We’ve all got that one friend that prescribes to a life of less stuff (in my friendship group, that’s me!) and honestly, they’re probably quite hard to buy for (I’m sorry). 2023 proved to be the year that we all need to live with less – in a bid to reduce overconsumption, and to also save some pennies in the cost of living crisis. So, for this year’s Christmas gift guide, I wanted to share a gift guide full of things I love and wear on a regular basis. These items are not only beautiful and sustainable, but they’re also well-made and they last.
From my favourite investment pieces, to the best discoveries from my cruelty-free beauty reviews, these are the items that feature heavily in my day-to-day life, and have featured heavily in my posts over the last few years too. If you like to give good quality gifts, that look good, and do good, this Christmas gift guide is for you!
Well-Loved Christmas Gifts On A Budget
From top left: Aviela Shea Butter Hand Cream* £16, Organic Basics Baby Tee* £20, Ocean Bottle Brew Flask* £35, Swedish Stockings Olivia Tights* £26, So Beauty Brush Set* £20, The Body Shop White Musk Perfume* £9, Noto Botanics Multi-Bene Stick £25, Manicurist Glow Nail Polish* £16, Etsy Gift Card* from £25, Peper Harow Recycled Rib Socks* £12, Etsy Jewellery Tray* £4, The Body Shop White Musk Body Lotion* £14, West Elm Pillar Candles from £7
As someone who likes investment pieces, I was actually surprised at how many of my favourite items come in under £30. The vast majority of the clutter I like to carry around in my handbag is actually pretty inexpensive, and yet I’d probably tell you I can’t live without any of these things! From my signature Noto Botanics Lip Balm, in a hot red shade that’s bold but not too bold, to The Body Shop’s heavenly white musk roll-on and body lotion I like to layer with my Issey Miyake A Drop D’Issey perfume… These bits and pieces are sure to make a worthwhile gift. And when in doubt, gift a pair of tights from Swedish Stockings, which always seem a little pricy, but are some of my favourite things to wear, and they last years!
Spotlight On: Peper Harow Socks | Ad
For the perfect stocking filler, consider Peper Harow socks. These luxurious socks are made from better materials – chiefly, organic cotton and recycled cotton – and are made in the UK from start to finish. For 2023, I’ve been working as an ambassador for Peper Harow. In the past 12 months, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting their Sussex factory to see how they make their socks, and do it all under one roof. The team at Peper Harrow are small and passionate about sustainability, investing in better materials, better designs, and better practices too.
My personal favourites from the Peper Harow collection have to be their Retro Stripe Socks, followed closely by the Recycled Ribbed Socks, and of course, their Bed Socks. And now they have gift sets too!
Plus, get 20% off at Peper Harow with my code: BESMA
Mid-Range Christmas Gifts I Love
From top left: KMS Conscious Style Haircare Gift Set £49, Harfi Figaro Chain* £50, Sunday of London Iridescent Candle £42, Studio Pia Eye Mask £49, Organic Basics Recycled Wool Beanie* £44, Stoov Heated Cushion £90, Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Perfume Oil* £29, House of Babylon Robe* £30, Monarc Jewellery Little Chubbies Earrings £80, bkr Teddy Bottle 1L £38, Wolf & Gypsy Mary Jane Tabis £75, Peper Harow Bed Socks Set* £38, Art Fund National Art Pass from £45
If you’re looking for something a little special, this assortment of gifts is for you. From an organic cotton bathrobe (pair with a face mask and bath oil for a real treat), to a National Art Pass that will get your bestie into hundreds of art establishments for 1/2 price, these gifts give the receiver something to look forward to. I’ve also included my trusty Monarc Jewellery chubbies, which I wear almost daily, and have done for the last three years, and bed socks from Peper Harow that keep my toes cosy on these cold nights. There’s also a few essential upgrades in this list – my 1L bkr water bottle is my best friend when working from home, and the Stoov heated cushion is something I can no longer live without. It’s also made fairly and can save some serious £££ compared to putting the heating on.
Luxury Christmas Gifts That Last
From top left: Baukjen Wool Blend Blazer* £269, Triwa Power Gold Watch £189, Soft & Wet Silk Bra and Knickers £139, Ayten Gasson Black Silk & Lace Slip £127, La Bouche Rouje Eyeshadow Palette* £84, Sana Jardin Eau de Parfum* £95, Organic Basics Recycled Wool Knit* £125, Oubas Donegal Jumper £175, Dr Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50* £115, Little Portland Street Cooking Class Voucher from £75
Finally, if you’re looking for a truly luxurious gift, here’s a few ideas, compiled of gifts I’ve received, and a few I’ve given too. Top of the tree has to be a gift voucher to the Little Portland Street Cooking School, where I learned to make fresh pasta, and my best friend E learned to make French pastries. We both loved it there! Then, my beauty find of the year, Dr Barbara Sturm’s Sun Drops, which I’d love to wear every day for the rest of my life but sadly can’t at their £115 price point. And of course, luxurious, sustainably-made garments ranging from chic lingerie through to handmade knitwear and a timeless blazer.
Gift caught your eye? Let me know if you found some inspiration in this year’s guide, or if you have any questions – I can share my experience owning and using these items!
