They say that giving is sweeter than receiving, so what will some of our favourite women be giving to others this holiday season? Read on for ‘give list’ inspo aplenty…
It’s been…a year. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays with loved ones in person or online, or treating your closest family and friends, given the tough times we have endured in the unarguably seminal 12 months that have been 2020, it is likely to be imbued with even more significance than normal. Looking after ourselves and those we love has become top priority and appreciating the little things is a habit that most of us have cultivated at one point or another as we’ve contended with lockdowns, social distancing and the general ravages of a global pandemic.
As we approach the holidays with hope on the horizon (*raises a glass to science*), we may be looking to splash out on something special to spark a whole lot of joy or simply be in search of something small and meaningful to tuck into someone’s stocking to let them know you’re thinking of them. From tried and tested wellbeing wonders to 24/7 flowers and stationery that’ll convince you to step away from the Whatsapp chat, here’s your gift list starter for ten according to women we love….
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Misty Reich, Founder of 35 Thousand
Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History: Herstory Museum A5 Journal
“This beautiful Journal has my favourite quote “Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History” on it. I bought this Herstory Museum version for some girlfriends and I love that it is elegant but has a wink of rebellion and reminder to make some good trouble;)”
Buy here
Oura Personal Health Tracking Advice
“This is a splurge-worthy fitness tracker. I have worn all the fitness tracking devices and watches, and if they are attractive they aren’t terribly accurate and vice versa. This ring is tiny (it weighs less than 6 grams), comes in different metals, is well researched and highly accurate. It measures Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, Sleep, Activity and Temperature.”
Buy here
Read Misty’s article ‘The Books that changed my head, heart, leadership and life’ here
Susannah Taylor, Editor
Neom’s Perfect Peace Pod Starter Pack
“My Neom Wellbeing Pod has kept me calm throughout the whole of 2020. It’s a beautiful-looking aromatherapy diffuser that you add essential oils to, filling your house with mood-lifting scent. Since we are spending so much time at home, it would make the perfect gift for anyone no matter their age – I know some people who use it in their children’s bedrooms to get them to sleep.”
The Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen
“We are so enveloped in our digital world that I want to celebrate the joys of hand written notes. There is nothing like a proper fountain pen to write with, (and to remember how to write instead of using a keyboard!). I bought one of these Kaweco pens at the small independently owned shop Choosing Keeping in London and it is incredibly smooth and makes writing a joy. Perfect if you are journaling too.”
Buy here
Read Susannah’s guide ‘How to hack your own motivation’ here
Rae Feather, entrepreneur and founder of clothing brand Rae Feather
Alighieri The Solitary Tear Pearl and 24kt Gold-Plated Necklace
“2020 has been a year of great loss for so many of us in so many different ways. This necklace is not only incredibly beautiful in itself but it conveys a very poignant meaning.”
Comfort & Joy Hamper by Rae Feather
“A personally curated gift hamper is thoughtful and let’s face it, we all deserve some comfort and joy! Mine would feature my organic harem pant sweatshirt, monogrammed slippers and 100% lambswool throw and one of our new soya candles.”
Read Rae’s How She Carries on interview in the midst of lockdown here
Ruby Hammer MBE, global makeup artist and brand founder
Aromatherapy Wellness Wonderland Collection
“I’d love to give someone a complete aromatherapy kit in the form of this super duper Christmas selection. I adore all of this brand’s blends and this brings together everything that you could possibly wish for when it comes to relaxation. It’s perfect for your right-hand woman.”
Ruby Hammer Forever Foot File
“This would make for a useful present to facilitate at-home pedis and it’s not something that someone would necessarily buy themselves. It’s a great little tool to maintain your feet. I really like to look after myself from head-to-toe when time allows and this is an absolute essential for doing so. It also looks chic in the bathroom and will last forever – it’s far from a throwaway stocking filler.”
