Frosted mornings and firelit evenings call for thoughtful gestures and artful gifting. This festive season, our Winter Gift Guide has been curated to inspire both the big-trip adventurer and the city-break escapee. We’ve included Icelandic-based solid perfumes that bring joy on long journeys, timeless jewellery pieces to match the moment, sleek, German-engineered luggage sustainably built to last, and beautiful clothing for layering and lounging. Each selection celebrates craftsmanship and the joy of gifting as the festive season arrives. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or indulging yourself (because why not?), these covetable finds promise to brighten the season.
Toteme Signet Ring and Signature Gold Hoops
This asymmetrical signet diamond ring and pair of chunky gold hoops are part of the Swedish fashion brand’s debut jewellery line. They’re simple enough to work with any outfit, but ooze sophistication, making them go-to pieces for on-the-go travellers – they’ll look good with, literally, anything.Signet diamond midi ring, £1,010; Signature hoops gold, £320; toteme.com
Fischersund Útilykt Solid Perfume
Sisters Ingibjörg, Lilja and Sigurrós Birgisdóttìr joined forces with their brother Jónsi (the frontman for moody melody makers Sigur Rós) to launch Fischersund, which takes an artistic approach to scent formation. Fragrances are inspired by Icelandic life, with subtle notes of tar, green musk and dark wood, the aim being to evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort. The Útilykt solid perfume, one of a number in the range, is housed in a simple, elegant tin, and is our pick for travel. Inspired by nature, its fresh scent is reminiscent of moss, Siberian fir and Arctic thyme.£51; fischersund.com
Horizn Studios Gion Shoulder Bag
There’s a reason Horizn Studio’s Gion Shoulder Bag is a cult classic: in a world of on-the-go bags, it ticks all the boxes. Sleek, slim and designed to move with you, it’s still big enough to hold all the essentials – phone, wallet, keys – and has two separate compartments, an additional zip pocket and an adjustable strap. Plus, it’s made from all-vegan, high-end nylon.£90; horiznstudios.com
Violette_FR Bisou Jelly
Hitting the slopes next year? Make Violette_FR’s Bisou Jelly your pocket-sized companion. Make-up artist Violette Serrat launched her eponymous brand in 2021, putting that “je ne sai quoi” aesthetic so many Gallic women carry a little more in reach for those not blessed with a French passport. This sheer balm-meets-lipstick product is packed with hydrating properties, so will ward off chapped lips on the slopes, while also delivering a light kiss of colour. Bonbon à la Rose is a standout shade.£30; violettefr.com
Biostrips Power Duo
No more lugging bulky bottles of supplements around: these ultra-convenient Biostrips will slip neatly into your cabin luggage. Pick from an immune-supporting concoction of vit C, vit D3, zinc, elderberry and ginseng, or boost your energy post-red-eye flight with the adaptogenic ingredient-packed Clean Energy strips, which promise to provide increased energy and mental clarity. The strips are free of liquids, so won’t cause any issues at airport security. Quick to dissolve, they’re made from all-vegan ingredients, with fully recycled (and recyclable) packaging.£54; biostripshealth.com
Scented Air Fresheners
Portable fragrances for travel? We’re here for it. Earl of East’s scent tags might look like old-school car air fresheners, but are much more versatile. Place them in luggage, gym bags or wardrobes to ensure sweet smelling clothes around the clock. Our favourite scent is the hot spring-inspired Onsen – a mineral breeze reminiscent of Japan’s restful baths.£12; earlofeast.com
Red Striped Pyjama Pant Set
Rowdy global hotel brand The Standard is big into merch. Top of our list from its expansive catalogue are the classic cotton Standard-red PJs. Long-sleeved, well cut and with oh-so-chic red stripes, they’re perfect for a slumber party – see you at the top of The Standard Bangkok.£87; shopthestandard.com
Varley Spencer Socks
This winter, might we suggest swapping those sub-par socks you’ve been buying in bulk for some beautifully made alternatives? We’re talking about small luxuries here. Varley’s collection of ultra-comforting socks has caught our eye, from the ski slopes-ready Jacquard-knit duos to the cable-knit Eagleson offering. Our favourite pair, though, is the varsity-inspired Spencer – a lightly padded, plush design that’s perfect for padding around the house (or hotel) in, and that comes in seven nostalgic colourways.£18; varley.com
H5 Cabin Luggage
Horizn Studios specialises in just the kind of minimalist, understated luggage we love, including the sleek and stylish H5 Cabin Luggage. With a telescopic handle that can be adjusted to any height, Japanese spinner wheels and 14 colourways, including the decadently rich Glossy Purple Night, it’s a bag that will upgrade any airport flit. Consider the smart version for extra oomph: it includes a removable charger, additional compression pads for comfortable packing and a laundry bag.£370; horiznstudios.com
Finchley Hiking Boots
