide Lip Balm, while the Translucent Powder and Pout Bomb lip glosses (all £5.99 each) are both popular on social media. You can find all of Revolution’s affordable makeup range here.
Cowboy Boot Match Holder (£12.99)
I love a two-part gift and this Cowboy Boot Match Holder is the ultimate accompaniment to a candle or some funky match sticks. Coming in at £12.99, it’s made of quality ceramic and comes with a match striker on the sole. Both functional and stylish, it’s a great decorative accessory for anyone into interiors, home fragrance, or is obsessed with the current Western style trends. You can pick up this match holder on Amazon here.
Brushworks Heatless Curler (£7.49, was £9.99)
These heatless curlers are such a great stocking stuffer for the person who prioritises sleep over hair styling. This one from Brushworks promises effortlessly beautiful curls without the need for heat styling, which can case damage to hair. Easy to use and comfortable to sleep in, it delivers a stunning blow-out with no fuss and no electricity, either, so it’s great for anyone who loves festivals or camping. The set contains the ultra-soft curling rod, two luxurious satin scrunchies, and a large, stylish claw clip, and it’s currently on sale here at Superdrug.
Under £30
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, 20g (£21)
This cult-favourite lip mask is going to be on a lot of wish lists this December. This bestselling leave-on, non-sticky lip treatment promises to boost moisture levels and improve firmness in just eight hours, which is why it’s been such a hit on social media this year. My favourite is the Berry mask, which has a pink tint to it and smells of strawberries. As for the formula, it’s made up of a blend of grape, pomegranate and raspberry juices to help hydrate. There’s also coconut oil, murumuru butter and shea butter that work to condition and smooth lips, alongside a healthy dose of vitamin C. Suitable for normal to dry skin types, it comes in a range of different flavours all of which have a slightly different tint but are all fantastic for treating dry, cracked lips during the colder months. Buy the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask here.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, 75ml (£21)
The Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream remains as popular as ever this year, and it’s a lovely gift for any beauty buff. The iconic, fast-absorbing body cream smooths, tightens, and leaves skin glowing with a touch of shimmer – not to mention its instantly recognisable salted caramel and pistachio scent. You can buy the body cream here.
Kylie Cosmetics Kylie’s Holiday Look Gift Set (£30, worth £62)
This Christmas, Kylie Cosmetics has launched a holiday makeup set featuring three must-have products to see you through the party season and beyond. Worth £62, all three products are full sized, with the set currently reduced to £30 at Boots. Inside, there’s a Kylash Volume Mascara for delivering flutter-worthy lashes, alongside two lip products that help to create an effortless look. The Matte Lipstick is in the shade Kylie, which is the perfect everyday nude which can be worn alone, or paired with the High Gloss in the clear shade Crystal. Snap up the Star Gift set here.
FatFace Green Bee Cosmetic Bag (£19.50)
This Green Bee Cosmetic Bag from FatFace is so beautiful and is the ideal accompaniment to some makeup staples, brushes, or some skincare, but equally makes a gorgeous gift on its own. Its soft sage green corduroy exterior and lined interior make it both stylish and practical for storing your beauty essentials, and the charming bee embroidery feels really premium. Not only is it a highly practical gift for the girls that are always on the go, but it’ll look chic sat at home on the dressing table, too. Check it out here.
Real Techniques Midnight Mood Brush & Cleanse Set (£29.50, worth £60)
The Real Techniques Midnight Mood Brush & Cleanse Set is an ideal gift for the makeup enthusiast. Priced under £30, it contains nine cruelty-free and vegan makeup brushes, from powder and contour brushes, to concealer and shadow brushes, as well as a brush & sponge cleanser gel to ensure they stay in tip top condition. The set is worth £60, and everything comes in a stylish fold-out bag that means you’ll stop misplacing your brushes, and can easily take them on-the-go with you, too. Buy the set at half price here.
Jellycat Bashful Puppy Decoration (£18)
Jellycat is having a real moment this year, and as such, I think they’re going to be one of the most gifted brands this year. Perfect for all ages, there’s a Jellycat to suit anyone’s personality, as well as different sizes to cater to different budgets. I got my first Jellycat earlier this year – the Bashful Puppy Decoration – which couldn’t have been more fitting for a Christmas-loving dog mum. What’s sweet about these smaller Jellycat’s too is that they can be sat on a shelf, hung on the tree, or anywhere, really. You can shop the range of Jellycats here.
