Okay here we go. This list is to just inspire you this year, I’m not saying that these ought to be your dream gifts. This is also part 1 as I am bound to see more things between now and Christmas that I like so I don’t declare this a definitive list, just a starter.
Okay let’s start with some lovely, usually unaffordable knitwear.
I like this from Vince:
And this, if you’re after a more glossy cutie rich mummy look, this. A lot of people are banging around in Bella Freud sweaters and I do like them but they are slightly a victim of their own success and they are now freaking everywhere. I think this Kenzo one is beautiful and unusual.
You could also just ask for a pile of Tippi sweaters from J Crew. When I say a pile, I mean maybe 2 as they are £88 each. But very handy for all situations – they come up a bit small so size up.
Now, bags. I’ve gone right off designer handbags. As I’m on Instagram an awful lot I get properly sick to death of the sight of the ones everyone has – even though there’s nothing wrong with any of them. So I will not be recommending anything from Gucci or that half moon cult Gaia basket bag – but I do rather like these two slight niche but nevertheless covetable bags.
This from Manu Atelier:
And this mega beauty from Mansur Gavriel. Swoon:
Jewellery! Obviously I am massively in love with Dinny Hall at the moment – but don’t get anything yet as I am about to get my hands on a Christmas discount code. In the meantime though have a perve over the website. This is a link to her classic gold hoops.
scuse lazy screen grab
I have a set of pyjamas I absolutely adore, but they’re only from asos so won’t do for a Christmas present, but there’s something really pleasing and calming about owning a really lovely pair of pyjamas. Don’t get a shorts set because you always end up flashing your whatsit in the morning. I think this trousers and short shirt set looks pretty much perfect to me.
If you don’t have a really great cabin-sized piece of luggage, ask for one. I’ve got this one from Rimowa and it makes me happy every time I use it. Please don’t leave a comment saying “If my husband bought me luggage for Christmas I would divorce him,” these are just ideas. You can forward this email to him saying “Not the luggage.”
I adora my fedora from Davina Mulford – AND there’s a Spike discount code, just type in THESPIKE at checkout and she can also put your initials on the hatband.
Technology! Our Instax camera broke last year (the kids smashed it while fighting over it – naturally) and you know? I really miss it. Can’t really justify getting another one, but if you’re half inclined towards one, do it. The photos are just sort of magical really…
I got these headphones for my birthday, which I’m crazy about. And these are the best when it comes to wireless – the little battery inside also lasts for weeks.
Don’t forget, when it comes to a mega-treat – Creme De La Mer is just the most incredible stuff there is. The only bad thing about getting a pot is that when it runs out you won’t be able to afford to replace it. If I couldn’t think what I wanted for Christmas I would get that.
If you want to know what I’m asking for, it’s this Balenciaga hoodie:
which I admit is a bit weird but I just love it and have to have it.
And this from Miller Harris.
Ooooo and I really want some of this from Sam McKnight
Have fun! More soon! xxx
If my husband bought me Rimowa luggage for Christmas I would faint with delight!
Can we talk about Creme de la Mer? Is it really amazing or just vg marketing? What does it do that’s amazing? I am desperate to try it but can’t justify the cost – all the friends I have who could afford to buy it just do Botox instead I think.
It just makes your skin visibly better within a week. But yes – also botox
it really depends on your skin though. and not just your skin, but the mood of your skin. i had three big tubs of creme de la mer (all gifts): the first was good, the second and third broke me out like crazy, so i gave them to my mum who is in her seventies, and they broke her out, too! so she used it on her hands and feet like donatella versace.
and yes to botox! only a little, and not too often. xx
ha! awesome
Ok, sorry, but lol at the idea of you buying creme de la mer from JL! I’m screaming!!!
what? why??
Idk, maybe im just being an arse… just the concept of buying my fancy cream and a duvet in the same olace makes it seem less special. Ok, im astral projecting myself with a shopping basket with creme de la mer, a toiltet brush holder and my husbands socks in it. Yes, maybe this could be my life
Sasha buying everything in the same place is just good sense
I looove the luggage, also hoody! I am a sucker for Christmas present lists but yours is always the best.
Ha ha! It’s always a bit weird
The Dinny Hall earrings have been sold out for AGES! Wahhhhhh!! Must be the ‘spike effect’. I’ve even had Mr W call them and demand to know when we can get some and no luck. Maybe you can help?
