From the £5 table gift to the budget-friendly stocking fillers and the ideal present for the person in your life that has everything. Here is our pick of the best gifts for every budget of £50 and under
It's gifting season! If you're serial shoppers like us, then you'll be relishing the chance to trawl sites and start making copious lists for your loved ones. But perhaps you're not, and instead are feeling a little perplexed at the gift guide overload currently going down? Should you fall into the latter category, fear not, team GTG has you covered!
Below we've rounded up some excellent Christmas present options for every budget, from £15 (ideal for your work secret Santa) to £25 (that vague mid-range) and £50. From gift sets to sweet stocking-fillers to that perfect present for your child's hardworking teacher, we've got you covered!
Here is everything we are planning to gift our friends and family this year.
Gifts under £50
The tired parent skin reviver: Drunk Elephant The Littles Night Out, £44
“My best friends are all busy mums who are constantly asking me how they can look more rested and youthful overnight. Now, we all know no product can do that in one go but this gift set contains what you need to get you on the right path and they’re all getting one. If you’re not familiar with the brand then read our interview from when we sat down with founder of Drunk Elephant Tiffany Masterson earlier this year. But what you need to know is the products do what they say they’re going to. In the brilliant (and reusable) washbag comes four of their best-sellers in smaller sizes so you can get a taste for what they can do and then buy what you want to carry on with. There’s the famous Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser, TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum that brightens dull looking skin, B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum that drenches skin in hydration and Protini Polypeptide Cream to help firm and tighten up exhausted complexions.” Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith, GTG Beauty Director
The gift set for the skincare geek: Romilly Wilde Cleanical Beauty Kit, £45
"For the skincare nerd in your life. Romilly Wilde is perhaps my favourite British beauty brand and founder Susie Willis’ potent plant-powered formulations pack a real punch - I’m not exaggerating when I say they will change your skin. This set includes a trio of her core products, first up a travel-size Light + Energy Serum Cleanser, one of the most decadent I’ve ever used - you can tell just by the colour and smell of this stuff that it’s premium - which melts away dirt and grime while hydrating and nourishing the skin barrier. Second is the full-size Advanced Supercell Serum which is packed with treats to improve elasticity, boost collagen production and restore bounce, including multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and rose stem cells. And finally, the piece de resistance: a mini Active Boost Face Oil, this pocket rocket contains squalane and a cocktail of plant actives to bestow a truly radiant glow. This is the gift of good skin for £45, far cheaper than any facial." Rosie Fitzmaurice, Wellness Editor
The body cream for party people: Fenty Butta Drop Shimmering Whipped Oil Body Cream, £31
"I suffer from extremely dry skin in the colder months and this award-winning, whipped oil body moisturiser is my go-to. For Christmas, Fenty Beauty has released a limited-edition cinnamon-inspired version of my favourite and it comes in this gorgeous soft pink pot (it normally comes in the brand's signature lilac packaging). The buttery, silky body cream has a soft gold pearl effect for a soft shimmery sheen, perfect for the festive party season and making it a great gift for the party animal in your life who's going to have their arms and legs on show on the dancefloor but also would make a great pressie for younger cousins who want to feel a bit more grown-up. There are also a lot of Fenty Beauty obsessives out there, so if you have one of those in your life but don't want to risk buying a lipstick or eye colour for fear of getting the shade wrong, then this is a failsafe option. I'd also quite like it for myself!" Christina Callaghan, GTG Commercial Director
The cult candle for the discerning person in your life: Glossier You Candle, £37
"If you’re a last-minute, panic present buyer this one is for you. I think a candle makes the perfect gift - whether it’s for a friend, family member, in-laws or partner. Who wouldn’t want to open a gorgeously scented candle at Christmas? This stunning one from Glossier smells like their iconic fragrance Glossier You (which smells different on everyone). For me it smells like a comforting hug, with notes of pink pepper, amber and there is a little spice that is enchanting. The woody fragrance creates a very inviting space you won’t ever want to leave. This is a gift that won’t be returned! " Amy Rostas, GTG Beauty and Social Media Assistant
The chic new candle brand everyone will love: Lords Yala Candle Ltd Edition, £27
