The 50 Best Christmas Gifts For Women

2. Monte Carlo globe
Gap year girls and women with wanderlust can plot their next international adventure on this striking globe. Standing 15in high, it shows the continents in shimmering silver and the oceans in deep blue. It’s a beautiful object in its own right aswell as showing the four corners – well, the many curves – of the earth.
Where: www.justglobes.co.uk
How much: £64.95

3. Lunar Eclipse necklace
The Slovenian-born, Londonbased designer Lara Bohinc makes stunning pieces of jewellery that are eye-catching and carefully crafted. I think this gold-tone chain wouldn’t look out of place around Cleopatra’s neck and yet, for all its regal styling, would look fantastic worn for a night on the town. Bohinc’s celebrity fans – Madonna, Kate Moss and Cameron Diaz – obviously agree.
Where: 01473 323 032; www.net-a-porter.com
How much: £379

4. iKaraoke
“At first I was afraid, I was petrified…”. The neighbours may well be scared when this gift is unwrapped on Christmas morning – it’s a karaoke microphone that plugs into any iPod to turn MP3 tracks into sing-a-long gold. Simply hook it up to the stereo, pick your tune, and this clever little device blanks out the lyrics in favour of the vocals of whoever’s wielding the mic.
Where: www.firebox.com
How much: £29.95

5. Sleep mask
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to something from Tiffany, then this slinky eye mask is an excellent alternative for any Audrey Hepburn fans. The reason? It’s an exact replica of the one worn by Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.Made from satin with a terry-towelling lining, it will guarantee a good night’s sleep and make a great stocking filler for any good-time girl.
Where: www.fredflare.com
How much: $14 (£7)

6. Hope & Greenwood hamper
Forget the turkey – who wants Christmas lunch when there are flying saucers, sugar mice and sweetie bracelets to get outside of? Packed with tooth-busting treats, Hope &Greenwood’s hamper is perfect for little women and big girls who are fond of something sweet. Also available is a stripy stocking packed with lovely things, or a bright mini-suitcase. Just don’t eat them all at once…
Where: 020-7589 7401; www.conranshop.com
How much: £29.95

7. Royal mirror
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of us all? The lucky lady who receives this “Royal” mirror, of course. By gazing into the looking glass anyone can become a princess, thanks to the perfectly positioned jewelled crown. Other gems on this quirky design site include Tord Boontje’s delicate “Icarus” light and the unusual “Spiral” silver jewellery. Gift vouchers are also available for the terminally unimaginative present-buyer.
Where: 08448 842 340; www.dutchbydesign.com
How much: £39.95

8. Wooden handle garden toolset
Although die-hard gardeners may already have a shedful of tools, there’s something lovely about being given a matching set, especially one as beautifully made as this one from Cabbages and Roses. This would also make a great gift for newcomers to the growyour- own game or for gourmets who long to cultivate their own herb gardens.
Where: 020-7352 7333; www.cabbagesandroses.com
How much: £36

9. Membership to the ICA
The Institute of Contemporary Arts is a hotbed of cutting-edge cinema, digital art exhibitions and interesting evening events, plus it has an impressive bookshop and bar. Members get free entry to all ICA exhibitions for them plus one, exclusive invitations to private views, discounts on all ticket prices, special preview screenings and 10 per cent off books. They also receive an advance copy of the ICA monthly programme and reduced ticket prices at the NFT and Ciné Lumiere. Rich pickings for culture vultures.
Where: 020-7930 3647; www.ica.org.uk
How much: from £35

10. “The Golden Age of Couture”
The antithesis of today’s throwaway fashion, couture is celebrated in all its glory in this book, based on the exhibition of the same name being held at the V&A until January. Covering designs from Paris and London during the decade between 1947 and 1957 – described by Christian Dior as the “Golden Age” of fashion – it comes highly recommended by The Independent’s fashion editor, Susannah Frankel.
Where: www.amazon.co.uk
How much: £35

11. Red cottage birdhouse
Give feathered visitors to the garden somewhere chic to stay with this wooden birdhouse. If the country cottage isn’t quite right for the garden you have in mind, consider the barn or even the modernist Bauhaus birdhouse. Available from thefrenchhouse.net – use the web address below, then click on the “Made in Europe” link – these are a wonderful present for any bird lover.
Where: www.thefrenchhouse.net
How much: £34.95

