The best Christmas gifts for women (that she’ll actually like)
Whether for friends, family, mothers or significant others, Gentleman’s Journal has found 12 failsafe gifts to give this Christmas…
There are two small, short words that no man wants to hear in the run-up to Christmas; ‘Surprise me’. No gift-giving instruction will derail your feelings of seasonal goodwill and generosity quicker. But, rather than letting the panic set in — or viewing the challenge as a thinly-veiled, deviously-set personality test — use those words as an opportunity.
They’re a chance to show you’ve been listening — with bells on. Whether the woman you’re buying for is a friend, family member, significant other or mother-in-law, there’ll have been hints dropped since January about what she wants for Christmas. So, if she’s suggested sparkling wine, alluded to AirPods or been whispering about watches, we’ve found the perfect presents to buy…
The House of Creed 'Royal Princess Oud’
The ideal mid-winter scent — whoever may be spritzing it. Inspired by a time when The House of Creed supplied custom fine tailoring to the English Court, this seductive and feminine take on a classic ‘oud’ scent combines top notes of pink pepper and pineapple with a fragrant heart of jasmine, iris and rose.
The Cambridge Satchel Co. 'The Bowls Bag’
It may not be one of the British brand’s classic satchels, but this innovative new ‘Bowls Bag’ from The Cambridge Satchel Co. makes for a unique and head-turning gift. Trimmed with red grain leather and houndstooth Harris Tweed, its simple cylindrical design is not only perfectly practical; it’s also easy to wrap.
Ettinger Small Jewellery Roll
While we’re on the subject of luxury leather goods, feast your eyes on this Ettinger jewellery roll. Crafted from waxy cowhide and lined with silky soft suede, it’s the ideal gift for any girlfriend or female family member who’s known to neglect their necklaces or misplace their bracelets. Portable; practical.
Blackacre 'Marquise' Diamond & Pearl Studs
You can never go wrong with great jewellery. To this end, turn to British brand Blackacre — and its timeless pearl and diamond range. These elegant earrings feature a clever design which allows the pearl to be removed, transforming them into smaller studs ideal for daytime wear.
Nyetimber Rosé Multi-Vintage
Like the earrings above, this may be another classic Christmas gift — but it’s become a tradition for a time-honoured reason. Fizzing with flavours including British summer fruits and shortbread, Nyetimber’s English-made rosé is the very definition of a sparkling wine; with heady aromas on the nose and an elegant, silky finish.
Crockett & Jones 'Emily' Monk Shoes
This single-buckle shoe is a first for the British brand’s women’s collection. Handmade in Northampton, the ‘Emily’ design from Crockett & Jones is a rich red, idiosyncratic spin on the plain-fronted ‘monk’ style. And, thanks to the ‘City’ rubber sole and sturdy calf leather construction, they’re the perfect pair in which to brave a Boxing Day walk.
Le Chameau 'Iris' Wellington Boots
While we’re talking footwear, let’s look at some wellies. From French boot artisans Le Chameau, the bold, bright ‘Iris’ style is an affordable new option — available in colours from ‘Raisin’ to ‘Rose’. Our pick would be the vivid, vibrant ‘Rouge’ boots you see here; sufficiently statement-making, and very, very Christmassy.
Le Creuset Casserole Dish at Bicester Village
With a RRP of £280, a Le Creuset casserole dish may be a popular item on many a giftee’s wishlist — but they come at a considerable price. Thank goodness, then, for Bicester Village. At Britain’s leading luxury shopping destination, you can pick up the very same dish (in a shade as festive as those boots above) for a fraction of the price.
Aspinal of London Slim Leather Pocket Diary
Christmas, among the pigs-in-blankets and terrible television, is also about fresh starts. And few brands know that better than Aspinal of London, whose range of tip-top diaries make for perfect presents. This slimline option is the ideal gift; trimmed in the finest full-grain leather, with gold gilt-edged pages and a silk ribbon to mark the week.
Cocktails by Candlelight Kit
Why just buy a candle when you can buy a candle-making kit? And cocktails to boot? It’s an experience, a lesson and a present all rolled into one. Cocktails by Candlelight offer a whole host of lip-smacking, wick-burning sets — but we’d opt for this ‘Invisible Friend’ kit; containing Penicillin Cocktails, Espresso Martinis and enough wax to create two candles.
Apple AirPods
Another of the most requested gifts of recent years, Apple’s wireless headphones have recently been revamped for their third sweet-sounding generation. Featuring a freshly contoured design, longer battery life and adaptive EQ to automatically tune music to her ears, she’ll not only use them every day — but she’ll think of you when she does.
Rado Centrix Diamonds Watch
Finally, something for those with a bigger budget. Rado’s selection of watches is perfect for Christmas gifting — and this ‘Centrix Diamonds’ models offers the glitter of gems without the gaucheness. The unique strap and brown dial come together in simple, effective harmony here — and there’s even a date window to count down the days til next Christmas…
Want more Christmas gift guides? Here are the best Christmas tech gifts for gadget enthusiasts…
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