The Gift Guide: Things We Loved This Year
Our gift guide features items we’ve given to others and some that we bought and kept for ourselves.
Everything on this this list has been used and appreciated and we update it throughout the year when something new earns its place.
Whether you’re shopping for someone else or adding to your own basket, here’s what we’d genuinely recommend.
(Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to buy, at no extra cost to you.)
Home Comforts
Lower Lodge Mandarin & Ginger Home Candle
Sweet mandarin, zingy ginger, clove, berry and cinnamon combine to make this candle feel like a soft and warming ritual. At a comfy burn time of ~40 hours, its comforting fragrance turns moments of quiet into something special whether you’re lighting it to unwind in the evening or just want a cosy backdrop for tea and journaling. Sleek, vegan-friendly, and elegant enough for any shelf or desk, it’s a small luxury that gives peace well beyond the holidays.
Islands Chocolate Hot Chocolate Powder
Turn an ordinary evening into a mindful ritual with Islands Hot Chocolate. Made from cocoa grown on their own farms in St Vincent and trusted partner farms, every cup supports zero-slavery, zero-child labour, zero-deforestation, and genuine living wages for farmers. Choose between smooth 45% Hot Chocolate Powder or rich 55% Dark Flakes. A thoughtful slow-living gift, this is hot chocolate you can feel good about, inside and out.
SoleCup Loose Tea Travel Mug with Infuser
For tea lovers on the go, this reusable glass travel mug comes with a built-in infuser, making it easy to enjoy loose-leaf blends wherever you are. Designed with a splash-proof lid and a heat-resistant band, it’s stylish, practical, and sustainable. Whether for a morning commute or a quiet afternoon break, this eco-friendly mug makes a thoughtful gift that combines everyday convenience with a touch of ritual.
There’s something genuinely lovely about a game that pulls everyone away from their screens without any negotiation. Uber Games’ pine wood Tumble Tower is that game; simple enough that a six-year-old can play and tense enough that adults get properly invested. It’s the kind of thing that starts as a quick game after dinner and ends an hour later with everyone slightly more connected than they were before.
Rosie Dalia’s Large Floral Indigo Washbag brings quiet beauty to everyday essentials. Crafted from fine cotton and block‑printed by skilled artisans in India, its rich indigo blooms brighten routines without harshness and is a gentle reminder that care can be practical and beautiful. Soft fabric, practical shape, serene design, it’s simple, thoughtful luxury. A perfect gift for slow mornings, little escapes, or parenting moments that deserve a soft pause.
These stackable stoneware bowls simplify daily meals. Non-porous and BPA-free, they are a sturdy alternative to plastic. Interlocking lids double as side plates for easy meal prep and serving. Available in soft, calming colours, they suit any kitchen and make a practical gift for parents or anyone who enjoys simple, functional design.
Plant with Willow Starter Pack
For everyone who wants houseplants but keeps killing them. The Willow Sensor sits in the soil and monitors moisture, light, temperature, humidity and nutrients, then pings your phone when something needs attention. No more guessing; just healthy plants and a Happiness Score to help you catch problems before they show up.
TBCo Cotton Pyjamas in Navy Stripe
Soft, breathable 100 % cotton wraps you gently at the end of a long day. Navy stripes, delicate red piping and a scalloped collar, give bedtime a softer touch. The elastic waistband and handy pockets are made for quiet comfort. A matching scrunchie and drawstring bag keep things tidy; whether it’s bedtime at home or a restful night away.
SEVIN London’s home and body collection is vegan-friendly and free from SLS/SLES, silicones, parabens, and animal derivatives. These gentle, plant-based products are crafted to be kind to your skin and mindful of the planet. From aromatic soaps to calming bath oils, their range helps turn daily rituals into moments of quiet pleasure. Each item is beautifully packaged, making it an ideal gift for anyone seeking calm and conscious living.
