Here we go then, bang on time with my Christmas Gift Guides (I get lots of complaints when I leave them any later): we’ll start with presents for the ladies in your life. Mums, sisters, friends and daughters or, alternatively, yourself.  There’s no shame in forwarding this page to whoever might be buying you a present. Just an idea.

I’ve mixed the luxury with the budget, the classic with the novelty, the useful with the stuff that’s completely useless but nice to look at. A big old mix and match. I you’ve found any great buys yourself then do feel free to link to them in the comments below – I know many of you are ridiculously organised and have already done your Christmas shopping.

Personally, I don’t think that Christmas would be Christmas without a panicked, sweat-inducing race around the supermarket on December 24th, trying to find serviceable presents that don’t look like they’ve been bought from the twenty-four hour petrol station. To that end, I’ll be putting up a last-minute gift guide closer to the big day – things that look thoughtful and well-prepared but that can be picked up on the ready-made-cranberry-sauce-and-emergency-loo-roll dash.

For now; beautiful stuff that we’d all be pleased to find in our stockings.

Let’s start off posh. The classic Mulberry Lily handbag in suit-all beige; £795 at John Lewis*. Then some gorgeous lingerie from Dita von Teese at Figleaves – it’s so unusual, so special. The balconette bra is £60 here*. Cashmere socks from Boden* – a classic Christmas present that never fails to please. And then a smart 2019 diary from Liberty in an on-trend neutral, £50 here*.

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Aurelia’s Body Oil is one of the best-smelling oils you can buy; it’s £48 at Space NK here*. And I have a thing for Alex Monroe’s floral alphabet pendants – just a little bit different and a really special, thoughtful gift. £135 at Liberty*. Then the ultimate stocking filler, my Colab no-white-residue dry shampoo. Smells amazing, lifts lank roots and is a steal at £3.49. Find it at Feelunique* where it’s currently 3-for-2! (I am a founder of the brand.)

The brilliant pencil pot above really tickled my fancy. It’s actually the “chewing gum” room scent diffuser from Anya Hindmarch. The pencils are the sticks and the perfume oil is alcohol-free and long-lasting. Find it at Liberty* – it’s £99. I’ll balance that quirky find with a very useful one – the blanket scarf from Accessorize, which comes in loads of designs and is huge enough to use as a makeshift wedding marquee. It’s £20 – find it here*.

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Moving on. Pink Cloud face cream, my current crush – £42 at Space NK here*; Sali Hughes’ amazing beauty book Pretty Iconic, £10.81 here*. A strangely gorgeous incense holder from l’Objet, £70 at Liberty* and the best cook book of the year, Gizzi Erskine’s Slow, £12.99 here*.

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Heres an eclectic little collection; the Lavinia apron from Anthropologie* (Anthropologie is great for gifts of every kind), a tiny soap tin from delectable brand MOR, £5.99 here*, the brilliant “Hop to it” Bottle Opener, £14 here* and a luxurious silk sleep mask from Slip, £50 here*.

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Now taking it dark and sexy with a selection of after hours treats: I want this Gucci cat card wallet a little too much, it’s £330 here*. You can’t go far wrong with Charbonnel & Walker truffles (or, as I call them, “gone in sixty seconds”); a ready-made, good-looking present at a reasonable price point, it’s a little box of luxury. £14 at Amazon here*.

You might have been wondering when bees were going to make an appearance and here they are; this time on a set of gorgeous pyjamas from Figleaves*. At £40, they look a lot more pricey than they actually are. Conversely, you’d think that this little bottle of sparking wine would be cheaper than it is, considering you only get a measly 125ml medicinal dosage. Good job it looks the part – very Alice in Wonderland and a witty little stocking filler. It’s £12.99 at Selfridges here*.

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Some gifts that make a statement; the new red version of Chanel’s No5 is limited edition and definitely one for the collectors. It’s £130 for 100ml here*. The Lulu Guinness lips portable charger is as useful as it is witty and it’s easy to find at the bottom of your bag – £35 here*.

Compagnie de Provence’s Black Tea Soap is as smart as they come and is £19 here* and Aquanova’s textured bathmats are so utterly beautiful that I’ve now bought two. I don’t let anyone actually stand on them but there we go. Find the range at Amara here*.

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Some excellent, not-too-expensive ideas to suit all tastes: Kate Spade thermal mug, £16 here*, and the Snow Doll Christmas candle, £16 here*. I’m tempted to buy the candle myself because I’m intrigued to know what happens to the face when the wax melts, but there’s possibly something dark and disturbing about that so we’ll hurry on…

Lanolips Coconutter Hand Cream, £8.99 here*, large ceramic tiger vase £51 here* and the Newgate Alarm Clock £25 here*.

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More animal kingdom action with the Anthropologie jewelled bee headband, £32 here* and the brilliant monkey light from Seletti which is £156 here*.

The candle with bunny ears and beast feet needs a little explaining; it’s from amazing candle brand No22 and is actually wearing a sort of Candle Accessory Wardrobe. The ears are on a clever candle lid and the beast feed form a candle stand – such a brilliant and wonderful idea! You can find No22 at Liberty here* and on the No22 website here.

The elephant cup and saucer is ever so pretty and costs £20 from Amara*.

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And finally (this post has taken me about eight years to write, so far – I’ve grown a beard) an assortment of useful and interesting bits. The makeup mirror from Simple Human emits a simulation of natural sunlight and has two magnification levels so that you can see your whole face or zoom in for more detailed work. It’s £220 from Selfridge’s here*.

You already know my love for the Elizabeth Scarlett bee bags (bees again) – they’re £25 at Amara here* and the little manicure kit is excellent, all the tools you need in a miniature case, £12 here.

I’m pleased to end on a Rory Dobner note; I have the cushion with this cat design on and it’s a constant source of delight to me. The giant tray is £73.60 and you can find it online here*.

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I must go and remind my family that I still exist but I’ll be back with the men’s gift guide and – hopefully – one for the kids. Remember to add your own ideas in the comments if you’ve had any genius brainwaves for unique, thoughtful things!