LIFESTYLE // Secret Santa: £10 and under

Hello!
Christmas is so darn close and I could not be more excited. The house is decorated. I'm listening to festive songs in the lab. I'm drinking far too much mulled wine and cider. I haven't watched one film over the past weekend that wasn't Christmas themed. Okay, maybe that's a bit much considering there's still one week of university left but we'll ignore that.

Anyway, alongside Christmas comes the event of gift purchasing. It's fun to shop for friends and family but there is one Christmas tradition that fills me with fear - Secret Santa. Whether it's a work/friend/flat occasion, I feel the pressure so much. When your gift is the only one received I really feel like it needs to be just right and a mediocre bottle of wine and cheap chocolate just won't do. So, if you've left it a little late and have some last minute gift buying to do, hopefully this post will be even slightly helpful.

Christmas is all about giving those gifts that people may not buy for themselves. This whimsical unicorn jewellery dish is just adorable and would suit many dressing tables I'm sure. It's the sort of thing that I know I need but would usually think 'eh, I need shoes more' and so, at least for me, a perfect present! 

As far as I'm concerned, you also cannot go wrong with a Soap and Glory gift set. Clean on me is such a pretty scent and the packaging is always so pretty. However, if you would rather give someone a bottle of wine, you might as well dress it up in it's own little jumper. If humans wear festive jumpers why can't their wine look just as spiffing. 

Does your friend/co-worker have a long commute every morning? Whether it's a bus pass or Oyster card, it deserves to be used with style. Kath Kidston do some lovely travel pass holders which may seem like a waste of money for some, but I'm sure they'll appreciate having a well made and rather pretty alternative to the super plain (and of course cheap!) versions given out free.

I don't think I know a person who would be disgusted if they received a pretty notebook as a gift. There are so many places that do pretty stationary, such as Sainsbury's and TK Maxx to name a few. This cutie is from Paperchase and I was drooling over the website for a good 15 minutes - there are so many to choose from. 

Lastly, you cannot go wrong with a good mug - especially one with a nice inspirational quote. Clintons have lots on offer right now which are the perfect addition to a kitchen or desk. I'm pretty sure there was a scientific study saying that you could never have too many mugs. Google it!

So these are just a few ideas to help you with your last minute gift purchases. There's so much on the high-street to choose from, even if you have a budget of just £5! If you've finished all of your present buying, I'm very impressed. If you've hardly started - I wish you good luck!

What are your favourite things to give or receive as gifts? Let me know!