Gingerlily Ultimate Silk Sleep Set
An elegant invitation to true rest, this Ultimate Silk Sleep Set transforms bedtime into a soft, skin-loving ritual. This beautiful trio includes a 100% mulberry silk pillowcase, eye mask, and two hair scrunchies; all nestled in a striped keepsake box. Dermatologist-recommended for its moisture-retaining and anti-friction benefits, mulberry silk gently protects skin and hair as you sleep. It’s a thoughtful, minimalist treat for anyone craving calmer evenings or smoother mornings.
NEOM Happiness Reed Diffuser fills your space with uplifting notes of neroli, mimosa, and lemon. Designed to help boost mood and create a calm, positive atmosphere. Simple to use and long-lasting, it brings a gentle wellness ritual into any room. An easy gift for tired mums or friends who need a lift.
This mulberry silk hair wrap protects against nightly friction, frizz, and breakage, so you wake with smoother, shinier hair and less styling time. It holds moisture, reduces tangles, and preserves hairstyles; perfect for quick mornings or evenings when you just need softness. We also love their mulberry silk hair ties which help in avoiding kinks, tugging, or breakage.
Curo Skin’s award-winning filtered shower head is a design-forward upgrade that removes up to 99% of chlorine, limescale and heavy metals. It leaves skin clearer and hair stronger from the first wash – a sleek, sustainable pick for anyone who wants a daily wellness boost. Luxurious, practical and easy to fit, this is a gift they’ll use every day. A spa-level reset at home, every morning.
Serene Solstice Rose Reed Diffuser
Designed for slow, intentional living, the Serene Solstice diffuser fills your home with a soft floral scent that lingers without overpowering. Hand-poured in small batches and beautifully packaged in recyclable materials, it makes a thoughtful gift for anyone craving a quiet moment. Perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms, the gentle blend of rose, bergamot, and cedarwood helps bring calm to your space.
Calm + Wellness
Bring calm to your daily routine with a LIFORME yoga mat, designed for at-home or studio practice. The supportive, non-slip surface is ideal for yoga or Pilates, giving you stability and comfort as you move. Each mat can be customised with names or messages, making it a thoughtful gift for a loved one, or yourself. Durable, easy to clean, and available in a range of soothing colours, this mat supports mindful movement and gentle self-care, every day.
NEOM Well‑Being Essential Oil Roll‑On Pens
Three pocket-sized aromatherapy pens – Calming, Energy, and Sleep – are drift-friendly rituals for burned-out mums. Just roll onto pulse points for a moment of presence, whether it’s tranquillity, focus, or rest you need. Crafted with 100% natural fragrances, these gentle wellness tools fit seamlessly into busy lives and quiet self-care routines.
Aromatherapy Associates Heritage Collection
This curated set brings the restorative power of essential oils into your daily routine. It includes a luxurious shower oil, relaxing sleep mist, soothing muscle gel, and nourishing body oil, each designed to help you unwind, sleep better, and feel refreshed. Ideal for those new to aromatherapy or anyone in need of gentle restoration. Every product in the set is crafted with care to encourage slow, mindful self-care at home.
Salomon’s Aero Blaze 3 GRVL running shoes are a strong gift for anyone easing back into exercise or just craving fresh air and movement. Lightweight yet supportive, they offer dynamic comfort and grip on wet, dry, hard and loose surfaces. The versatile design means more energy, less fatigue, and fewer excuses to skip self-care. A gift that supports daily wellness for tired mums and friends who need a gentle nudge outdoors. Available in multiple sizes and colours.
Skincare + Beauty
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel & Clear + Defend Blemish Patches
A refreshing duo for older skin that still needs moisture, and sometimes a little extra help managing unexpected spots. The Hydro Boost Gel delivers lightweight, hyaluronic-acid hydration that comforts without heaviness, while the Clear + Defend ultra-thin patches quietly target blemishes overnight. Gift them as a practical, skin-kind pick that hydrates, soothes, and clears with minimal fuss and maximum care.