Ruby tells us how to go from ZZZz’s to a Zoom-ready face super fast here
Trish McEvoy, Makeup artist and founder of Trish McEvoy Cosmetics
Dear Annabelle Stationery
“Now more than ever I think that we’re all recognising the importance of staying connected. Sending and receiving handwritten notes is one of my greatest joys, even more so when using beautiful stationary. Dear Annabelle is playful, elegant and so thoughtfully hand-crafted – a true pleasure to send, and receive!
Trish McEvoy No 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Super Enriched Hand and Body Cream
“This is ultra-hydrating, velvety-soft and deliciously scented. It’s the perfect gift to inspire those special moments of self-care and relaxation.”
Read about how Trish managed her business in the midst of the Corona crisis here
Karen Cummings-Palmer, integrative wellbeing and beauty consultant and founder of 79 Luxe
OG Wellbeing Omega 3
“I’d put this in someone’s stocking because this year has proved that health is the ultimate wealth (for a more substantial gift I’d buy a year’s subscription!). Og Wellbeing Omega 3 is a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps to counterbalance some of the damaging effects of stress on the body as well as support hair skin and nails for a beauty boost from the inside out.”
79 Luxe Golden Oil
“This body oil is deeply rejuvenating and rich in frankincense which not only reminds me of Christmas but is known to support immunity, The gold in the formula also imparts a subtle ‘lit from within’ luminosity all-over.”
Read Karen Cummings-Palmer’s ‘How She Carries On’ article about managing her skincare brand and how she survived 2020 here
Nicola Elliott, founder of Neom Organics
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
“I love gifting books and The Daily Stoic is a great choice for anyone who would appreciate a little philosophy each day. I read mine before bed most nights.”
Neom Real Luxury Candle
“I developed this fragrance way back in 2005 to help with my own anxiety and it’s become a Neom classic – it’s used by anyone who wants to create an oasis of calm in their home or gift a little bit of zen to their friends! It’s chock full of 24 essential oils – I call it the cashmere blanket of our collection.”
Read about how Nicola survived personally and professionally during the Corona crisis here
WHITNEY BROMBERG-HAWKINGS, FOUNDER OF FLOWERBX
Rae Feather Monogrammed Slippers
“Wearing a pair of these is like walking on Heaven, yet somehow they also make you feel as though you can get away with wearing them as ‘house shoes’. Rae helps to navigate those kinds of wardrobe boundaries in style. I think that giving a gift that incorporates both comfort and style is especially relevant this year.”
Flower Subscription from FLOWERBX
“Flowers have a unique ability to convey love, evoke emotion and create connection, all of which are sentiments that we’re especially craving at the moment.”
Read about Whitney’s wardrobe, work ethic and wisdom here
Bobbi Brown, former makeup artist
Fairholme Candles
“I’m excited to give Tony Jack’s new Fairholme hand-dipped candles this year. They’re really luxurious and the perfect addition to an at-home dinner table, especially if you’re looking for ways to make nights-in feel more special during lockdown or while restrictions are still in place.”
Read about how Bobbi managed her wellbeing and business in 2020 here
Cher Webb, fashion, beauty and red carpet makeup artist
A year’s Spotify Premium subscription
“I’ve really cherished my Spotify Premium subscription this year – it’s gotten me through more than one lockdown, that’s for sure! My Spotify Unwrapped was quite the journey so the first gift that comes to mind this year would be sharing that with someone who doesn’t already have it.”
Maison Margiela Replica Memory Box
“Spritzing on a favourite fragrance has really acted as a daily fix for me during 2020. I love how fragrance can instantly transport you back to a certain time in your life and it’s such an effective mood lifter. Fragrance always makes for a thoughtful gift and I love the idea of discovering a new scent as a fresh start to the new year.
“A fragrance discovery kit will allow the recipient to find their new signature scent – my favourite sets are by Maison Margiela and Atelier Cologne. Each kit includes the most popular fragrances within their respective incredible portfolios so you can really get to know your scent preferences.”
Read Cher Webb’s guide to managing life on the go (plus some top beauty tips) here
