Give the act of sanitising hands an indulgent upgrade with these expensive-looking holders from local leather and paper goods brand Bynd Artisan. Choose from black, brown, cinnamon or red croc-embossed leather and make sure to get the complimentary name embossing for a touch of personalisation.

This nifty little bag is made of water-resistant nylon, comes with top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap, folds into itself for convenience, and comes in a host of well-chosen colours.

Rebecca Minkoff’s brand of youthful, accessible luxury makes her designs ideal gifts for anyone who’s gunning for their first designer handbag. The Edie, made in quilted chevron leather, is a great size for everyday use.

This body cream is ideal for climates like ours: the lightweight, souffle texture means it nourishes and moisturises skin without leaving any stickiness.

Every year, Aesop releases a range of gift sets during the festive season that unfailingly make good presents. This year’s edition is inspired by literary voyages around the world. This set is inspired by “The Dream of Akinosuke”, a story by Japanese writer Lafcadio Hearn that can be experienced through the audio and eBook downloads included in the kit – a bonus on top of the brand’s best-selling Geranium Leaf body cleanser and balm, and Resurrection Aromatique hand wash and balm.

Innisfree has collaborated with Los Angeles-based artist and designer Steven Harrington, whose quirky illustrations appear on the brand’s festive collection. The most versatile of the lot: the perfumed diffusers Fruity Sweet (citrus and berries) and Deep Floral (warm and woody). 

Got a friend who’s just started to get to know their kitchen and oven this year? Surprise them with a festive trial baking lesson where they (you too, perhaps) can learn how to make a chocolate-flavoured vertical log cake. They’ll get to make and take home a creation with dark chocolate Chantilly cream and raspberry jam filling – tasty and fulfilling!

The eye-poppingly cute world of tokidoki is one to explore for a friend or loved one who’s into Japan and all things adorable. Italian artist Simone Legno is the man behind the vibrant character designs and has taken the brand to collaborations with big names like Karl Lagerfeld, the Guggenheim Museum, Onitsuka Tiger and Barbie, among many others. For Christmas, tokidoki have launched a series of its highly collectible Unicorno figures dressed, naturally, for the festive season.

For a friend who already has designer bags aplenty, consider one that’s simply fun for the sake of it. This one from Pedro is embellished with gold and silver pearls on a cushy shape with just enough space for everything you need on a night out.

This crossbody bag from Tumi, although inextricably a dopp kit-inspired travel style, works just as well in the meantime as an everyday bag. It’s made from lightweight leather and finished with thoughtful compartments and card slots designed for optimum ease and function.

The shoes from Pretty Ballerinas have been handmade in Menorca, Spain since 1918, and are finished with the premium grosgrain trimmings. This pair, with gold thread paisley embroidery and velvet ribbons, pairs slip-on-and-go ease with a little dark drama.

This limited-edition set of makeup brushes is printed with a glamorous leopard print on the vibrant red and green handles. The complexion and eye makeup brushes make a good addition to any beauty lover’s kit.

Give the gift of good sleep with this quartet of products that elevate bedtime rituals. The foaming bath gel, shower oil, overnight treatment and body lotion are formulated with ylang ylang, patchouli and clary sage essential oils – a trio of relaxation heavy-hitters.

A silk robe from La Perla is sure to be a luxurious gift that elevates and makes night time at home feel extra special. This one is finished with hand-embroidered lace on silk satin.

For someone who’s perpetually busy, this calming pillow mist made with organic lavender essential oils could be a source of tranquility and relaxation. A few spritzes before bed gives a calming effect perfect for a good night’s sleep.

This mini front flap bag is small in size but big on classic glamour, perfect for party season when the mini dresses and dainty evening accessories come out to play.

Skincare can be tricky to buy because of how different everyone’s skin types can be, but this soothing toner from Kiehl’s is so gentle and universally calming to skin that it makes a great gift. This year’s festive limited edition comes with whimsical and fun illustrations by the Lyon-based illustrator Maite Franchi, inspired by the brand’s first ever New York City apothecary locations.

The travel-sized kit of essential body care products from Yves Rocher make handy and fuss-free packing for staycations and the like. The body scrub, shower gel, hand cream and lip balm are all fragranced with festive notes of cranberry and blackcurrant.

The limited edition holiday shades from M.A.C this year are gorgeously metallic and shiny. Top of the lot: the Extra Dimension Skinfinish highlighters that come pressed in an embossed firework pattern. The creamy powder formula is long-lasting, and you have the option of a golden bronze shade or a frosty champagne. This kit comes bundled with a 143S fluffy fan brush in a suitably sparkly makeup pouch. 

The Mercy line from Georg Jensen is a collaboration between the brand and American jewellery designer Jacqueline Rabun. This sterling silver necklace is a great entry point into the brand’s art nouveau aesthetic, with soft and fluid shapes meant to evoke the flow of time.

The minimalist stylings of stainless steel timepieces make them an easy match for all tastes. A delicate mesh band and clean face, like this three-hand analogue style by Solvil et Titus, are elegant design features that give it an understated dressiness. 

Le Labo’s kit of six mini perfumes is a great place to start for someone in search of a new signature scent. It includes the brand’s bestsellers Another 13, Baie 19, Bergamote 22, Rose 31, Santal 33 and The Noir 29.

Consider these shampoos from hairdressing salon Reds a take-home treatment. The Nutritive Masque, Preventive Shampoo and Colour Shampoo are formulated to protect and moisturise chemically-treated hair, while the Tea Tree Shampoo has a cooling effect that makes it great for a refreshed and revitalised feel.

This cheeky pair of earrings, fashioned after hairdressing accessories, is a great tongue-in-cheek nod to a friend who’s obsessed with getting their hair done.

These mismatched earrings from Korean fine jewellery label P by Panache, inspired by desert cacti, are playful, chic and unconventional – great for the more fashionable people in your life.

Consider this fashion with a message. This playful tote comes from Notting Hill-based brand The Jacksons, who manufacture their products to fair trade standards. Their jute bags, in particular, are made in Bangladesh by a women’s co-op that promises access to medical care and education. Be kind indeed!

Hair is often lovingly taken care of but it’s easy to overlook the skin on our heads. This duo from natural haircare brand Aveda features a daily scalp exfoliating shampoo and a weekly detoxing scalp cleanser that promise a refreshing and invigorating sense of clean.

Italian sportswear brand Fila is having a fashionable comeback moment, and this classic jacket is a great piece for the man in your life looking for a little sportif style.

This glamorous silk chiffon number from resortwear label Marie France Van Damme has a big, bold jacquard flower pattern made in eye-catching gold lurex thread – ideal for a friend who likes to turn heads.