We’re down to the wire, it’s less than 48 hours to the Big Day. Perhaps you were feeling smug about your aptitude for acing Christmas this year, but have realised you’ve fallen at the last hurdle and forgotten that one person on your present list. Or maybe between the partying and focusing on securing the turkey and the tree, you actually failed to get any presents at all...
Well fear not, from the gifts you can still get delivered tomorrow (be quick!), to the fail-safe presents to buy on foot (be sure to check store opening hours which tend to run to 5:30pm latest on Christmas Eve), and the ones you can literally buy on the day and deliver stealthily to their inbox — here’s the best things to buy for every type of Londoner. Most of which are available in a plethora of colours, so be sure to stalk your giftees Instagram to check their go-to shade and you’ll be sorted. Go, go, go.
For the beauty junkie: the Rolls-Royce of hairbrushes
If you’re shopping for a beauty junkie last minute, then forget make-up gifts unless they’ve expressly asked for one: the shades, formulas and scents are a mine-field when you don’t have time to consider taste and complexion. Instead it’s all about hair gifts. This brush is a treat for all types and textures of mane.
La Bonne Brosse The Good Brush, around £138
Stocked at: Liberty (open until 9pm on 23 December and 5pm on the 24th at Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH), Selfridges (open until 10pm on 23 December and 5:30pm on the 24th at 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB), Not Another Bill (open until 5pm on 23 December and 2pm on the 24th at Unit 10, 69 St Marks Rd, London W10 6JG) and John Bell & Croydon (open until 5pm on 23 December and 2pm on the 24th at 50-54 Wigmore St, London W1U 2AU).
Or for something more on a stocking filler budget, opt for Hershesons’ Almost Everything Cream, a does-it-all pomade that beauty insiders rave about. It can be used for styling, as a mask or to smooth flyaways.
From £14
Stocked at: Hershesons Salons in Fitzrovia, Belgravia and Selfridges (salons open until 4pm on 24 December).
For the book worm: 2024’s top reads
London is bursting with book shops. To take the stress out of choosing, simply opt for one of our editors’ picks of the best of the year, from the new Sally Rooney to what we called 2024’s answer to Alice in Wonderland, by Mark Forsyt. It’s worth noting that Foyles (107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0EB) is open until 9pm on 23 December. And if you’ve got no time to scan the shelves there’s always Amazon. If you’re a Prime customer you can still get most tomes by Christmas Eve if ordering today.
As for mini readers, you can’t go wrong with a Little People, Big Dreams book about one of their future favourite stars. Everyone from Ru Paul, to Harry Styles, to err, King Charles, features in their own edition, so there’s a icon for every taste. Likewise, you’ll find them at nearly all London book stores, or on Amazon.
For the host: the scent of Christmas
Trust us, you cannot go wrong by gifting a Diptyque candle (or three). This gorgeous set with a festive spin will help you feign thoughtfulness with your last-minute gift, especially as it’s already wrapped in a beautiful box. Just add a bow.
Diptyque Candle Set 3 x 70g, £120
Stocked at: Space NK stores
Another sure-fire winner for host gifting is to bring some cheese for the board. Shop local in your area (there are too many great cheese shops to list!), or if in Central pop into Neal’s Yard Dairy (open until 7pm on 23 December and 2pm on the 24th at 17 Short's Gardens, London WC2H 9AW). The rule to remember here is: nothing too fragrant, or you’ll be in the bad books — not even a Diptyque candle can mask the stench of a Stinking Bishop. A soft, spreadable cheese is the smart gifting option. Think brie, camembert, chèvre. Or better still: treat them to a subscription you can buy right up to the wire online.
Neal's Yard Cheese of the Month Subscription, from £47
Comes with printable certificate; nealsyarddairy.co.uk
For the culture vulture: tickets to a hit show
Got a theatre kid type coming for Christmas, or just need a crowd-pleasing gift? There’s major buzz around Elton John's brand new musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada, on at the Dominion Theatre. There’s Christmas season tickets still up for grabs as well as seats to book into the new year. Best of all, you can purchase online right up to Christmas morning. An e-voucher for Christmas? Groundbreaking.
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London Theatre Direct E-Voucher, for your chosen amount. londontheatredirect.com
The one who’s impossible to buy for: the perfect shirt
London brand With Nothing Underneath has become the first name in women’s shirts for its universally flattering styles in beautiful cuts and fabrics. Anyone worth their fashion salt would be thrilled to unwrap one. The boyfriend style is a serious crowd-pleaser.
With Nothing Underneath Maple Red Boyfriend Shirt, £120
Stocked at: Liberty, Selfridges, Harrods (open until 9pm on 23 December and 5pm on the 24th at 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL) and With Nothing Underneath (open until 7pm on 23 December and 2pm on the 24th at 47 Elizabeth St, London SW1W 9PP).
For the ‘Sephora teen’: cult skincare
Trust us, if you have a TikTok-loving teen on your list then some Byoma products will earn you serious kudos thanks to its colourful packaging and social media-loved formulas. Stick to teen-friendly products such as the jelly cleanser or lip balm and if you can still get your hands on it — then try and pick up the limited edition festive bauble packing.
Byoma Liptide Lip Mask, around £9.99
Stocked at: SpaceNK stores, Boots stores and if you’re in a pinch amazon.co.uk
The homebody: colour pop tableware
This Christmas’s must-have home gift is hands down a piece from Addison-Ross — and luckily they’re stocked in Selfridges and Liberty. Get it gift wrapped and they’ll never know it was a last-minute addition under the tree.
Bobbin Salt and Pepper Grinder, from £38
Stocked at: Selfridges and Liberty
And if in doubt... the giving-back gift
Needless to say there are plenty of deserving charities based in London and beyond, and most can send an automatic personalised email to your loved one in exchange for you donating in their name. Here’s just some of our favourite causes to rally behind, from support for LGBTQ+ refugees, to socks for the homeless and vaccinations for dogs in need.
