The 50 Best gifts for women
Don’t risk getting it wrong... Kate Watson-Smyth has some excellent ideas
Friday 09 December 2011
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1. Cocorose Foldable Ballet Pumps
So, she's gone out in her killer heels and is now weeping with pain. These fab little shoes fold up into a tiny bag that also contains a satin shoulder bag for the ones she takes off and she can dance the rest of the night away in these.
Where: www.cocoroselondon.com
How much: £45
2. Aqua Phone Case
Sorry, but all the best gadgets still belong to the iPhone, so if you're reading this and she hasn't got one then perhaps you better start with that. Anyway, this is truly waterproof to a depth of 1m. So, technically, she could take it snorkelling and video the footage.
Where: 0800 044 5010; www.firebox.com
How much: £19.99
3. Dot Rings
Ideally, she'd want to be stacking these up so, no, one will not do. Made from semi-precious stones on brass, colours include amethyst, lapis and onyx. They're all produced by fair trade suppliers and are a great bridge between high-street and high-end prices.
Where: 020-7607 7732; www.mirabellejewellery.co.uk
How much: £24
4. Cashmere Travel Wrap
A gorgeously soft scarf that will double up as a blanket for Saturday evening DVD night as well as for wrapping up in to nip out for the Sunday papers. Also comes in oatmeal.
Where: 0844 482 9736; www.handpickedcollection.com
How much: £229.95
5. Christopher Ward Emily Watch
Can't argue with the usefulness of a watch as a Christmas present and the double strap makes this one a little less utilitarian than most and even gives it the air of a cuff – making it rather fashionable too. For an extra £25 you can have it gift-wrapped.
Where: 0844 875 1515; www.christopherward.co.uk
How much: £199
6. Luxurious Leather Silk Lined iPad Case
If she's going to have an iPad, she probably wants to carry it in something beautiful that will also protect it. This is it. And in addition to the silver lizard print, it's available in chocolate and plum.
Where: 01493 752045; www.undercoveruk.com
How much: £75
7. Cashmere Boxy Jumper
Buying her clothes can be very tricky. But if you stick to cashmere and things that she can wear indoors on wintry afternoons, it's both a luxury that she might not buy herself, and generally easier to get right.
Where: 0844 8004108; www.hush-uk.com
How much: £145
8. Angela Fulerton For Your Nails Only Gift Set
Described as a celebrity nail technician, Angela Fulerton has recently launched her own range. This set allows you to do stripes and sparkles to glam it up for those Christmas parties.
Where: www.superdrug.com or stores nationwide
How much: £9.99
9. FinePix Z90 Camera
A really compact camera with 14 megapixels, a large touch screen and built-in sliding lens camera as well as a 5x optical zoom. It's also only 2cm thick so will slide into the tiniest of evening clutch bags and comes in six colours.
Where: 08445 532321; shop.fujifilm.co.uk
How much: £109.99
10. Godminster Cheese Combo with Heart-Shaped Board
Not all women are chocoholics. This set includes a truckle of organic cheddar (choose round or heart), an oak-smoked cheddar, a jar of beetroot and apple chutney and the board.
Where: 01444 253375; www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk
How much: £41
11. Gretchen Mini
These gorgeous lambskin bags are just the thing to put all those luxury pampering Christmas goodies in. Colours include navy, fuchsia and teal with a toning or contrasting tassel.
Where: 0845 259 1359; www.notonthehighstreet.com
How much: £47
12. Chantilly Lace Cuff
Affordable jewellery that you can either buy online or sign up to sell it in your home. This cuff will transform the plainest of LBDs into something more glamorous.
Where: 0800 096 4749; shop.stelladot.co.uk
How much: £85
13. Large Two-Tone Serving Platter
Sometimes a fairly ordinary dish like a plate of pasta can become something fabulous when it's served on the right plate and this two-tone large oval dish is just the thing for that.
Where: www.rice.dk
How much: £50.50
14. Tuscan Fig Signature Candle
Scented candles are an essential part of that luxury pampering feel and this fig candle has a gorgeous aroma that isn't too overpowering and sweet.
Where: 0844 736 4222; www.thewhitecompany.com
How much: £20
15. Arcam rCube iPod Speaker
A portable speaker for her iPhone or pod that also allows wireless music streaming. It's easy to move from room to room, including the bathroom as it's wireless.
