With the holidays just around the corner, everyone is looking for those ideal presents. They want to be able to wow their friends and family with an extended getaway or hideaway. Given the myriad possibilities out there, this year’s list reflects a wider set of choices that prioritize creativity, beauty, and smart curation. From custom-made pottery to carefully curated food parcels, here are some creative gift ideas that shine bright this holiday season.
Bert Jones, a talented potter working from a converted shipping container studio outside Newport, produces stunning ceramic pieces that make for meaningful gifts. Art and functional innovation collide in his creations, making them an ideal gift for the artistically-minded admirer of handmade craftsmanship. Every Jones creation has a story to tell. Would look great in every home and would make it more personal.
In the literary world, author Zadie Smith, the writer of “White Teeth” and “On Beauty,” has just come out with her new book of essays called “Dead and Alive.” Rich in poetic power and profundity, this illuminating collection dives deep into, among other motifs, eco-feminism, storytelling, ghosts, myth, and memory. The book is available for £18.70 from the Guardian Bookshop. In fact, you can purchase it for a little cheaper—just £17.28 on the UK’s Amazon—so the Perfect Book is the Smartest Gift to book lovers!
And for you beauty lovers out there, our friends at Merit Beauty are providing the absolute best travel-size item— “Cheek Flush.” This print product retails at £26. It’s random—and yet somehow, not entirely—both because of its quality and the enthusiastic thumbs up from pop icon Taylor Swift. As a licensed Fairmined label, Merit Beauty is committed to ethical sourcing without sacrificing quality in their cosmetics.
Wellness Food lovers will love this Christmas gift box of Ukrainian delights curated by chef and food writer Olia Hercules. Experience Ukraine provides this gift box for £55. It highlights Ukraine’s deep culinary traditions, introducing the vibrant flavors of the culture to your holiday table.
The Fresh Face gift set from Iconic London offers up another tempting treat at £32.20. This collection features beauty staples perfect for achieving the glow of the holiday season, sure to inspire the makeup lover on your list.
For the most useful, yet good-looking gifts, look no further than Tekla’s washcloth. You can get it from Selfridges for £14, or order direct from Tekla for £16. It simply goes to show you that practical doesn’t mean you can’t include elegance into a washcloth for the perfect finishing touch to any bathroom décor.
Mauli Rituals’ Kansa acupressure tool and serum (£46) at Lookfantastic. This natural wellness product is designed with relaxation and self-care in mind. It’s a perfect, restorative introduction for anyone looking to relax and rejuvenate during the hectic holiday season.
Hourglass has a standout singular Scattered Light glitter eyeshadow that’s perfect to pull out for your holiday glam. This stunning new product introduces a touch of glamour to every holiday gathering. This makeup solution fits easily into any makeup collection thanks to its bright color options and long-lasting, high performance formula.
Finally, Sian Esther has a lovely personalized hot-water bottle and eye mask set for £50. This creative present strikes the perfect balance of cozy and customized, delivering stress relief and toasty toes all winter long to those you love most.