I always thought I was pretty ok at buying gifts for people at Christmas. My mum is very much a candle, perfume or pamper set kinda woman (actually, she’s the least fussy person in the world so that’s what I’ve settled for each year), my Dad enjoys a luxurious shaving balm, a nice aftershave or generally just something to bring out his inner-loving pampering self, that obviously he’s far too manly to indulge in for himself. My brother is happy with absolutely anything that gets given to him, whilst my fiance and I generally have a YOLO moment and book ourselves a holiday – and agree to live off of beans on toast for eternity – so I always thought I had this present buying malarkey nailed.
And then I was challenged with the task of buying for my friend Fiona from Time 2 Gossip, a very beautiful blogging friend of mine that always looks fabulous and in my opinion, has everything. (Including a pretty amazing head of hair which I hate her for I am forever jealous of). So, what do I buy the friend that has everything? Where do I begin? Where do I even start?
I decided that as she’s always fabulously dressed, a few key fashion pieces would be a good place to start. Then I know that she loves her beauty, so a nice luxurious piece of makeup always makes for a beautiful gift. Christmas isn’t Christmas without a brand new fragrance so that was obviously on the cards and then maybe something for the home as we all know that us bloggers love our interiors.
So, I’ve got my list, now begins the impossible task of traipsing around every single store [insert “Oh my god, give me strength!” emoji here] and all of the online shops, right? Wrong…
Enter Debenhams, one of my absolute favourite department stores which has all bases covered. Beauty? Tick. Fashion? Tick. Home? Tick. Whilst my confidence in being able to walk around the store and actually make a decision amongst all of the amazing items was wavering, my confidence in whether I’d find everything I needed in one place was absolutely sky high.
OK, time to go shopping…
Fashion
Fiona and I both set off for the fashion department and had so much – probably far too much – fun trying on every single hat and perusing every aisle of accessories, helping each other find the perfect item (whilst “oohing and ahhing” over all of the ridiculously pretty things).
Once we had tried on every single scarf/hat/gloves/coat/[insert your own choice of winter accessory here] in sight (finally deciding on some but more on that later) it was time to head to the beauty floor.
Beauty
It’s safe to say that Debenhams is pretty much the dream destination for any beauty lover. With countless counters of luxury makeup consisting of rows of the most amazing lipsticks, the dreamiest eyeshadows and festive launches scattered throughout, it was only the promise of an incredible home decor floor that managed to finally pull me away. But it’s safe to say that I definitely found the most perfect lipstick and fragrance for Fiona (and let’s be honest, myself… *adds every item to Christmas wish list*).
Home
Beauty, Fragrance and Fashion down, it was time to explore the home floor which I can only describe as walking into Pinterest. From the perfect china tea sets, to the candles of dreams and throws that my bed now needs in it’s life… we had so much fun discussing redecorating our houses and mentally noting down everything that we’ll pick up for ourselves. One of our favourite sections on this floor though was the sweet section – #SweetAddictForLife – which not only looked delicious, but also so cute too. The perfect gift for a Blogger/Instagram addict!
Now that I’ve fan girled taken you around and shown you the options – such a little tease… – it’s time to debrief and see what I decided on.
The Perfect Christmas Gifts for your friend
Starting with my fashion items; I went for this amazing J by Jasper Conran two tone fedora hat. I absolutely adore the mix of black and maroon and just think it’s the perfect accessory for making an outfit look instantly chic (not that Fiona needs it, but every little bit of chic helps, right? Right… ).
Then I went for a beautiful red tartan scarf which is perfect all winter through but especially in the festive season. It’s stunningly soft and cosy and just goes with everything. I may have headed back to get one for myself (spoiler: I definitely did!).
Lastly for fashion is a piece that I am head over heels in love with and that is this Principles taupey brown and white, aztec patterned oversized cardigan. It is so beautifully soft and thick and one of those items that you can immediately tell is so well made. I just think this would make the perfect gift as it’s so versatile and practical but also looks as good as it feels.
Next up is a sneaky purchase that I picked for Fiona as I saw her eyeing up the stand of dreams, otherwise known as the YSL lipstick stand [all of the heart eye’d emoji’s are appropriate for that section] and you can never go wrong with a pink/brown nude as they suit so many skin tones so I opted for shade 70. Also, can we please just take a moment for the packaging? #Goals.