12. Smith 52: the Game Plan
Billed as the ultimate 2008 to-do list, this book brings together 52 weeks’ worth of Europe-wide entertainment. Get an inside track on the continent’s biggest, best and most breathtaking festivals, fêtes, parties and performances, courtesy of the hotel experts Mr&Mrs Smith. Included in each diary is an exclusive membership card that brings with it insider information, updates and access to upgrades, discounts and other life-enhancing extras from hotels in the Smith collection.
Where: www.mrandmrssmith.com
How much: £21.95

13. Vanessa Bruno bag
High fashion handbags – particularly the neon-bright patent ones that are all the rage right now – are all very well if you’re selfgifting, but a classic bag is a safer bet for a present. This soft leather bag by Vanessa Bruno is stylish, yet understated, and will look as chic in ten years’ time as it does now. Aslightly cheaper alternative – well, it’s £285 – is the suede bag by the same designer.
Where: www.brownsfashion.com
How much: £350

14. Panasonic RP-HTX7E Retro Headphones
These retro headphones from Panasonic are just the thing for anyone who struggles with “in-ear” headphones or doesn’t want the entire train carriage to have to share their love of ABBA. They may be a bit on the large side, especially after six years of iPod’s ear buds, but they look so cute on that whoever wears them will soon be won over to the maxim that big is beautiful.
Where: shop.panasonic.co.uk
How much: £49.99

15. Mason Pearson hairbrush
My mother used to give these as birthday gifts tomy little friends when they were growing up. Although few six-year-old girls appreciated them at the time, Mason Pearson brushes are the finest money can buy. Handmade from the best materials, they last for years – Mrs Armstrong’s is still going strong after 30 years of hard service – and are beautiful in their own understated way.
Where: 0870 350 2390; www.hqhair.com
How much: £24.25

16. Absolut Disco
Dancing queens – or anyone else who likes a tipple – will adore this sparkly, disco ballinspired bottle of Absolut. And once the vodka has been enjoyed (in a sensible and responsible manner of course), the shimmering outer case can be hung up as a kitsch decoration or filled with another bottle of Absolut.
Where: 0800 123 400; www.selfridges.com
How much: £19.99

17. Hedgehog cushion
As the name suggests, this website is devoted to cushions, most of which are handcrafted and created by small-scale designers using Scottish lambswool, French linen and organic cotton. Made from antique silk, this cushion is a delight, but there are plenty of other options if hedgehogs aren’t quite right. I love the furry alpaca cushion, and the fabulously monikered Boudoir Favourite is pretty special too.
Where: 08456 431 571; www.thelondoncushioncompany.com
How much: £33

18. Adopt an animal from London Zoo
City dwellers who long for a pet but just don’t have the space will be well served by London Zoo’s adoption options. Apparently penguins and tigers are the most popular but you could choose a pancake tortoise, a bearded lizard or giant anteater if you wanted to give a more unusual gift. Any animal can be adopted, and if you spend more than £30, the new parent will receive two tickets to the zoo to visit their little – or large – darling.
Where: 0207-449 6228; www.zsl.org
How much: from £20

19. British Museum print
There are heaps of beautiful prints available on the British Museum’s website – so many that you may find it confusing to choose just one as a gift. If you feel totally overwhelmed, fear not. Buying an image of the museum itself will see you out of your fix, and what could be more beautiful than this nighttime shot of its beautiful roof, covering the courtyard and reading room.
Where: www.britishmuseumshoponline.org
How much: from £19

20. Isis wing earrings
The website of the jewellery shop Kabiri is a treasure trove of trinkets made by an army of creative young craftspeople. These earrings by the design duo Zoe and Morgan look like a pair of angel’s wings, very festive, but if earrings aren’t right for the lady you’re buying for, check out the witty grand piano rings and the chunky, embellished cuffs as alternative gifts.
Where: 020-7224 1808; www.kabiri.co.uk
How much: £110

