25 Very Cool Gifts For The Very Hard To Buy For [2023 Christmas Gift Guide]
[Ad info: contains affiliate links marked with an asterisk]
Oh yes, it’s that time of year yet again. My seventh annual 25 Very Cool Gifts for the Very Hard to Buy For gift guide is here to save the day, albeit a little later than intended. But despite what instagram will have you believe, you are not a failure if you didn’t finish your Christmas shopping and have your tree up and decorated by the end of October. It’s COMPLETELY NORMAL to only be starting to think about your shopping now, with just less that two weeks to go.
Every year I start compiling this weeks or more in advance and add to my notes as I see or think of something else that needs a place here, then I invariably end up with too many things and have to edit it down which is always hard, but what I end up with rarely resembles the list I start with. To say it’s heavily considered and curated is an understatement!
It’s no lie when they say time goes faster and faster as you get older. Terrifying really. And while I swear time really does go at a terrifying pace as they say it does as you get older, trends, do not. I could actually whip out next years gift guide while I’m at it. Kidding, not really, but I did realise when putting this guide together that my taste never really changes that drastically year to year. Sure, I may sway towards or away from a little more or less colour, but there’s definitely continuity of style. And when I am drawn to colours they don’t change that much either. I still look at the same brands and designers, but love that new ones pop onto my radar, and I love to spread the work about small businesses.
As always, I REALLY love everything I put on my gift guides, and some things I already have, while others I would love to have. HELLO Diptyque leather candle cover. GENIUS.
Anyway, I hope it helps to inspire, or lead you in a good direction to find the gifts you’re looking for, be that for loved ones, or as always, yourself. Self-gifting is alwasys a good thing. There’s definitely something in here that would work for almost any age, gender and taste, no matter how fussy.
So without further ado, let’s go!
Flame Leather Sleeve - Diptyque*
I haven’t stopped thinking about these since I saw them when they launched recently. And while this list is not in any particular order, this one is top of my Christmas list for sure.
Backgammon Tea Towel - Amuse La Bouche
There’s not much I’m not in love with from Amuse La Bouche, I’ve got a major crush on their Collagerie collaboration too, but this Backgammon tea towel would just make such a lovely gift. Way too nice to be used as a tea towel - well, especially in our house where they seem to be used as rags, so let’s call it a mini table runner instead.
Bite Me Necklace - The Vampires wife
This really doesn’t need a caption does it? Once a goth always a goth at heart. LOVE!
Porcelain Lemon - Jade Gallup Studio
I already had a thing for marble and glass fruit, now I’ll add porcelain fruit to the list! Super cute and comes in the prettiest pink and white too!
Verden Aborealist Hand Cream - Selfridges*
Verden’s natural scents have become a real favourite, from the hand wash to candles and diffusers. And who wouldn’t want to receive a tube of their beautiful hand cream - especially at this time of year when our hands need extra love and moisture.
Belgravia Champagne Cooler - Pure White Lines
For the person who has everything, you’re guaranteed to find something perfect from Pure White Lines, like this vintage replica nickel finish champagne cooler. Would make a brilliant plant pot or vase too!
Gradient Dominos - Luna & Curious
These caught my eye in their Shoreditch store recently and I thought they deserved a spot on the list this year. A great little gift and I might have buy some for some Christmas day entertainment around the dining table in the Hall household.
Aries No Problemo Socks - Copperfield
Okay, admittedly I would never normally put socks on this gift list, but I’m always happy to break my own rules for special things. And if the hippest socks in town don’t fall in to that category then I don’t know what does.
Local artist Piper has just collaborated with the Vivienne Westwood team, so, you know, get her while she’s extra hot.
Serpent Silver Matchbox Sleeve - Matilda Goad
I have this thing for snakes at the moment (that will become apparent soon. And no, I’m not getting a pet snake!), and I’ve always got a thing for matches and anything candle related, and think this is so fab. Plus you can have it personalised which always makes an extra lovely gift! Don’t forget the matches too.
Heart of Glass Scarf - Hades x BLONDIE
I’ve been a Blondie fan since I was 7 years old. I guess some things change, and some stay the same, and I definitely squealed with delight when I saw this collaboration. The vest and jumpers are just divine too!
Marble Ondulato Tray - Maud Vaughn
One of the best things about Instagram is the small businesses I’ve found that I would probably never have otherwise, and Maud Vaughn is right up there with my absolute favourites. A mix of beautifully curated vintage, and carefully designed and crafted accessories. The latest addition of marble trays with a wavy edge was an instant swoon! Available in five beautiful colours
Pia Wallen Cross Blanket - Arket
I’ve had a total crush on Pia Wallen’s iconic cross design for years, and one can never have - or give, too many throws right?
Personalised Liberty Print Notebook - Noble Macmillan
My feelings about personalisation have softened over the past few years - probably thanks to THE cutest personalised lip balms from Buly (see last years gift list here), and I have not one, but two personalised suggestions in this gift list - who even am I?! Anyway, these Liberty print notebooks can also be personalised and you can choose from three Liberty prints. What a lovely gift!
Made Et Len Ambre Pot Pourri - Matches*
This is one of my all time favourite purchases for the house, and this year it replaces the obligatory scented candle. From the vessel design and the sound it makes when you take the lid off, to the mineral stones and incredible scent, this contemporary take on pot pourri is basically magic.
Completed Works Small Pearlescent Resin Cushion - Liberty*
Who knew that I would be so charmed by a resin cushion objet d’art? Not me that’s for sure, but here we are.
Classic Woven Fan - The Colombia Collective
Big fan (pardon the pun), of these erm, fans, whether it’s to pack in your suitcase for a holiday in a hot destination, for the wall, or even the table.
Serax Billy 04 Vase - MYTHERESA*
Love these Billy vases which have a real Giacometti hand made feel to them, but at more of a high street price.
Alighieri The Silhouette of Summer Necklace - Matches
I’ve got a mega-crush on this sculptural fish bone necklace. Another one that I can’t get out of my head.
Trudon Ernesto Scented Matches - Trouva*
When you want to buy someone a little something without spending loads, you can never go wrong with a cool box of matches. Especially when they’re scented!
Masen Serving Gift Set - Soho Home*
Summer and salad season can’t come soon enough, and these would elevate the simplest of salads every time.
Les Ottomans Playing Card Embroidered Cushion - Matches*
Love a fun cushion (or ten), and these are super cute!
Orb Salt and Pepper Grinders - Case
The best grinders I’ve ever owned, and they look beautiful too.
Scribble Cushion - Kirkby Design
Speaking of fun cushions, what’s not to love about a spherical one? Adore these in the scribble pattern, and watching for the Amber colour to come back into stock too!
Crystalised Stem Ginger - Kew Shop
When all else fails, go for foodie gifts, and make sure the a packagaing is on point like this crystalised stem ginger from the shop at Kew Gardens.
So that’s it for another year. Now maybe tomorrow I will buy a bottle of Amaretto or something creamy and start feeling a bit Christmassy. We’re decorating the tree tomorrow night - first time we’ll have all been home together for a week, so it’s a pretty good excuse to break the no drinking Monday to Thursday rule, right? Happy shopping!