With their simple, classic design, and made from the softest nappa leather, these boots from Saint and Sofia deserve to be taken on a snowy European city break, or to the Cotswolds for a muddy Christmas hike. They’re well equipped for action no matter what terrain is thrown at them, and the ultra-minimalist looks make them endlessly versatile.£199; saintandsofia.com
La Bonne Brosse N.01 The Shine & Care Hair Brush The Universal
Haven’t you heard? Hair brushes are back. Regular brushing distributes natural oils evenly along the fibers and revitalises the scalp, creating lighter, shinier, healthier hair. Make the daily commitment a breeze with one of La Bonne Brosse’s instantly recognisable hairbrushes – available in a kaleidoscope of colours.£138; labonnebrosse.co.uk
MyTheresa Gift Card
The easiest gift for the festive season? Whatever the receiver desires. You’re half-way there with a MyTheresa gift card. We’ve been bookmarking ski-season essentials – hello, Fusalp’s ultra-neutral Clarisse panelled ski suit and an Alpine-ready roll-neck from Loro Piana – but there’s endless choice available for even the fussiest dresser, and gift cards can be sent by email or by post.From £50; mytheresa.com
Rosewood Fuschl Winter Getaway
Call us old-fashioned but there are few gifts more romantic than the gift of travel. Preeminent hotel brand Rosewood is on hand with the perfect “take me away” present this festive season: its Winter Getaway offering promises an Austrian escape to the lakefront Schloss Fuschl in Fuschlsee-Salzburg, including breakfast, a room upgrade and access to the Asaya Spa. Plus, the offer (for two nights or more; valid until 31 March 2025) secures the gifter a 10 per cent discount across all best room and suite rates. We won’t tell if you don’t.From £695; rosewoodhotels.com
Horizn Studios Gion Backpack Travel
One for the on-the-go-traveller in your life who likes to pack with precision, this clean-cut backpack opens like a suitcase for easy access, and boasts separate compartments for laptop and valuables. The material is water-resistant, the back is padded for comfort and it’s made from all-vegan materials.£280; horiznstudios.com
Liberty Beauty Drop
Looking for a gift that keeps on giving? London’s historic department store has one of the best beauty subscription boxes out there: alongside allowing the receiver to collect credit on any Liberty purchases throughout the year, and offering members-only access to special deals, rewards and events, it also entitles the holder to four Discovery Boxes piled high with hero products to try (worth £300).£25 a month; libertylondon.com
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train Experience
We – like everyone else right now – are obsessed with train travel, so festive gifts don’t come much more welcome than a ticket to experience one of Europe’s most elegant rail journeys. For a one-night stay on the Venice-Orient-Express, travellers board a stone’s throw from Rome’s Colosseum and arrive the next day in the City of Light. Feast in the palatial dining carriage – all polished wood and velvet-clad chairs – enjoy cocktails and conviviality in the bar car, then rest your head in a private suite, fully restored to 1920s grandeur. Sore heads are sorted with a French breakfast on board the next day, naturally.Cabins from £3,885; belmond.com
Tower28 SOS Rescue Spray
This bold, brilliant facial spray is our go-to when flying. It’s a soothing, purifying toner treatment that calms redness and soothes blemishes in an instant. It’s also packed with hypochlorous acid and is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial – so protects skin from unwanted pimples while travelling. At least two (acne-prone) SUITCASE editors swear by it.£22; tower28beauty.com
Kip Hideaway Gift Voucher
Give the gift of travel – literally. The team behind Kip Hideaways – a curated collection of design-centric self-catering escapes – has just launched gift vouchers. Valid for up to 12 months of travel, these cards unlock lakeside digital detox cabins and Dorset rural lodges far from madding crowds. Each gift card is printed with illustrations by London-based illustrator Natalia Bagniewska, and for every gift voucher purchased, £1 is sent to the Thousand Year Trust, a charity dedicated to restoring the UK’s rare temperate rainforests.From £50; kiphideaways.com
Horizn Studios SoFo Vertical Tote
Everyone needs an “everything” bag. This water-sealed cotton canvas tote from Horizn Studios fits the bill. With straps that fit over the shoulder, but can also be carried in hand, it’s practical, functional and beautiful, with a chic, characteristically minimalist design.£120, horizn-studios.com
Loop Quiet 2
No more interrupted sleep: Loop’s Quiet 2 earplugs muffle noises you don’t need to hear, creating a quiet, peaceful environment wherever you’re snoozing, or whenever you’re wanting to focus. They’re super-comfortable, thanks to the soft-touch silicone material that mirrors the ear’s shape for a comfy fit, they come with a convenient carry case, and they offer certified protection against damaging noise, such as the high-decibel drone of a plane engine. Plus, they come in a handful of tasteful tones. Our pick? Lilac.£19.95, loopearplugs.com