When I think of buying – or receiving – Christmas gifts, one of the first thing that always crosses my mind is perfume. There’s just something so luxurious about a beautiful fragrance and clearly Fiona agreed as we both not only ended up buying each other a perfume, but also exactly the same one in the form of Victor and Rolf Flowerbomb. Packaged in the most stunning bottle and box, Flowerbomb immediately impresses. With the addition of the most perfect floral, uplifting fragrance… your friend will definitely thank you for picking this out for her!
Last but not least, now that we have the fashion and beauty bases covered, it was for a home/miscellaneous gift. I personally absolutely love these types of gift as they’re always such a surprise and really unique and that’s exactly what I managed to find in the home department in Debenhams. So let’s just take a little moment for this ridiculously cute milk bottle sweet selection present (let’s also take a moment for the worst description in existence!). But seriously, how cute is this?! I love that not only does it look – and taste – amazing, but it also brings you that pang of nostalgia with these childhood favourites. What I also love is that once the sweets have been eaten, the packaging makes for the most perfect storage. Pinterest eat your heart out…
So that brings me to the end of my gift guide for the perfect Christmas presents for your friend. I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to finding a whole variety of amazing gifts, all under one roof; thanks to Debenhams I #foundit.
I would love to know what you’ll be buying your friends for christmas this year? Any items you’ve seen in today’s post that takes your fancy? I’d love to hear your thoughts 🙂
As always, thanks so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!
xx
Post in collaboration with Debenhams but all thoughts, photographs and extreme love of buying gifts, my own.
This is a very extensive gift guide Elle and so helpful. I do agree that when you go to Debenhams it is like a one-stop haven to shop for all your Christmas pressies. Xx
Debenhams really do have everything covered, don't they!? I love the little sweet bottles, how cute are they? And the beauty range is always AMAZING. You really can't go wrong xx
The YSL lipstick looks like something I wish a friend would buy for me… Once my best friend bought me a squeezy potato as a gift… We will just leave that there.
Hi there hun, you getting ready for Xmas yet? Great post as usual, love it. Thanks for sharing this with us. New post ; http://its-dominica.blogspot.co.uk/ Let's follow eachother on insta @its.dominica.s Have a lovely week kisses! Xx
Nice gift selection. I love all the pieces, especially YSL lipstick. Those candy jars are also great, and you can even make them yourself and mix your friend's favourite candy 🙂 Ivona from http://www.thesmokedetector.net xoxo
I love Debenhams, I could spend hours looking at all the pretty things! You chose some gorgeous gifts, how stunning is that YSL lipstick? Love that you bought yourself stuff too, glad I'm not the only one who does the 'One for them, one for me' thing when I'm Christmas shopping! x
Viktor and rolf flowerbomb smells insane I absolutely adore it, and the jars of sweets omg all of these presents are just heaven I wouldn't be able to wrap them hahah xxx
I have to check these perfume out, because personally I'm huge fan of floral scents too 😛 What's more, you chose great presents for your friends, this lipstick from YSL is pure perfection 🙂
This was such a fun post, Elle! There's always that one friend, haha! Thanks for sharing and hopefully this will make the gift giving process that much easier for the girl who has everything!
I have so much love for Debenhams – it looks like you had so much fun and your final picks are truly marvellous! Loving the two-tone fedora! Hope you're well girly!
I love Debenhams for gift shopping as they have everything and it's quite easy to have a browse there without being rushed off your feet. I picked up a perfume gift set recently 🙂
Debenhams is such an amazing store for Christmas shopping cuz you can pretty much buy everyone's presents in there. Love what you picked out for your friend, I would be over the moon with those gifts x
What a fantastic store! I love all the hats and scarves! The fedora and the scarf you chose are gorgeous. The lipstick shade is so rich. Now I know what I want but still stumped on gifts for my family! Amazing post!
Beautiful photos! Debenhams has now become one of my favourite department stores, especially for beauty products. I love the YSL lipstick with kisses on it and I'm thinking of including Flowerbomb to my own Xmas list. Love the scent and the packaging is indeed stunning. 🙂 x
Ellie, this post was like an amazing vicarious shopping spree, which is my second favourite thing after an actual shopping spree! You chose some great presents. I love the hat and the packaging of the YSL lipstick is so cute. x
I love Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb! It's such an amazing perfume. That scarf is really lovely too. Maybe I will just buy that for myself instead of for a friend haha!