21. Orla Kiely wind-up radio & torch
Healthy exercise, fresh air, you can tell why they call it the great outdoors. But let’s face it, it’s short on powerpoints to plug in your radio. Well, this pretty radio, patterned with a distinctive Orla Kiely design, is a wind-up model, so you don’t need to drag along spare batteries, and makes a useful gift for glampers – glamorous camping fans. Plus, it has a torch, essential when you’re staggering in to camp after sundown.
Where: 0800 389 5861; www.millets.co.uk
How much: £14.99

22. Opera glasses
Any regular theatre- or opera-goer will appreciate their own pair of opera glasses. This lightweight pair, made by LaScala Optics, come in a range of colours (although I wouldn’t imagine that the colour will matter much once you’re in the auditorium) and are easy to carry in a small handbag or purse. They offer 3x magnification and have a woven string to prevent them from getting lost in the rush for the interval gin and tonic.
Where: 020-7240 6774; www.microglobe.co.uk
How much: £39

23. Cashmere cardigan
Giving someone a jumper for Christmas might seem like a dreadful cliché, but if said garment is made from super-soft cashmere, I guarantee you no one will mind. Good places to find well-priced cashmere on the high street this year include Gap and Uniqlo, but my favourite is this chic, one-button cardigan from John Lewis. It’s also available in pale grey.
Where: 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com
How much: £150

24. Casio Exilim Zoom EX Z77
If your sister, fiancée or best female friend spends her days glued to YouTube then this slimline digital camera will be just up her virtual street. It has a one-click YouTube movie mode to make capturing and posting web videos a piece of cake. It also boasts a 7.2 megapixel camera, face recognition and is very simple to use.
Where: 020-8450 9131; www.casio.co.uk
How much: £149.99

25. Bliss Merry Citrus gift set
If there’s woman of your acquaintance who has yet to discover Bliss spa products, it’s time to take matters in hand. Gorgeous, scented products that work wonders on the skin are Bliss’s speciality and this “Merry Citrus” gift set showcases the legendary lemon-and-sage range that smells good enough to devour on toast. If you really want to treat a lady, book her in for one of the Bliss spa treatments, also listed on the website below.
Where: 0808 100 4151; uk.blissworld.com
How much: £25

26. Peace Oil
Everyone would like peace on Earth this Christmas. One way to help is to give a bottle of this olive oil which is produced in Israel by Jews, Arabs, Druze and Bedouin working together. Grown in the foothills of the Carmel Mountains, the olives are pressed within hours of picking to produce prize-winning, extra virgin olive oil. Profits from every bottle sold are used to support peace and reconciliation work in the Middle East.
Where: 0207-435 6500; www.peaceoil.org
How much: from £13.80

27. Desk phone
If touch screens, texting and video calling leave the lady in your life cold, the retro charms of this classic desk phone should go downwell. It might look like the antithesis of flashy gadgetry, but this phone, available in red or black, has a few modern touches to make life easier. Push-button dialling and auto redial mean there’s no need to spend five minutes making a call.
Where: www.oliverbonas.com
How much: £49.95

28. “Green Is the New Black”
It may be fashionable to be green, but it isn’t always easy. For those who are struggling, Tamsin Blanchard’s book explains the ins and outs of ethical fashion and its tone is realistic rather than didactic. Covering topics from biodegradable shoes to the truth about sweat shops, and featuring helpful directories and how-to guides, this is an excellent gift for anyone interested in going green in the chicest possible way.
Where: www.adili.com
How much: £14.99

29. Persephone books
This gem of a company reprints forgotten classics by 20th-century writers. Each one in the collection of 75 books is intelligent, thought-provoking and beautifully written, and titles range from novels and short stories to diaries and cookbooks. Most of the books are by women authors and there are some real riches to be found either on the Persephone website or in the shop, described by one Independent staff member as “utterly divine”.
Where: 020-7242 9292; www.persephonebooks.co.uk
How much: £10 each or £27 for three

30. Agent Provocateur peep shoes
Buying skimpy undies can prove too stressful for some, so why not go for a pair of sultry shoes? Even if you get the size wrong, you won’t run the risk of offending anyone and there are no complicated cup sizes to worry about. These peep-toe high heels from Agent P are made from black patent leather with a champagne mesh contrast overlay and are sexy without looking like something a lap dancer might wear on duty.
Where: www.agentprovocateur.com
How much: £260

