A BLOGGER'S VIEW

FINDING THE PERFECT PRESENT

Picking the right gift can be a very tricky business, so to help generate some ideas we called on our expert bloggers. We tasked them to find gifts for their fellow bloggers Secret-Santa-style. From little sweet treats right up to extravagant gestures, they've told us what makes a great gift. 

Image of presents by 'Ellis Tuesday'

by 'Ellis Tuesday'

“A great stocking filler or Secret Santa gift has to be a bauble of some sorts but not your typical or average Christmas bauble. I'm really looking forward to brewing up some of this mulled wine tea once we're properly in December.

Now when I spotted the Kate Spade New York box as I unwrapped this, I knew that I was in for a treat. This business card holder is just so beautiful and something that I'll truly treasure forever. It might have also given me the push that I needed to finally get some business cards printed. It feels like a really nice way to start 2018 too.

I've wanted to try Clinique's Pop lipsticks for quite some time now but I can never really justify buying new lipsticks, for example, especially when I regularly receive new ones to review and already have quite the collection. And because they're travel sizes I don't feel too guilty about trying out several at the same time.” 

Image of hamper by 'Elle N Beauty'

by 'Elle N Beauty'

"I was paired with Annie who is a lifestyle blogger with a zest for adventure. As Annie has a very active lifestyle, I knew that I wanted to pick gifts that would revolve around her passions. The first items that caught my eye were the Gaiam yoga mat and the pressure massage roller. She loves to practice yoga to nourish her mind, body and soul and I thought the roller will come in handy to release muscle tension from her active lifestyle.

Next, I went for the Barts Beanie to help keep her head stylishly warm through her outdoor workout session... Plus, who can resist a gorgeous knit beanie that sports a cute fluffy pom-pom?

To help give Annie some inspiration on her travel plans I added the Lonely Planet book which features 500 most unmissable sights and attractions. Lastly, I chose a gift for her gorgeous new puppy Winnie. I opted for the Slushy the Snowman Toy which is just super adorable! I hope Winnie enjoys her first Christmas with her new friend.”

Image of present by 'Glass of Ice'

by 'Notes from a stylist'

"When it comes to Secret Santa, the thrill can be found in gifting small items at affordable prices, but what about if you're looking to go a step further in search of something a little more luxurious? Charbonnel et Walker is one of my all-time favourite chocolatiers, thanks to both the gorgeous packaging and delicious contents. Tons of tasty Charbonnel et Walker treats would make great gifts, particularly their milk and dark chocolate sea salt caramel truffles.

Be still my beating heart. Seriously, swoon. Charlotte Tilbury's palette is an exclusive to John Lewis and is just as dreamy as it looks. Coming in at just under £50, it fits perfectly into the luxurious Secret Santa category for when your budget is that little bit higher.

Festive-themed gifts are a great route for exploring for when it comes to playing Secret Santa; even better when they're also really, really pretty. This stag pen will undoubtedly be coming along for the wild journey of writing my Christmas cards this year."

Image of hamper by 'Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs'

by 'Notes from a stylist'

“When the team at John Lewis asked me to take part in a gifting swap to pick a gift from their festive season offerings for fellow blogger Becky I was right on board quicker than Santa can slide down your chimney.

Becky loves her travel, food and family, but with such a hectic schedule I wondered how often she gets any time to herself. We have kids around the same age, and as a fellow busy mum, I figured a lovely gift for her would be the Elemis skincare gift set, the perfect pampering treat for the frenetic festive season ahead.

The thing I loved about the Elemis collection is that it’s like a complete home spa treat and something that oozes ‘me-time’. There’s a sleep bath and shower elixir, a couple of perfume oils to calm and clarify as well as a super luxe candle to light whilst you’re enjoying your me-time. All you need to add is a fluffy bathrobe, a good book and a glass of bubbly and you will have the perfect winter’s night in sorted.”

*Please note: we can't be responsible for the content of external websites

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