I had a little sniff of Flowerbomb the other day, and I have to admit it's gorgeous! Would be more than happy to receive that! Loved this long post, Elle 🙂 x
This is a very extensive gift guide Elle and so helpful. I do agree that when you go to Debenhams it is like a one-stop haven to shop for all your Christmas pressies. Xx
eLLa
every LiTTLE thing07
Thanks so much Ella, so happy you liked it and found it useful. Debenhams really does have it all doesn't it!
xx
Debenhams really do have everything covered, don't they!? I love the little sweet bottles, how cute are they? And the beauty range is always AMAZING. You really can't go wrong xx
Sam // Samantha Betteridge
Don't they just? I spent FAR too long browsing the entire store! 😉
xx
Love this! You can pretty much find anything in Debenhams.
Katie Loves ~ UK Fashion & Beauty Blog
Follow on Bloglovin’ ~ ‘Katie Loves’
Instagram ~ @katielovess
Totally with you there, my fave!
xx
Great post! These gift suggestions are amazing!
Fashion Soup
Thanks so much Adria!
xx
The YSL lipstick looks like something I wish a friend would buy for me… Once my best friend bought me a squeezy potato as a gift… We will just leave that there.
Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
Haha oh Rosy, it's always you 😉 That's so funny!!
xx
Debenhams is the stuff of dreams it quite honestly has everything. I always like to go to Lush and get one of their beautiful gift sets!
Jodie, xo // Jodie Loue
So with you there Jodie! Ooh yes, I do love Lush too!
xx
Hi there hun, you getting ready for Xmas yet?
Great post as usual, love it.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
New post ;
http://its-dominica.blogspot.co.uk/
Let's follow eachother on insta @its.dominica.s
Have a lovely week kisses! Xx
Thanks Dominica!
xx
Nice gift selection. I love all the pieces, especially YSL lipstick. Those candy jars are also great, and you can even make them yourself and mix your friend's favourite candy 🙂
Ivona from http://www.thesmokedetector.net
xoxo
Thanks so much, I absolutely love the lipstick and candy jars too!
xx
I love Debenhams, I could spend hours looking at all the pretty things! You chose some gorgeous gifts, how stunning is that YSL lipstick? Love that you bought yourself stuff too, glad I'm not the only one who does the 'One for them, one for me' thing when I'm Christmas shopping! x
Josie | Sick Chick Chic
Isn't it just so pretty Josie, I can't stop wearing it! I'm definitely a one for you, one for me girl.. the best way to be 😉
xx
Shopping can be so stressful! I much prefer if people just tell me what they want. Less surprise but then they get something they really want haha.
Danika Maia
http://www.danikamaia.com
instagram.com/danikamaia
Oh I have to say, I do love to surprise people, it's all part of the fun!
xx
All of the scarves and coats look so cosy! I definitely want to try flowerbomb x
Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x
It's so lovely Heather, I'd highly recommend!
xx
That lipstick shade is so pretty!
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
Isn't it so beautiful, my new favourite!
xx
Debenhams is one of my favourite places to buy gifts.
Rubi | Instagram | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com
Me too, it just has everything!
xx
I love the bottles of retro sweets! Well, I'd love pretty much everything you've included in this post! xx
Beautylymin
Aren't they so cute, definitely instagrammable 😉
xx
This is too cute! Love all of these amazing gifts! Especially that amazing burgundy hat!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Thanks hun, Oh i know, I love the hat too!
xx
Love this! I really needed something like this, I've been looking for something to buy my best friend for ages and I'm struggling!
