Don’t Get Her Exactly What She Wants For Christmas This Year

We know what you’re thinking: “What??” Indeed, when it comes to selecting the best gifts for women, common dictum emphasises the importance of showing you care by listening and getting her that exact thing she’s been talking about all year. When it comes to Christmas, this advice might be correct — but it sure ain’t right. The time for getting her exactly what she wants is her birthday. There’s a reason we don’t do birthday gift guides; she’s already told you what she wants. Listen.

But when it comes to Christmas, it’s time to take a little initiative. Steer clear of the utilitarian, the necessary, and the practical; opt for something unexpected and slightly left of field. Rather than being exactly what she wants, it should show you understand her intrinsic ✨ essence ✨ and are able to extrapolate that understanding into selecting a tangible gift. Or, it should introduce her to something completely new, thereby cementing your status as an eccentric, sexy Santa Claus figure — a welcome addition to any festive gathering.

Whether you’re shopping for a mum, girlfriend, wife, friend, or colleague, these unexpected and decidedly non-utilitarian Christmas gifts are set to delight.

Need a gift for the man in your life? Check out our luxury Christmas gift guide for men here.

1. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Duetto

So she can flip it and Reverso it.

2. Simuero Ola Ring

Imperfectly perfect.

3. Suzanne Kalan Frenzy Pastel Sapphire Crystal Mini Dog Tag Pendant

Trust Suzanne Kalan to make a dog tag chic.

4. Loewe x Albers Medium Flamenco

The art girls get it.

5. Gustaf Westman Chunky Plate

For girl dinner 🥺.

6. S. T. Dupont Ligne 2 Guilloche Lighter

Because a good candle deserves more than a Zippo.

7. Hermès Twilly

For securing bag handles or adorning necks or plaits.

8. Laganini Studio Tang Velveteen Blue Ballerina Jacket

When everyone else is doing barn jackets, pivot.

9. Coravin Hermitage Red Timeless Six +

Proving you can drink your wine and keep it too, Coravin preserves wine for weeks or months after the first pour.

10. Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet

For those looking to get lucky.

11. Freja New York Caroline Bag

The Row vibes, but made from sustainable recycled vegan leather.

12. Kitchenaid KF8 Fully Automatic

We’re of the opinion that it’s acceptable to gift the women in your life a household appliance if—and only if!—it does all the work. A fully integrated coffee machine, the Kitchenaid KF8 Fully Automatic makes barista quality coffee at the touch of a button. So, we’ll allow it.

13. Santa Maria Novella Gelsomino

A vibrant verdant scent laden with white florals and inspired by the greenhouse of Cosimo III de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany.

14. IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35

She’ll be expecting a Cartier. Get her this instead. Ingenious.

15. Glenfiddich Gran Reserva 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Rich and complex, just like her. Aged 21 years and finished in Caribbean rum casks, expect transportive notes of toffee, vanilla, and spices on the palate.

16. Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Leather Bag Charm

Beary good. Labubu could never.

17. Bulgari Serpenti Spiga

18. La DoubleJ Bubble Vase

Give her some flowers to put in it too.

19. NON2 Caramelised Pear & Kombu

For the sober/sober curious.

20. T2 Matcha Expert Bundle

Matcha girls will appreciate it.

21. Diptyque L’Eau Papier

For that old book smell. But elevated.

22. L’Occitane Almond Iconic Collection

Literally foolproof.

23. Rolex Lady Datejust

So, she’s always late? Don’t complain, take action.

24. The Watch Book: Rolex

coffee table books every watch lover should read

So she can read about the watch you just got her. Duh!

25. Golden Goose Marathon

26. Lancel Origami De Lancel

A non-basic crossbody.

27. Aurem No. 2 Belt

It’s a cinch.

28. Fazeek Wave Coupe Glasses (Set Of Two)

Bringing a touch of mystique to the everyday.

29. Lumira Candle Accessory Set

She’ll wonder how she ever lived without a wick trimmer.

30. Ginori 1735 Wish Of Serenity Set For Two

Even the hostess with the mostess doesn’t have this Ginori 1735 porcelain table setting.

31. Longines DolceVita Mini

Art Deco aesthetics in a compact package.

32. The Folio Society Norwegian Wood

Haruki Murakami’s timeless tale of love and loss — with illustrations!

33. Gucci Beauty Vernis à Ongles

Up her manicure game.

34. Sofia Coppola Archive, 1999-2023

Marie-Antoinette stans rise. An intimate look behind the curtain at the award-winning director’s films, laden with memorabilia from Sofia Coppola’s personal collection.

35. Trinny London The Golden-Hour Glow Makeup Set

High impact, low maintenance.

36. Guest In Residence Plaid Work Shirt

What can we say? Gigi makes surprisingly good cashmere.

37. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding

Cute and self-sufficient (or at least self-winding). As long as you don’t neglect it, that is. An apt metaphor, perhaps.

38. Crème Atelier Soft Serve Lamp

The Issey Miyake Pleats Please of lamps.

39. By Charlotte Lotus Birthstone Necklace

By Charlotte’s signature pendant silhouette, with a personalised touch.

40. Tiffany Toile Egg Cup

Every hard boiled egg deserves a home.

41. Cartier Baignoire

For the it girls.

42. Flamingos Life Burela Slim

She probably asked for Adidas Sambas. These are way cooler.


Words by AR Staff