“This candle got a real ‘oooooh!’ when I opened the box, right from the standout green and pink packaging to the statement glass jar and the wintery scent of spices and tea (did they read my mind?). I suspect that now you know, you’ll do a big chunk of your Christmas shopping at Lords, with its bright textured pillar-scented candles from £15, reed diffusers and jar candles that punch way above their price tag (the mega three-wicks in dark green jars are £55). And you’ll be supporting a new female-founded British brand too. Sasha Lord is a travel and fine fragrance obsessive and Lords was her mood-lifting lockdown project.” Victoria Woodhall, GTG Editorial Director
The boujiest room spray for the person who has everything: Diptyque Feu de Bois Wood Fire Room Spray, £50
"Although this is a classic Diptyque scent, apparently, I’ve been living under a rock because I have never smelt it before. It’s been two weeks now since I’ve been transfixed by the fragrance and I can’t get it out of my head. This room spray is sophisticated, sexy, and woody and makes you feel like your sat by a warm flickering fire after a long rainy winter walk. You can spritz it around the room alongside any soft furnishings and fabrics, plus the scent lasts for days on end. I am aware this is fairly pricey for a room spray but this is the ideal present for that annoying person in your life who has everything they need as chances are they won’t have treated themselves to this. And it's just what any budding homebody needs to create a cosy cave." Jemma Thompson, GTG Social Media & Design Manager
Gifts under £25
The bad-sleeper in your life needs this: Rituals Ritual of Jing Gift Set, £24.50
"Gift sets are a really good way for someone to try a product before committing to the full size, so that’s why they’re the perfect gift for Christmas. This time of year is always hectic for everyone and this is idealfor someone who needs some calm in their life - so basically everyone you know. The gift box is £24.50 and contains a shower gel, body cream, dry oil and sleep spray, everything to prepare for the day or unwind before getting into bed. I have been using this sleep mist for years and I can guarantee it will give you such a restful night’s sleep. The products come packaged in an origami-designed box which will look great under the Christmas tree (saving time on endless gift wrapping)." CC
The cuticle oil every nail obsessive wants this year: Dior Crème Abricot Dior en Rouge - Limited Edition, £23.40
“Your nails are only as good as your cuticles and if your talons have taken a hammering with gel or BIAB manis this year or if you're a frequent hand sanitizer then Dior’s cult cream in a limited edition embossed pot is a total treat. It’s thick and unctuous and unlike a standard cuticle oil also acts as barrier cream thanks to lanolin. I’m using this every day in winter. A great gift for the nail obsessive in your life (which could of course be you!).” VW
The perfect teacher's gift: This Works Sleep Spa Gift Set, £22
“Teachers are angels, we all know this and that’s why both my daughter’s teachers will be receiving this brilliant gift set this year as a huge thank you for all their hard work. And you get quite a bit of bang for your buck with this one. It contains a sleep-enhancing shower gel, body cocoon, aka the most amazing body lotion as well as the brand’s iconic pillow spray. I’m hoping this will help them have the well-deserved rest they have earned and revive them for a new term next year.” SJCS
The book that everyone will find invaluable: Everything is Washable and Other Life Lessons by Sali Hughes, £20.05
“Writer and beauty expert Sali Hughes told me over Instagram Live recently that she’d often been asked to write a memoir but said no. She certainly has some stories to tell of her challenging upbringing with an alcoholic hoarder father, leaving home in South Wales at 15 and grafting her way into journalism in London, getting divorced, bringing up two boys and creating the stable home that she lacked as a child. You learn about all of these in the form of a personal life manual of that covers all the diverse tips good friends give each other from how to keep prosecco fizzy to the how to measure for new curtains, whether to change your name when you marry and how to talk about cancer. A beautifully considered and genuinely useful dip-in book that any friend will love, from a writer who has been to the school of hard knocks and come out wielding Black and Decker drill and a Bobbi Brown face brush.” VW
The better-than-perfume body mist: Sol de Janeiro Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '40 Hair & Body Fragrance Mist, was £19 now £15.90
"You might dismiss body mist as something for tweens - but I’ve discovered it’s my new handbag essential and would therefore make a very thoughtful Christmas gift indeed. My chosen scent is Brazil-inspired brand Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa '40 Hair & Body Fragrance Mist. Whenever I spritz it in the office I get stopped in my tracks by colleagues hungry for the name of my new perfume. Vanilla-y, fresh, delicious and uplifting, with notes of black amber plum and jasmine and a big dose of beachy vibes that will momentarily transport you to Rio - who doesn’t need some escapism right now? It has some impressive staying power, too. A great little stocking filler that’s far cheaper than gifting a fragrance this year." RF
The crowd pleaser makeup set: Vieve Globetrotter Set, was £27 now £21.60
