From the best gifts for fussy beauty lovers to the most thoughtful must-haves for the wellness warriors, foodies, homewares obsessives and cool moms in your life in your life, we present this year's ultimate gift-spo. Introducing the GTG team's 2022 bumper Christmas gift guide...
With Black Friday 2022 almost upon us, and many beauty, wellness and homewares bargains already available, now is the time to start planning your Christmas shopping.
To help guide you on your way, whether you're drawing up your own list for Santa, or are simply stuck for inspo for your mother-in-law this year, we've got you safely covered with your ultimate gift-spo.
From the best gifts for yogis to the perfect presents for cool moms, the chicest homewares, foodie accessories and wellness warrior must-haves, we present your comprehensive GTG Christmas shopping guide.
Happy shopping!
Victoria Woodhall, GTG Editorial Director with gifts for yogis
Ocean Bottle, £40
"This is quite the best functional and leakproof hot/cold bottle out there and supremely giftable in a range of Farrow and Ball-style colours. It’s made from upcycled stainless steel and ocean-bound plastic (it’s also BPA-free) and has two neck options: a wide one for easy cleaning and letting my hot tea (Yogi Tea of course, another great gift) cool down and a narrow one for spill-proof water drinking. But the most genius thing is that the lid makes a dainty teacup too."
Buy now
Amika Double Agent 2-in-1 Straightening Brush, £135
"I tried one of these in the GTG office and it immediately went on my Christmas list. For the busy person who only has a few minutes to dry/style their hair after a gym or yoga session (or just in life generally), this is a straightening brush with a heat pad and blow-drying hot brush in one (although you can use the functions separately if you like). It made my hair feel super smooth without frazzling it. For what it does, it’s very reasonably priced and I can’t wait to get my hands on it."
Athletia Switching Aroma Green Ray, £39
"This grounding room spray (more of a mood spray) from J-beauty brand Athletia is almost like a fine fragrance (in fact I do spritz it on my clothes). The main ingredient is frankincense which has been proven to slow down your breathing - just what you want from a yoga or meditation session. If you have a super sticky yoga mat such as the Liforme (definitely put that on your Christmas list) you can’t go near it with essential oils as it degrades the grip, so a room mist is a better bet to ‘switch’ the mood.”
Manduka Eko Superlite Travel Yoga Mat, £50
"If you’re already into yoga, chances are you’ll have your preferred mat, but this is an addition that, as the owner of at least five standard mats, I need in my collection. It’s a super thin and light eco travel mat that folds square into hand luggage for weekends away, or if you’re going to a studio where you want something between you and the slightly manky mat, or simply if your home mat is wearing out. It’s brilliantly grippy and doesn’t buckle.”
Pat McGrath Divine Skin Rose 001 The Essence, £81
“What do you put on your face if you’re about to do a workout? Not much, as you don’t want to sweat it all off or overload your skin, but this beautiful milky essence, used by A-list celebrities the world over and created by legendary MUA Dame Pat McGrath, is just perfect. It’s as beautiful to use on all skin types as the packaging looks, and a big bottle lasts. BTW Fenty Skin Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner, £28 is a great giftable dupe.”
Aspiga Love Bracelet, £25
"I walked past ethical fashion store Aspiga a couple of weeks ago and bought their entire stock of these (they only had three!) gorgeous, bright and uplifting bracelets as gifts for friends for Christmas. If you’re grateful for someone, this is the perfect way to show them (they’ll definitely be grateful back!). The fashionista in your life will also know that they are great dupes for the super-trendy (and much more pricey) Roxanne Assoulin bracelet (£180 for three) that constantly sells out on Net-a-Porter. I wear mine while I’m doing yoga too. The message, colours and the glint of gold never fail to give me a lift."
Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith, GTG Beauty Director with gifts for 'cool moms'
Nars Rising Star Cheek Palette, £45
“I don’t always have time to do a full face of makeup but there’s one product I always reach for to make me look like I’ve had a better night’s sleep than I actually have, and that’s blusher. I’m a huge Nars blusher fan, I’ve been wearing the iconic Orgasm shade for over 15 years, but I love that this palette offers other blusher options to try out that work for all skin tones. The colours can be worn on the eyes too so I think it’s a better value present purchase compared with an eyeshadow palette. And it’s Nars and I’m yet to meet anyone who wouldn’t squeal out loud on opening a Christmas offering from Nars.”
