6 December 2005

Present Affair

2005 Holiday Gift Guide for Girls

Ladies always expect the best. But you don’t have to be loaded to be generous. Here’s our guide to imaginative Christmas presents for every girl — and every budget.

Homey Roller
She can show off her culinary (or other) skills in a stylish apron (020 7193 3155) while using The Silver Spoon cookery bible (020 7843 1234) and some authentic Italian ingredients from Il Palagio (Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1; 020 7730 1234 or 020 7225 5894 for mail order). Alternatively, she could cheat with goodies from a hamper by Daylesford Organic or Gorgeous (05600 434230). After that, coffee can be served in Joanna Wood’s espresso cups (020 7730 5064) with large, melt-in-the-mouth slabs of The Toffee Shop’s butter fudge (01768 862008).

Kiss and Tell
Every princess wants a festive kiss; Dogeared’s Twinkle Twinkle wish charm necklace could improve her chances of getting a peck on the cheek (even if it is from son/husband/father). Ensure she’s well prepared for the occasion with a Coco Ribbon gift box containing fancy pants, a scented candle, a groovy CD or an Aspinal diary (for future dates); and Boudoir Belle’s underwear bag — for dirty stop-out behaviour (020 8964 5100).

Bedded Bliss
Give her luxe sheets from the Volga Linen Company (01728 635 020) and a companion to enjoy them with. Together they can pore over illustrated ghost stories in a Foliobook by Fairy Cake candlelight and munch on posh chocolate bars from Pa Pa Paa (01794 340390).

Mum’s the Word
Mummies who want some peace and quiet throughout the festive period should order their little monsters outside to play on their own two monster feet; a pair of Oscar + Dehn’s Mr. Men hand warmers (020 7267 6110) will keep them cosy for hours. Alternatively, let them educate themselves in a Win Green hanging tent (01622 746516) with Mon Restaurant. The best bribes for all activities come in the form of sweets like Hope and Greenwood’s Bumper Box (020 8613 1777; at Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1; 08708 37 73 77).

That should keep all the noisy little (and large) girls silent until the new year.

Or until Boxing Day, at least.

Want more inspiration? We’ve done Gift Guides for Girls in all of our editions today. Start with Everywhere.