What is it about Molton Brown? People bloody love it, don’t they? My Mum loves it – you could line up the most ridiculously opulent and expensive face creams along a table, pile it high with handmade soaps from Morocco and body oils from Provence and she would still reach for the Molton Brown. Anyway, I’m pretty sure that most people like Molton Brown, which is why I’m writing about it today; if you’re struggling with gift ideas for people you don’t know very well yet (new boyfriend’s mother, boss’s wife, Great Auntie Philippa from New Zealand) then popping into your nearest Molton Brown is a good move. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s also an almost guaranteed Lady-Pleaser. (CRIKEY! Lady Pleaser? That sounds rude!) For the ultimate foolproof gift, skip over the body lotions and shower gels, and go for a ‘home’ gift rather than beauty – The Alchemist set includes a hand wash and lotion, both in reasonably hefty 300ml sizes, alongside a room fragrance and an ‘air light’. Everything is scented with the limited edition ‘Amber Cocoon’, which is warm and spicy and perfect for winter. There are loads of other gifts available in a range of fragrances and at various prices, so have a browse online before foraying out into the cold!

The Alchemist, £59 from Molton Brown.