The spirit of Christmas lives on, despite the stillness of High Street shopping and the absence of Christmas light launches. Such adverse times highlight the importance of relationships and, as such, enable us to make the most of every moment. For some, the latter is a means of survival. Confined to a “bubble,” we are bouncing further away from normality. The phrase “she lives in a bubble” is no longer a mockery but the truth. Thank God for the internet that keeps us sane and, more importantly, provides endless gift shopping galore.

“Lockdown Christmas shopping” challenges tradition hence the “new different,” but at least, we have 24/7 access to online retailers for gift ideas in time for Christmas. “We want people to be able to celebrate. Still, we don’t want to ruin it by overdoing it,” says Boris Johnson. At least we can overdo our internet shopping within the safety of our homes. All is not lost; thus, welcome to my Christmas online gift shopping guide.

Shopping Tips

Retailers are offering an array of creative gift ideas. Are you spoilt for choice or unsure of suitable gifts? I have carefully selected products for my gift guide based on quality, practicality and items I would use myself. Gift buying can be a challenge; thus, I want to offer inspiration and a practical solution without taking away the fun factor; especially when considering Christmas stocking and Secret Santa gifts. My top tip is to buy items that are timeless, fun and beautifully packaged. Class talks louder than money. Here is my selection of gift ideas in no particular order:

(1) Nourishing Gift

Nourish London is a certified organic, vegan and cruelty-free skincare range designed to enhance skin care health. I usually test a new skincare range for a minimum of two weeks. The latter gives me time to understand a product and its benefits fully. My skin is sensitive and enjoys products that contain natural ingredients; hence, I shop thoroughly and ensure that I read the fine print. Nourish London is organically rich. Their Kale 3D Cleanse (100ml) is one of a kind. It also changes colour – from white to green. Pretty impressive.

Kale and Griffonia detoxify and protect against pollution, helping to minimise signs of ageing. Additionally, my skin restored its natural glow after using the cleanser. I highly recommend this product for those with normal to combination skin. The 3D Cleanse also contains argan oil, which eases dry, irritated skin. Nourish London offers a variety of skincare ranges to suit all skin types. RRP £25.00

Anti-Ageing Skincare

I am currently using the Protect Replenishing Peptide Serum (30ml) with vitamin C derived from fresh, organic lemon fruit. The serum helps to protect the skin from damaging free radicals caused by pollution. RRP £23.50.

Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser (50ml) boosts skin hydration, and repairs damaged skin. Smart skincare is revolutionising the beauty industry, and, Nourish London is at the forefront of innovative skin health. The moisturiser contains extracts from the rose of the Jericho plant, which is known to bring good luck and absorb negative energy. Skincare that brings prosperity is a game-changer. RRP. £30

Anti-Ageing Eye Cream (10 ml) reduces fine lines and dark circles for a rested look. I found the eye cream soothing and gentle on my skincare, similar to the other products. RRP £30.

I highly recommend Nourish London for friends or family who are skincare-obsessed.

(2) Wicked Gummy Co

Moreish and delicious, Wicked Gummy Co offers the perfect solution for shinier hair, glowing skin and healthier nails. Enriched with vitamin E, Wicked Gummy Co helps to protect cells from oxidative stress (i.e. an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body), while Zinc maintains hair in good condition. The daily recommended dose is two gummies per day. They are tasty – be warned. However, they are NOT sweets. I highly recommend the Multi-Vitamin Gummy, Apple Cider Vinegar and Peaceful Sleep Gummy. Other benefits include more restful sleep and rapid cell growth. Wicked Gummy Co is vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free and cruelty-free. RRP £19.99.

(3) Guinot

Inspired by the power and beauty harnessed by Agates, the Intense Hydration Christmas collection by Guinot is luxurious. Agates stones help to rebalance and harmonise the body. The packaging is elegant and contains Hydra Summum moisturising cream 50ml (with Hydrologic Complex and Hyaluronic acid) and Hydra Finish cream 30ml. Both products keep the skin hydrated hence their inclusion in my gift guide. In retrospect, I have struggled to find suitable products for my skin which is prone to dehydration. The gift collection is designed to enhance natural beauty, a sense of wellbeing and skin confidence. RRP £80

(4) Temple Spa

Truffle Glow – The Body Radiance Collection – is merely exquisite. The moisturising-duo includes Temple Spa’s signature Truffle cocktail of ingredients. They are designed to keep your skin velvety soft and intensely nourished. Furthermore, both products smell divine. The collection includes Body Truffle – Rejuvenating Body Radiance Crème 50ml. Truffletini Illuminating Body Polish (with rose quartz, champagne and black truffle) 100g. RRP £45

Dream Stones Aromatic Soap Bars represent love, joy and peace. They contain essential oils of lavender, patchouli and geranium that induce a sense of tranquillity. Three x 100g. RRP £16

(5) Velvotan Original Tanning Mitt

Ideal for stocking fillers and Secret Santa gifts for under £5, Velvotan’s tanning mitt is the perfect gift for the dedicated self-tanner. There are four striking designs: Zebra, Glow Girl, Cherry Pickin’ and Tropical; all of which are machine washable and reusable. Stockists include Asda, Morrison’s, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Amazon UK. RRP £2 each.

