So here we are again. Now look – realistically, you do have another weekend before Christmas is upon us, but let’s be honest. You don’t want to have to use it. Despite the scientifically provable fact that 2021 has been over four years long, somehow Christmas rushed up on us again.
Because we’ve been worried about restrictions and unsure of what it would look like again this year, many of us have stuck to the time-honoured festive tradition of getting absolutely nothing done. Now, we are less than two weeks out. Soon, online delivery times will become unreliable or not guaranteed before the 24th, and we’ll be in a real jam.
The Christmas Eve department store tussle is not feasible or desirable for many reasons this year, so let us steel our collective nerve and venture forth into the realm of gifting. Don’t worry if (like me) you’re not all that great at selecting gifts. There is some element of beauty that will suit everyone. If you order your chosen gifts soon, you’ll be sitting pretty on Christmas Eve while you watch Declan from next door in his driveway, sweatily raiding the glove compartment to see if he can pawn off half a pack of Werther’s Original and an “I love Clonmel” hat as a thoughtful gift for his sister.
Troublesome aunt? Cantankerous mother-in-law? A nice scented candle should please even the most implacable. Malin+Goetz candles (€54 at Space NK in-store and online) are exquisite. Every millilitre of the richly scented natural wax is used, and each burns slowly and evenly for 60 hours. There are no bad choices, but sage and leather are both especially beautiful.
When you give someone a beauty gift, you want to feel that they will use it. Go simple to ensure that happens. Bulldog Original Duo Set (€10 at pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide) contains the brand’s lovely, functional face wash and moisturiser. I have gifted this brand to several men in my family, and every recipient has liked it.
If you want to make an enthusiastic consumer of beauty shriek at a pitch only marmosets can hear, buy them Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte Tilbury's Iconic Mini Lip Wardrobe (€42 at charlottetilbury.com). There is something about a miniature lipstick that is almost unbearably thrilling. This set features two shades of the brand's bestselling Pillow Talk lipstick, along with two reds – a vampy, crushed berry affair and an extroverted crimson.
Finally, for the skincare lover, sometimes you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Perhaps you are looking for a big gesture in the form of a gift. If you want to tell a friend, "I recognise and support how fancy you are" or apologise to a neighbour for reversing over their Padre Pio lawn ornament, or if you bought your wife a terrible gift last Christmas and want a certain win this year, here you are.
La Mer The Moisturising Soft Cream (from €80 at Brown Thomas) contains the same miracle broth formula as the globally beloved original but is a little less rich and more malleable in texture.
Product of the Week
Aesop The Forager Gift Kit (€39 at aesop.com)