Robyn / Phases Of Robyn
Ah thanks hun, so pleased you like it!
xx
That lipstick packaging is really pretty ♥
summerdaisy.net
Isn't it gorgeous!
xx
All I want for Christmas is the sweets, I love jelly beans:) You picked up great stuff, everything looks beautiful! x
http://www.elabellaworld.com
Haha oh me too, all about the sweets 😉
xx
Viktor and rolf flowerbomb smells insane I absolutely adore it, and the jars of sweets omg all of these presents are just heaven I wouldn't be able to wrap them hahah xxx
BlondeOfCarbs
Isn't it so lovely, I'm the biggest fan!
xx
I have to check these perfume out, because personally I'm huge fan of floral scents too 😛 What's more, you chose great presents for your friends, this lipstick from YSL is pure perfection 🙂
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
Ahh I think you'll love it hun, definitely try it!
xx
This was such a fun post, Elle! There's always that one friend, haha! Thanks for sharing and hopefully this will make the gift giving process that much easier for the girl who has everything!
I hope you have a lovely day and week ahead!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Thanks so much Jalisa, so pleased you liked it!
xx
I have so much love for Debenhams – it looks like you had so much fun and your final picks are truly marvellous! Loving the two-tone fedora! Hope you're well girly!
Style Sunrise☀
🙂
x
Ah thanks so much Karen, so happy you liked it!
xx
Great post, thanks for giving me some Christmas present inspiration!
Best wishes,
Camille xo
http://www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
You're welcome, so pleased you liked it!
xx
I love Debenhams for gift shopping as they have everything and it's quite easy to have a browse there without being rushed off your feet. I picked up a perfume gift set recently 🙂
Velvet Blush | Beauty Giveaway
So totally agree with you there, they really do have everything!
xx
Those sweetie things are so cute 🙂
Sophie x
Aren't they so cute, in love with them!
xx
Great post, love these photos.
Check out my Sephora giveaway!
http://abigailalicex.com
Thanks so much Abigail, pleased you liked it 🙂
xx
Thanks for this suggestions, I began today shopping my first XMas Presents
Ciao
Mywishstyle
You're welcome 🙂
xx
Debenhams is such an amazing store for Christmas shopping cuz you can pretty much buy everyone's presents in there. Love what you picked out for your friend, I would be over the moon with those gifts x
Beauty with charm
Totally with you Alina, I'm so in love with Debs!
xx
What a fantastic store! I love all the hats and scarves! The fedora and the scarf you chose are gorgeous. The lipstick shade is so rich. Now I know what I want but still stumped on gifts for my family! Amazing post!
http://Leftbankgirl.blgspot.com
Thanks so much lovely, so pleased you liked the look of the pieces
xx
Those are really great picks! How fun! Love that hat!!!
Thanks so much Stephanie!
xx
Thanks for your sharing. QueenieBridal backless wedding dresses
You're welcome, hope you found it useful!
xx
The two-tone fedora is my favourite, very stylish – love the Viktor & Rolf perfume too
Suze – Luxury Columnist
Thanks so much Suze, so pleased you liked it!
xx
flowerbomb is my fave! I'm going to get it for mother dear for xmas!
http://www.instagram.com/britishjet
http://www.britishjet.co.uk
x
It's so lovely isn't it, I'm such a fan!
xx
Beautiful photos! Debenhams has now become one of my favourite department stores, especially for beauty products. I love the YSL lipstick with kisses on it and I'm thinking of including Flowerbomb to my own Xmas list. Love the scent and the packaging is indeed stunning. 🙂 x
Renata | Speaking Beauty UK
Ellie, this post was like an amazing vicarious shopping spree, which is my second favourite thing after an actual shopping spree! You chose some great presents. I love the hat and the packaging of the YSL lipstick is so cute. x
Kate Louise Blogs
Ahhhh I was in Oxford Street's store recently and I was like GIMMIE ALL THE NIGHTWARE! So much on offer, and all the beauty <3 <3 <3
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Food Beauty
Have a great evening, dear Elle 🙂
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
I love Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb! It's such an amazing perfume. That scarf is really lovely too. Maybe I will just buy that for myself instead of for a friend haha!
X Marjolein
http://misscocoblue.blogspot.com
I am looking for gifts for my friend too, amazing ideas. x
http://birdiethgirl.blogspot.com
nice!
http://jeansandroses.blogspot.com/
Great photos…lots of amazing ideas for me and you look ogrgeous in that red dress!
http://www.fashionpumpkin.com
I had a little sniff of Flowerbomb the other day, and I have to admit it's gorgeous! Would be more than happy to receive that! Loved this long post, Elle 🙂 x
Martha Jane | http://www.marthajanemusic.com