Amber’s Gift Guide - Mums & Friends
My Christmas Wish List
Every year I compile gift guides and publish them before Christmas. This year it’s taken a little longer to publish and I’ve had friends ask, “When are the Gift Guides coming out?” Well, they’re here. Better late than never but better than ever!
Last week I posted the first gift guide: Teenage Dream - Gift Guide for Teens.
Today, I’m posting the second Gift Guide which is for Mums and Friends. These are the gifts that I want to receive or that I’m giving my friends and family. I hope you find something in here for your Mum, sister, bestie or even better, yourself.
Merry Christmas x
Amber
PS. The links are underlined.
Pajamas
It’s time to upgrade your PJs. Leave the Peter Alexander to the kids and buy some classic PJs. My favourites are a cotton set with contrast piping by J Crew. But if you’re feeling flush, you may want to follow Gwyneth Paltrow’s lead and buy Italian cotton PJs from Schostals Originals.
Velvet Toiletry Bag
This soft, velvet toiletry bag is perfect for your next trip. It looks chic, as it’s French - from Sezane. There’s matching jewellery cases too if like a matching set. The velvet washes really well too.
Gifts for the Traveller - Work or Holiday
These gifts will lift your mood even if your flight is delayed:
Cute Wheelie Bags from July - so many colours to choose from. I love the impractical bone colour. More practical readers will go for black. But the green is also gorgeous. (Add an Apple Air Tag and you’re set.)
A Tote Bag that co-ordinates with your luggage AND has a handy strap to attach to your wheelie bag. Leaving you hands free! Also, from Melbourne brand July.
Luxe Passport Holder - This one from British brand Smythson is on my wish list. I like the idea of multiple zippered compartments so I can include a boarding pass or foreign currency. And they’ll personalise it with your initials or a symbol.
YSL Canvas Tote - So handy for the gym or to keep in the car for last minute shopping or as an extra bag when travelling. I’ve bought these for my Mum, my sister and my friends in the past year. They come in ivory or leopard and they arrive in a gold box that you want to keep.
Gifts for the HomeBody
A Beautiful Table - “Tablescaping” has become an Olympic Sport on Instagram these days. But you don’t need to be a pro with My Pavlova. The ethos behind the store is that you can set a gorgeous table in under five minutes. Anything that makes Christmas Day easier is a winner for me and with prices starting at $30 for a pair of napkins it also makes a great gift. Don’t take my word for it (I’m a co-founder), our customers “absolutely love” our tablecloths.
Diptyque Candle - Sapin Christmas edition - I love a pine tree smell in the house at Christmas even when it’s 35 degrees outside and the closest I get to the snow is a snow globe.
Active Wear
I decided to change up my active wear this year as I was tired of that synthetic feel from most brands. I bought a few pieces from Varley. Their ‘DoubleSoft’ material really is super soft. I’ve bought the Magnolia Half Zip Tank, Double Soft Leggings and this funnel neck sweatshirt. I’ve noticed that it’s a favourite of Shea McGee from McGee and Co too. (I’m guessing you’ve watched Dream Home Makeover on Netflix.)
Wardrobe
A few key pics to add something extra to your wardrobe in 2025:
A luxury belt - I bought a black belt from The Row this year and love it. I bought it via TheRealReal (an online platform for near new luxury goods). I also keep an eye on anything from Bottega Veneta which comes up on this site.
A bright jumper - I bought this cerulean blue jumper (cue monologue in the Devil Wears Prada about cerulean blue) from J.Crew and plan to use it to add some colour to my winter wardrobe.
A silk shirt - I’m really into silk shirts at the moment, they’re so versatile as I can style them up for a work meeting or down with jeans. I bought a peach silk shirt via Etsy and can’t stop wearing it. There’s lots to choose from like this Escada one or This one.
This High Neck Top in Ink Blue is on my wish list for winter. VB’s burgundy scarf is also calling to me.
Experiences
Subscription to Master Class - this is truly the gift that keeps on giving. The best in the business tell you how to do something. Whether it’s how to write a book, start a business, design your home, learn AI or choose a fabulous wine. Every topic is covered. A great gift for your partner or Dad or the person who has everything. Since I’ve had it, I’ve watched five different Classes including Martha Stewart. Love it.
Tickets - buy two tickets to an upcoming concert or exhibition and give one to a friend so you can go together. I did this with a friend who turned 50 this year and we had a wonderful night out at a fashion exhibition.
Longevity - we all want to stretch our healthspan (not just our lifespan) as we get older. So consider gifting yourself a gym membership or a session with a PT.
Feel like life is chaos? Reset with a Calm the Chaos Master Class with @josipawellness
Beauty
Eyeliner from VB - If you’re like me, you watched the Beckham documentary this year and immediately ordered VB Beauty products. The Satin Kajal eyeliner really is as good as everyone says. (The only problem is that my teens like it as much as I do so it’s running out.) I’m into her new perfume too which was sent as a sampler when I bought the makeup.
Hermes Burgundy nail polish - I received this as a gift from my sister and it’s one of my favourite gifts ever.
Aesop Body products - The Shower Gel and hand cream are my picks. I like the citrus version. It’s a spray of sunshine every day.
If these ideas helped your Christmas shopping, please tag a friend or send the link to someone who loves Christmas. Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Want More? For Gift Guides from previous years, see 2022 Gift Guide for Adults.