31. Greenbelt
Not a fashion accessory to wear around the waist but the green area surrounding a city, acting as its lungs. Currently under threat from short-sighted politicians and housing developers, it’s possible to preserve greenbelt sites by buying up areas and putting them in charity ownership to ensure perpetuity and prevent land being sold to pay death duties. Buy someone a 12-metre chunk and they’ll receive a keepsake card, an e-card or a cracker bearing a description of the gift.
Where: 020-7794 8000; www.goodgifts.org
How much: from £25

32. Noble Macmillan travel portfolio
Frequent flyers will adore this luxurious travel wallet that has special compartments to keep everything a globetrotter needs safe. With labelled sections for a passport, currency, itinerary and bankcards, it also has a zip pocket for change and a hotel key. Even if you’re buying for home-loving types, there are plenty of equally thoughtful – and gorgeous – gifts listed on this chic and simple-to-use site.
Where: 0845 602 3578; www.handpickedcollection.co.uk
How much: £69.50

33. Sara Berman gold bow belt
If you’re at a loss as to what to buy for a fashionable friend or family member, may I recommend considering a bold belt? This gold leather version from Sara Berman is a show-stopper and will add glitz to any outfit. If it’s not quite the thing for the woman you have in mind, there are plenty of other stylish goodies on the excellent my-wardrobe.com, plus suggestions on how to put together outstanding outfits.
Where: 0845 260 3880; www.my-wardrobe.com
How much: £98

34. Bodyclock ADVANCED 200
As gifts go, an alarm clock might not exactly set pulses racing as it emerges from a layer of festive wrapping paper. However, the Bodyclock is more than just a clock – it uses a special daylight bulb to mimic the dawn, waking sleepyheads up in a gentle, natural way. Great for SAD sufferers – and anyone else who finds it hard to escape from the bed’s embrace of a dark December morning.
Where: 01954 780500; www.lumie.com
How much: £99.95

35. ghd Christmas gift box
Give the gift of good hair this Christmas by buying loved ones a pair of ghd hair stylers. They can be used to straighten unruly locks or to turn flat hair into fabulous curls. This gift box also includes products to protect hair and a heat mat that rolls into a metallic clutch bag. A brilliant present for younger sisters or nieces who can’t afford these excellent hair irons themselves.
Where: 0845 330 1133; www.ghdhair.com
How much: £149

36. Crème de Ganache
Fill a stocking with this gloriously rich chocolate ganache from La Maison duChocolat. Parisian stores sold out of this in one week when it launched in France earlier this year, and it has become as popular in theUK.Although it’s delectablewhen spread across a brioche or used as a sauce, I’d advise just diving in with a spoon. It’s available to order until 20 December, so would make a tasty last-minute gift for chocoholics.
Where: 020-7287 8500
How much: £10.90

37. Echelon Wave wine rack
Astylish gift for oenophiles, this curved, aluminium wine rack is ideal for those who are short on space but like a tipple. Up to six wine bottles can slip inside its sinuous coils but more can be accommodated easily – just buy another rack and it will clip seamlessly into the original. A top buy for anyone who has just moved into their first home or for wine-loving work friends.
Where: 0870 428 0958; www.drinkstuff.com
How much: £39.99

38. Watering can
Purple is the colour of the season for followers of fashion, so this rich mauve watering can is about as chic as irrigation gets. Made from steel, it takes two gallons of water and has a nice long spout. Andwhile it should brighten up wintry gardens no end, if you’re looking for something even brighter, this watering can is also available in orange.
Where: 0870 787 1413; www.crocus.co.uk
How much: £29.99

39. Leather travelling backgammon set
This beautifully crafted backgammon set is a wonderfully traditional gift. It’s made from sturdy Italian leather but is lightweight enough to slip into even the smallest of suitcases. Great for delayed flights, lazy afternoons by the pool or just to play at home, it shows that in-flight entertainment needn’t be hi-tech to be enjoyable.
Where: 0845 120 2923; www.linksoflondon.com
How much: £98

40. Black wrap dress
A classic little black number is a wardrobe must-have and one from Diane von Furstenberg, queen of the wrap dress, is even more vital to the well-dressed woman. This bateau-necked version is made from wool jersey and hangs beautifully – as well as flattering almost every body shape. It would make a timeless gift that will be worn for years to come.
Where: 01473 323032; www.net-a-porter.com
How much: £268

