For a gift that does good, independent London-based knitwear designer Valentina Karellas makes all her pieces by hand, with a focus on sustainable, zero waste designs. The gorgeously soft 100% cashmere Tilney snood is not only unisex, but utilises waste yarn left over from other production. Available in three shades, grey, green and pink, it’s the kind of piece that will stay in your winter accessories drawer for ever. £120 at www.valentinakarellas.com.
A top Christmas shopping tip for something uniquely beautiful? Take a peek at the museum shops. From quirky art prints to elegant wardrobe must-haves, you’re guaranteed to find something much more elegant than the average high street for the most stylish people in your life. Log on to the Bristol Museum Shop website and you’ll find a selection of unique creations like these handmade beaded heart earrings (£18). www.shop.bristolmuseum.co.uk.
New pyjamas for Christmas might be a cliché, but when they make them as cosy as Pour Moi does, you will want to be unwrapping theirs come Christmas morning. They don’t get more snuggly than their super soft brushed cotton checked PJs, in half a dozen cute colour combos (good luck choosing just one). The classic button up style in 100% cotton comes in sizes 8 - 20 - we love the navy, red and white colour way for feeling festive. £45 from www.pourmoi.com.
An umbrella might not leap out as the most exciting of gifts, but perhaps that’s before you discovered London Undercover. Its handmade umbrellas are made using age-old techniques, the finest materials and the highest quality craftsmanship. A classically British accessory, its burgundy beauty (£75) is resplendent with its bamboo cane handle. Say goodbye to rubbish cheap brollies being blown outside in by the rain; this beauty will last a lifetime. www.londonundercover.co.uk. (See main photo above).
You must have seen the cult Korean face masks flying about online that turn from gel to clear as your skin absorbs their goodness and leave you with that ‘glass skin’ look? Well we’re please to report that some of them do actually work. Step forward b’s
