Holiday Gift Guide 2024
With a week to go till Christmas, i am a little late to the holiday gift guide party. I know. I’ve had this gift guide marinating in my drafts for a long time and if you’ve been following me on Instagram you’d know that the last month has been a series of chaos, ever since we touched down from magical London Town. Could it be a sign that I belong there? Nevertheless, I am determined to hit publish and help you get gifts for your loved ones (or even yourself!) this festive season of joy. I do believe that the entire end of year + new year season over the span of two months is a season of gifting, there isn’t an expiry date. I think Christmas is usually a celebration with family, followed by New Years Eve parties and New Years Day brunch when friends reunite making it such a special time to exchange gifts.
I’ve been surrounded by some very gracious women over the last many years who practice gift-giving every time we meet – whether it’s box of cookies, a delicious jam (I love jam!), a scarf from their recent trip. It’s made me want to cultivate the same habit. So, I try to do the same. Oftentimes showing up to lunch with a bunch of fresh flowers and making sure to stock up on bars of soaps from my travels or getting two of a makeup item I really like so I can gift it to a friend who loves it as much as I do.
I’ve come to realise the magic word when it comes to gifting is ‘intention’. Having the right intention helps you find the right gift that fits a purpose for the gift receiver – whether it’s something they can use, within the realm of what their current interests are, or simply something that brings them joy. It’s the thought that counts, so I make sure to pick out a gift that my friend or family member may have brought up in passing over dinner months ago. And I live for their excitement when they rip off the wrapper and go ‘Oh my god! You listened!’, or ‘I can’t believe you remembered!’. They’re happy and it gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing that yes, I did remember. Yes, I did put in the thought. It’s the best of a win, win situation!
With that, I bring you my Last Minute (sorry!) Holiday Gift Guide for 2024. I’ve curated a list of things I love, plenty of which I already own. Ones that aren’t are in my Wishlist for 2025. As much as affordability is everything, I’ve also grown to know that affordability is subjective and varies from people to people. So, here’s a mix of high-low gifts. There’s something for everyone!
- For the hostess with the mostess
I LOVE hosting! and I’ve come to realise that so many women in their late twenties just like me are also starting to experiment in this avenue. Hosting is such an art and goes beyond putting food on the table. It’s about how you make guests feel comfortable, setting the right ambience with the right tableware, napkins and lighting, down to having the right scent, and of course great drinks. I take pride in calling myself a hostess with the mostess, so I make sure to show up in some of my best dresses and genuinely welcome everyone into our safe space for the night.
- Lilin&Co – Reed Diffuser. I have a bunch of Lilin&Co candles in my home. Wild Frangipani has been my favourite for the last six years, but I am obsessed with their new scent – Neroli & Ylang Ylang, the perfect fresh woody scent to welcome guests when they walk into a home.
- Lepel Club – Set of Four Pearl Spoons. How chic are these?! They make the perfect dessert spoons. These are very much in my list for 2025. I think it’ll make a great gift not just for hosting but getting a set of two pearl spoons for a friend will let them enjoy their next granola breakfast or ice cream nights. It also comes in a set of four pearl forks.
- Bordallo Pinheiro – Large Cabbage Bowl. You would’ve seen aesthetic cabbage bowls all over social media, but why not get the original for a dear friend? Cabbage dinnerware was designed in 1884 by Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro, a talented artist and ceramicist. He gained acclaim for his art pottery first, then began creating molds of his flora and fauna forms. Definitely in my 2025 list. Also makes for such a great story to share with guests while tossing up some salad.
- Mackenzie Childs – Enamel Pedestal Serving Platter. I recently started building my Mackenzie Childs collection, starting with their signature tea kettle which we recently purchased from Fortnum & Mason. I aim to slowly grow my collection over the span of the next twenty years. Next on my list is this gorgeous serving platter that would be perfect as a cake stand. Plus who wouldn’t be happy to receive anything Mackenzie Childs?
- Aesop – Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash. I always say, you can’t go wrong with soaps and candles as a gift and Aesop hand wash is my go-to gift for when I’m lacking creativity or simply don’t have the time to really think up a gift. Smells divine! Trust me, your hostess with the mostess friend will love popping this down in their powder room for when guests are over.
- Next – Set of 4 Muti Bright Wiggle Place Mats. I recently purchased them and can’t wait to use them the next time I host. A priority for me when it comes to napkins and place mats is ensuring they wash well. Aside from the colourful wiggle borders, the white means it’s easy to remove stubborn stains.
- For the stylish social media icon
The fashion and tiktok obsessed friend is the easiest to shop for. All you have to do is lookup trending products. I also included some picks that I personally own and love. Here’s my personal tip – avoid gifting blouses or apparels as it can be tricky to find the right size The last thing you want is for a blouse you gifted to end up in the pits of their wardrobe, never seeing light of the day. Which is why I opt for fragrances, scarfs and accessories so your friend can easily play mix and match.
- Ted Baker – Abbieai Printed Square Scarf – I love Ted Baker, always have always will. They make the prettiest printed dresses and this scarf is sure to be a hit. Your friend will love a versatile scarf that can be tied around the neck or turned into a bag twilly.
- Heaven Mayhem – Prize Burgundy Earrings -The brand has been making waves all over social media. In fact, I will be receiving this exact set anytime now as my own holiday gift, from moi to moi. Can’t go wrong with Burgundy, it’s such a classic!
- Bowerhaus – Tina Sparkle Brooch in Berry The brand specialises in freshwater pearls and I simply can’t get over the combination of colours they use. This brooch in Berry is in my 2025 list. I also love the Bower Brooch in Malachite Gold.
