We often come to a time when we just can’t think of what to get somebody for Christmas. It feels like it gets harder ever year. Trying to find something special, something personal or even a trivial gift for a Secret Santa can be difficult.
Here are my Thisgirllikes2shop top tips for Christmas 2018.
Luxury items
Let’s start with perfume. It’s such a personal gift and depending on who it’s for, finding the right scent can be difficult unless you really know the person well.
The perfume I love right now is the beautiful Clive Christian No1.
Imagine a scent you would associate with the inimitable and timeless glamour of the classic Hollywood of the 1920s and 30s. Picture an actress waking up in her movie set palace bedroom draped in an unmistakable floral scent with hints of exotic and rare oriental spices and the fruity top note of sweet plum, mirabelle, white peach and bergamot. If you’re lucky enough to receive Clive Christian No1, this could be you! (Gift givers/partners/spouses take note!).
Once sprayed it reveals further a bouquet of jasmine, carnation and the perfect note of rose. It is difficult not to instantly connect with this beautiful aroma regardless of your tastes. Light yet sophisticated, Clive Christian No1 also gives a hint of vanilla, amber and musk. In essence, it is the most perfectly timeless floral bouquet you will experience. A true gift of love and if the intention in the creation of this scent was to melt the heart of anyone who receives it, then Clive Christian has truly succeeded with a profound resonance.
This by no means is an inexpensive perfume but depending on your budget even a small bottle of Clive Christian No1 will not only demonstrate your good taste but also say clearly to your loved ones just how highly they register on your list of priorities.
Clive Christian No.1 comes in different sizes and prices may vary depending on where you purchase it. Follow the link here to go straight to the beautiful Clive christian website
Molton Brown Muddled Plum Collection.
Molton Brown, the true seasonal scent makers this year have brought out another irresistible show stopper, the beautifully quaint Muddled Plum. This body wash is my pick from their 2018/19 collection and it will make a great gift for Christmas. Muddled plum is a warm scented mix of fruity plum, sandalwood, musk and saffron matured in old oak barrels. This intoxicating festive bath & shower gel leaves your skin silky soft, beautifully perfumed and perfectly cleansed.
Molton Brown have also launched an amazing limited addition scented glitter which is a great little extra for sprinkling into cards, gifts, on to table tops and over Christmas trees. This glitter is matched perfectly to the body wash and is a fun way to infuse your abode and gifts with this homely warm hearted scent. This biodegradable glitter will put a smile on everyone’s face!
Dotty About Paper
Something for the organiser or someone you know who needs to get organised! Dotty About Paper are a bespoke paper merchant who make some of the most beautifully crafty stationary you’ll see. I’ve picked this for the gift guide because in an ever busier world, it’s nice to pause for a moment and take note, literally! Even though we live in the digital age, there is just something soothing about physically writing down your list of to do’s or your thoughts for the day. Even leaving a little reminder on your fridge, on your desk or at home on the table is something we rarely do these days. Let’s get back to basics with a beautiful Dotty About Paper stationery set!
Hotel Chocolat
Who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate and at this time of year a little luxury is always appreciated. Hotel Chocolat is a great gift that suits anyone, any age and any gender. Hotel Chocolat have made it easy for you this year from little stocking fillers to full blown gift boxes. They also have a great vegan selection making it an excellent place to shop for the whole family. If you’re struggling for a luxury gift that won’t break the bank, Hotel Chocolat have some great boxed hamper packs available that will fulfil any chocolate lover’s desire. I’ve picked the Salted Caramel Collection Hamper full of yummy treats to share with the whole family.
Nude By Nature Enlighten Gift Set
Makeup gift sets are always a fun way to try new products and also great value for money, you can always find a great gift set with products that would cost more to buy individually than they are in a gift set. I really like the Enlighten Natural radiance Collection by nude by nature because its formulated with 100% natural ingredients with no nasty synthetics and preservatives, this simple yet elegant set has the products you will use and not leave at the back of a drawer. There are many gift sets to chose from at this time of year but this one is perfect a great makeup bag with their Limited addition sheer light pressed bronzer , Limited edition angled brush and the touch of glow highlighter stick. The packaging alone is beautiful the bronzer comes in a beautiful golden compact. The brush in this set is their best selling brush and in this pack it comes in a limited edition design with light handled brush with rose gold trim the brush alone retails at £24.99. All products are versatile and bronzers are a great all round product for a sun kissed look or adding a little warm glow to the skin as well as doubling up as an eyeshadow. Get in quick because most of their limited edition gift packs have all ready sold out.
Socks
You can never go wrong with a pair of novelty socks! I love these little rabbit socks from Mistral a small British company who design all their own prints taking inspiration from the local countryside. I know socks can sometimes feel like an easy option but Mistral are different from the everyday high street. Their cute and charming designs will keep your toes warm and looking good with unique style!
Makeup
The prettiest palette I could find this year was this beautiful one from It cosmetics. It’s the Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe Palette containing 14 beautifully pigmented shades with a pearl highlighter. This palette is perfect for eyes and also for enhancement of your cheek bones. It is a very versatile palette and is great for both a lighter daytime look or a more dramatic evening time one. Every shade is very usable, you won’t find one that you use less than others and they can be used wet or dry. Matte eyeshadows make the perfect gift for all ages and are one of my top tips on more mature skin as shimmers can exaggerate the appearance of fine lines. Not only are these shadows beautiful, they are also packaged in a lovely pastel pink wallet style palette making them great for traveling.
English Mineral Makeup
A beautiful introduction gift pack from English Mineral Makeup Company. I think this would make a great gift for anyone particularly those who have sensitive skin or whom just prefer to have a product that is vegan and chemical free. All products come in loose powder form and blend beautifully into the skin leaving a fresh chemical free radiance on the skin without clogging pores. This is a limited edition gift pack and contains their best selling Fairy Godmother, Rose Blush and Illuminator along with a large sized blending kabuki brush.
Sanctuary Spa Candle
Candles always make a great gift whether just as a gesture to an acquaintance or a gift for someone you know very well. My choice this Christmas is this beautiful Pink Grapefruit and Neroli scented candle from Sanctuary Spa. A zesty citrus fusion of grapefruit twisted with sweet ripe orange blossom & blended with hints of floral gardenia & anise. Available from Boots and Superdrug.
Feather And Down
For those unfortunate souls who struggle to sleep at night, this little travel bag sized gift set from Feather & Down is a great gift and a nice way to try out their products. The set contains miniature versions of their best selling pillow spray, sleep balm and shower cream and includes a lovely silky feeling sleep mask. A thoughtful gift and perhaps a good one for somebody who is travelling away from home for Christmas to an unfamiliar bed which can make sleep even more difficult. Either way, whether home or away, a very nice way to help somebody this Christmas.
Neighbourhood Botanicals
There is something about this brand that always catches my attention and this is why I’ve introduced it to my gift guide. The Daily Glow face oil is a fresh zingy serum perfect for morning application to help wake up your face. This company are careful to ensure their products are rich in high quality antioxidants, vitamins and phytosterols. Neighbourhood Botananicals’ The Daily Glow will help support strong skin structure and elasticity and provide everyday protection from the environmental abuse we live through in these modern times. There are no hidden synthetics or additives in this product and it’s a fun way to introduce yourself to the brand.
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