A (loosely) wellness-themed gift guide

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Either you saw that headline and thought: “A gift guide? Now? But everyone’s done their Christmas shopping.”

Or you thought: “Thank god, I’m not the only one that’s just started thinking about it.”

If you’re in the second camp, I feel your festive stress, I’m sending calming vibes your way, and I hope this helps. In the first camp? You can be justifiably smug, and may this list give you some ideas for future gifting, or even things that you might want to buy for yourself in the new year.

Either way, enjoy!

A perfectly imperfect masterclass
I love Oliver Burkeman, his book Four Thousand Weeks, and his newsletter, The Imperfectionst. A ticket for his January masterclass on ‘the art of imperfect action’ would be the perfect gift for me, and any other Burke-stan.

Get yer skates on
I’m clearly having a midlife crisis because I have signed up for rollerskating classes in January, despite not having skated since I was a kid, and having zero sense of balance (as a recent skid around the ice rink at Somerset House can attest). Anyway, I’m hoping to get these for Christmas, wish me luck!

Cashmere only
When I was doing chemo, people sometimes asked Jonathan what they could send me as a nice gift. I told him to say ‘cashmere socks’ to all of them. As a result, I got several pairs, which were a dream for keeping me warm during chemo sessions (with the cold cap on) and cosy while recuperating at home. Now, however, I have been spoiled to the extent that any other type of sock feels scratchy and horrible. It is therefore both the best and the worst present ever, and I’m addicted.

Yoga organiser
I don’t actually have anywhere in my home to put this alter to yoga, but I want it anyway.

That’s Karma
Karma, the newly B-Corp accredited drinks brand, sells beautifully designed and delicious drinks that are ideal for the mindful drinker in your life.

Manta Up
I’m obsessed with the Manta hairbrush that I bought during chemo to be able to brush (what was left of) my hair as gently as possible. Now they’ve launched the Manta Pulse, which gently vibrates to give you a blissful massage and stimulate growth. It’s 100% waterproof so you can use it in the shower. This is definitely on my own Christmas list.

Like Silke
And now that my post-chemo hair is growing back with a vengeance, I want to treat it well. Silk hair ties are the kind of little luxury that make the perfect gift.

Get Clear
If you also found James Clear’s book Atomic Habits totally life-changing, invest in one of his (admittedly very spenny) pens as a daily reminder.

Do you Le Creuset?
For the friend who always forgets their travel mug. Having a posh one honestly helps you remember.

Feel the Benefit
This mega-moisturising, suits-anyone lip tint is perfect for those moments when you need your face to go from tired and grey to glowy and bright in seconds. Swipe across lips and rub into cheeks for an instant boost.

Give Booch
A case of Kombucha is welcome in my house any day, but I’ll also accept an LA Brewery gift card.

Make Booch
I’m less likely to make my own but, if you know someone who’s up for that challenge, try this.

Urban gardening
In my opinion, plants make every home happier and healthier. They’re tricky to send in the post, so this plant subscription gift card is perfect.

The scent of wellbeing
Smell can be powerfully evocative, and now science has shown it can improve our health and happiness. Next gen fragrance brand Edeniste has harnessed this concept to create an ‘active wellbeing’ fragrance collection.

Pizza the action
I’m a great believer in the idea that experiences make us happier than possessions. I’ve taken my husband to a cheese tasting, I’ve popped tickets for Operation Ouch Live in our kids’ stockings and I’ve sent my mum massage vouchers. In the spirit of this, a gift that I’ve loved receiving is a voucher for a local restaurant, so we can spontaneously go out for dinner guilt-free. If you’re buying for someone who lives near a Sodo, that is always a hit.

Baylis & Harding? I don't know her
If all else fails, there isn’t a person that wouldn’t be happy with some Aesop for their bathroom.