WAT! fackin ell hang on
A Tilly Sveaas discount code would be amazing… can you magic that up Esther? Please please please
I will ask xx
I once got given the giant tub of Creme de la Mer (the one that costs a zillion quid or something) and it was a great present. I’m not sure how good the cream was on my skin. It wasn’t unicorn tears levels of greatness and there are probably things that are half the price, or even a fraction, that work just as well BUT it was still good, and because it’s so flipping expensive it’s the thing that you would never, ever buy for yourself, unless you were just pointlessly loaded and one of those rich, bored ladies that spends their days trying hard to spend money in the dead halls of Harrods. Things you’d never buy yourself make the best presents, unless of course we’re talking a horse or a Juicy Couture tracksuit.
My Christmas list comprises books, shitloads of high end body lotion, cashmere, more Mitsouko, a Nick Rees pottery bowl that looks like an inky eye and a weather vane. And a snail face pack from my children. This sounds like a random Generation Game list but it is carefully curated. I don’t like leaving anything to chance as history has BURNT me with some crap presents.
You Tess, are my spirit animal xxx
I’m giving everyone a lovely hardback copy of Craig Brown’s brilliant “Ma’am Darling: 99 Glimpses of Princess Margaret”. That and a glass of Dubonnet and Christmas Day is sorted.
And one very special person is getting a subscription to Heywood Hill’s A Year in Books. Worth it for the wrapping alone.
Oh yes Karen thank you for reminding me of that book it sounds OUTRAGEOUS
And thanks again to the heads up about Katherine Heiny’s Standard Deviation. I flipping loved it and I’ve given it in hardback to three grateful friends. It’s the perfect house gift.
Karen, thank you for mentioning Heywood Hill’s A Year in Books subscription here, as I had never heard of it before and have now asked for this for Christmas. What a wonderful, wonderful idea!
Ooh, I want that Craig Brown book but am far too stingy to buy it for myself in hardback. But it is not out in paperback until APRIL!
I shall add it to my Amazon wishlist, and take this opportunity to remind you all to keep your wishlist up to date and don’t use it as a remind-myself-what-I-could-buy-for-somebody-else list. I failed to weed mine out before my birthday one year and a friend bought me a DVD I’d only added to remind myself to buy it for my daughter. Bloody annoying.
I have those pyjamas! Can confirm they are wonderful and flattering.
We also have Rimowa luggage and frankly I’d rather get that with a ticket to go somewhere (now THAT is a present) or a twee voucher that says “I will do all our packing for all holidays EVER” than most of the gift list ideas the newspapers are running.
Thank you Sonia these are really good ideas x
I love that luggage. I never go anywhere, though, so is pointless 🙁
I’ve asked for a lovely necklace from Chupi, which is an Irish brand I’m a bit obsessed with at the moment. Their Insta is beautiful. And I’d quite like this jumper from Sugarhill Boutique:
https://www.sugarhillboutique.com/clothing-c1/knitwear-c4/sugarhill-boutique-premium-merino-sweater-p312?attribute%5B5%5D=118
I love that jewellery and the look of that jumper, Leona, thanks for posting them x
Oh you’re welcome! 🙂
Hey Esther
There’s one thing I really wanted to ask for for Christmas – on your insta Story a while ago you mentioned a website where you bought glasses. I think it was the champagne glasses you were drinking from in somerset? Anyway I was obsessed with them but have totally forgotten the name of the brand/site. It was sort of vintage looking? I’ve been hunting like mad to no success.
O Alice those were coupe glasses but they were a wedding present from a flea market. If you are looking for something similar just search for “Coupe” – that’s the name of the funny shape! xxx
I can’t find decent coupe glasses anywhere, am looking for some decent crystal ones. I think Waterford did lovely ones but they were about a billion pounds each. I ordered some pretty ones from R. st GEorge, but they were tiny! The perils of online shopping!
Ah damn! Thanks anyway. Do you have any recommendations for good (slightly old fashioned looking) glassware? I’m suffering the same issues as Catherine!
@Catherine the Soho Home coupe glasses are crystal and look amazing https://www.sohohome.com/eat-and-drink/glassware?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxOfm3d_Q1wIVIjPTCh1ZTQjSEAAYASAAEgKkD_D_BwE
Nothing perceptive or informative to say so let’s just get right to the crux of the matter….. can I have that discount code please? Hurry up!!
Ok, I am bidding for the Sam McKnight hair thing on ebay as we speak (because that is how I roll). Does it, in fact, work?
First of all, I found you and your husbands instagram while I was looking through random photos, I came across the strange community of body positive women who were mad at an article your husband wrote. (People get upset at everything these days) but I adore your family and you are absolutely stunning and a great housewife! I hope to be as good as a wife as you are, someday.
With that said, is that luggage really that big? Can it still do carry-on? Or is it so large that you have to check it in? I hate checking in luggage, it gets lost all the time!
Andy! Hello and welcome. Rimowa comes in all sizes, so you can specify cabin-sized! Merry Christmas xxx