Emma Hardie Hydrating Balm Kit (£25, worth £37)
These little travel-friendly skincare sets are so great for anyone who loves trying out new brands, or is a bit of a jetsetter and likes to take smaller sized products away. This rejuvenating set from Emma Hardie features their iconic Moringa Cleansing Balm and a dual-action cleansing cloth and is rounded off with a peppermint-infused Lip Balm, which feels a little bit festive, too. Worth £37 but priced at £25, it’s ideal for pampering and keeping skin nourished throughout the winter. Buy it here.
National Trust Insulated Water Bottle, 500ml (£19.19, was £31.99)
For your outdoorsy friend, this National Trust Insulated Water Bottle from Craghoppers is thoughtful and practical without compromising on style. The dual-walled stainless steel bottle features a stylish landscape print inspired by Lyme Park, so bonus points if it’s a favourite haking haunt of theirs. With thermal control to keep drinks hot or cold, it’s perfect for eco-conscious adventurers. And the best part is that 10% of net sales goes directly to the National Trust to support essential restoration projects on peatland in areas under the National Trust’s care. Get it on sale for under £20 here.
Tan-Luxe The Gradual Tan Lotion (£25)
With no sign of sunshine for the next few months, fake tan is a must for those who love to look bronzed year round, and while I’m not much of a tanner, Tan-Luxe The Gradual Tan Lotion is one of the best I’ve used. The hybrid lotion-oil formula delivers a streak-free, bronzed finish in just an hour, gradually deepening over 2–4 hours. Packed with cellutone complex technology, it tones, nourishes, and hydrates your skin while offering a customisable tan for your perfect shade. The 250ml bottle will last such a long time, too, so it’ll see shoppers through Christmas, New Year and well into 2025. Shop the tan here.
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray (£24)
For me, this is perfect if you’re putting together a Christmas Eve box, but is a really thoughtful gift that will quickly become part of a daily ritual. The This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray is crafted with over 99% naturally-derived ingredients, boasting a soothing blend of lavender, chamomile, and vetivert. You simply spritz your pillow shortly before bed, and it’s designed to help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed. I always pop my nan one of these in her birthday and Christmas gifts because she loves them, but they’re a failsafe gift for anyone, really. Shop the range here.
Pai Skincare Rosehip Bioregenerate Universal Facial Oil (£29)
Another skincare hero is the Pai Skincare Rosehip Bioregenerate Universal Facial Oil –
a cult-favourite perfect for skin in need of a rapid boost. Designed to deeply nourish and hydrate, it’s rich in omega 3, 6, 7, and 9, working to boost radiance, smooth texture, and reduce dryness and fine lines. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive, it’s your overnight hero for soft, glowing skin. Buy it at LookFantastic here.
Under £50
NEOM Wellbeing Perfect Peace Scented Candle, 185g (£38)
I adore NEOM’s candles so much both for their designs and gorgeous fragrances. Released for the festive season, Perfect Peace is a really fresh, Nordic scent that boasts notes of green pine needles, myrrh, and lime, which make for a seasonal aromatherapy experience. The limited edition candle is bright and uplifting, with pine said to have a ‘cleansing effect on the mind’ which helps to relieve mental fatigue. It’s got an impressive 35 hours of burn time, and comes in a pretty green striped vessel you can reuse for matches or pens long after the candle is through. Buy yours from Selfridges here.
Liz Earle Glowing Hydrating Routine 4 Full-Size Piece Gift Set (£38, worth £93)
If you know a Liz Earle loyalist, or anyone who loves to indulge in a good pamper session, this Liz Earle Star Gift from Boots is really great value. The Glowing Hydration Routine delivers radiant, hydrated skin with four full sized cult-favourites including the award winning Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and Instant Boost Skin Tonic. Worth £93 but priced at £38, it’s complete with soothing eye lotion and a hydrating face mask, as well as two pure cotton cloths which provide an at-home spa-like experience. The other thing I love about Liz Earle is how ageless their products are. You could gift this to your mum, nan, younger sister, aunty and anyone in between and it’ll go down a treat with every single one of them. Pick yours up here.
No7 Ultimate Beauty 9 Piece Collection (£39, worth £136)
No7 is a brand with a seriously loyal following and are one of the most reliable when it comes to Christmas gifting. This luxurious gift is packed with nine skincare and makeup essentials, making the set ‘better than ever before’. With a value of £136, shoppers can save almost £100 on the contents after Boots dropped the price to £39 for Black Friday. Inside are some of the most iconic and most loved products from the brand, such as the No7 Protect and Perfect day cream which instantly makes your skin look more radiant and mini Future Renew serum to reverse visible signs of skin damage, plus a whole host of No7 beauty favourites. Snap yours up here at Boots.
