Marie-Louise Sciò’s Insider Guide to Christmas Shopping

Black Black Friday discount codes are clogging up our inbox. Our phones are buzzing with messages from in-laws, relatives, siblings and pals from which you've been socially distancing. On Instagram, we've been doom scrolling through stories by smug folk who have already bought and wrapped gifts and trimmed their tree. Let's be honest, we're feeling a little festively frazzled over here.

So, like Angel Gabriel sent to guide the shepherds, we've called upon the doyenne of Italian-style recommendations, Marie-Louise Sciò, the CEO and Creative Director of the Pellicano Group and founder of Issimo, to help steer us in the right direction. After all, she's the chicest elf we know.

Gifts for the Italophile, jet-setter and person who has everything in your life

Where will you be spending Christmas this year?

I'll be at home in Rome.

How early do you start your Christmas shopping?

I normally don't start shopping early at all but this year, with Issimo, it makes it much easier. Everything on the site is available online and each item is something I love - it's a great way to shop and support Italy.

Share with us some of the independent boutiques and stores you head to do to your Christmas shopping

Atelier Bomba, Sartoria Giuliva and Lorenzi Milano.

Who's the first person you buy for and what are you getting them this year?

My son. I'm getting him this denobilitaryparticle sweater from Issimo.

Any suggestions on what we can get the person who has everything?

A SUITCASE Collector's Bundle. It'll look great in their expertly curated bookcase (we know they've got one!).

How about something for a fellow jet-setter?

A copy of Vol. 31: Freedom by SUITCASE in their stocking and a Viaggio Passport holder for their next jaunt.

What should we buy for the foodie family member?

Fill their stocking with lots of Italian products. Try sauces, pasta and olive oil from Da Enzo al 29 and this truffle tagliolini set.

What should we buy the Italophile in our lives?

A Borsalino hat such as this.

What about an affordable gift for a colleague?

A bottle of sparkling natural wine from Casa Belfi or a gift subscription to SUITCASE magazine.

And what should we put in stockings this year?

An Il Pellicano tote bag or this pair of velvet Allagiulia slippers if you're feeling particularly generous.

We want to buy something to recreate the feeling of a hotel home. What should we get?

You can take home an Il Pellicano ashtray or the Rivolta Carmignani sheets or towels.

Any under-radar brands we should be buying from?

Beauty products from Terre dei Papi - the body butter will make your whole bathroom smell like sweet almonds. It's gorgeous.

Where do you go to buy gift-wrapping supplies?

All of my gift-wrapping supplies come from Vertecchi boutique in Rome

Finally, what's on your Christmas list this year?

A good album.