It only seems like a second ago that you were bemoaning the fact that the supermarket aisles were stacked with Christmas trinkets too early. Now, all of a sudden, people have started to say things like, “I can’t believe it’s nearly here”, and, “There’s just not enough time to fit in seeing everyone“… Where does the time go? Finding the right gift for people who ‘don’t want anything’ or don’t have a clue what to ask for, can be tricky. So here are a few things that might give you a bit of gift inspiration, when brain space is at a premium.

1. Signed, sealed, delivered….

Find perfectly packaged, tailored boxes at Rockbox, filled with fun gifts for all types of people, including gym bunnies, foodies, tea lovers, cosy night in lovers and lots more. No sign of tat, here: each box contains a selection of luxurious, cleverly edited treats. The 2017 box, above, is great for organised souls – or those with good intentions, at least… Rockbox

Instagram: @rockbox_rocks

2. Guiding lights

You know those star lights you’ve seen all over Instagram, I can guarantee someone in your life would like one. Same with the letter light boxes. I love this star one from HEMA because it keeps it clean with white LED lightbulbs and it only costs £7.50, plus you can click and collect. HEMA is a treasure trove of wonderful things!

Lightboxes make a cool and fun wall decoration, and the perfect gift for someone who has everything – unless they already have one, of course! I like this wooden A3 size version by Ginger Snap, £50 at Hurn & Hurn.

3. Boot-iful

No, there is no such thing as too many pairs of boots. And these from Joules are so special. The only problem you’ll have from here on in is choosing the style. I plumped for these black with silver backs (a Christmas present to myself, totally acceptable), but there are leopard print ones, croc skin print ones… all guaranteed to bring joy. From £130 at Joules

4. Mini mouse

A quick visit online to Boden will solve all kinds of Christmas gift woes. But the baby wear is especially dreamy. From accessories to full outfits, there is something for every budget and guaranteed ‘cute’ by the bucketload. Hat and mitten set, currently reduced to £17.15 at Boden.

5. See the world

My personalised map is (along with my photo albums and my hard drive), my most treasured possession. It makes a great gift for the intrepid traveller, or travelling couple. I received mine as a gift from my sister for my 30th birthday and was thrilled. £59.95 at Prezzybox

6. Print and go

Something for the tech person in your life? Maybe they love Instagram, but never get around to printing photos out? How about this Pringo on the go printer, which connects wirelessly via an app and prints your pics in wallet size. Slightly faddy, but cute nonetheless. £55 at Photomart

7. Den day

Erm, how cool would you have thought your auntie or uncle was if they had bought you a TEEPEE for Christmas?! Score serious points with one of these bad boys. £135 at Wildfire Teepees (which is currently offering free next dray delivery)

8. Retro gamer

I reeeeeally wanted to get the Nintendo Classic Mini Entertainment System, which came with 30 of the original games and was only £50. I am hoping this may come back in stock soon (fingers crossed – come on Nintendo!) Otherwise, a Nintendo DS is a good shout for keeping co-travellers entertained on long journeys.

9. The future

You didn’t know you needed it but the Amazon Echo is a game changer. The ‘Alexa’ system is kind of like an in house assistant, playing music and answering questions. So you ask, “Will I need an umbrella today?”, and you’ll get a weather forecast, ask it to read you a book and it will, it ‘learns’ using smart tech and does things like lines up your favourite sports results, and it can even control lights, switches and thermostats using apps like Hive. Truly, futuristic, and the closest I would want to a robot in my own home. Amazon Echo is £149.99, Amazon

You could also plump for a Virtual Reality headset, which I am sure lots of people have on their lists of ‘things I don’t know I want but would probably enjoy at least for a day or two’…

10. Must have skincare

If in doubt, head to L’Occitane, which has a huge selection of skincare products and gift boxes for men and women. Having spent over three years as a magazine beauty editor, I have tried all kinds of potions and lotions, lots good, some terrible! And L’Occitane always comes up trumps. If you want something showy, its gift boxed collections are second to none in terms of quality and attractiveness, and will definitely impress. If you just want a single product, go for the Shea Butter hand cream, (below), which is a must have for every stocking. Hand cream £19 at L’Occitane

A men’s gift set

11. Sweet memories

A memory pillow makes such a thoughtful gift, but if you don’t have the sewing skills yourself, you can commission someone clever to do it for you! The talented crew at Tuppenny House Designs can create a world of cushion styles to celebrate everything from the arrival of a baby to a wedding, or whatever you wish.

You can personalise the text and imagery (including Beatrix Potter and flower Fairy characters) on the cushion online, and can add a toy for the children’s pillows which is tied on with a ribbon. I have a love/hate relationship with personalised things, as I have seen so many tacky ideas. But this is far far removed from tat, with all the hallmarks of handmade loveliness, style and flawless crafting. Cushions from £35.95 at Tuppenny House Designs

So, happy shopping, and wishing you and yours a very happy Christmas, indeed!

More shopping and gift ideas for kids and babies? Read on…

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