Hairgredients The Christmas Edition (£43)
Looking to treat yourself or a loved one to the gift of perfect hair, brows and lashes? Look no further than this Hairgredients Christmas gift set, which saves £10 on the RRP. The set features the brand’s 2-in-1 Vitamin Infused Lash & Brow Oil, which contains fatty acids that strengthen and vitamins that encourage growth, alongside a Vitamin Infused, rose scented Mini Hair Oil to boost shine and smoothness. The gift is completed by five Pure Silk Scrunchies in a choice of brown, black or blonde. Crafted from 100% silk, they’re really gentle on hair, effectively holding styles with minimal to no marks. You can buy the Hairgredients gift for £43 here.
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex (£39)
For a standalone skincare hero, the Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex is a great choice. While the heritage brand may be best known for their 8 Hour range, this rich, emollient cream keeps skin hydrated and supple, ideal for battling harsh winter weather. The classic formula cushions the skin with long-lasting moisture and provides an occlusive barrier to prevent moisture loss. Suitable for all skin types, the moisturiser comes in at £39 and is available on the Elizabeth Arden website here.
TBCO Merino Wool Triangle Scarf (£45)
I predict neck accessories like scarves and bandanas are going to be a big trend in 2025, and this one from TBCO is one I’ve loved wearing over the last 12 months, having treated myself to it last year. Knitted from 100% merino wool, it’s of a beautiful quality and is really lightweight yet warm. It can be styled multiple different ways and comes in a range of dreamy colours and patterns and can even be embroidered for that extra personal touch. Shop the brand’s range of Triangle Scarves here.
Willow Luxury Leopard Skincare Bag (£41)
This is the ultimate gift if you want to pair skincare with a chic, elegant new beauty bag, but aren’t really sure where to start. The Willow Luxury Leopard Skincare Bag not only comprises of a vibrant yellow cosmetics pouch adorned with a leopard design, but features a number of award winning anti-ageing skincare heroes, without the need to handpick them yourself, from the Daily Vitality Plumping Moisturiser to a Natural Aloe Vera & Aromatic Herb Body Lotion. Completing the collection, there’s also a Natural Aloe Vera & Aromatic Herb Body Wash, Collagen Boosting Vitamin Lip Oil and a Spike Moss & Aloe Vera Handcream. All products are under 100ml making it the perfect gift set for jet setting or weekends away, too. Buy it here.
Fragrance Picks
Shoreditch Leather Unisex Fragrance, 100ml (£69)
This bold, spicy fragrance was launched this year to celebrate AllSaints’ 30th anniversary, and it’s fast become one of my favourites. Created in partnership with leading fragrance innovator Scent Beauty and renowned perfumer Gabriela Chelariu, Shoreditch Leather has been inspired by the brand’s iconic leather jackets and has that gorgeous lived-in feel. With notes of saffron, jasmine, and leather, this perfume is the perfect gift for those who love luxurious, androgynous scents. You can pick up your bottle here.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild Eau de Parfum, 30ml (£45, was £60)
Originally £60 but currently £45 at LookFantastic, this is the latest addition to the Marc Jacobs Daisy line up. Daisy Wild is the perfumer’s first refillable fragrance, meaning once you have your bottle, it’s yours to keep and you can continue to refill it again and again. The scent is feminine and floral, with notes of banana blossom, jasmine, and sandalwood, for an outdoorsy, wildflower bouquet-inspired finish. The bottle is playful and instantly recognisable with bold pink and green blooms, so it looks really pretty on dressing tables, too. You can get it on sale at LookFantastic here.
Rabanne Pure XS For Her Eau De Parfum, 50ml (£53.33, was £83)
Pure XS for Her by Paco Rabanne is a playful and seductive fragrance that celebrates the sensuality of vanilla. Launched in 2018, this amber floral fragrance opens with a burst of savoury popcorn and heady ylang-ylang, alongside vanilla, nutty sandalwood, and ambrette seeds. For fans of gourmand fragrances, it doesn’t get much better than this, making it the ultimate choice for those who crave a hint of sweetness in their sultry, signature scent. Know someone who would love it? Get it here.
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid, 50ml (£89.99)
I just think there’s something so fun about the Gucci Flora collection, and while I don’t naturally gravitate towards floral scents, this one is unlike any other I’ve tried. Gorgeous Orchid is Gucci’s first Ozonic gourmand floral fragrance, marrying fresh aquatic floral fragrances with a warm and comforting vanilla, making it perfect for this time of year as we start to hunker down for the cosy season. It’s not too sweet, nor too overpowering, it’s light yet rich and completely addictive. Try it out for yourself, or get it for a loved one here.