- Petit Moi x Gigi – Big Girl Pouch -The perfect gift for the friend who loves makeup or has a 15-step skincare routine. I love how it’s minimalistic on the outside and a full-on garden party on the inside.
- Khoon Hooi – Chiasa Short Handle Bag -I have two of these and loved them so much that I gifted another three to my in-laws. I love sprucing things up during special dinners and especially during the festive season. The intricate oriental-inspired brocade makes it such a unique and special gift.
- Aerin – Amber Musk Perfume – So many of us played around with perfume layering this year, so gifting a perfume is top on my list. I know everyone could use another. I am obsessed with mine in Cedar Violet and love how the brand is still very much underrated. I’m sure receiving a bottle would make someone very happy.
- Guest In Residence – The Striped Soft Socks – The fact that the brand is a brainchild of Gigi Hadid is enough reason to gift it to a friend who’s a fan of the Hadid sisters. I also feel their sicks are priced reasonably well. Think I’ll also gift myself a pair this Christmas!
- Petit Moi – Cardholder in Rouge – Cardholders have become an essential for me. I rotate my bags almost everyday and most of the time, my purses don’t fit. That’s when cardholders come to the rescue. Definitely an essential that your friend or sister or even younger niece would love to have.
- Gisou – Honey Infused Hair Oil – I’ve been using Gisou for six years now and it’s my trusted hair oil. Plus, everyone I know adores Negin Mirsalehi and her instagram is literal social media heaven. I would be so happy to receive it as a gift and I’m sure others will too.
- For the homebody
As a homebody myself, nothing makes me happier than staying home catching up on my favourite tv shows while being snuggled in a blanket, sipping on iced chocolate in my favourite mug. Chances are your friend who is a homebody also enjoys journaling, drawing a bath and having a religious skincare routine. So, here’s my trusted guide on gifts for the homebody – from candles, pyjamas and even a coffee machine.
- Loccitane – Cocoon De Serenite Relaxing Pillow Mist – I’ve been spritzing this on my pillow case all year, even using it as a room spray for when I have guests coming over. Top notes – lavender and geranium, Base notes – Mint leaves and basil.
- Whimsigirl – Ina Ruffle Cushion Cover in Blue Gingham – I guarantee you every homebody loves anything that’s Gingham. This cushion cover is in my cart and I can’t wait to hit checkout. The brand has a whimsical variety of table cloths and napkins with ginghams and ruffles that would make a pleasant gift for the homebody who occasionally loves playing hostess.
- Brush With Gigi – Toothpaste – Vegan, cruelty-free toothpaste made with clean ingredients like Tea Tree and Virgin Coconut Oil. Plus, how cute is the black, white, and gold packaging?!
- Sleeper – Party Pyjamas Set with Detachable Feathers in Black – Another brand that’s been making waves all across social media. I’m not kidding when I say that this has been in my cart for two months now and I am so tempted to hit checkout… if only it wasn’t for the price. This one’s definitely a splurge but would make an amaaazing gift for a best friend who’s been by your side through it all. Sleeper’s pyjamas scream luxury.
- Tiffany & Co – Vida Poche trinket tray in Bone China – My brother-in-law gifted us a set of four mini trinket trays for our wedding which we both use to hold our wedding rings. I no longer see it on the website but came across this exquisitely unique substitute. Again, a splurge but I would get this as a gift for my mother or a grandmother who appreciates fine craftsmanship. Remember, they’re also just girls who like nice things.
- Dipytique – Baies Classic Candle – We recently splurged on two candles for our home from the first ever Dipytique store in Saint Germain – Amber and Paris. So, so special. I get that Sapin is the current seasonal bestseller but I would get Baies, a classic and signature, as a gift so they can start their candle collecting journey.
- Nespresso – Lattissima One Porcelain White Coffee Machine – With every new coffee machine that’s launched, the older collections drop a little more in price. If your friend is trying to save money this year and spends waaaay too much on coffee everyday, get her a coffee machine. She’ll thank you later.
- For the bookTOK obsessed
- Kindle – I am a paperback girl through and through and don’t see myself making the shift to Kindle in the near future. But I know so many girls are and those who have it, love it. One thing to remember is you don’t need to gift the latest Kindle. There’s so many affordable older models to choose from. I’m sure your friend or family member would be happy with any kind of Kindle.
- Books make the best gift! I hate to admit it but my book habits this year have been severely influenced by Reese’s Book Club. They have some really great recommendations on there. Otherwise, go with a coffee table book that matches their interests.
- Petit Moi – Blue Agate Ribbon Bookmark – I just started using mine and I’m so in love with it. I love collecting bookmarks and the bookmark sometimes determines how excited I am to actually read the book. I’m sure it’s the same with other readers. This one in Blue Agate just hits so well with fantasy or victorian and gothic mystery novels.
- Jimmy Fairly – The Lou Women’s Eyeglasses – Chances are at this age, a lot of your friends may have started having eye problems but aren’t investing in a pair of reading glasses. I picked up a pair on our recent trip to London and love mine so much, also in green.
- Emma Bridgewater – Polka Dot Mug – Also in my cart. Aside from Mackenzie Childs, this is another brand I love. Chances are if your friend loves reading, they most certainly enjoy cozying up with a cup of hot tea. Which is why a brand new mug makes such a great gift.
- Ana tomy – Book Tote in Pine – Every bookworm needs a book tote to hold all their books. It’s the holy trinity.
Wishing everyone a wonderful end of the year season. “Merry Christmas you filthy animal, and a Happy New Year!” – it’s a Home Alone reference for those who don’t know, I’m not actually calling you a filthy animal……..
Happy Christmas!
Until the next one.
Love, alyia