Where: 08456 049049; www.johnlewis.com
How much:£399.95
16. Afternoon Tea Hamper
This hamper includes a selection of scones, cakes and biscuits along with some Earl Grey tea and a strainer and some elderflower liqueur.
Where: 0203 6015464; www.formanandfield.com
How much: £49.95
17. Metallic Cracked Medium Diary
New year new diary and this cracked leather one in either silver or gold will at least be easy to spot in the depths of the bag.
Where: 020-8694 2704; www.barbarawiggins.co.uk
How much: £38
18. Strawberry Tree
A lovely present for a gardener or garden lover. Small, tidy and evergreen, it has glossy leaves and white flowers in autumn followed by strawberry-like fruits.
Where: 01584 878878; www.treesdirect.co.uk
How much: £19.50 or £29.50
19. Spirit Jacket
It's intended as a cover-up for going to yoga and back but actually it's perfect for the school run or a weekend walk.
Where: 0800 169 3889; www.sweatybetty.com
How much: £125
20. Eve Lom Daily Collection
Eve Lom facials are the business and this collection of products for everyday use is a great introduction to the range.
Where: 020-8740 2076; www.evelom.com
How much: £60
21. Yogi Hair Wand and Straightener Kit
Now she can choose between sleek curls or straight and shiny hair with this kit that comes with a storage box and velvet pouch bag. There's a protective glove for use with the wand.
Where: 08456 090055; www.boots.com
How much: £129.95
22. Sushi Making with Yo! Sushi
Many love eating sushi, few know how to make it and while you won't be a master after one lesson, you will at least know the basics and be able to produce it at home.
Where: 0845 640 8000; www.redletterdays.co.uk
How much: £59
23. Set of Three Galvanised Planters with Recycled Rubber Handles
Those who love gardening can never have enough planters and perhaps the rest of us could sink the odd bulb or seed packet in these charming pots.
Where: 0845 608 4448; www.gardentrading.co.uk
How much: £55
24. No1 Salted Caramels Original
These are the most amazing chocolates ever. They come in a box with a screw lid, which doesn't slow you down in eating them but does mean you can re-use it afterwards for other things.
Where: 0845 270 6996; www.artisanduchocolat.com
How much: £13.50 for 140g
25. Button Boots
The mania for those cosy sheepskin boots shows no sign of dying out so these will be a popular choice. They provide better foot support than some other brands and are a slightly different style.
Where: 01637 871605; www.celtic-sheepskin.co.uk
How much: £145 or £170 for taller ones
26. Opulent Collection Laughter
Created by Space NK's founder Nicky Kinnaird. This set will look great in any bathroom, it's heady without being overpowering and perfect for winter.
Where: 020-8740 2085; www.spacenk.co.uk
How much: £75
27. Roberts Solar DAB2 Digital Radio
It's made by a good old British company and there's no need for batteries or unsightly cables. It's digital and it comes in several colours.
Where: 08456 049049; www.johnlewis.com
How much: £79.95
28. Vodka Set
Perfect for a present with a difference this year. Fill the carafe with vodka and freeze and the base with ice to keep it cool while drinking. Comes with four shot glasses – you add the blinis.
Where: 0845 0920283; www.sarahraven.com
How much: £18.50
29. Stelton Press Coffee Maker
A design classic from 1977, this vacuum jug is completely stylish, makes eight cups and, thanks to its double walls, keeps the coffee hot for ages.
Where: 0800 917 1825; www.allmodern.co.uk
How much: £39.95
30. The Flory Storage Tins
These will brighten up any bathroom shelf, in the absence of a dressing table, and are perfect for holding all those bits of stuff that seem to accumulate or for rings and other trinkets.
Where: 0845 130 6622; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk
How much: £19.95 or £39.95
31. Long Gloves
These just feel so much more luxurious than short ones and can be worn rumpled down or stretched up when it's really cold outside. Made from lambswool.
Where: 0844 557 0460; www.toast.co.uk
How much: £29
32. Teen Skin Gift Set
A perfect starter set that includes gentle face wash and blemish cream as well as a lip gloss and moisturiser.
Where: 0844 800 8399; www.organicpharmacy.com
How much: £65
33. Suunto M4 Watch and Heart Rate Monitor
For gym bunnies and fitness fans everywhere, this watch monitors the amount of calories burned and the heart rate (in real time).
