Christmas Gift Guide

My mantra when buying presents for friends and family often veers towards getting something you yourself would like to receive. It might not work in every case (brother-in-laws in need of gardening tools for example), but the chances are you'll have pretty common ground with siblings and friends in terms of taste. So I thought I'd do a gift guide based around things I like in the hope of providing a bit of extra inspiration for gifts this month, both for others and yourself. It's normal to have at least one present under the tree from you to you right?

I don't know about you, but I like things that I might not normally buy for myself come Christmas. Things you want, rather than need. From bits and pieces for my flat, to nice nightwear (seriously, does anyone ever buy themselves stuff to sleep in? Maybe I should start), coffee table books and cashmere beanies, this is about treats that are timeless and a bit special. And it doesn't have to cost a fortune. I for one find lots of gift guides slightly unrealistic - a gold-plated lemon squeezer for £500 anyone? - so I've kept the majority of these in more doable price brackets; Under £20, Under £50, Under £100 and Blow the Budget for slightly more over-the-rainbow gifting, although some of the pieces in there are still under £200.

Good luck with the annual minefield that is Christmas shopping - mine's only just getting underway. Let me know if any of the below are also on your radar this year....

Under £20