The art of gifting & creating a thoughtful wishlist

The question I’ve been asked most in the past week is: what would you like for Christmas? So naturally I’ve started searching and saving items of interest and thought it was high time I started sharing them here. Plus there’s nothing worse than receiving or gifting something that isn’t wanted, so I wanted to share a few thoughts, tips and gifting ideas! Luckily like most things in life gifting (and creating a good wishlist) are arts that can be mastered. I have my own wishlist, but also make lists for loved ones after asking questions too - it’s important to put some thought into it! Try to start as early as possible and pay attention to the things your loved ones like!

Each holiday season, I generally refer back to wishlists I’ve created on my favourite style and e-commerce sites, such as Net-A-Porter, Matches and MyTheresa. I keep running wishlists throughout the year - to help me keep track of items I have my eye on, to invest in pieces for less when the sales hit and to help me create a wishlist for Christmas and my birthday.

When it comes to creating a wishlist, I’d advise treating it as you would your wardrobe - pick out a few timeless pieces (a cashmere knit, everyday winter boots, watch or a coat) - that you know you’re going to wear regularly and then sprinkle in a few items that might feel like a luxury; items you might not usually buy for yourself, such as a Trudon candle, a unique ceramic serving dish, new bedding, expensive hand cream.

Personally I’m also a big fan of good hand wash (long before the pandemic) that comes in an aesthetically pleasing bottle - and have indeed asked for this (along with matching hand cream) in the past! I think there’s no better way to elevate the everyday than with a beautifully packaged (and scented) matching hand wash and hand cream for both the kitchen and your main bathroom. There’s something really elegant about having these products at home, plus they are affordable. I think the basis for better living is to raise daily life a few bars and this is a simple way to do it! As are good quality white cotton bedsheets and bath towels. And so I think these make perfect gifts as one uses them daily. Other items to consider are beautiful wine and water glasses, luxury bubble bath, candles and sleepwear - silk pjs and fluffy slippers.

Gifts to elevate the everyday

Then of course there are those special, more personal gifts, such as jewellery, a watch or a handbag (perhaps a backpack or weekend bag for a man). These will take a lot more thought as you need to know the person well, plus if it’s jewellery you’re gifting, think about whether they wear more gold or silver and what kind of occasion they’d wear different types of jewellery for. If you’re adding these to your own wishlist - do the same! You don’t want to ask for a necklace that you never wear.