Aromatherapy Associates Moment To Treasure, £150
"Consider this a public service announcement for anyone looking to buy a gift for someone who is running close to being exhausted this Christmas, aka every parent you know. This gift set is it, and what I would love to find under the tree for myself. It is the selection box equivalent of everything you need for moments of self-care: bath and shower oils galore; reviving, de-stressing and relaxing rollerballs to apply to pulse points whenever you need; a sleep-boosting body butter; a relaxing candle and a sleep-enhancing pillow spray."
Only Curls Satin Lined Beanie, £22
"My fine hair expands at the mere whiff of humidity. Team that with the fact that I spend an inordinate amount of time on drizzly school runs or standing in the rain watching my eldest daughter play hockey and you can see the problem I’m faced with. I can’t abide umbrellas as I always need hands free to hold school bags and little hands, plus I always lose them, which is why this genius hat is on my list this year. It may look like any other but it is lined with silk which helps keep hair frizz-free and defined. Perfect for fine, frizz-prone hair like mine, but also great for anyone with curls, coils or kinks. Stylish and practical."
Ganni Black Leopard-Print Recycled Shell Shoulder Bag, £100
“Cross-body bags that are roomy enough to store snacks, spare hairbands, small toys as well as the things I actually need are like goldust. And this one from cool-girl brand, Ganni strikes the perfect balance between being child-friendly while also looking stylish at the same time. The soft material means it can, inevitably, be packed full and it’s not too pricey for the quality and how timeless it is. Plus it’s made from recycled fabric making it a slightly more considered purchase and ideal if you have an eco fashionista you need to buy for.”
Jemma Thompson, GTG Social Media & Design Manager with gifts for home bodies
Jo Loves A Fragrance Diffuser - Fig Trees, £90
"If you’re really looking to impress this festive season, this room diffuser from Jo Loves will definitely score you top brownie points. It’s one-part decorative art piece and one-part fragrance sensation. Founded by perfumer Jo Malone CBE, this luxe scent will transport you to Amalfi Coast with warm notes of amber, ripe figs and delicately sweet cassis. I don’t know about you, but coming home and welcoming guests to a deliciously, warm inviting scent would be the cherry on top of a new place."
Dusk Ravello Linen / Cotton Duvet Cover, from £42
"Nothing makes a new homeowner happier than some new linen (welcome to adulting!), and this olive-green set is at the top of my wishlist. Made with 50% cotton and 50% linen this bedding from UK-founded brand Dusk works to keep you cool in the summer and cosy in the winter. It features cute decorative ties on the duvet cover and pillowcases and has a super luxe look with an affordable price tag. Available in single, double, king and super king size in an array of neutral, earthy and calming tones — always a safe bet if you don’t know colour schemes yet! Prices start from £42, with a full double set for £77.90. But be quick as you can grab an extra 20% off over black Friday with code BF20!"
Fitflop Shearling Slides, £110
"A new place equals a new pair of fluffy slides, right? Part of the job spec for being a hostess with the mostest is a pair of stylish slippers to shimmy around in. I know my friends and myself would love these slides from FitFlop. They’re oh-so-comfy thanks to the targeted cushioning and heel support which makes you feel like you’re walking on a fluffy cloud. Plus, the ultra-soft wool shearling will keep your tootsies cosy all winter!"
Olverum Bath Salts, was £30 now £25
"Olverum products are some of my favourite bath-time treats, so I can vouch from first-hand experience that they make a 10/10 gifts. These mineral bath salts are packed with magnesium, potassium and essential oils that all work in harmony to make a therapeutic bath salt (the perfect antidote after a long day of moving boxes in!). Loved by A-listers and beauty gurus such as Trinny Woodall, Olverum products always leave you feeling relaxed and restored and your skin feeling stellar and these salts are a testament to that."
