Viriginia Clark, digital director
I am very much in need of a bedding refresh this year (not to mention a new bed, but I suppose that's a bit tricky to fit under a Christmas tree). Top of the wishlist would be a full set or two of Volga Linen's bedding, the 'Diamond Stitch' design please. It's such beautiful stuff I'd be afraid to sleep in it, but with time I'm sure I'd get over that. If I'm being a bit more realistic, The White Company's 'Melrose' collection is very pretty indeed, with its understated embroidered edge and crisp, clean finish. In my ongoing quest to zhuzh up my flat, cushions are a priority, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some vintage lovelies from Nushka: these kente cloth cushions are heaven and would fit a treat in my living room, and I certainly wouldn't say no to their indigo cousins. While I'm fantasising, the lovely Cornwall-based artist Andrew Waddington has a marvellous exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (until February 2026). You can buy the pieces in the exhibition online, and I'd happily take any of them, but above all this charming landscape.
When it comes to buying for other people, unless I know exactly what they want, I try to go for things that are unquestionably nice and unquestionably useful (an approach shared by the brilliant Jo Rodgers in her annual gift guide). Stationery, a really nice pair of socks, a good bottle of wine or olive oil, a pot of paperwhites to brighten up a room – these things are classics for a reason. This year I'm adding the humble hot water bottle to that list, as you really can't have too many in a cold winter. I have a cute little If Only If model that I think of as my portable hot water bottle, and then a furry one that's strictly for bedtime. There are so many stylish ones out there right now – this quilted chap from Toast is so smart, Forivor have dreamy printed designs for kids, Elizabeth Scarlett makes a wide range of embroidered covers that I love, and even Liberty have got in on the act with some William Morris classics. Truly, there's a hot water bottle out there for all the family,
Elizabeth Metcalfe, houses and features director
I've been obsessed with Freyja Lee's ceramics ever since I visited her home in Wales for a story that we published in House & Garden on the artist and her husband, the wagon maker Rollo Dunford-Wood. I love how exquisitely painted ceramic creations weave together folklore, landscape and the natural world and can't think of anything nicer than this sconce shimmering in the candlelight. If I was really lucky, I'd have one for either side of my mantlepiece.
I love a present that is as practical as it is beautiful – and I also love a good story. Lily Gray's small-run colour-blocked jumpers, handwoven in Cornwall from thick, sturdy British wool, tick all of those boxes and I know they'd make lots of people in my life happy. Not only are they a joy to look at, but they're tried and tested on her children. In fact, the whole idea for the business came about when she had her first baby and started making wool jumpers as a way to keep them cosy in a damp house. What was a side hustle has now become her full-time job. She opens the shop once a month and makes to order.
Aida Amoako, acting features writer
Lia Leendertz’s reinventions of the traditional, rural almanacs have been bestselling guides to seasonal living for years now. The 2026 edition’s overarching theme is trees and woodlands and the book is full of woodland skills, seasonal recipes and foraging tips for anyone looking to reconnect with nature in the coming year. It also tells the stories of these ancient green spaces through myth and folklore from Robin Hood to faery guardians.
Heritage brands Wolf and Liberty London collaborated on a beautiful jewellery storage collection inspired by the latter’s extensive archive. While there are multiple sizes and three colourways, including deep navy and a fresh minty green, this medium-sized burgundy box with its soft pink interior is irresistible. The outside has also been embossed with the iconic Liberty Ianthe motif, a decorative nod to endurance on the case protecting your own heirlooms.
Rémy Mishon, decoration editor
I'd like a camper van, please. There would be no greater gift than the ability to escape the city and wake up somewhere wild. Plus I've always liked the idea of jazzing one up! Alternatively, a little more grounded in the realms of possibility, I'd love some fun art supplies.
Obviously I'll be shopping from House & Garden's gifts for cooks guide for some too-naughty-to-buy-yourself pantry goods. Otherwise, most of my friends and family love a good cookbook and in the spirit of giving what you wish to receive, I'll be giving Samin Nosrat's new book. Typically, I like to pair a secondhand cookbook with a set of napkins from a maker's market and some colourful candles for a nice homely bundle.
Max Summerton, social media manager
As a wannabe star sign enthusiast, this soap hits the self-indulgent sweet spot between superstition and self-care, with its lovely scent as the cherry on top. Alternatively, I've been given fresh flowers quite a few times this year, which has sparked the desire to up my vase game. Currently, I'm using the £20 Ikea vase I purchased in a rush when I moved into my flat, so this Bernadette Antwerp one will be a brilliant upgrade.
What do you get a dad that has everything? Something you secretly want for yourself, of course. This Yeti cool box is perfect for both the gorp-core fashion set and actual mountaineering folk. I have purchased my sister many pieces of jewellery over the years, so this box would provide a lovely way for her to store and rediscover her collection.
Pratyush Sarup, head of content strategy
I'm in the market for an everyday ring and this timeless Cartier design is perfect (and yes, I've been dropping hints). It's discreet, hardworking, and the three different shades of gold mean you can pair it with any metal.
One for the wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, in this Assouline edition the acclaimed sommelier Enrico Bernardo has rounded up his dream collection of the most exquisite vintages from around the globe. A true collector's edition, the book is presented in a smart wooden box reminiscent of the packaging used to store pricey vintages. For something a little more fun, this archive-inspired ‘Happy’ scarf encapsulates the energy of Daniel Lee's Burberry to a tee. Plus, it comes with a sleek kilt pin to keep in place. Think of it as two gifts in one.
Gwen Brown, decoration assistant
I'm slowly building up my collection of proper cookware, and no collection would be complete without stainless steel pans. This set of John Lewis pans looks just right.
I usually make my loved ones a selection of truffles, fudge and florentines for Christmas, and with homemade gifts, presentation is key. I think these boxes would be an ideal receptacle for my confections!
Marco Mansi, acting features writer
I have a soft spot for beautifully made tableware and I keep coming back to Laboratorio Paravicini’s Monkey dinner service. It is hand painted in Milan and the set has this playful, old world charm that would make any table feel special.
This year is all about cooking at home, so I’m planning to give Staub’s pumpkin cocotte. It is a solid cast iron pot that holds the heat beautifully and it looks great brought straight to the table, which makes it ideal for winter suppers.
Rose Washbourn, digital features writer
I have one of these already and now I think I need one in every room. It might be called a toolbox, but it's actually an all-round organisational saviour. You can use it to deal with the clutter on your dressing table, for cutlery and other kitchen table paraphernalia, for leads, chargers and assorted stationery in your home office, or for children's bits and bobs. The colours are great (I've got my eye on the orange), it's wipeable and the handle means you can whisk it away and pop it in a cupboard when needed. I'm sure Jo Rodgers would approve of this eminently practical gift.
Since reading Marin Montagut's latest book, Forever Paris (which, incidentally, would also make a great gift), I've had his magical illustrations and homeware on the brain. Liberty London has a great collection of his pieces, including this porcelain tray, which would be perfect for jewellery, trinkets or just as a lovely display piece. I know so many friends would love to receive this as it's the sort of thing you rarely buy for yourself so it feels like such a treat.