"I’ve been gatekeeping these products for way too long but I’m now ready to share how amazing Vieve products are. I mean, it’s a sell-out brand so it’s hardly an industry secret! But I always get a thousand compliments when I wear Vieve Skin Nova primer on my skin and Skin Dew highlighter. This set contains both of those (hoorah) as well as the gorgeous original Lip Dew which ties in with the whole glossy clean girl look. The thing all these products have in common is that they all contain golden light-reflecting pigments that instantly brighten your skin and with skincare ingredients such as niacinamide and rose water your skin will look hydrated and plump. Plus they all work in synergy together. I’ve bought quite a few for my besties this Christmas….just don’t tell them! " AR
The cult brand skincare stocking filler: Sephora Collection Vitamin C Ultra Glow Skincare Kit, £19.99
"Minis are a useful and often cheaper ‘try before you buy’ strategy and Christmas gift sets are teeming with them. As Sephora UK has now landed, we’re able for the first time to buy a host of previously US-only brands as well as Sephora Collection, the retailer’s own range, which I’ve been dying ty try. Vitamin C is a brightening and protecting ingredient that most of us regardless of age can benefit from (unless your skin is very sensitive) and here the mask and toner (there’s also a serum) use ascorbyl glucoside, a highly stable form of the ingredient. For BFFs, teachers and cool nieces, this is a winner.” VW
Gifts under £15
The gift-set for your favourite eco-warrior: Sbtrct The Discovery Set, £15
"This is the perfect stocking filler for the sustainability-focused loved one in your life. London-based brand Sbtrct is pioneering the rise of solid skincare in the UK, with its well-thought-out line of products all containing less than 0.5% of water (which vastly reduces the brand’s carbon footprint). They’re all vegan, cruelty-free and come in fully-compostable packaging, too. This duo features a gentle foaming cleanser, which is pH-balanced and suitable for all skin types, as well as a hydrating facial balm which offers an eco-friendly alternative to your regular bottled moisturiser. The best bit about the brand is that the products actually work, no gimmicky nonsense here. Also perfect for the jet-setter in your life - treat them to the cute bamboo carry-case, too." RF
Buy now
The beauty tool stocking filler for a make-up addict: Elf Cosmetics Reign-Drop 3-Piece Sponge Set, £10
"If you're looking for a great stocking filler or secret santa gift for the makeup lover in your life then give the gift of a flawless base by going for this sponge set from Elf. The brand is known for its high end products at affordable prices, and is also vegan and cruelty free, which we love. In this limited-edition Christmas set you get 3 of the brands’ best-selling sponges (totalling £15 in value), in different sizes which you can use for foundation, highlighter and concealer. The total face sponge has been my favourite of all sponges and beauty blenders, as it really gives you a skin-like, flawless finish. The sponges are all durable and reusable and can be used wet or dry." CC
The stocking filler to spark joy: Nails Inc Kissing In Kensington Rainbow Heart Topper, £9
"If this isn’t the perfect stocking filler then I don’t know what is. It’s a clear gloss filled with rainbow coloured metallic hearts and can either be applied straight onto a bare nail or used as a top coat over other colours. I’m buying it for my 8-year-old daughter as a stocking filler. She loves doing her nails by herself and as this one requires more dabbing of rainbow hearts into place over precision painting she’ll be able to use it on her own while feeling really grown-up but it’s still appropriate for her age. Plus I’m not ashamed to admit that as a nearly-40-year-old I will also be stealing it and popping it over my usual nude shades. But this surely transcends all age groups because who doesn’t want rainbow hearts all over their nails?" SJCS
The cute and kissable secret santa gift: Kylie Cosmetics Holiday Collection High Gloss Ornament, £15
"Looking for a present for your sister, girlfriend, tweenager or even Secret Santa? This gorgeous pearlescent pink is perfect for the party season and beyond. It’s the sort of buy that will suit anyone - no matter age, skin tone, or lip colour. Let the lips of your loved one glisten this holiday season and don’t worry about all those kisses under the mistletoe - it’s not sticky at all. Also the cute reindeer packaging makes for an extra bauble to add to yours/their Christmas tree!" AR
The Christmas table favour: Neom Star of the Show Ceramic Natural Diffuser, £5
"This small but mighty gift is absolutely genius. It’s an 100% ceramic natural diffuser which is perfect for adding a splash of scent into your life. You can hang the decorative (and very festive) star virtually anywhere. All you need to do is add a couple drops of essential oil or a few spritzes of your favourite pillow or home mist to elevate your space. From scenting your car to your bathroom to even popping in your drawers, the possibilities are endless! If you have an artificial Christmas tree it also doubles up as a nice ornament which you can scent to give the illusion of a real one. I’d highly recommend Neom’s Perfect Peace oil blend for that warm, fuzzy and pine festive vibe." JT