M&S Personalised Pyjamas Set, £35
"‘Tis the season for festive Pj’s (even better because you can wear these tartan ones all year!). I love fresh Pyjamas and what makes these pure cotton comfies extra special, is you can personalise a name in gold embroidery just above the chest pocket! But that’s not the only reason why they make the perfect gift. You can buy a set for every member of the family too, whether it’s a friend, family, baby (shame M&S have none for dogs!) you can gift the cosiest housewarming present going."
Christina Callaghan, GTG Commercial Director with gifts for foodies
Corsori Pro AirFryer, £99.99
"Ever since my friend cooked me an amazing steak with one, I have had my eye on an air fryer. I'm a sucker for anything that can save me time and money - everything takes half the time of conventional ovens, saving you money on energy bills. And I’m not surprised this one is a bestseller, it comes with loaded presets, meaning no faffing around with temperature guesswork and a 30-page cookbook (but the app has plenty more). Plus, it’s going to look super slick on my grey, marble countertop."
House of Hackney x Anthropologie Ice Bucket, £66
"I’ve loved both Anthropologie and House of Hackney for years, so when I saw that they had collaborated on a maximalist homeware collection, I needed to know more. The 48-piece collection includes everything from swivel chairs to lamps and even wallpaper, but the ice bucket really caught my eye. It's handcrafted glass in the most beautiful tortoiseshell design, so is obviously going to look great in my Instagram Stories. An absolute showstopper to bring out at Christmas or just on a Friday night when the girls are over for bubbles."
Mob Comfort: Food That Makes You Feel Good, £10
"Every time anyone hears my Australian accent the first question is ‘why would you move here, it’s freezing!’ The answer is, I love the cold, and I love warming, hearty meals just as much. I’ve had my eye out for a cookbook that has great comforting recipes, so when I saw Mob's comfort food bible I knew I needed it. It’s packed with hundreds of hearty dishes from all around the world to soothe and fill us - think beef brisket lasagne, french onion mac and cheese and spicy chicken katsu. Yum!"
Diptyque Neige Scented Candle, £65
"You know that Christmas has come when Diptyque launches its limited edition holiday collection. With a scent of white musk, this Snow candle is also a feat for the eyes, featuring a map of stars and coloured wax in midnight blue. I love lighting a candle while I’m cooking up a storm in the kitchen, as it can seriously reduce the odours that build up. Plus, the beautiful gold lid keeps the scent potent while not in use and will make a lovely keepsake jar afterward."
Nio Christmas Cocktail Gift Set, £39
"I stumbled across letterbox cocktail company Nio Cocktails via Instagram and was drawn in by their Christmas offering: spiced ginger and crisp apple margarita, anyone? Or perhaps you’re more of a snow daiquiri or Christmas in Manhattan person. Their build-your-own-box set, allows you to choose from 29 pre-mixed high-quality cocktails working out at around £6 per cocktail, including non-alcoholic versions such as a virgin bitters and a ginger sour, all packaged in recycled FSC paper, with the inner plastic pouch recyclable too. It makes a great gift for the person who is impossible to buy for or who is far away. Or of course, for yourself - if you're planning a Christmas shindig but don't want to commit to buying full bottles of obscure spirits you know you're not likely to touch ever again, this is a less-waste way of stocking up your bar, without needing to lift a finger to do the mixing!"
Amy Rostas, GTG Beauty and Social Media Assistant with gifts for TikTok shopaholics
Ugg Classic Mini Platform, £165
"Ugg boots were the footwear brand of choice in the early noughties, then they got a bit too popular and people moved on to the next thing (we're looking at you Birkenstock Boston's). But as with all things fashion, Uggs have come full circle and are in the midst of a serious comeback with celebs and TikTok users going crazy for their new designs. The ones everyone is after? The ultra-mini style boots and their first-ever platform Uggs! #ultraminiugg has over 48.9 million views on TikTok, which include styling videos that show how to wear Uggs with everything from loungewear around the house to your chicest 'out-out' outfits. They are selling out everywhere but luckily for you, we have found them in stock at Amazon, so be quick before they sell out!"
