I consider myself a fairly organised Christmas shopper. Over the years, I’ve developed a few tried-and-true habits that keep festive meltdowns firmly at bay.
First, I keep a running list of gift ideas throughout the year. If my dad mentions a wine he’s enjoyed, it immediately goes into my notes app. That way, he gets something he genuinely wants and I save myself the time and money wasted on impulse buys.
I also start shopping in October. With two children and a large extended family to buy for, spreading the cost and ticking things off before I've even opened up a window on my Advent calendar makes December far less stressful. Plus, that means I'm free to focus on the important things, like parties and endless champagne.
Finally, I get a large proportion of my gifting done at Boots. It’s my reliable Christmas shopping companion, year after year. Whilst it is, of course, one of the best beauty destinations on the high street, it's also home to some brilliant electrical and home brands that don’t get nearly enough attention.
It can also help you out of a gifting pickle: free next-day delivery and a handy Click & Collect service. Order online, in-store or over the phone before 8pm, and you can pick up your order on your chosen day from one of its stores—including in some airports. So if you're flying just before the big day, you can ensure your gift is waiting for you in departures.
To show just how extensive the range really is, I’ve pulled together a list of everything I have my eye on for friends & family—plus a few wish-list treats for myself.
Whatever your budget and whoever the recipient, Boots will come to the rescue. It's never let me down.
Boots Christmas Gifts: £50 and under
Say hello to the best secret Santa gift. This wonderful lip balm rivals some of the market's bestsellers and comes in at a fraction of the cost. There's a reason why it kept selling out earlier this year. No one could be disappointed with nourished, pillowy lips this winter.
My sister-in-law is in the middle of a skincare crisis, and we are in constant contact, troubleshooting her complexion. This skincare collection could be the answer to all of her problems. It's a no-nonsense, complete routine from a brand I wholeheartedly trust as a beauty editor. It takes things back to basics, without forfeiting on efficacy.
So much of my routine is Liz Earle, so this is going on my own list. Whilst you might be familiar with the brand's iconic Cleanse & Polish, which really is as extraordinary as everyone says, the rest of the brand's range is just as gentle, just as caring and just as nourishing.
My niece is finally a teenager and is in the early stages of her make-up journey. I can't think of a more perfect brand to initiate her into this world than MAC. This sweet little essentials kit is the ideal starter kit—lip gloss, mascara, lip liner and setting spray.
Boots Christmas Gifts: £100 and under
I have used my Neom Wellbeing Pod religiously since I got it. It makes such a brilliant gift, because unlike candles, the scent lasts and lasts. You can buy so many beautiful essential oil blends to suit every mood and time of day. It's discreet enough to sit nicely on a bookshelf, but can equally be hidden away to silently scent your room. My sister-in-law, the home fragrance enthusiast, is going to love this.
This is one for my mother-in-law, who goes on an incredible number of trips per year and lives out of a suitcase. This handheld travel steamer makes light work of creased holiday clothes. It looks smart and is compact enough not to take up valuable kgs in the case.
My parents recently renovated, and this year I've decided to give them a new kitchen radio. That's because I too redid my kitchen at the beginning of this year, and I love nothing more than coming down first thing, before anyone else is up, and listening to the radio with my first cup of coffee of the day. It's quite magical. This VQ Retro Mini would look perfect on the new countertop.
I don't get to see my grandparents very often, but I am constantly sending them photographs of my children to keep them updated. They are traditionalists, so always ask me to print them off and frame them; this digital photo frame ticks boxes for both parties. Such a clever and thoughtful idea.
My kids see us taking photographs on our phones constantly and are always asking to give it a try. I love this fun entry-level camera from MyFirst. It'll give my children the opportunity to be creative, without me worrying too much about screen time.
The first thing that's going on my own Christmas list. I love the idea of being able to pop into the kitchen and having fizzy water whenever I please. I've looked at other carbonators and I think this is defintiely the best value.
Boots Christmas Gifts: Over £100
This is, arguably, one of the most exciting skincare tool launches of 2025. And with good reason. It's a brilliant thing to have in your skincare kit if you'd love to book in for more facials, but find that your schedule doesn't allow for it. Exfoliate, hydrate and sculpt from your very own bathroom.
Another for my own list. I feel like everyone has an Oura ring except me, and I feel very left out and really want one. As a jewellery obsessive, I much prefer the idea of recording my health data on a ring, rather than a cumbersome, and quite frankly, ugly wristwatch. I'm keen to work on my fitness next year, and I can't think of a better incentive than a shiny gold ring.
A couple of months ago, my husband made an offhand comment saying that he'd love a record player so that he could dig out his dad's old collection and play them at home. I made a note on my phone, and lo and behold, this is just one of seventeen turntables that Boots stocks. I love the wood effect on this one.
My friend is the ultimate host, and dinner parties at hers are both a feast for the tummy and the eyes. Her collection of serving bowls and platters is stunning. As soon as I saw this really pretty and playful design by Eleanor Bowmer I knew who it was destined for.
The greatest gift I ever received was a bean-to-cup coffee machine. There is nothing quite like pressing a button and a beautifully brewed coffee appearing within seconds. This smart one from Smeg would make anyone gloriously happy on Christmas day.
I think blow-dry brushes are genius. A hair dryer plus a brush in one? No brainer, right? I am slowly but surely getting all of my friends and family onto them. Last year, my mother got one for Christmas, and this year, my mother-in-law will be the lucky recipient, because this one from Babyliss is great. It dries, smooths and styles with just three heads.
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