It's that time of year again: time to dust off the baubles, regale each other with definitive rankings of Quality Street flavours, and have the age old (heated) discussion surrounding if Die Hard is actually a Christmas film. It must be Christmas!
Back in the day, if you were anything like us as children, you were armed with a huge catalogue and a biro to communicate your Christmas wish list, circling any manner of ridiculous items (we never did get that Barbie Dreamhouse!). But buying gifts for the grown ups in your life is a different matter entirely.
We've put together some of our favourite items we're coveting this festive season, and if they appear in our stockings we absolutely will not be complaining!
Jones Road Beauty is the brain child of make up legend Bobbi Brown, and prides itself on a clean, no nonsense, no make up make up aesthetic. Many of Jones Road's offerings are multi use and suit all skin types, making them a perfect gift for a beauty lover this season.
Cool, design led drinks wear is always a brilliant option for hard to buy for loved ones. Anna and Nina's jewellery and homeware takes inspiration from the rich, colourful designs of Asia and this checked ceramic mug is so vibrant. Pair with their favourite tea or coffee as a cute, simple gift.
Sunday Riley have placed themselves at cult status amongst skin and beauty experts and fans, and this mini gift set gives a taste of the brand's hero products at a fraction of the price. We personally love any skincare gift, as it gives us an opportunity to practice a tiny slice of self care, and gift sets can be a chance to try out a new brand you might not otherwise think to try.
Yotam Ottolenghi's career as a chef has resulted, most notably, in us sprinkling za'atar seasoning into absolutely everything. In the winter, it seems like the most inspiration for recipe ideas are needed, and Ottolenghi recipe books are always bursting with ideas for nourishing, flavourful meals that aren't overcomplicated.
A cool, classy candle from a small brand can elevate a room, and maximise the cosy vibes. Earl of East candles are hand poured and made of vegetable wax and essential oils, which is better for you to breathe in, and also makes for a better performing candle that burns evenly. The gift box also makes this an impressive and elegant present for anyone.
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Good things come in small packages (just ask our little ones!), and shiny things in small packages are some of the best surprises of all! These abstract earrings from Wolf and Moon are handmade in their London studio, and feature beautiful baroque glass pearls.
If, like us, you like your caffeine source at "rocket fuel" levels, a good ground coffee is a brilliant option as an actually useful festive gift! The aeropress is a fond favourite among coffee aficionados (try saying that before you've had your first cup of the day), and also cuts down on waste from coffee pods. It's also light and portable, and requires no power: so you can take it along to festivals, camping and the office.
Look, call us silly, but a travel mug always makes us feel put together and in charge, even on days when we feel anything but. Come at us world, we may have forgotten our house keys and to put deodorant on today, but we've brought a tea from home! A good quality, and beautifully designed travel mug is priceless, and this Emily Brooks bamboo number fits the bill (no bird pun intended!).
Prints are a fab present, as they can easily and affordably change and update a home, and can reflect any number of the recipients niche interests. For example, these London Shop Front Prints from East London Print House allow you to pledge your affinity to your favourite London coffee shop or eatery, or declare which Brick Lane Beigel shop is the best (Yellow? White? We're not sure we actually know...).
Adult Arctic Cub Trapper Hat in Gold
Why should the little ones have all the fun? Our range of adult hats here at LHW are fun, vibrant and best of all comfy. Lightweight enough to chuck in your work bag for when the rain falls or you need a little bit of snuggly comfort. Cool and colourful enough to match any outfit!
Depending how well you know someone, choosing a fragrance for someone can be a daunting task. And if they consider themselves something of an amateur perfumer, a discovery set of fragrances is a great option. Maison Margiela Replica are renowned for beautiful fragrances that capture personal snapshots, such as Lazy Sunday Morning, Beach Walk and Jazz Club (our personal favourite: a rich, heady blend of tobacco, rum and vanilla notes).
If in doubt, choose chocolate. A gift buying mantra, and also a mantra for life. Booja Booja chocolates are vegan, organic, and award winning, and you know we love to represent a fellow independent local business- they're made right here in sunny Norfolk!
This selection includes the flavours hazelnut crunch, stem ginger and espresso. Yes please sign us up right now!
What would be at the top of your festive wish list? If you're having festive fun in your LHW goodies, don't forget to tag us on social media!
Emma Watson, Owner, Little Hotdog Watson
After growing up in the North-west of England, Emma’s love of travel and style saw her career move to London with a fashion + business degree, first working as a trend researcher then menswear buyer for some of the most famous stores in the UK.
In 2015, having had her first baby, she moved to Norwich to explore a family life closer to beaches and the countryside. Becoming a parent she found herself in a world of kidswear that didn’t look good or perform for the type of fresh air fun as a family so she set about creating her own brand. Little Hotdog Watson was born in 2016. The summer and winter hats for kids and adults, jam-packed with innovative protective technology have gone on to win awards, grace the pages of magazines, like Vogue, Grazia, Independent, Mother and Baby and celebrities alike.
Emma had another daughter in 2019 and became a lecturer in Fashion and Business at Norwich University of the Arts. She continues to design hats at her dining room table and share her passion to help families get outside more and explore the world. Here is one of her favourite outside blogs; 15 games adults will love playing with kids
Email her anytime at; support@littlehotdogwatson.com or find her on Instagram.