41. Sun jar
It might sound bonkers, but you can now gift someone a jar of sunshine. This jar soaks up the sun’s rays inside its solar cell, and that energy charges an internal battery that lights up LED lights come dusk. The natural lamp gives out a warm, yellow glow that is a mess- and fire-free alternative to candles. If you are buying for a creature of the night, there’s also a moon jar that emits a cool blue glow that won’t dazzle their eyes.
Where: www.firebox.com
How much: £19.95

42. Travel candle
Ascented candle might not be the first thing you’d think of to pack when going away, but a familiar scent will make travellers feel at home wherever they are. This luxurious candle is self-contained within a leather case and is scented with eight essential oils including pure Madagascan black pepper oil and Haitian vetiver. An indulgent little gift for globetrotting pals.
Where: 0808 178 1188; www.moltonbrown.co.uk
How much: £39

43. Antoni and Alison
Quirky logos are the stock in trade of the design duo Antoni and Alison and their whimsical mottos appear on T-shirts, handbags and coin purses like this one. If “Lovely You” isn’t the message you want to send, check out the alternatives online or visit the dinky store in London’s Rosebury Avenue, where the purses are vacuum packed in clear plastic before going on sale.
Where: www.antoniandalison.co.uk
How much: £22.50

44. Tykho radio
Whether it’s Desert Island Discs, The Archers or some banging techno on a pirate station, listening to the radio in the bath is an everyday luxury. This rubber covered, water-resistant radio is perfect for a steamy bathroom and comes in three zinging colours. But whoever you’re buying for, it’s worth having a peek at Aria’s Islington store to get inspiration.
Where: 020-7704 1999
How much: £45

45. Vanity case
Lulu Guinness is the woman behind this red leather, hatboxstyle vanity case. Lined with lilac suede and festooned with lipstick zip pulls, it’s the ultimate in girly glamour. There are also tons of super-cute stocking fillers on her site, including a pair of lip-shaped stud earrings and mini heart-shaped purses.
Where: 020-7901 9022; www.luluguinness.com
How much: £195

46. Tartufi truffle lover’s box
A luxurious and seasonal treat for gourmets who love the distinctive taste – and odour – of the truffle. Packed with tasty morsels including black summer truffles in brine, truffle oil and a truffle slicer, this selection is sure to be jealously guarded by whoever is lucky enough to receive it. For those with foodie friends and loved ones, the Carluccio’s website and shops are a godsend, and the Journey Around Italy gift set is also a winner.
Where: www.carluccios.com
How much: £65

47. Bamboo rice baskets
Unusual items that you won’t see in the average town centre are what make this wonderful website so special. With hundreds of items from small businesses which don’t have a presence on the high street, it makes buying unique gifts so easy it feels like cheating. This set of hand-painted baskets would make a lovely present for friends who are drowning in clutter. Available in blue, green or pink.
Where: 0845 259 1359; www.notonthehighstreet.com
How much: £39.99

48. “Wildlife Photographer of the Year”
This book is perfect for budding snappers or nature lovers. Every year, the Wildlife Photographer of theYear competition’s best entries are gathered into a glorious book with a breathtaking image on each page. This year, there’s a hungry stoat who has nicked a sandwich, amajestic elephant taking a dip and a moving image of polar bears on a rapidly shrinking ice sheet.
Where: www.amazon.co.uk
How much: £25

49. French and Russian master paintings
Why not surprise someone with admission to an exquisite art experience? From January, the Royal Academy of Arts is staging From Russia, an exhibition of 120 masterpieces by Russian and French artists working between 1870 and 1925, including Renoir, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Matisse as well as Kandinsky, Tatlin and Malevich.
Where: 020-7300 8000; www.royalacademy.org.uk
How much: Adult ticket £12.50

50. Huit camisole and knickers
A pretty camisole set is always appreciated and is the polar opposite of awful, Christmasthemed underwear. This one is made from a blend of silk, cotton and cashmere and is blissfully soft to the touch. It comes in two delicate hues – porcelain or grey plum – and is snug to wear under clothes or to bed at night.
Where: 0844 770 0999; www.figleaves.com
How much: Camisole £55, knickers £40