Splurge-Worthy
Instax Mini 11 Sky Blue Camera Gift Set (£99.99)
For the one who is forever capturing memories, an Instax Mini 11 is such a thoughtful present. The point-and-snap device is ready to go with a simple pull of the lens, and delivers retro, Polaroid style prints that can be pinned on the wall, stuck on the fridge, used as book marks, or put into a sentimental photo album. The bundle has a colour-matched case and comes with 10 shots of film, LED photo lights and a set of decorative stickers. A playful and practical gift for photo enthusiasts, you can pick up the whole bundle for under £100 at Boots.
Aveeno x Melissa’s Wardrobe Vanity Case (£55)
Renowned celebrity stylist, Melissa’s Wardrobe, has teamed up with Aveeno to launch a festive beauty and travel gift full of her bodycare favourites. Exclusively available on ASOS, the limited-edition vanity case, crafted from recycled leather, seamlessly combines high fashion with practicality and looks super chic on your dressing table. Inside, shoppers will find two full-sized Aveeno products, and a beautiful wooden dry body brush, perfect for revealing smooth, glowing skin. The Skin Renewal Gentle Exfoliating Scrub is a dream to use, enriched with polyhydroxy acids, niacinamide and prebiotic oat, and it’s been paired with the Skin Relief Body Oil Spray, which has a silky texture, with Jojoba and Oat oil to provide skin barrier support. You can buy the set exclusively at ASOS here.
BEAUTYPRO PHOTON LED Light Therapy Facial Mask (£195)
I’ve been using this BeautyPro light therapy mask for a couple of months now and I can’t believe the difference in my skin. This is definitely a gift on the top end of the price scale, but if you know someone who is big into anti-ageing beauty technology, one of these masks is a must have. This particular device is one of the more affordable, and features five LED light therapy treatments to combat acne, reduce fine lines, and brighten your complexion. Its 432 LEDs deliver high-density energy, promoting collagen production and cell renewal without downtime. It’s non-invasive, chemical-free, painless and safe, plus it’s rechargeable so once you have it, it immediately starts to pay for itself. Already in a matter of weeks I’ve already noticed an improvement in my blemishes and skin texture, and will be continuing to use it daily for the foreseeable. Check out the BeautyPro LED Light Therapy Mask here.
SBRI Personalised Origami Pouch Bag – Large (£95)
Stylish, sustainable, and versatile, this premium leather pouch seamlessly transforms from travel organiser to day bag or clutch. Handmade in the UK by independent business, SBRI, the premium leather pouch features a clever origami design, adjustable straps, and can be personalised with your name or hand-stamped initials. It’s big enough for all of the essentials, like a coin purse, lippy, headphones, mask, notebook, pills, shopping list, passport…not quite the kitchen sink but almost. Available in seven stunning colours – including leopard print – it’s the perfect companion for staying organised and chic on the go. Order yours here.
Beaverbrooks 9ct Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Single Clover Bracelet (£135)
Trying to find the perfect piece of jewellery for the accessory-obsessed? This sophisticated bracelet combines timeless 9ct yellow gold with a delicate mother-of-pearl clover design, and is the perfect elevated piece that can be worn for any occasion. At 19cm, it’s the perfect elegant accessory for day-to-evening wear, fastened securely with a bolt ring. It’s super dainty, so you’d be forgiven for thinking it might not be particularly sturdy, but I’ve not taken mine off since I got it in July and it’s never tarnished or snagged – plus it goes with absolutely everything. I’m a big believer in investing in your jewellery collection, and at £135, it’s a spennier piece, but it’s worth every penny as it’s a piece that will actually last and goes with everything. A must-have addition to any jewellery collection – shop it here.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (£249.99, was £329.99)
This is hands down my favourite tech gadget, ever. The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is a total game changer if, like me, you hate drying your hair, or are conscious of using heat on your tresses. Dubbed the ‘most awarded hair dryer’, it’s powered by the Dyson digital motor V9 to deliver fast drying time with no extreme heat. Meanwhile, Air Multiplier technology ensures precision styling while protecting your hair’s natural shine. The device has slashed my drying time to 10 minutes, taking me a third of the time to dry my hair. Not only that, but it feels salon-fresh every single time. I could never use a different dryer for as long as I live. And if you’re thinking about getting it, I’d do it now while it’s on sale for Black Friday for under £250.
Whether you’re shopping for a beauty lover, a fragrance connoisseur, or someone who loves a touch of luxury, this guide has a gift for every woman on your list. Enjoy making her holidays extra special.