My Christmas Shopping Secrets

As promised, this year I've decided to put together my first gift guide but as per usual there's a twist. I'm not one to tell people exactly what to get their nearest and dearest but what I can share is my thought process behind presents, to help any of you shopping at the last minute. In an ideal world we'd all consult our secret Pinterest boards featuring things we've seen for people throughout the year, but sometimes you can still be confuzzled on the 22nd and end up overwhelmed in a busy shopping centre. My key is to assess what people have, need and want to improve about their lives. If all else fails then anything personalised works a treat!

Things I Accidentally Bought For Myself

OK, forgive me because I have sinned. Technically anything bought pre-December-ish is okay so I thought I'd share some of the bits I've treated myself to recently. You may have seen my ASOS dress and velvety shoes already but I also finally treated myself to the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita palette after seeing it on a few blogs. In terms of presents I can be quite tricky to buy for and it's hard for people to anticipate what I want when it depends on the mood I'm in and what I already have. I'm happy to have multiples of some things (initial mugs) but not others and people really need to be five steps ahead of me. I try to be philosophical about it all though, I can be quite fortunate all year round so it doesn't matter if I don't get everything I want. I'm probably not the kind of girl who can relate to those 'What I got for Christmas videos' as I tend to get a couple of things (once there was once money in envelopes on the tree), but I'm fine with that. I'll work hard to buy whatever I want all year round and look forward to treating others at Christmas.
Ella Masters Print - ASOS Dress - Stach Chocolate - Sephora Lip Stain - Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette - ASOS Heels

Things to put my Christmas money towards:
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For A Mum With A Lot Of Stuff

This is basically where I get my magpie-like nature from, my Mum has a lorra lorra stuff so I try to buy her things that she can experience. Of course I still needed some visuals for the post, so there are lots of things that have to be in a specific place, will be used daily and therefore don't take up much room. I know that she's a fan of the original Opium perfume, but I know she'd love Black Opium as it's unashamedly floral with notes of black coffee. The pillow spray would be the perfect thing to get her relaxed before bed and I know she'd appreciate the cashmere gloves and the Casio Sheen watch with a bit of subtle bling. Anyway, back to the whole experience thing. My Mum expressed some wistfulness when I mentioned that I was going to Paris so my Dad and I actually got her some Eurostar vouchers for her birthday, which was yesterday (you have to call their helpline to order them). This is a slightly cheeky way of having another trip there myself but since I've been a few times, I thought it would be perfect to show her around. Colette wont know what's hit it!
Betty Halbreich book - Brora Gloves - Stach Chocolate - This Works Pillow Spray - Essie Winter Polishes - YSL Black Opium Perfume - Alain Ducasse Chocolate - Aspinal Of London Passport Cover - Casio Sheen Watch - Eurostar Vouchers

Take Your Mama Out All Night:


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When your Dad doesn't have Pinterest, or even know what it is

Does anyone else's Dad appear to be perfectly content? Every year I wrack my brains as to what to get Papa P and most of the time I don't stray from Thermals, Tech and Alcohol. Luckily a passing comment from my Mum about the gym brought on a trendy new trainer purchase. You really do have to keep an ear out in the months leading up towards Christmas, I also know that he loves to watch TV on his laptop (don't ask) so some new headphones would be appreciated. Everything else is part of the tried and tested formula, a cosy new jumper, coffee from Paris and some good old champers.

Nike Trainers - French Coffee - Boden Cashmere Jumper - Moet & Chandon Champagne - Bowers & Wilkins headphones
Dad Stuff (it all happens to be black):
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The Trendy Bro Who Goes to CSM

