Christmastide is now really upon us as December and all that comes with it unfurls. This month is full of sparkling lights, festive markets, black and white films and the hurried bustling that comes with a long gift list.

I have spent many an evening, beside a sweet-scented candle, scribbling out gift lists for loved ones near and far. In the coming days, I plan to send out all my seasonal present lists blog posts for all, from cousin Lucy whose fascinated with all things skincare to Grandma Ruth who adores her hot cocoa, to Auntie Jennifer who always has her finger on the fashion pulse, to your mum, who never asks for anything.

Bookshop. Org, A Christmas Carol

A Christmas tale that will always remain relevant, from 1843 when it was first published to the Christmas of 2021 and the year ahead. Bookshop.org is a fantastic online bookshop whose mission is to financially support local, independent bookshops. Even if you can’t make your way to your local bookshop, you can choose to buy from one on the Bookshop.org list and support an independent bookseller.

You can purchase your own copy here.

Gisela Graham, Botanical Bauble

Last month while in London, I visited Liberty’s fourth floor which has been heaving with Christmas baubles, bells and bunting since late September. This bauble especially caught my eye with its old botanical engraving designs and gilt shine. While I wasn’t able to find this golden bauble on the Liberty website you can find it from the maker Gisela Graham here.

Tea Emporium, Christmas Hot Chocolate

While the Tea Emporium’s shop is tucked away in Bath, you can buy their wonderful tea blends and coffee’s from the Tea Emporium website. A staple of any holiday is its seasonal drinks and this hot chocolate is the most wonderful I have ever tasted, using real chocolate shavings, and Belgian cocoa, along with the seasonal flavourings of vanilla, orange, cinnamon and clove, it is Christmas in a tube.

Crossbody Bag Red, Flo&Sue

Solstice Blend Essential Oil, Verde

Verde is a brand close to my heart, I can call myself a ‘Verde baby’ as my mother used labour day oil for my birth. Last month while in Verde at Northcote Road, I tried a few essential oils, Solstice Blend was by far the most seasonal of all, transporting me right to the tingly excitement Christmas can bring.

You can purchase your own Solstice Blend here.

Somerset Lavender, Essential Oil Burner

One thing about the ever-fashionable electric essential oil burners is that they don’t do well in the damp weather in England, they can even be a little dangerous. So while glancing around my damp cottage walls this seemed a dilemma, I just couldn’t find one from a brand I trusted. Last week at the Abbey Quarter Christmas market in Bath, I had a wonderful chat with the lovely people at the Somerset Lavender stall who gave me some advice and mentioned that Somerset Lavender has an essential oil burner of their own.

You can take a peek at the Essential Oil Burner here.

Little Karma Co.,Gingerbread Candle

I first ran into Little Karma Co. at Source Bulk Foods where they stock all manner of healthy things, as well as a whole selection of sustainable Christmas gifts. Their 2021 Christmas collection of 100% natural wax (Rapeseed and coconut oil) candles are all beautifully themed. The gingerbread scent seemed just up my street, with ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg essential oils. You can also purchase refills of your favourite candles to pop in the empty glass jar.

You can find the Karma and Co. Gingerbread candle here.

Rock n Rose, Holliday Gold Vermeil Floral Hoops

A little sparkle, this Christmas or indeed any time of year is most welcome, even more so in a quality piece of jewellery such as this. With 18ct gold vermeil over the top of solid sterling silver, the colour and design of these pieces are sure to last. Rock n Rose is a small family-run brand with care for sustainability, with is 100% plastic-free packaging and only small batches of products made. Faulty products that are returned are sent back to the manufacturer to be reused for another collection.

You can find the Rock n Rose hoop earrings here.

L’Occitane, Shea Winter Walk Shower Cream

With a creamy texture and sweet scents of fig and mandarin peel, I think this is the perfect product to enjoy a moment of peace in the bath and get away from the hectic time that is the holiday season. The Shea butter for L’Occitane is produced in Burkina Faso by an all women’s cooperative where a sustainable, fair trade supply chain has been going since the late 1970s.

You can find the Winter Walk range here.

For more gifting finds and Christmas cheer, come find me on Instagram!