Adanola Ada Oversized Hoodie, £54.99
"This is one hoodie that is unlikely to get returned or re-gifted. If you don’t know Adanola yet, you need to - this activewear and lifestyle brand makes good quality pieces perfect for everyday wear - whether you’re a gym bunny or just an athleisure queen. I found Adanola on TikTok where, surprise surprise, they had gone viral. We put a lot of this down to the fact that it comes with quite simple and plain branding making it easy to wear with pretty much everything that's already in your wardrobe. Plus the slouchy fit works for everyone. The brand is super inclusive with sizes ranging from XS to XXXL in some styles but XXL in most, and comes in recycled packaging and good price points. This will make for the perfect Christmas gift for your fashionista loved one."
Kitsch Eco-Friendly Marble Claw Clip - Brunette, was £12 now £9
"Claw clips are not a new thing but they have taken the hair and fashion world by storm and are currently racking up over 103.6 million views on TikTok. I’d say that's evidence enough that people have become pretty obsessed. They're the ideal accessory for creating that effortlessly cool hair look we're all desperate for. And in terms of designs, the choices are endless but I really like this marble-inspired one from Kitsch. It comes in a gorgeous chocolate brown or pearlescent pink and they are particularly sturdy and can hold a lot of hair. A great option for a stocking filler, secret Santa or if you're after a present under £10."
Tom Ford Bitter Peach, £164
"Tom Ford fragrance ... I know what you’re thinking, expensive right? But this makes for the perfect gift for a partner, friend or family member who loves being complimented on smelling good! I saw this EDP go viral a few months ago (#bitterpeach has over 7 million views on TikTok) with TikTok sensation @mikaylanogeuira raving about it and instantly went out to smell it. I was struck with a heavenly musky sweet delight. This unisex scent dries down into a sexy creaminess that cuts the sharpness of the peach - with notes of patchouli and sandalwood this creates an enchanting smell perfect for your fragrance lover this Christmas. And I'm intending to buy myself a bottle if it's not under the tree on Christmas Day."
Mejuri Bold Croissant Dôme Huggies, £48
"If you’re looking to gift jewellery this Christmas, look no further than the affordable jewellery brand Mejuri. They specialise in fine simple jewellery that suits everyone - influencer sensation @matildadjerf always shares their jewellery and has recently collaborated with the brand on a gorgeous collectable charm. I especially love any of their jewellery that has their croissant style (I already have the ring - another great gifting treat!). These gorgeous Huggies are perfect for an everyday look - you can stack them along your ear or wear them alone. For a bigger look, you can also get the larger hoops which are perfect for a sleek evening style!"
Ingeborg Van Lotringen, Beauty Editor with gifts for fussy beauty obssessives
Total Wardrobe Care Scented Ovals, £10
"I like to think that I have a refined sense of smell after 25 years of sniffing perfumes for my job. Whether that’s true or not, the smell of mothballs offends me, but moths that eat my clothes offend me even more. So I’m terribly excited to have found a brand totally devoted to beautifully scented traps, mists and sachets designed to send moths packing; luckily for us, high-end fragrance notes such as sandalwood are considered disgusting by the critters. These simple tags can be stuffed in drawers and clothes bags or dangled from hangers to keep clothes free from pests for up to four months while infusing them with scent. Highly useful yet aesthetically pleasing: that’s the kind of gift I like."
Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe Surface Cleaner, £25
"Yes, there’s going to be a theme to my letter to Santa this year. Another everyday drudgery item elevated to self-care proportions, this handy surface cleaner smells just like Aromatherapy Associates’ famed Support blend, created to keep your airways free, the cobwebs blown, and your immune system supported – and that’s because the spray is infused with the very same aromatherapy blend. It basically turns the whole house into a spa and makes cleaning up after myself almost fun."