Innersense Essential Hydration Ceremony
Loved by curly girls everywhere, Innersense products moisturise and nourish without weighing the hair down. The kit includes the Hydrating Cream Hair Bath for gentle cleansing, Hydrating Cream Conditioner for smooth detangling, and a rich Hydrating Hair Mask for deep moisture. Formulated with clean, organic ingredients, this set is crafted to restore balance, boost shine, and revitalise dry or damaged hair; an ideal present for the one who deserves a little haircare ceremony.
Barry M Genie Colour Changing Lip Paint
Barry M Genie Colour Changing Lip Paint is a cult-favourite that reacts with your lips to create a custom shade of pink unique to you. The one-of-a-kind formula has made it the most purchased beauty product among Superdrug shoppers. Add a pop of colour to your self-care routine or gift it to a friend who likes something a little different.
Tata Harper Brighten Up Essentials Kit
Infuse your skin with natural radiance using Tata Harper’s clean, plant-powered trio. This kit includes a brightening cleanser, a regenerating serum, and a lightweight SPF moisturizer; everything you need for a luminous skincare ritual. Perfect for layering gently under makeup or wearing solo, it suits even sensitive complexions.
The Tatcha Delightfully Dewy Set (£120, worth £171) is a three-step ritual for skin that craves deep hydration. Inside: The Rice Wash to gently cleanse, The Essence to plump and prep, and The Dewy Skin Cream for lasting moisture and radiance. This limited edition set offers a 30% saving and an indulgent way to bring spa-like calm into everyday care.
Raybalm® SPF50 Everyday Lip Balm
Raybalm® SPF50 Everyday Lip Balm protects and hydrates lips with a nourishing, vegan gel-balm formula. It shields against sun damage and locks in moisture for soft, healthy lips. Perfect for anyone who forgets SPF for this sensitive area. A small daily ritual that supports wellbeing, wherever the day takes you.
Apeer Lift Day Cream SPF 20 is a daily essential for sensitive skin. Broad-spectrum UV protection and gentle RetinART® smooth and even your complexion. Peptides, niacinamide, and vitamin C help boost collagen and soothe skin. Hyaluronic acid and squalane keep skin soft. Fragrance-free, vegan, and dermatologically tested, it’s a simple, caring gift.
Delilah Cosmetics Colour Enhancing Lip Oil
Delilah’s Colour-Enhancing Lip Oil brings care and comfort to tired lips. Lightweight and hydrating, it gives a soft tint that adapts to you, never feeling sticky or heavy. Plant oils cushion and smooth, adding a gentle sheen that feels like self-care on busy days. Perfect for pockets, prams, and everyday moments, the lip oil offers subtle colour and simple hydration; we like its no fuss, just easy, wearable care.
Lush Shower All The Way Gift Set
Step into the festive season with 12 indulgent shower and body care treats designed to lather, scrub, and glow your way through winter. From cosy scents like Sticky Dates and Golden Pear to refreshing Dream Cream and Sweet Wild Orange, this limited-edition collection brings together soaps, scrubs, lotions, and gels for head-to-toe pampering. A joyful gift for anyone who loves turning their daily shower into a luxurious ritual of comfort and care.
Dr. Lamia Cleansing Cream Mousse
Dr. Lamia’s skincare range lives at the intersection of clinic and self-care. Founded by a medical aesthetician, each product is crafted with active ingredients backed by science, yet gentle enough for regular use. This cleansing cream mousse lifts away makeup and impurities while preserving skin balance; ideal for busy women who want their skincare routine to feel both luxurious and effective. A gift that supports glowing, healthy skin, not just surface beauty.
This gentle set supports healthier hair with a strengthening shampoo, conditioner, and nourishing tonic. Hyaluronic acid and a pea-derived complex smooth, strengthen, and restore hair from root to tip. Made for postpartum mums, tired parents, or anyone in need of a hair reset. 97% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free, with a Veggie Awards Bronze for the tonic.
