25 Very Cool Gifts For The Very Hard To Buy For [The 2019 Edition]
[Contains affiliate links marked with an asterisk *]
I was going to bring back the room by room gift guides I did a few years back, but I fear with the chaos of the next few weeks that I’ll only get as far as the living room, so I’m sticking with my newer tradition of finding twenty-five very cool gifts for the tricky customers in your life instead.
As always, I have included some things that I already own, or REALLY REALLY wish I owned, and would be more than happy find them waiting under the tree for me on Christmas morning. Self-gifting is quite acceptable for Christmas too don’t you know?
There is something here for all ages, and obviously I have stuck with what I know best. If you’re reading this Santa, I have particular interest in literally everything here that I don’t already own…
1. Rose Noir Bath Salts - L’Objet at The Conran Shop*
I’m a teeny bit obsessed with L’Objet products, and this one would smarten up any bathroom. A lot. Well maybe not mine in its current state, but it sure would make me feel better about it, and that apothecary style bottle is a keeper!
2. The Reveller Gift Kit - Aesop
The problem with Aesop hand wash and hand cream, is that it genuinely can’t be beaten. I have tried so many in a quest to find something similar at a cheaper price, but nothing I’ve tried comes even close. This would make the most amazing gift for almost anyone of almost any age.
3. Fragrance Profiling - Miller Harris
I was recently invited down to the Miller Harris store in Coal Drops Yard for Fragrance Profiling and can’t recommend it enough to help you hone right in on your perfect scent and it would make such a cool gift.
4. Violette Scented Candle - Selfridges*
My current scented candle obsession, a bit like Aesop with hand wash, it’s VERY hard to be a Diptyque scented candle.
5. Loose Leaf Tea - Jing
Make mine Earl Grey. The Vanilla Black is also amazing and there will definitely be some of both under our tree this year. Hands-down the best I’ve ever tasted.
These candles from Polkra in ceramic containers adorned with Katie Scotts illustrations are just stunning, and the candles themselves are top notch too. And I’m a massive candle snob, so trust me, I know.
7. A Dazzle of Zebras Matches - Polkra
For the person who has everything, posh matches are an almost foolproof gift. With Fee Greening illustrations, the selection from Polkra are absolutely fabulous.
8. Black Flag Horse Cushion Cover by Kate Black at The Shop Floor Project
I LOVE Kate Black’s work, and these cushions would work brilliantly in so many rooms, including the coolest of kids rooms.
9. Teddy Cushion - Att Pynta
The most on-trend cushion of the season, to please that fussy interiors focussed friend!
10. Braided Apple Storage Basket - Couverture and The Garbstore
This basket almost makes me broody. Kidding, but it does make me want to decorate a child’s bedroom but mine are too old, so you should buy it for yours instead.
11. Sierra Yellow Edge Pot by Skagerak - Goodhood
I don’t own any of these beautiful plant pots, but I’ve admired them for a long time, and they would make such a lovely gift. Pop a pot of fresh herbs inside for extra brownie points.
12. ‘I Cannot Live Without You’ Screenprint by David Shrigley at Jealous.
Obsessed is probably the closest word to describe how I feel about this print. Maybe if I’m an extra good girl it can be my Christmas present and then I won’t need another one for at least five years? PLEASE SANTA?!
13. Natas Kaupas Challenger Blue Reissue Skate Deck - Palomino
Cookie-cutter generic artwork be gone! Skate decks (from proper indy skate shops) make brilliant art work for kids rooms, and grown up spaces too! There were at least nine hanging on our walls the last time I counted. The Palomino have so many cool options.
14. David Shirgley ‘Life Is Fantastic’ Tea Towel - Tate
Can’t afford the David Shrigley print but desperately want it? Same! So I’ll be purchasing this tea towel instead and framing it. Problem solved!
15. Grid Tea Towels by Hay - Selfridges*
Once upon a time, I would have been furious if someone had given me a tea towel for Christmas but aren’t these lovely? Oh how times have changed!
16. Cotton Poolside Bathmat - Couverture and The Garbstore
Who knew a bathmat could be cool? Not me! I may have to rethink my bathroom plans entirely based around this thing of beauty.
17. Joy Division Unknown Pleasures Plate by Peter Saville for Goodhood
This would make a VERY cool gift for any Joy Division fan. Whether they use it for their marmite on toast or a piece of art is up to them!
18. Fernand Léger Freedom, Peace, Solidarity Scarf - Tate
I love the graphics of this wonderful scarf and the message is particularly apt. The recipient could wear it of course, but I know I’d be framing it.
19. Capri Dolce Vita Book - The Conran Shop*
I promise I don’t just like it for the cover *crosses fingers behind back*. But seriously, how great does this book look? Even if the inside is only half as good, I would still be over the moon!
20. Shell Marbled Resin Vase by Dinosaur Designs - Matches*
Dinosaur Designs are an Australian brand that has been around ever since I can remember, based in Sydney where I grew up. I used to long to own a piece of their resin jewellery as a teenager when wandering along past their shop on Oxford Street in Paddington, and it was lovely to discover that not only are they still around and clearly thriving, but also available in the UK. This dinky little vase is SO pretty!
21. Heroine and Cocaine Shakers by David Shrigley - Aria
Okay, okay I know I have three David Shrigley products in my gift guide, but they’re just so good. I’ve loved these for so long, I don’t know why I’ve not included them in a gift guide before (or maybe I have?!), but this year is the year apparently. So sue me.
22. Handmade Scalloped Trinket Dish by Karin Hossack - Edition 94
Newly obsessed with Karin Hossack’s gorgeous ceramics. Gimme, gimme, gimme!
23. Popotin Pot - Anissa Kermiche
I’m obsessed with Anissa’s ceramics. Everything she does is magic!
24. Slow Coffee Mug by Kinto - Heal’s*
I’ve only just discovered Kinto, and I love everything I’ve seen so far, not least these gorgeous mugs.
25. Inka Bowl - Oyoy
The perfect sculptural dish. Gaze at its considerable beauty as is, or put it to good use as a trinket dish, coin or nut bowl, or for your shell or acorn collections.