Where: 020 3364 5723; www.suunto.com
How much: £100
34. Italian Food and Wine Box
A delicious hamper of chianti, prosecco and pinot grigio with some pasta sauce and panettone among the other goodies.
Where: 01438 741177; www.thewinesociety.com
How much: £45
35. Chelsea Leather Small Plain Journal
You can turn this from useful into beautiful by having her name or even something like "shopping lists" engraved on to the front.
Where: 020-7581 4178; www.noblemacmillan.com
How much: £49
36. Oversize Laptop Clutch Bag
Now that the It bag is dead, she needs something that will make a statement without relying on its label. This will carry a laptop by day and a purse and keys by night.
Where: 020-8450 5600; www.bodieandfou.com
How much: £135
37. Topshop Hamper
You talk to the personal shoppers about her taste, wants, needs and desires and they put together a minimum of £200 worth of gear that you approve, then it's all individually wrapped and placed into a hamper.
Where: 0844 243 5544 to talk to the personal shopping team
How much: From £200
38. Aqua di Parma Iris Nobile Travel Spray
Anything by this Italian company speaks of luxury. This refillable travel spray is covered in purple leather so it can withstand the hurly-burly of the handbag and is small enough to take on planes.
Where: 020-8740 2085; www.spacenk.co.uk
How much: £74
39. Hear-muffs Headphones
For all those runners, gardeners or other outdoorsy types who like to listen while they move, these earmuffs conceal headphones and will connect to her MP3 player or iPod and keep her warm at the same time.
Where: 08456 049049; www.johnlewis.com
How much: £15
40. Chocolate Club
And all because the lady loves – something a little fancier than Milk Tray that's for sure. Choose either a large or medium box to be delivered to your own lady every quarter.
Where: 01929 421777; www.chococo.co.uk
How much: £66.02 or £88.09 depending on box size
41. Yard O Led Regent Hexagonal Barley Ball Pen
Most of us use Biros and roller balls these days. Buy her this gorgeous silver roller ball and a couple of refills and she won't need to nick yours any more.
Where: 0800 0328 918; www.websterspenshop.co.uk
How much: £305
42. Ceramic and Silver Plates and Bowls
Comes in a set of four and would look gorgeous on the table, or even on a dressing table with trinkets in. They are handmade in Morocco and are perfectly sized for a starter or pudding.
Where: marrakeshonline.co.uk
How much: £29.95
43. Cashmere Purl Stitch Hat
If the last few years have been anything to go by there'll be snow in January and it will definitely be hat weather. Make sure she's ready with this lovely cashmere beanie.
Where: 0845 659 9944; www.brora.co.uk
How much: £55
44. Rattan Breakfast Tray
Was anything ever so luxurious as breakfast in bed? Even the promise of providing it is seductive. This tray is lightweight with legs that fold away for easy storage.
Where: 020-7580 0800; www.lombok.co.uk
How much: £55
45. Homedics Me My Elos Permanent Hair Reduction
Permanent hair removal is the way of the future and while it's still expensive, this system has had very good reviews – particularly on dark hair.
Where: 08456 090055; www.boots.com
How much: £399.99
46. Bodum Assam Tea Press Teapot
You know about the coffee press but this one is for tea. Works for all loose tea so and particularly useful for green tea.
Where: www.amazon.co.uk
How much: £20.99
47. Personalised A6 Classic Postcards
A properly written thank you is so much nicer than a text or email and these cards will make that job so much more enticing.
Where: 020-7610 9292; www.cldstationery.com
How much: From £45 for 100
48. Tunis Glass Carafe/Vase
Available in five colours these slightly irregularly shaped glass carafes would look lovely in a bathroom or bedroom either with or without flowers in. There are matching glasses.
Where: www.nicolefarhi.com
How much: £40
49. Cashmere Long Jon
For those wintry days when she doesn't really want to get dressed these cashmere-blend leggings will be lovely and cosy. They comes in grey marl or pewter.
Where: 08444 932932; www.figleaves.co.uk
How much: £70
50. Small Sheared Sheepskin Beanbag
Perfect for relaxing and feeling like you're wrapped in a giant hug. There's a large one too but that's straying into silly money.
Where: 0844 736 4222; www.whitecompany.com
How much: £300
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