On getting the perfect gift(s).

The only gift guide you need :)

To my surprise, Christmas is just around the corner. I’ve never been one of those cheery, tinsel loving, Rudolph the red nose reindeer Christmas types who love this season and all the fanfare it comes with. December is cold, at least it is here in London, it’s busy, and sluggish at the same time. We still have to go to work even though we left all our energy in early November and whatever is left is reserved for the boozy office Christmas party. With all that said, the thing I do love about this season is being around family, eating and getting/giving presents.

Last year, just a few days before Christmas, I lost my grandma rather suddenly. Her place was where all of the family gathered for our Christmas celebrations and though she rolled her eyes and complained about the noise, she loved having all of us in her house. To say that my feelings around the Christmas season have changed would be an understatement. I feel sad, angry and lonely. So, this is my attempt at keeping those feelings at bay. Armed with my penchant for window shopping and my general great taste, I have put together the ultimate gift guide. Strap in and without further ado, I present to you the b. project gift guide.

The gift guide

Before we get into the exciting particulars, I must add a disclaimer. Much (if not all) of the items included in this gift guide are tailored to myself, or people like me. By that I mean majority of the items are for femmes, those of us that love spending money, those of us who have great taste and those of us that just like pretty things. Of course if the gift guide speaks to you and you don’t consider yourself part of this group, then that’s even better! Out of all the many beautiful things I love, I’ve put this list together, separated into four categories, which I hope serves as a perfect starting point if you’re finding buying a gift for someone a little tricky, or if like me, you plan to buy yourself something nice for the festive season. I have also made sure to get this to you before Black Friday and Cyber Monday just in case any of the below go on sale (keep the tabs open of anything you like and check back on the day!)

For the foodie

There is something about moving out of your family home into your own place (solo living or not) and getting really into fancy indie food brands as you find your own way in your new kitchen. Since moving out back in 2021, I have become a major foodie. As well as having a Google Maps list dedicated to all the cafes, bars and restaurants I want to visit, I also have a running list of condiments, beverages and more that I have to try at some point. I have been known to spend my days in WholeFoods wandering through the aisles and spending way too much money. Condiments and drinks are perfect gifts as they have long shelf lives and always come in handy.

1. Mama Yu’s Crispy Shallot Oil

   This one is for all the chilli oil lovers. Hopefully it doesn’t need explaining why chilli oil is a superior condiment but, if you haven’t tried Mama Yu’s, oh my God, you are missing out. Unlike many of the chilli oils I’ve tried, this one has lemongrass in it which just adds the most amazing flavour. They have six different flavours, I’ve gone through about eight jars of these and the crispy shallot oil is by far my favourite.

2. Chilli Crack: Caribbean Chilli Oil

   I have yet to try this Caribbean take on chilli oil, but from the description, I think this would be perfect for people who like a sweet and sharp punch to their dishes. Created by Chef James Cochran, Chilli Crack uses desiccated coconut, pineapple vinegar and tamarind, as well as dried chillies. Yummy. It’s almost always sold out so sign to get notified for the next drop.

3. Piggy’s Hot Honey

   Hot honey has been super popular this year and for good reason. I drizzle this over eggs, chicken, pizza, toast and so much more. The sweetness of the honey and the subtle kick of the pepper just tastes so good. Perfect present for anyone that loves adding something extra to their meals.

4. Peach Venetian Wine Spritz

   I am a red wine girlie but this summer during my solo trip to Lisbon, I fell in love with orange wine and wine spritzers. Peach flavoured anything is a bit of me and this Peach Venetian wine spritz sounds like it tastes like a beautiful summers afternoon. Perfect for hosting and such a good price.

5. Raspberry & Chamomile Sparkling Non Alcoholic Wine

   There are so many great low and non alcoholic options on the market right now. I’ve tried a few myself and have always been impressed by the variety on offer. Raspberry and chamomile sounds like a dreamy pairing and who doesn’t love a sparkling chilled beverage!

For the beauty queen

One thing about adulthood they do not warn you about is that when your moisturiser and perfume finishes, you have to replace it. You can look left and right but no one is coming to drop a parcel of your beauty bits at your door the moment you need it. Unless its Christmas! Some of the best presents I’ve received have been items I knew I needed to replace or items I’ve been meaning to try. Help the beauty queen in your life out this Christmas!

1. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

   I have tried many face creams in my life and this still remains the best one. It’s rich but non greasy, settles into the skin perfectly and looks amazing under make up. It comes in two different sizes and in a refillable package option too. I got the latter as a gift as part of a Christmas box and I only finished it a few months ago. Worth every penny.

2. Naturium Smoothing Glycolic Acid Body Wash

   Body care has been having its moment in the last few years and for good reason. The Naturium products are all the rage right now and earlier this year I picked up their vitamin C glow body wash. I like it but I don’t love it. However, I tried the Glycolic Acid Body Wash recently and this stuff is amazing. It leaves your skin feeling so smooth and the perfect base for your body cream or butter. I’ll be getting one of these myself very soon.

3. L’occitane Almond Hand Cream

   I used to be a ride or die Aesop hand cream girlie and while I still think it’s amazing, the price has increased which has gotten a side eye from me. The Almond Hand Cream from L’occitane has been a great replacement. It smells divine and keeps your hands feeling supple and moisturised without leaving that nasty greasy feeling that a lot of hand creams do. It’s also very fairly priced for how long it lasts.

4. Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant

   Whenever I get the chance to harp on about natural deodorant, I’ll take it. I’ve been a natural deodorant girlie for 4 going on 5 years now and I have zero regrets. I’ve tried a few and this one is one of my favourites. I think I’m currently on my 4th tube. It lasts me almost 3 months and I use it 1-2 times a day. It has a lovely gel like consistency and the eucalyptus fragrance is nice but not too strong.

5. Le Labo Tonka 25 Perfume

   Whilst in the airport and amidst the worst travelling experience I’ve had in my life (British Airways, you will crumble), I found myself at the Le Labo concession stand and fell in love with their fragrance options. I was new to the brand and the sales associate was so kind and patient with me while I found my chosen scent. I now wear this almost everyday. If you like warm, dark, musky and vanilla scents, reminiscent of a summer night, you would love Tonka 25.

For the drip darling

Goes without saying that your friends or family who love drip (colloquial for style/fashion), would appreciate your help in getting them closer to the wardrobe of their dreams. I usually always buy myself the things I need before anyone even has the chance to think about it, but I’ve always appreciated when loved ones have gifted me something that’s been on my wish list for a while. Use the below options as inspiration as everyone’s taste is personal to them, but also if they have similar taste to me then…you’re welcome!

1. Cotton Towelling Dressing Robe

   Robes are an essential starter item for all the drip darlings. Whether your preference is a silk, cotton or waffle texture robe, everyone should own one. I’ve had my current robe for probably more than 10 years (it’s from Topshop and was a gift from my aunt) so I reckon it’s time for a new one. I came across this colourful striped number from Next which gives me Scandi Telka vibes but for a way more affordable price point.

2. Bags by Monty Medium Shoulder Bag

   It has a zip! I already have their oval bag which I bought this summer after spotting it on my Instagram explore page (side note; my explore page knows me so well it’s scary!) and it’s been one of my favourite purchases this year. Their bags are made from recycled nylon meaning the fabric has some texture and can feel slightly ‘rough’ on the hands at first touch, but you get used to it very quickly. Very fun bag and shockingly affordable.

3. Woodchuck Sato Patent Black Tabi Mary Janes

   In any gift list I make, I always include a pair of shoes. My latest shoe hyper-fixation are Tabi mary janes. Tabi’s are a polarising shoe but those that get it, get it. I plan to gift these to myself at some point but I would highly recommend gifting your loved one a pair of shoes or trainers that you know they will love.

4. Cotton Cashmere Blend Socks

   There is no shame in buying socks as a gift. Last year I made a little gift box for my girlfriend for Christmas, and among her gifts, I bought her a pair of Tommy Hilfiger socks. I see them in the wash basket at least nice a week which is a huge marker of success. I’ve only recently gotten into colourful socks and I love the sound of a cotton and cashmere blend that feel soft and look chic.

5. Cos white T-Shirt

   Every single drip darling needs a good plain white T-shirt. This is a non negotiable. There is much conversation about who makes the best plain white T. Personally, a good plain white T is all about the shape and fabric. It has to be 100% cotton, machine washable and not see-through as a bare minimum. For me, the Cos white T-shirt wins every time.

For the homebody

Peace and happiness starts at home, but no one warns you how expensive setting up your peace and happiness can be. We’ve been in our place for 3 years now and we still haven’t finished furnishing to our preference. Sometimes I feel like all I need is a non repayable grant of 10k and my home will be all set. That is but a fever dream, but you know what isn’t? You helping a friend make their place of living feel more like a home.

1. Something on their TBR

   We read in this house, so why not get someone a book off their TBR list. Or, if they’re not an avid reader or you’re not sure what they like, get them something off of your TBR list. Books are for everyone and often you won’t know what you like until you read it. I’ve been surprised by many books in my time, books that a few years ago you wouldn’t have caught me dead reading. I have a long TBR list but I’m looking forward to reading Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang; anything that serves as a literary critique of the beauty industry is right up my street.

2. Diptyque Room Spray

   Everyone and their nan loves Diqtyque products and for great reason. The people at Diptyque really know how to make a great fragrance that lasts. I’m still yet to own a Diptyque perfume or candle myself and have only gifted it to others, but I am loving the sound of the Ambre room spray. The Ambre fragrance has notes of vetiver and patchouli, enhanced with aniseed, incense, cistus and the sweet tones of tonka bean. Perfect for making any room in your gaff smell good.

3. Framed Poster

   Both myself and partner love art, but we’ve been rubbish in getting bits framed and getting them on the wall. Take the hard part out of this for a loved one and gift them a framed poster. Etsy is full of great independent designers and makers. I especially love food and drink related poster, but there are amazing designed prints for everyone’s taste.

4. Molly Baz ‘More is More’ Cookbook

   I had this cookbook on my Christmas list last year and this serves as a reminder to finally buy it. More for the foodie or wannabe foodie in your life, but also for anyone that just loves pretty things. Cookbooks are great gifts as they always look and feel premium, while being quite affordable for what you’re getting - which is a very helpful step by step on how to level up your cooking. They are especially great if you ever plan to host people and don’t know what to make.

5. Rose & Grey Fruit Bowl

   Functional gifts do not get enough praise for me. Pretty much everyone has something or somewhere they store their loose fruit. My current fruit bowl is orange and netted, but this one is really cool. Again, gives me Scandi vibes without the huge shipping fees and adds a pop of personality to the kitchen. Might as well gift something you know they’re going to use.

*breathes out*

And we’re done. This has been a long one but I really hope you have found it useful! I’ve rather enjoyed putting this together. If Christmas brings up sad feelings for you as it does me, I hope we can all carry the fun gifting feeling with us as the season approaches.

Until next time x

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