November 2024
Finding a present that’s both unique and thoughtful can be tricky. These strong contenders from iconic and artisanal British brands have something special for everyone on your list, from the trendy traveller to the happy homebody. Plus, festive Avios to be had along the way…
What: Mulberry passport cover wallet
How much? £135 at High Life Shop
Lined in silky soft Nappa leather and in a brilliant colour combination, this travel wallet crafted by British fashion icon Mulberry has three slip pockets, plus four credit-card slots, for organised style. The best part? It was created to celebrate 100 years of British Airways and is exclusive to us, so the chances of meeting a lookalike on your far-off adventures are slim.
What: Accurist gent’s watch gift set
How much? £159 at High Life Shop
This luxury British designer has watched over (pun intended) cultured chaps since 1946, and its dive watch is proof that from time and experience comes unrivalled innovation. It’s water resistant up to 200 metres, and has a uni-directional bezel that helps measure diving time, plus ultra scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. The set includes a stainless steel quick-release bracelet, which you can swap for that sophisticated soirée.
What: Panzer’s Christmas Connoisseur hamper
How much? £169 at Panzer’s
Harry Styles, Nigella Lawson and Sir Paul McCartney are all fans of Panzer’s Deli & Grocery in St John’s Wood, one of London’s original Jewish delis. It’s famous for its hand-sliced smoked salmon, included in its Christmas Connoisseur hamper, along with other gourmet goodies such as Isle of Mull cheddar waxed truckle and La Molina XXL milk gianduja and hazelnuts bar.
What: Jo Malone London Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense
How much: £128 (RRP £160) at High Life Shop
British fragrance A-lister Jo Malone London is admired for its luxurious and unique ingredients, and this bold unisex fragrance is no exception. The blend of aromatic and fresh cypress trees, warming grapevine and sensual amber is enclosed in a dark brown glass case, adding edge to the feeling of being transported to enchanted gardens. Its elegant signature cream and black box also deserves an honourable mention. 100ml.
What: Reflex Active Pro true wireless stereo earbuds
How much: £29.99 (RRP £39.99) at High Life Shop
Compact and lightweight, noise-cancelling and transparent sound options, and six hours of continuous play time: these buds from British smartwatch specialist Reflex Active check all our blissed-out boxes. You can also access voice assistant features through your phone, including Siri and Google Assistant, and choose from three different earpieces for maximum comfort. Not only do they elevate your favourite jams, they look really good.
What: Ormonde Jayne Etoile candle
How much: £85 at Ormonde Jayne
From a young age, Linda Pilkington had a talent for candle making. Then she was asked to create one for Chanel’s fine jewellery boutique in Old Bond Street, and her British brand, Ormonde Jayne, took off. Our festive favourite? The gorgeous Etoile candle, which spreads joy with scents of mandarin, cinnamon, cardamom, bay, amber and tonka. Serious bonus points for its beautiful, bauble-adorned glass vessel. 280g.
What: Tateossian Concorde rotating plane cufflinks
How much: £99 at High Life Shop
In 1990, financier turned jewellery designer Robert Tateossian launched his eponymous brand, and his nickname, the King of Cufflinks, is well deserved. The Londoner spends his time jetsetting in search of rare materials to use in his designs (think meteorites and dinosaur bones), which are combined with classic diamonds, gemstones and gold. One of his most unique creations? These Concorde cufflinks, made exclusively for us.
What: English Tea Shop organic Union Jack gift tin
How much: £19 at High Life Shop
The gift that gives back. London-based, B-certified English Tea Shop works directly with small-scale organic and fairtrade farmers, including providing education for them and their families. Expect nine luxurious hand-picked blends, from classics such as English breakfast to antioxidant-boosting green tea and creative combinations such as tropical fruits. This quintessentially English gift has 72 sachets, so superior sipping will last well into the New Year.
What: Yawn long pyjama set
How much? £95 at Yawn
Independent London sleepwear brand Yawn just launched its latest collection, and we’ve started a petition for no-work, all-lounge December. Its pyjamas are made from buttery soft organic cotton that’s bespoke: Yawn’s has a 284 thread count (the standard is 150), uses 88% less water and 62% less energy, and has no toxic chemicals. Each print is handmade too, so no two are the same.
What: Molton Brown body care collection
How much: £21 at High Life Shop
If there is a standard-bearer for Britishness, it’s having a product so perfect that the royal family adores it. Royal Warrant holder Molton Brown is known for its luxury bath and body gifts, and this trio of sumptuous shower gels is top of our list. The set comes in three 100ml scents, including Fiery Pink Pepper, Orange & Bergamot, and Rhubarb & Rose.
What: Ettinger Capra single playing cards case
How much? £85 at Ettinger
One of the last remaining leather manufacturers in the UK, this family-owned firm has been in business since 1934, and even has regal recognition. We give its bespoke accessories five sceptres, too, especially this sophisticated stocking stuffer, handcrafted from Capra leather (just look at those little stitches). It includes a single deck of cards, plus a booklet of card games for inspo. You can even add your loved one’s initials.
What: ROJA Aoud Extraordinaire fragrance
How much? £595 from ROJA
A master of oud, the sensual oil that’s extracted from tree resin, British luxury perfume house ROJA gives new meaning to fragrance finery. Its latest creation, Aoud Extraordinaire, is inspired by the glittering lifestyle of Dubai, and combines tropical fruits with refreshing flowers and earthy cashmere. The effect? ‘Dripping in gold’ confidence that’ll knock Christmas socks off at any holiday party. 100ml.
What: Neom Organics London Perfect Night's Sleep on-the-go collection
How much? £20 (RRP £25) at High Life Shop
A satisfying snooze on a flight is possible, and there’s no better evidence than this travel-sized collection. The pampering products are from the Perfect Night's Sleep range, which is all about calming lavender, and include a 5ml deeply nourishing face oil, 5ml pillow mist that’s gentle enough for little travellers and 30ml hand balm with rich cocoa butter. Who says wellness rituals are just for home?
What: Marshall Acton III speaker
How much? £259.99 at Marshall
Sound mastermind Marshall is such a legend that, as well as its genre-breaking tech and equipment, it has its own record label. We’re tuning in on the award-winning Acton III speaker: it has a Bluetooth pairing button, plus bass and treble controls, and an iconic sound redesigned to stay solid in every corner of every room. Brass control knobs give that rock ’n’ roll feel, and it’s the most compact in Marshall’s home line-up, so you can bring it to all your holiday blowouts.
What: GF Fabulosity Christmas gift set
How much? £125 at Gustav Fouche
Celebrity hair stylist Gustav Fouche has created glam looks for everyone from Kate Hudson to Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot. His Notting Hill salon is known for innovative treatments, namely its three-dimensional cuts, but if you’re looking to achieve applause-worthy hair from home, this Christmas gift set of organic, silicone-free shampoo, conditioner and elixir (infused with collagen and sea lavender) is sure to win over your strands.
This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Travel Tips