If you are anything like me, your Christmas gift shopping is far from done. And now you are losing sleep at the thought of rounding up gifts for all those ultra-tough-to-please people around you.
I have tons of those ultra-tough-to-please people in my life.
So, here you go. My gift guide full of unique gift ideas: Not just for the holidays but birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions that pop up through the year.
This is the actual list I am shopping from myself, so it follows the philosophy I use for gifting at any time: The gift should be memorable, indulgent, and out-of-the-ordinary (seriously nobody needs another pajama set… ideally, something they would love but not really buy for themselves!
UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS: $
Away The Mini
The Mini is literally a scaled down Away suitcase, complete with the cult luggage brand’s durable polycarbonate shell, interior mesh pockets and elastic straps. It’s a unique gift perfect for stashing makeup, toiletries, snacks, wires and just about anything else one would need while on the road. Or even in the house.
I have one filled with mini perfume samplers and another for storing medicines. They are awesomely adorable… because who can not fall in love with a miniature suitcase?
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Lord Jones Limited Edition Hemp-Derived CBD Holiday Drop Gummies
Know a person who needs a little chill in their lives? The limited edition holiday gummy drop from Lord Jones is the perfect gift that comes in two delish flavours – Sparkling Gooseberry (get me this one!) and Sugarplum – with 20 mg of CBD in every gumdrop. Perfect for dealing with holiday stress and winter blues.
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Anecdote Aprés Ski Candle
Looking for unique gift ideas on a budget? This candle is so gorgeous that it will be done to death in the next few months, so catch it on the cusp of popularity right NOW. It smells like cinnamon, spearmint, and cypress — and the most luxurious after-parties you could envisage!
Plus, I can personally attest to the fact that to has a powerful throw and the coconut-soy wax makes for a clean burn. And it looks far more expensive than it costs!
Riki Loves Riki Acrylic Organizer
While every influencer and their BFF are going gaga over the Riki Loves Riki Mirrors (they do have for the best makeup lighting), I am currently in the process of being blown away by something else: The brand’s Acrylic Organizer.
These three-tiered boxes will store all skincare, makeup and fragrances in the safest, yet most gorgeous way possible. There’s a magnetic door, which tucks away everything safely and yet within easy reach. And the whole thing looks like a sculpture… transparent when you look at it from the front, proudly displaying all your treasures, and taking on an opaque, holographic appearance from all other angles.
They come in two sizes — I ordered the large one for my skincare and just hit enter on the smaller one for my perfume sculptures (like the Anna Sui Sky below!). Luxury gifts without the spend.
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Lancôme X Emily in Paris Collection
Do they love Emily in Paris as much as I do? Do they just love Emily? Or Paris? Or makeup? Or fragrance? They will fall head over heels for this limited edition collection from Lancôme. There are special limited edition lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, mascara, Idôle Eau de Parfum (my favorite) and the cult-ish Advanced Génifique Serum. How can one resist such unique gift ideas?
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Modern Sprout Seek Peace Mindful Meditation Kit
Give them the gift of a new and unique meditative routine with this Modern Sprout bundle that includes a lavender growing kit complete, bamboo pot, mindfulness timer (5 minutes) and a centring essential oil roller? Why NOT?
UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS: $$
Sunday Citizen Crystal Meditation Pillow
Is this a unique gift idea, or not: Amethyst and quartz crystals ensure a good flow of energy while the soft, natural buckwheat is great for supporting the head and neck during meditation… or sleep. What else could self care lovers or crystal connoisseurs ask for from a pillow?
Pineapple Collaborative The Olive Oil and Vinegar Set
Did you know that virgin olive oil is one of the most counterfeited food product in the world, often blended with cheaper oils like canola? Or that apple cider vinegar can actually taste good all on it’s own without burning through your mouth? Give the gift of these discoveries with Pineapple Collaborative’s Olive Oil and Vinegar Set. 100% organic. California grown. Made by Women. Added bonus: Those tins are pure elevated chic!
