What to buy your friends and family this Christmas?
Well, as we’re now in December have you started to think about Christmas shopping?
I’ve made a start but still have a long way to go. Deciding what to buy is rarely easy and some people are trickier than others…and what about those stocking fillers for the family? So, with this in mind I thought I’d share with you 8 of my favourite things that I wouldn’t want to be without that might help give you some inspiration for what to buy your friends and family.
Let me know what you think and please share with me anything you think might make good presents for other people.
1. This time of year my hands get very dry (and that’s despite wearing rubber gloves for washing up and cleaning!). Over the years I’ve tried a lot of different hand creams, but I don’t think you can beat this one from the Body Shop if your hands need a little love and nurturing. Link
2. Another challenge which particularly goes with the time of year is chapped lips, I’m always reaching for a lip salve and love Neal’s Yard organic lip formula. Not only has it got lots of good ingredient but it’s also ethical. I have them squirreled all over the house and even keep one in my car, which comes in handy. Link
3. This next item – a compact reusable shopping bag which fits into the smallest of handbags is something a friend bought me years ago and is looking a bit tatty now because it’s had so much use. Mine is made of parachute silk, which is extremely durable, however, they now seem to be made from recycled plastic bottles. LInk
4. Next up are knickers! For many years I used to be a big fan of M&S but when they started using different foreign suppliers their quality and fit went downhill so I looked around for an alternative and came up with Strip & Stare. Now they’re not cheap (certainly compared to what you would pay in M&S) but they are the comfiest knickers I’ve worn. They are soft, breathable, wash well and don’t give you a VPL, what’s not to like? But the best bit is their sustainable credentials, and a tree is planted with every order. Link
5. Now you might think this next suggestion would make an odd gift, but I bet most of you have experienced clothes moths at some time or another. The Clothes Doctor does a whole range of clothing care products – and when you’ve smelt the scent of their liquid detergent and seen how soft your woollens come out of the machine (obviously on the hand wash cycle!) you’ll understand why they are on my list. Their mission when they launched in 2017 was to reduce clothing waste and turn clothing care from a chore into a rewarding ritual. Link
6. Germaine De Capuccini make-up remover – this oil-based makeup remover makes your makeup glide off and even waterproof mascara is easy, and it doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry. Whilst Germaine haven’t got the best of green credentials they have been trying to move in the right direction. Link
7. And to go with this are my Garnier Micellar reusable makeup remover micro fibre pads. They come in a pack of 3, and whilst I don’t wear much makeup, they have lasted ages. Mine have been washed may times and are still super soft and much better than other bamboo ones I’ve tried. Garnier have also been focusing on sustainability and transparency to improve their green credentials recently. Link
8. And finally, you know the first time you expose your flesh after it’s been hidden away all winter and you get your legs out, they just look so pasty – Tropic Summer Skin is the answer. But don’t go mad, just apply a fine layer and build it up over a couple of days for a natural look. And of course, it’s perfect for the Christmas party season when you’re wearing something glamorous! Link
And obviously, I could not use this opportunity to remind you that if you’re stuck for a gift idea, don’t forget that I offer gift vouchers for any denomination!