Le Labo x The Laundress Santal 33 Scented Detergent, £46
"Who on earth pays £46 for a laundry detergent? Someone stuck for a present to give a spoilt woman, that’s who. I can’t tell you, though, how lovely it is to wash your clothes in the finest perfumes; it really feels like the ultimate luxury. I have an (again) Aromatherapy Associates detergent in the Deep Relax blend that I save for cashmere shawls and jumpers so that I’m surrounded by the scent, but despite being very stingy with it, I’m running out. So I want to try this perennially best-selling perfume-turned-detergent as my next posh laundry liquid. Subtle enough to layer under perfume, it has the added benefit of being sandalwood-based and therefore moth-repellent (see above) – how’s that for practical luxury!"
Guerlain L’Heure Bleue eau de toiltette, £95
"I discovered this right here on Get the Gloss: Queen Elizabeth II's favourite perfume. Capturing the idea of dusk, it smells like something of an entirely different age, dark, velvety and mysterious with aniseed, heliotrope, cloves and tuberose. The queen wore it on her wedding day aged 21 and, it’s said, for the rest of her life. A perfume expert tells me that it’s such an expressive scent it makes people cry. It’s one to sniff and ponder over. I figure it’s just the perfume to remember this unusual year by."
La Bonne Brosse the Essential Do-It-All Brush, £120
"Another silly price for a very utilitarian product, but it must be said it looks like a piece of art you’ll want to cherish. Coming in four muted, chic colours and its own velvet pouch, this posh brush features a mixture of nylon bristles to detangle and boar bristles to condition and hydrate. The latter isn’t vegan but they’re responsibly sourced and have a keratin content that is thought to help hydrate the scalp and hair. The brand intends to bring back the ritual of hair brushing, which acts as a scalp massage and a way to distribute natural conditioning oils through the hair. I might find myself becoming a devotee just for a reason to use it."
Rosie Fitzmaurice, Wellness Editor with gifts for soul sisters
Gill Aqua Swim Parka Changing Robe Coat, £130
"'Tis the season to keep up your wild swimming, to ensure you sail through the next few months with your mind and soul intact, if nothing else. Encourage loved ones who are partial to an open-water dip to do so too, with the ultimate practical gift: a changing robe. It might not sound that sexy, but it's an essential accessory (other than a wetsuit) to make this act of self-care a reality in the winter months. Waterproof, windproof and perfectly oversized, this will make my next trip to the reservoir faff-free."
Vie Healing Calm 24k Gold Ear Seeds, £30
"The ultimate stocking filler for the wellness warrior in your life - I'm yet to actually use these things myself, but I'm already sold on the idea. Part acupressure, part reflexology, when placed for prolonged periods (a couple of days to a week) on pressure points on the ear (don't worry, this pack includes a guide of where to apply them), ear-seeding is supposed to promote healing, helping to reduce stress levels and calm the mind at a fraction of the cost of an acupuncture session."
Berghaus Vc22 Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Hiking Boots, £160
"In keeping with my mindful theme, a decent pair of walking shoes are high up on my list this year in order to level up my walk-around-the-lake-at-lunchtime to proper day hikes in the wilderness - there's little else to do during the winter, is there? Plus, it's completely free and an unparalleled way of clearing a busy mind. IMHO Berghaus has struck the perfect balance between sturdy boot and outdoorsy chic with these bad boys. I'd happily wear them to brunch beforehand and the pub afterwards."
Hey Harper The Twins Necklace, £49
"I like to work out and am a big fan of Portuguese brand Hey Harper's very affordable, super fun jewellery collection. Each piece is made with durable stainless steel and comes in a long-lasting gold and shiny finish which is totally waterproof, so you can sweat and shower to your heart's content without worrying about it tarnishing or turning green. The cute Twins necklace is supposed to be a little reminder around your neck to love your body and I'm here for it."
Nars Powermatte Lipstick Feel My Fire Hot Coral, £25
"Who said a bold red lip doesn't quantify as self-care? I've been spotting Nars' new Powermatte lippy everywhere lately and Feel My Fire is a hot coral hue that would suit virtually any skin tone. With 10 hours of wear, the high-intensity pigment packs a real punch and is the perfect pop of colour for a NYE soirée. If you want to give the gift of feeling instantly empowered this Crimbo, look no further!"