(6) LA LA Tan

Madame LA LA’s face-bronzing serum is natural and sustainable with vitamin C and vegan ingredients; cocoa water and green tea. Additionally, it accommodates all skin types. Madame LA LA lasts for ten days. Furthermore, it is an exclusive indie beauty brand and self-tanning celebrity favourite inspired by LA, Malibu beach, the Hollywood lifestyle, wellbeing and fitness – delivering the ultimate LA Glow. RRP £22.50

(7) Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive Rose Gold

One for the Christmas stocking, Venus Extra Smooth features new Skin Elixir lubricating gel for a smoother finish. It provides three times more lubrication than Venus Smooth and is available exclusively at Boots. RRP £12.99

(8) Poo-Pourri Secret Santa Ornament

Vegan-friendly poo-pourri product is full of goodness including pure blend cinnamon, vanilla and citrus scent in a festive hanging Christmas tree ornament. With up to 70 spritzes, this little box is the ‘poofect’ (no pun intended) stocking filler for your Secret Santa work colleague or friend; a loved one or why not only treat yourself. Available at Holland & Barret. RRP £6.99

(9) Glitz Toy Makeup Technology

Designed to re-sculpt your face and improve circulation, the Glitz Tech Sculpting Roller helps to boost your natural glow. Two minutes of use daily will keep the wrinkles away. Use Glitz Toy after you apply your favourite skincare to enhance penetration, reduce puffiness and tighten the jawline. RRP £54

(10) Be NailKind

NailKind is a new natural vegan nail collection that is rich in colour and quality. It offers a range of luxurious colours that leave you spoilt for choice. Additionally, the Nail Kind range is animal- and plant-friendly, oozing a ‘cool-to-be-kind’ vibe. Take your pick from some of my favourites: Confessions, Cosmic Wave, Lake House, French Martini and Red Carpet. Such names are energy-boosting. The limited-edition holiday 2020 shades include Silk Slip and Flirt Factory. Keep your holiday dreams alive with Nail Kind.

(11) Fushi Discovery Set

A collection of six travel miniatures of organic oils for skin and hair. Each oil is 100% pure, cold-pressed and organic for the highest quality. Give the gift of the ultimate pampers with the following six oils, all sourced ethically from around the world:

• Avocado Oil: for mature and dry skin
• Argan Oil: for dry skin, fine lines and frizzy hair
• Sweet Almond Oil: for dull skin, dry hands and skin cleansing
• Jojoba Oil: for skin cleansing and all skin types including sensitive skin
• Rosehip Oil: for fine lines, scars and stretch marks
• Camellia Oil: for enlarged pores, fine lines and dull hair.

RRP £24 for six 10ml oils.

(12) Skin Alchemists

Skin Alchemists is a collection of luxurious Artisan soap bars – hand poured and cured for eight weeks. It is an eco-luxe beauty brand inspired by St Lucia in the Caribbean. Beatifically packaged and stylishly displayed, Skin Alchemists, offer the perfect gift for the conscious consumer and organic advocate who appreciates sustainability. The Eggnog soap bar has a beautiful scent, enriched with coconut oil and cocoa butter. RRP £10

Sweet Dreams Skin Treatment Candle has therapeutic properties that relax the mind and soothe muscles. The candle sits beautifully in a ceramic vessel with a pourer which can be recycled. RRP £38.

(13) Katherine Daniels

Katherine Daniel’s Effect Eye Mask instantly transforms and revitalises tired, dehydrated and ageing eyes. Each mask will plump, smooth, firm, hydrate and bring luminosity to the delicate eye area in just 20 minutes. The Eye Mask contains precious minerals which improve cell energy, skin density and firmness. RRP £60 / 4 treatments.

(14) JS Skincare Overnight Recharge Balm

This product helps to repair, restore and reawaken the skin. Overnight Charge Balm is rich in nutrients to replenish the fundamentals for your barrier function, EFAs (essential fatty acids), NMFs (natural moisturising factors), Omega 3 for total resilience and health. RRP £54

(15) OPI UK

The Shine Bright Festive Collection of OPI UK launched on the 1st October. The collection features fifteen stunning shades, including three striking glitter hues, Swarovski Crystals and a festive wreath to honour the launch of the collection.

(16) The Jim Bag

Jim Bag is the perfect giftable product which is durable, practical and stylish. Features include: roll-top accessibility to open and close with an adjustable clip to fasten shut, a laptop compartment fit 15” and under, waterproof inner-coating and extra padding to protect items. The style of the Jim bag is ideal for those who are busy at work and play. It transitions effortlessly from work to gym bag. The rolltop backpack comes in camel, grey, black on black, black and cream. RRP £69.99

Written by Style Icon Nat