A present with a personalised twist brings so much joy – & needn’t cost the earth. Here’s our guide to creating your own
We don’t know about you, but for us, Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of year. And one of our favourite bits (aside from the mulled wine and tree decorating) is present shopping. There’s something special about finding the perfect presents for loved ones – showing you care through the thought you’ve put into their gifts. But, it pays to be organised. Not only does it spare you any last-minute stress, but allows you time to dream up a thoughtful gift idea that will truly take them by surprise.
A top gift idea with a personal twist? A Christmas hamper, curated by you. Instead of agonising over one perfect present, why not cherry-pick a selection of smaller gifts that you know the receiver will enjoy? From pampering products to make-up staples, we’ve got all the inspiration you need to start building the ultimate beauty hamper.
But first things first, give yourself a budget and look for a selection of three to five products that fit this price point. Also, consider wrapping – a reusable wicker basket is a lovely way to pack those products for an extra-special touch, just factor this into the final cost. Happy shopping!
Our guide to building the ultimate Christmas hamper
For the skincare enthusiast…
Anyone serious about skincare will enjoy the glow-boosting benefits of a new product or two. Cocooning face creams will go down a treat in winter when skin tends to be starved of moisture and eye creams are brilliant for helping to hide one too many late nights, while you can’t go wrong with a hydrating sheet mask.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
• Size: 100g
• Mineral, oil-free formula
The star of your skincare hamper, this luxurious cleansing balm will transform their skincare routine with its balmy, nourishing texture that melts off make-up, while soothing skin thanks to nine essential oils (including lavender and camomile).
Garnier Ultimate Sheet Mask Face Collection, Lip-Face-Eye Masks
• Size: set of 6
• Sheet masks for face, lips and eyes
• Compostable
These Garnier sheet masks are a great way to fill your hamper and can be dotted in-between other products. Laced with hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, each mask plumps up different areas of the skin and moisturises the targeted area in just 15 minutes.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Size: 30ml
• Oil-free formula
• Lightweight texture
• Silicone-free
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating superstar and you’ll find it in abundance in this lightweight formula that plumps up and smooths the appearance of skin, leaving behind a dewy glow. A skincare (and hamper) staple.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
• Size: 15ml
• For normal to oily skin types
• Grapefruit and geranium fragrance
A winter must-have, this rich, enveloping face cream is brimming with skin-loving vitamins A, B and E, alongside nourishing shea butter to help hydrate and brighten. It also acts as a brilliant base for make-up, delivering a fresh-faced glow.
For the make-up magpie…
The self-proclaimed make-up magpie is known for experimenting with a bold lip or eye, so why not make their eyes light up this Christmas with a selection of beauty items they can indulge in over the holidays? We’re talking deep berry and red wine lipsticks, not to mention metallic and shimmer shadows. Play it safe with a translucent setting powder or opt for a classic black kohl liner.
No7 Velvet Matte Conditioning Lipstick
• Available in eight shades
• Velvet matte finish
This highly pigmented lipstick delivers a bold matte look that’s ideal for Christmas parties. Loaded with conditioning mango and murumuru, it helps hydrate lips for a comfortable finish that lasts. Our go-to shades? Crimson and Scarlet.
Morphe 9P Party Pinks Artistry Palette
• Contains nine shades
• Metallic and matte finishes
Pinks and purples are having a moment this season, so help them be on trend with this gorgeous eyeshadow palette. It’s filled with nine matte and metallic shades that can be mixed and matched to create endless eye-popping looks.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• Available in two shades
• Soft-focus finish
• Suitable for all skin types
• Non-comedogenic
If your budget allows, consider making this the main event of your beauty hamper. A cult classic, the finely milled formula delivers incredible staying power without looking cakey or powdery. Instead, skin looks velvety soft and silky smooth.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
• Lengthens and adds volume
• Ophthalmologist tested
• Suitable for sensitive eyes
• Suitable for contact lens wearers
• Removes easily
Dramatic lashes are always a good idea, especially during the festive season. Treat a loved one to this beloved wand that helps lashes look long and luscious in moments.
For the haircare obsessed…
Know someone who’s invested in the health of their hair? Treat their tresses to the ultimate haircare hamper, filled with conditioning treatments, luxurious shampoos and a hair styling hero that will get their locks ready for festive fun.
Garnier Ultimate Blends Nourishing Hair Food Banana & Shea 3-in-1 Hair Mask
• Size: 390ml
• Suitable for dry hair
• Free from silicones
A total game changer when it comes to treating tresses, this pick can be used as a conditioner, rinse-out hair mask or leave-in conditioner to help lock in moisture and nourish strands. It also smells divine and has a super-lightweight texture that doesn’t weigh hair down.
Pantene Hair Biology Shampoo Full & Vibrant
• Size: 250ml
Shampoo may not seem like an obvious present choice, but we believe it’s a great addition to a beauty hamper that’s guaranteed to get used up. This one from Pantene is a brilliant all-rounder, boosting volume, plumping up roots and reviving colour.
HASK Argan Oil 5-in-1 Leave-in Spray
• Free from sulphates
• Great for dry, damaged hair
• Citrus scent
Infused with Moroccan argan oil, this lightweight leave-in spray nourishes strands, helps detangle and adds moisture. A great spritz-on-and-go product, the formula can be applied to dry or damp strands.
L’Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray Extra Strong Hold & Shine
• Size: 75ml
• Strong hold
• No stiffness
Kit them out with the best hairspray in the business that will hold those Christmas party updos in place, without leaving behind a sticky residue. This spray gives hair natural movement and next-level shine.
Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly
• Size: 200ml
• Defines curls
Specifically designed for curly and coily hair types, this brilliant scrunching jelly can be used to help bolster shine and add definition to your natural curl pattern. Apply on mid-lengths and ends, before using a diffuser.
For some much-needed self-care…
If they love to indulge in a little at-home pampering, kit them out with some feel-good beauty products. Think lavender Epsom salts to dial up their tub time, a decadent body cream to help soften skin and a soothing scented candle to amp up the spa-like vibes.
Westlab Sleep 100% natural Bath Salts
• Size: 1kg
Any bath lover will adore these Westlab Sleep Salts that contain a blend of Epsom and Dead Sea mineral salts, along with lavender and jasmine oils, to prepare the body and mind for a peaceful night’s sleep. Dreamy.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
• Size: 150ml
• Cruelty-free
This cocooning body cream, with its addictive scent (think salted caramel with a hint of pistachio), is guaranteed to get you in their good books. Blended with skin-loving ingredients, including caffeine-rich guarana, it helps smooth the appearance of skin, while lending limbs a hint of shimmer.
The White Collection Fig Reed Diffuser
• Size: 150ml
• Delivers long-lasting scent
Every homebody loves to hunker down at Christmas. To make their home an even more inviting space, treat them to this sophisticated diffuser that will fill a room with the scent of fresh fig, warm amber and rich cedarwood.