Anna Sui Sky Eau de Toilette
According to me, this is the most underrated beauty launch of this year. A fragrance that looks and smells like a million bucks, without costing anywhere near a million bucks. Inspired by the lily of the valley and popcorn (yes, you read that right!), this is a fruity floral gourmand that feels fresh and playful. And that bottle? Pure sculpture. Luxury gifts at their finest.
Under Lucky Stars Sky Map
This is one of the most unique gift ideas I have ever come across — a map that calculates the exact position of the stars in the sky above you at a particular moment. And then prints it on museum-quality, thick, matte art paper, turning that moment into the most precious artwork.
I gifted one to my brother and sister-in-law for their wedding, calibrated to the exact time they signed the marriage register. And they were blown away. Think birthdates, new jobs, baby births, new houses… the potential is endless!
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Crème de la Mer
Honestly, not one of the most unique gift ideas but this is one of those rare beauty products that nobody would mind getting in multiples. Because what can I say about the cult classic Crème de la Mer moisturiser that’s not been said by 68396549856787538749 experts and devotees already? Just that if you gift it to me (the smallest size is 0.5 oz at $90), you’ll be one of my favorite people. I don’t think anybody, of any gender, or any age, can resist this one!
UNIQUE LUXURY GIFT IDEAS: $$$
Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Hot Chocolate Machine
Know someone who loves hot chocolate? This ultra-chic velvetizer combines grated chocolates with your choice of milk (dairy or plant based) or water to make the most decadent, frothy, barista-style hot chocolate in 2.5 minutes. A calming cuppa right at home — luxury gifts don’t get better than this. [This one is top of my own wish list (hint, hint!).]
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Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum Spray Collector’s Edition
Normally, I would run as far and as fast from a gift of Chanel No. 5 as possible. Lovely perfume but completely unimaginative as a gift… usually.
HOWEVER, when it’s a special collector’s edition that celebrates 100 years of the legendary perfume, it’s a whole different matter altogether. This, I will take, in multiples. So will any connoisseur of beauty, fashion and history. The fact that the bottle will be worth it’s weight in gold a couple of decades later? Just an added bonus, where luxury gifts are concerned.
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Jenny Patinkin Rose on Rose Body Roller
I don’t know a single person who won’t instantly fall in love with this gorgeous body roller crafted from pure rose quartz. It’s something I find myself reaching for on a daily basis to reliever stress, relax aches, pains and tight muscles, boost lymphatic drainage (buh-bye toxins), reduce fluid retention, relax the muscles and improve skin elasticity for smoother, more supple body contours.
And with the rose quartz, you are also giving the gift of the energetic vibrations of love, self-love, self-worth, kindness and compassion. In short: Mental and physical peace.
UNIQUE LUXURY GIFT IDEAS: $$$$
Rouge Dior Minaudière The Atelier of Dreams Limited Edition
Dior has seriously outdone themselves with this limited edition lipstick-set-and-mini-handbag that makes for one of the best luxury gifts out there.
Where to even begin here? With the ultra-mind blowing gold case that transforms into a mini handbag (carry as a clutch or put on the included strap to wear over the shoulder)?
The engraving of Dior’s most iconic address — 30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris — on the case and the lipstick?
Or the four iconic colors that will suit all complexions?
And yes, I can personally attest that the case is super-solid and works perfectly as a clutch or min-handbag. It won’t hold much: Mine got in a couple of credit cards, a lipstick, blotting paper and a powder puff for touchups. But the glamour of it all… out of the world! I mean, you are actually gifting a Dior bag, if you look at it, for a fraction of the cost!
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The Napper Weighted Blanket, $249
As a lifetime insomniac, I personally confirm that weighted blankets create a calming sensation and help you fall asleep faster. Which makes them the perfect luxury gifts for that super-stressed person who could do with some relaxation in their life. And The Napper’s Weighted Blanket is a chunky piece of coziness that’s hand knitted from soft organic cotton. I have been known to put on the air conditioning at full blast just so I can snuggle under it in summer as well!
Are you done with the holiday shopping? What did you buy for yourself?
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