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Angelina Jolie once bought Brad Pitt a California waterfall for Christmas. Another time, she got him a 200-year-old olive tree for their estate in Provence as a Valentine’s gift. I guess she set the bar pretty high when she bought him Ernest Hemingway’s actual typewriter as a wedding gift.
Anecdotally, this does not suggest that gift-giving is a guarantee of a happy marriage, so maybe don’t sweat your beloved’s pressie too much. However, I do love the treasure hunt of Christmas shopping, and a wrapping session with a good podcast or two. Here’s what I’ve got my sights on this year …
Jess Cartner-Morley’s favourite Christmas presents for 2025
Miraculous makeup
Miracle Blur
Pass on a beauty secret for Christmas. This little pop of Miracle Blur from Trinny London fills in lines to smooth skin under makeup.
On the button
Embellished V-neck cardigan
I’ve had my eye on this for a while. Glam, useful and could pass for Very Posh Indeed.
Making it personal
Personalised notecards, set of 10
A set of notecards with your friend’s name and address on is a gift that says: you are a classy person. This simple wavy trim works for any kind of message.
Ear and now
Egg ear cuffs
I happen to know that the Guardian’s fashion editor Morwenna Ferrier has these on her wishlist. Chic, minimal ear cuffs are hard to find.
Take a bow
Embroidered napkins
Unless you are certain they’ll love it, don’t give a home gift they need to rearrange their mantelpiece around. Napkins are a classy gift and can be tucked in a drawer.
Tree’s company
Croissant Christmas tree bauble
I love a gift that can go from under the tree to on it. A personal bauble is sweet: maybe a croissant from Vondels for the friend you holidayed in France with?
For more, read our guide to this year’s best Christmas baubles
Heart to heart
Marbled resin earrings
I’m a sucker for anything heart-shaped, and these earrings, which also come in gold, are a joy.
Leave sleeves behind
Chunky-knit waistcoat
A knit waistcoat is cosy, great for layering without sleeve bulk, and makes every outfit look modern. I love the colour and the buttons.
Lip service
Gisou honey-infused lip oil
Cult in-the-know lip oil that teens and grownups alike will love.
Bottle it
Lamb’s wool hot-water bottle cover
There’s nothing comforting about a ratty, old hot-water bottle. Just because no one else sees it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be a nice thing.
Ts me
Aries temple T-shirt
The most IYKYK T-shirt on planet fashion. Buy to impress the coolest person on your list.
Just their type
Penguin clothbound classics
These beautiful hardbacks make a gorgeous gift for godchildren. Buy a classic for every Christmas and birthday and build them a little library.
Pooch attire
Bella Freud dog jumper
Everyone deserves a Bella Freud slogan knit, including your canine bestie.
Tray good
Star ice cube tray
Perfect for a Baileys on ice.
Track trend
Adidas Classics track top
Iconic. Everyone should have one.
A glass act
Chanel compact mirror
Who wouldn’t be thrilled with a gift from Chanel? A regular mirror, and a magnifying one.
Hole lotta love
Love heart colander
Again, I can’t resist a heart. This colander is a useful gift that will make the cook smile as they’re draining pasta.
Fortunate hair
Tarot card hair clip
For the gen Z-er in your life, because they love anything a bit woo-woo and they love a claw clip. Hand-painted in biodegradable cellulose acetate.
Tap into this
Ceramic reusable bottle
Melanie Wilkinson, our stylist supremo, who is very up on hydration chic, recommends this. You can mix and match the lid and bottle colours, which is fun.
For more, read our guide to the best water bottles
Green with envy
Pistachio panettone
I love panettone and I love pistachio, so this one is a win-win. And the pretty packaging is its own festive wrapping.
Fashion desk-approved hoops
Chunky hoop earrings
No one knows their way around a gold hoop better than our very own Lauren Cochrane, who recommends these.
Every second counts
Gold Casio analogue watch
We all want to look at our phones less, right? V chic to wear a watch. I bought my son one of these, and it looks so great on him.
Spectacular show
Corduroy glasses case
Nice versions of the things you handle all the time – glasses case, keyring, wallet – are life’s real luxury. This case is delightful.
Winter in warmth
Barn jacket
This season’s must-have is a barn jacket, and Barbour still does them best.
The prettiest knickers
High-waist knickers
Lovely knickers are a nice treaty gift for a friend. Dora Larsen underwear is my favourite because it comes in the most delicious colours.
Dessert life
Sundae cup
Deputy fashion editor Chloe Mac Donnell reports that these metal coupes, filled with ice-cream – or whipped butter, for extra points – are at all the cool fashion parties right now.
Pop ya collar
Merino knit polo shirt
Knitted polo shirts are big news at Dior and Prada this season, but this budget-friendly version is pretty much perfect. I like the men’s one for women, too.
Heaven scent
Luxury bath salts
Ortigia Sicilia has the most heavenly packaging. A travel-size envelope of delicious-smelling bath salts is such a perfect little treat.
Bathroom bliss
Tiger hand towel
A snazzy hand towel is a welcome instant bathroom upgrade, especially at the time of year when you’re most likely to have guests.
Diamonds are forever
Diamond-knit belted cardigan
Just preppy enough to be perfect. This one is on my personal wishlist.
Waffle on
Men’s pyjama bottoms
Lots of men don’t wear pyjama sets, but they do wear pyjama bottoms. These waffle cotton ones are a really nice upgrade.
For more:
The best Christmas gifts for 2025
The best 90s Christmas gifts
The best home gifts: inspiring ideas for Christmas and beyond
Christmas shopping can be tough – so we spent months finding the perfect presents for everyone on your list. We selected the best products from our testing; enlisted babies, kids and teenagers to find out what they really wanted; and sniffed, tasted and tested the good, the bad and the ugly to bring you 305 genuinely brilliant gifts.
