The year’s end is near, the holiday sunshine is calling, and the time has come to celebrate and give thanks to our loved ones with a carefully chosen gift. And while hugs, kisses and reunions around the dining table are gifts in themselves — a little wrapped memento never ceases to impress. From thoughtful tokens of appreciation to big-ticket splurges, a considered gift can give a lifetime of thanks.
Shop FQ‘s edit of carefully curated gifts for everyone on your list — including you!
For the style seeker
We all have that stylish friend that keeps their well-manicured fingers on the pulse. Make sure you’re one step ahead when it comes to gifting your style seeker these holidays by opting for fresh takes on tried-and-true classics from the likes of Chanel or Louis Vuitton, while keeping things fun with vibrant pops of colour for both the wardrobe and home.
Left to right, top to bottom: Ole Lynggaard ‘3 Shooting Stars’ earrings, $3710. Yves Saint Laurent ‘Catwalk’, $120, from Superette. Maggie Marilyn ‘Dinner’ jacket, $850. Louis Vuitton ‘Pouchette Coussin’, $4150. Chanel N°5 EDP 100ml, $272. Swarovski ‘Harmonia’ choker, $730. Meadowlark ‘Maya’ ring, $1715. La Tribe ‘Satin Tie’ sandal, $199.90. Michael Kors ‘Willa’ tote, $779.
For the planet protector
Make your gift a conscious one with our edit of people-and-planet-friendly buys. Shopping for gifts from brands that champion transparency doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Look for garments that are organic in composition — like Kowtow’s 100% Fair-trade organic cotton voile ‘Woodland’ shirt, and reach for accessories that promote reuse and recycling — like a Baggu bag from Superette, Ethique’s home-compostable lip balm, and Deadly Ponies’ vegan cactus leather bags.
Left to right, top to bottom: Boody ‘Ribbed’ seamless bra, $47.95. Rochas ‘Girl’ EDT 100ml, $151, from Farmers. Kowtow ‘Woodland’ shirt, $229. Vania ‘Margarita Paraguachi’ necklace, $110. Deadly Ponies ‘Mr Mini Leopard Cactus’ bag, $569. Ethique ‘Pepped Up’ lip balm, $12. Baggu ‘Periwinkle Stripe’ bag, $25, from Superette. Mother Made ‘PM’ mini mushroom blend, $39.99. Allbirds ‘Wool Dwellers’, $110.
For the kitchen whizz
The holidays are synonymous with food, so make sure that the gourmand in your life has everything they need to step up their kitchen game this season. If you’re looking for something edible yet gift-appropriate, holiday-themed packages of everyday delights — like Supreme Coffee’s ‘Holiday Blend‘ — are sure to charm. And should you wish to spoil the cooking aficionado in your life, give the gift of indulgence with iconic kitchen staples from KitchenAid and Le Creuset.
Left to right, top to bottom: Ottolenghi Test Kitchen ‘Shelf Love’, $55, from Paper Plus. Le Creuset ‘Signature’ casserole, $790, from Milly’s Kitchen. Supreme Coffee ‘Holiday Blend’ whole coffee beans, $13.50. Exhibit A gin, $250. KitchenAid 4.8L ‘Artisan’ stand mixer, $1119. Thea premium organic matcha powder, $60. Bordallo Pinheiro ‘Cabbage Leaf’ bowl, $95, from Smith & Caughey’s. Five ‘Ultra Premium’ extra virgin olive oil, $54.95, from Cook & Nelson. The Caker ‘Coconut, Raspberry, Lime Leaf’ cake kit, $25.
For the beauty buff
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the beauty buff in your life with this season’s crop of bright and merry offerings. Not sure where to begin? Take inspiration from the free-spirited nature of summer — opt for scents like Coach Dreams Sunset, look to the tropics for a palette that exudes sunshine, and stock up on luxe beauty go-tos (like Jeuneora’s vitamin C serum and Two Island’s beauty capsules) to bring out the skin’s summer glow.
Left to right, top to bottom: Coach ‘Dreams Sunset’ EDP 90ml, $176, from Farmers. Charlotte Tilbury ‘Multi-Miracle Glow’ balm, $87 from Mecca. Jeuneora ‘Brightening Booster’ vitamin C serum, $55. Dior ‘Colour Games’ limited edition eyeshadow, $127 from Smith & Caughey’s. Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, $649. Armani Sì Intense EDP 50ml, $201, from Farmers. Karen Murrell ‘Sugar Scrub’ lip scrub, $29.99. Two Islands ‘Super Beauty’ capsules, $79. Shiseido ‘Ultimune Defend’ set, $285, from Life Pharmacy.
For the budding host
‘Tis the season for festivities alike and right now is every budding host’s time to shine. Turn your loved one into the host with the absolute most — just add a glass of champagne (Moët is our pick!), a seasonal scented tablepiece from Glasshouse, and an array of carefully curated crockery.
Left to right, top to bottom: Moët & Chandon ‘Impérial’ champagne, $70, from Glengarry. Modern Manners by the Gentlewoman, $42. Areaware ‘Drink Rocks’ ice rocks, $75, from Paper Plane. Stories of Italy ‘Tempo Ivory & Karkade’ flute set, $850, from Faradays. Glasshouse ‘A Tahaa Affair’ soy candle & spinning carousel, $89.99. Citta ‘Forge’ salad servers, $69.90. Round House ‘Party’ plate, $31. Aesop ‘Resurrection’ rinse-free hand wash, $60. Moma ‘Raawii Strom’ bowl, $275, from Smith & Caughey’s.
For the home body
For many, a summer vacation is as simple as an at-home staycation. Treat the home body in your life with the ultimate in luxury loungewear from Juliette Hogan and Elle & Riley, and add a splash of colour to their daily rituals with pretty pastel glassware from Maison Balzac and oh-so-plush towelling from Baina.
Left to right, top to bottom: Juliette Hogan ‘JH Lounge’ cotton cashmere robe, $429. Videris ‘Maggie’ bra, $95, and ‘Whitney’ brief, $40. Home Body by Rupi Kaur, $29, from Paper Plus. Stow Lockets ‘Gold Love Hearts Together’ charm, $99. Maison Balzac ‘J’Ai Soif’ carafe set, $95. Elle & Riley cashmere ‘Heart’ socks, $99. Saben ‘Lily’ crossbody bag, $229. Baina ’08’ organic cotton towel set, $390. Narciso Rodriguez ‘For Her Musc Noir’ EDP 100ml, $235, from Farmers.
For the thoughtful minimalist
The minimalists in your life are often the most thoughtful. Surprise them with a gift that’s equal parts simple and sleek — think practical daily essentials like An Organised Life’s weekly diary, an investment timepiece from The Hour Glass, and something sensible yet indulgent, like Sans Ceuticals’ festive collaboration with Father Rabbit.