Anara Hydrate, Nourish & Protect Skincare Set
A beautifully curated five-step skincare ritual, The Full Anara Experience nourishes, hydrates, and protects the face, neck, and eye area. With natural-origin ingredients and luxurious packaging, it turns everyday self-care into a moment of calm and indulgence. Perfect for gifting, it suits anyone who enjoys thoughtful, mindful routines that bring a little elegance and ease to busy days.
Pod Organics Magnesium Body Lotion
Infused with magnesium and calming botanicals, this multitasking lotion soothes tired muscles and encourages a restful night’s sleep. A simple, nurturing ritual for an at-home spa day, it’s a gentle way to pause, unwind, and recharge.
No 7 Good Intent Glow Grind Cleansing Balm
This cleansing balm offers a gentle yet effective way to remove makeup and impurities. With each twist, smooth ribbons of balm melt into a silky cleansing milk, leaving your skin feeling fresh, soft, and hydrated. Use it at the end of the day to unwind and give your skin a calming reset. A kind, simple step towards glowing, nourished skin.
Kent Brushes Gold Pin Hairbrush
This understated luxury brush elevates daily grooming into a mindful moment. Featuring real 24 carat gold plated copper pins set in a velvet-soft rubber cushion, every glide calms static and soothes the scalp and your mind. Rooted in centuries of British craftsmanship, its wooden handle and gentle stimulation offer a quiet daily reset. Keep it in tip-top condition with their hairbrush cleaner.
Heaven Skincare Prism Protection SPF 50+
A luxe shield for today’s skin and stress-filled days ahead. This antioxidant-rich, broad-spectrum SPF doubles as a soft-matte primer; moisturising, protecting, and smoothing in one fragrant veil. Clinically tested and crafted over three years, it defends against sun, pollution, and blue light, while niacinamide and multi-weight hyaluronic acid brighten and strengthen. Enriched with restorative cotton stem cells, it’s the everyday skincare-wear that feels effortless, elegant, and quietly powerful.
Sephora Great Holiday Gift Set
This beauty set bundles together skincare, makeup, and accessories; eight curated items including a cleanser, serum, hydrator, eye cream, mascara, blush, gloss, and luxe hair clips. Housed in a plush pink faux-fur vanity case, it turns the everyday into something joyful. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting someone who deserves it, this set is perfect for those who love glow, ritual, and glamour without the overwhelm. A beauty splurge that feels thoughtful, fun, and festive.
Living Proof Velvet Amber Dry Shampoo
This award-winning dry shampoo just received a luxurious seasonal upgrade. Velvet Amber not only refreshes hair with the same science-backed formula that cleans like a rinse-out shampoo, but it also doubles as a fragrance mist. With warm notes of amber musk, vanilla, and wood, it feels like autumn in a bottle. Perfect for extending a blow-dry or adding a cosy, elegant scent to your routine. A thoughtful gift for beauty lovers.
Manifesto Beauty + Balance Essentials Kit
The Manifesto Beauty + Balance Essentials Kit is an ideal gift for anyone needing a lift. This set includes a two-month supply of Serene and Beauty vitamin gummies. Beauty supports healthy hair, skin, and nails, while Serene promotes emotional balance and calm. Perfect for those whose busy lives or hormonal changes leave them feeling run down. Thoughtful, practical, and designed to help them feel more like themselves again, inside and out.
Dr V Hair Range – The Complete Set
This five-piece system is designed to strengthen thinning, brittle hair using ingredients developed by aesthetic doctor Dr Vanita Rattan. With standout results – 87 % of users said their hair was easier to detangle after 1-3 uses, and 71 % reported fewer split ends after four weeks. The five piece set is ideal for anyone needing targeted haircare that is clinical yet luxe.
Our curated guide features items that are considered and genuinely used.
If something here ends up in someone’s hands who needed it, or makes your own day a little easier, that’s gift enough.