So the brother I actually asked for at age five is now a 6ft super cool Fashion Journalism student with an occasional beard. The fashion gene only really kicked in a few years ago, I realised this when I bought him a One-Direction style Topman hoody and he asked for the receipt. Basically he's now the male version of me, he likes Kenzo, A.P.C and anything else you can buy in Shoreditch. I tend to buy him t-shirts and jumpers, so interesting prints and logos from places like Weekday, Hype and Carhartt are a safe bet. This Eastpak x Courrèges backpack is an exclusive collaboration, so brings me instant Brownie points plus you can't go wrong with some Pumas. I also saw these geometric desk bits whilst in Paris, which would be great for organisation when he's writing about. Try Smug in Angel for a U.K alternative. I know these Daniel Wellington watches are knocking about everywhere but you can't fault their simplicity, I bet he'd love this leather one.
Hype T-shirt - Desk Stuff - Eastpak x Courrèges Backpack - Daniel Wellington Watch (Get 15% off with code holidaykristabel) - Puma Trainers
For the hipster in your life:
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Attempting to be down with the kids

(what do 13-year-old girls even like these days?)

Now for another sibling who's taller than me. My sister is used to a lot of my hand-me-downs, so pretty much anything goes but I've noticed that she likes to have fun with what she wears. Think novelty brands like Skinny Dip London for tech and any sort of onesie (this Text Santa number also helps charity, win). She's not really into things like make-up yet (phew) so some smellies from Lush will suit her nicely for any super-long baths she takes. The personalised Nutella from Selfridges is such a good idea, though be sure to get there early as I had to queue for about half an hour. Maybe bring some cards to write?
Dr Martens - Hype Backpack - Phone Case - Novelty Socks - Personalised Nutella - Lush gift set - Text Santa Onesie
Please stop growing up now, k thanks bye:
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Stuff Nans Like

I'm probably guilty of not phoning my Nan enough but until I can teach her the ways of Whatsapp, I need to pledge to keep in contact with her more. These gifts are just an inkling of what's to come, I need to spend more time with her and I can't think of anything better than catching up over a cup of tea (fruit & herbal in my case). I know she loves gardening, but until the weather is more inviting then these Bloom & Wild flowers would work a treat. They actually come through the letterbox, so it's a great surprise when you're expecting a load of bills. Everyone is pretty surprised when I share the fact that my Nan goes to the gym a few times a week but I'm glad she's found something she loves doing and has more resolve than I do! The Boden range would be perfect for her workouts. Since her hair is a little bit purple, I joke that she should try out the Bleach London colours for a change. Chloe Norgaard eat your heart out, the Nans were onto the colourful hair trend first!
Brora Blanket - Oliver Bonas Hot Water Bottle - Whittards Afternoon Tea Set - Bloom & Wild Flowers (get 15% off with code IWUTK15 until 25/12) - Whittards Fruit & Herbal Tea Taster Set - Burts Bees Bits - Avon Cocoa Butter Set - Oliver Bonas Candle
For fitness and cosy nights in:

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Stuff for your friend who's just moved or even (shudder) bought a house

A lot of my friends have made the switch from loving garments to things like trendy pie dishes recently. It's probably best, home-related items tend to be easier to buy as there's no sizing to worry about and you can choose exciting mugs and bowls to jazz up the basics they already have. If you're still in doubt, then get something printed and framed. It may be too late for Printic depending on what you order but bear it in mind for birthdays and if you're seeing people after Christmas. You can always head to your local Snappy Snaps, get a nice photo of you and your chum printed and stick it in an Oliver Bonas frame. For extra thoughtful points, a personalised Krisatomic portrait is the perfect gift for the selfie-obsessed and you also get a high-res scan for use on social media. The last date for U.K shipping is today though, so best to get a move on! How has December gone so quickly?
Lisa Edoff Tray - Whittards Mug - New York Cult Recipes Book - Printic Poster - My Little Box - ASOS make-up bag - Lush treats - Run Your World Print
Stuff to make a house a home:
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I'd love to know the situations you have to buy for this year and any strategies you have! You'll have to be quick when ordering some of these bits as Lisa Edoff is a Swedish brand and some of the last dates for free delivery are today. If you get really stuck then use this guide as inspiration when out and about, plus check out some of my favourite one stop shops!
Anthropologie - Smug - Liberty - Selfridges - Oliver Bonas - ASOS - Urban Outfitters