Wild Susannah: Festive Recommends: A selection of favourites.
Cashmere scarf by Somerville
So, what really works?
With Christmas fast approaching, I thought you might like a few handy recommendations. I’ll be updating this blog over the next few weeks with any additional offers too….
For: Nature lovers without a green thumb.
I’m in love with these gorgeous miniature trees. They are like little golden bonsai that you don't have to water.
Handmade in South London, so that each is slightly different from the next. I love that there are autumnal and spring variations and even a Christmas tree.
For: The Health Conscious - and those that should be
I’ve spoken before about this great fiery and natural product which now comes in two milder flavours - Citrus and Honey. It does wonders for general health, digestion and hangovers (I’m told) and now they are doing some handy gift packs too.- just perfect for Christmas. Choose from
The Hangover Special - basically everything you need for a jolly good Bloody Mary
The January Gut Fix - the ONLY January detox any of us should bother with frankly
The Indigestion Express - aptly named to lend a helping hand when you just ‘cant go’.
Use code SC15 for 15% off.
Gift subscription - great for last minute shoppers
For: Beauty lovers
Glossybox Beauty gift subscription is like having a little advent calendar delivered to your loved one’s door each month. Most women I know (and even a few of the men) will get giggly with excitement thinking about opening a mystery box of beauty products that’s landed on their doorstep so this is a fantastic idea for a present. Particularly a last minute one because you can order online and there’s no having to wait for it to arrive in the post - the gift is the subscription.
If you’re not familiar with Glossy Box, the basic idea is that five handpicked beauty products (worth at least £50) are delivered to the subscriber each month. Some of these are full size and some smaller but the brands are fantastic. It’s a great way to trial a product before going on to buy the thing for real. Essentially, they scout around for the best products and you get to try them out. It’s a real indulgence for anyone who’s into beauty. Each month’s box is different and you can even set whether you’re more into makeup or skincare etc so its tilted to your preferences.
You can buy gift subscriptions for varying lengths here.
For: Wives, girlfriends, sisters, nieces, mums and grandmothers
This London based business specialises in cashmere knits, loungewear socks and bags. Owner Sally works from home and now employs a dozen other local mums. Somerville is now at over 100 stockists in the UK and the collection really does have some amazing gifts - in particular the cashmere collection which is luxurious but affordable. Click here to see more.
Escentric Molecules - Molecule 01
For: Men and women. It’s a fragrance for those who don’t like fragrance.
This is my absolute favourite - Molecule 01 is unique in that it’s a single note fragrance. The single ingredient is Iso E Super, which is a synthetic woody scent. It’s not very noticeable on its own but when it’s on your skin, it reacts with your natural pheromones and becomes warm, velvety and cocooning. Expect strangers to linger around you sniffing, in a good way. Click here to purchase.
For: Those who appreciate good skin
Current Body LED mask will get you in the Christmas mood with its twinkly little red lights. No, it won’t turn you into one of Santa’s little helpers but will help with fine lines, skin texture and firmness and given I don't have any ‘tweakments’, this is definitely one I should be making time for.
All LED face masks look a bit space age but The Current body LED face mask is made from soft silicon that bends to your face shape making it more comfortable to wear than some other ridgid brands. There is even a little flappy bit for your nose to stick out. It works by using infrared and red light to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the cells. Most important, it has FDA approval. It can be used with or without the hydrogel face mask underneath. The hydrogel mask feels a bit slimy but is really hydrating for your skin.
What I love most about the LED mask is that it is a no hassle at home facial. You put it on your face, switch it on, sit back and listen to a good podcast for 10 mins - I can thoroughly recommend one called My Wardrobe Malfunction - then turn it off and put it away. Done. Although, keep listening to the Podcast. It’s longer than 10 mins. Click below to see it in all its festive glory ….
For: Massage Lovers
Between all the swimming and running I do, I get my fair share of muscle stiffness so I have been able to thoroughly test out this vibration massage device and I swear by the Medcursor massage gun. One year on and it’s still my favourite product. It’s every bit as good as the market leader, but at a fraction of price.
One thing you won’t notice about this massage gun is the noise. It’s so quiet because of its brushless motor. It’s light, at only 770grams, making it easy to manoeuvre. The rechargeable battery lasts for weeks and comes with six different heads to get into all those tight muscles.
