55's DEFINITIVE CHRISTMAS LIST

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GETTING THE GIFT YOU WANT (FOR FRIENDS AND FAM OBVS...)
By Sara Darling

If you’re pushed for time, need some inspiration for Christmas shopping, or need some gift ideas for yours truly, Carnaby Street is a one stop shop for the festive season. Packed with fashion stores, quirky arcades and lots of coffee shops to fuel up, it’s a great place to get to it all in one fell swoop.

So sit back and enjoy the 55 definitive guide to Christmas gifts…

Everyone loves denim, right? So why not snap up pair of authentic 501s for your dad from the Levi's store. Just enough classic style and width so he won’t feel like he’s trying too hard. Bingo! Or perhaps he would prefer something a little more traditional. And what is more appropriate than Paul Smith for classic styles. If he’s a sock lover (who isn’t??) snap up some socks from Happy Socks, or some French inspired smalls from APC. Now about that lift on NYE…..

Mum’s love perfume. Fact. So do I! Although I am not strictly a mother. But I am a girlfriend and an aunty.. Hint hint!! And Carnaby Street Boots has lots of lovely scents to tempt you with. It is also the home of enough make up stores to keep any make up junkie happy for a week! Check out the cult beauty store Too-Faced for fashion shades, Urban Decay for sophisticated European options, and Mac which has two floors of tempting products which pride themselves on offering something for every skin tone.

Pesky big brothers keep their cool in Fred Perry- after all no man can have too many FP polo shirts! Double check whether that’s their thing, as Ben Sherman have an impressive collection too! And funky little brothers will love anything from the uber cool Drop Dead, which was founded in 2005 by Oli Sykes. Creating limited edition menswear, womenswear and lifestyle products inspired by his evolving taste in music and art. Too dope for me, but the youngsters go mad for it!

Boys can get pampered too, and if you want to spoil your bo, why not give him a voucher from Johnny’s Chop Shop. Get a wet shave or a new do, and both or you will benefit. If you would prefer a gift, Muhle is THE place for shaving paraphernalia. Help him embrace his inner James Bond.

Or check out the unique fragrance, beauty, leather goods and eyewear options at the Lexington Street flagship store of Byredo. It looks a teeny bit intimidating on the outside, but don’t be put off. Go in and smell the perfume! My fave is the Gypsy Water. Watches are another winner for boys (apparently they love their toys) so pick up something bling from Daniel Wellington. Big in Sweden, if that impresses you!

Sisters (in my experience) generally like anything that you do (or at least own!!!!) So the perfect gift for them is something that you would like to treat yourself too. And let’s just hope she works with that mentality! I always find something in the iconic Liberties. I’m personally name bombing the Alex Monroe baby bee necklace, Maria Black Girl ring or classic Liberty print PJs.. but if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, SkinnyDip do the best, and really affordable cool girl, lifestyle necessities, from books to bumbags to phone cases. I could officially move in! ​

You won’t even have to stray far to get something from Grandma and Pa. Thoughtful gifts for those who’ve been around a long time, can be a bit of a mission; But if you’re hitting a brick wall, get your booty to New Frames  and get a photograph of you all in frame. Simple things will make them smile!

Talking of frames, you could even get a voucher for some new specs at Cubitts. With a huge range of glasses, you can promise them an afternoon with you whilst you help them choose after Chrissie too! Awwww.

So all that’s left is to choose something for yours truly! I’ll be loitering in Scotch and Soda, Rag & Bone and The Kooples and drooling over a new pair of Ray-Bans and a skull ring ring from The Great Frog. Can I make that any clearer folks?!!? I mean Santa? I have been a very good girl this year after all! ​