Bespoke Feature

Fail-Safe Gifts For The Hard-To-Please Crowd

With the festive season upon us, we’ve edited your shopping list down to a selection of exquisite gifts you can’t go wrong with this year – no matter how discerning your recipients…

Fashion

Buying gifts for our loved ones isn’t always easy and, whether you’re shopping for the friend who has everything or a discerning partner who insists on a surprise, it can be tricky to find ‘the one’. Already peak present-buying panic? Fear not: we’ve got you covered with a host of indulgent treats that are sure to delight your nearest and dearest.

Skincare saviors

Giving the gift of self-care is sure to go down well this winter, so why not treat someone special to a cult beauty set for the holiday season? Dr. Barbara Sturm's ingenious Serum House set – which includes her acclaimed Hyaluronic Serum, Super Anti-Aging Serum, Glow Drops and Night Serum – is an absolute no-brainer. Better still, all four hero products are presented in a cute, festive-themed box for added holiday cheer. To maximize these potent formulas, consider adding Omorovicza’s Rose Quartz Face Roller to the stocking for beauty-tool lovers, or slip Costa Brazil’s hard-working Hydrating Face Cleanser into the mix for those with a penchant for a festive smoky eye.

Home comforts

Creating a relaxing ambience is key for an evening of indulgence, and nothing says unwind quite like Tom Dixon’s trio of sleek scented candles. Add to basket for interiors aficionados, then look to a sumptuous pair of pajamas to complete the ‘cozy night in’ theme. Desmond & Dempsey’s hand-painted organic cotton-voile sets are a luxurious gift for anyone you’re struggling to buy for.

Meanwhile, Dora Larsen’s recycled-tulle bra – which comes in a cool blue and directional neon green – will also go down a treat. The perfect finishing touch is, of course, a pair of plush slippers, and Olivia von Halle has just the pair – its ‘Contessa’ style are crafted from sumptuous faux fur and are guaranteed to delight your lucky giftee.

Hidden gems

One of the most memorable gifts to receive is jewelry, so consider an ultra-refined By Pariah design for someone special. “Each piece celebrates an individual journey,” says founder of the cult London-based brand, Sophie Howard. These gorgeous rings can be worn separately or stacked together for a more statement look. Meanwhile, New York label Fry Powers is inspired by the “colorful world around us” – gift its striking gold, pearl and turquoise necklace to the most stylish person on your list.

Decadent details

With party season being big on glitz and glamour, sparkling finishing touches are a coveted, savvy gift idea. Enter Judith Leiber Couture’s classic handbags – true forever pieces that will be treasured for years to come. We love the label’s ‘Gemma’ clutch, which has been expertly crafted from glossy, pleated satin and comes with a detachable chain strap adorned with Art Deco-inspired crystals. Elsewhere, ballet buffs will adore the Olympia Le-Tan limited-edition clutch embroidered with a Nutcracker theme, while minimalists will be drawn to Neous’ sleek, boxy ‘Phoenix’ bag, which is inspired by modernist architecture and will add instant polish to partywear.

Finally, when in doubt, you really can’t go wrong with a sumptuous scarf. Scotland-based accessories brand Johnstons of Elgin’s striped cashmere style is a timeless choice, while Burberry’s embroidered cashmere-blend iteration will add a joyful pop of tangerine to crisp, wintry walks – a merry sentiment surely everyone on your gift list will appreciate.

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