Dreem Distillery - Among the Stars Body oil
For: Anyone who needs a helping hand to relax
It’s no secret that I love a multitasking product and this one makes a gorgeous sleep inducing gift. No, it won't bore you to snores, it uses nourishing, aromatic and botanical oils known for their soporific effects. Those oils are enhanced with my beloved Dreem Distillery Broad spectrum CBD oil that soothes the nervous system, restoring equilibrium to the skin and senses before heading off to bed.
The Among the Stars Body oil is best after an evening bath as it works best on slightly damp skin, leaving you with soft and smooth skin.
Oh, and if you use the code SC10 you will get a nice little 10% off.
The White Company Cashmere Robe
For: Anyone who feels the cold
Nothing whispers luxury like cashmere, and what better Christmas treat can you imagine than slipping on an ever so soft, fluffy cashmere robe and lounging around with a good book. Well, great news, The White Company cashmere robe is back and they come in two different lengths.
These robes are heavenly as the temperature drops and the nights draw in. Imagine flickering fires and hot cocoa type of cosiness. Check out the colours for the long robes here.
For: the Fashion conscious
Chunky gold and statement jewellery is not going anywhere as a trend, so let me introduce you to this London based brand, a firm favourite in fashion circles with their playful twist on vintage inspired gold jewellery. It's been snapped on celebs such as Bella Hadid , Miley Cyrus and Megan Markle apparently too.
Celeste Starre is named after designer Andraya Kenton’s grandmother. The original Celeste loved layering up her gold jewellery back in the 1930s when she was living in New York. Whilst this range looks like a luxury indulgence, it’s surprisingly affordable. Try out Celeste’s signature style, layering up multiple necklaces, bracelets and rings.
AnySharp World's Best Knife Sharpener with PowerGrip
For: Kitchen lovers
Lots of kitchens have a honing steel but I rarely meet anyone who knows how to use it properly. The rest of us plough on with a draw full of semi blunt knives - unless you have a super duper electric knife sharpener - or this clever little gadget - the Anysharp World’s Best Knife Sharpener suctions onto your work surface so you can sharpen your knives one handed.
The patented tungsten carbide sharpeners make your knives razor sharp in just a couple of passes. It works on expensive hardened steel knives and serrated bread knives too. The benefit of this tidy little kitchen essential is that you can put it away after use - perfect if you are one of those people who likes everything in a cupboard. I expect I will be buying several of these as they make a great stocking filler.
SmoothSkin Bare+ Ultrafast IPL Hair Removal Device
For: Anyone who hates endless shaving
You could also give the gift of silky smooth hair free skin with the SmoothSkin Bare+ Ultrafast IPL. I know there are a number of at-home IPL devices on the market these days but how many will offer a 90 day money back guarantee? SmoothSkin Bare+ does.
Why are they so confident you’ll love it? Maybe because it’s the fastest IPL device on the market, at 100 flashes per min, you can just glide it up and down your legs. It’s not a tedious slow job as with other devices. Maybe because it made Independent Newspaper best buy list and Current Body customer choice 2021 or just because it’s a reasonable price.
For: Natural product lovers
Le Labo artisanal perfume house hail from New York and are known for their unconventional hand blended unisex scents and have now expanded into botanical skin care, men’s grooming and olfactory, sensorial bath, body and home fragrance. The result is a purely plant based fragrance and skin care range with no nasties - which as you know with me is always a bonus. Available at Harvey Nichols - click here to purchase
For: Home and Art Lovers
Bell Hutley’s darkly romantic tableware collection is like dining in the enchanted forest which was the intention I think. Bell Hutley drew her inspiration from children’s literature, folklore and nature.
Her gorgeous homewares have found their way onto some of the smartest tables and are as much a feature of a great dinner party as the food. I’ve picked out a few items that feel quite Christmassy, including a gorgeous Cashmere hoody from Bell’s collaboration with the renown British knitwear designer Madeline Thompson,
So, hopefully you’ll find something in amongst these to inspire you for Christmas.
Susannah x
See also my Autumn Blog here for further recommendations.
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Susannah is Brand Ambassador to The Naked Pharmacy - you can read more about her partnership here and if you wish to order something, Susannah has a special 20% discount code - use ‘SC20’ at check out.
This blog contains some affiliate links, all views are genuine.
