Our Editor’s Festive Gift Wish List

Every festive season, I find myself drawn to the same question: what makes a gift truly worth giving? For me, it’s never about excess or trend-led novelty, it’s about pieces that feel considered, beautifully made, and able to live on long after December.

This year, my festive gift guide is exactly that: an editor’s wish list. A personal selection of objects I’d happily wrap, give, or quietly claim for myself, chosen for their design integrity, tactile appeal and the way they elevate everyday living.

For gardeners, cooks and lovers of everyday beauty

Babylonstoren have changed the gifting game this festive season, with a curated selection that caters to everyone; from the avid gardener to the curious cook. It’s thoughtful, beautifully put together, and has made my festive shopping feel refreshingly simple.

Shop here 

A Classic with Bite

In my book, leopard print earns its place as a modern neutral. These locally made scatter cushions from ByJohn strike the perfect balance between playful and polished, bringing pattern into a space without overpowering it. Available in a range of considered colourways, they’re an easy way to add character to a sofa, and exactly the kind of piece that moves effortlessly from trend to classic.

A French Moment at the Front Door

If there’s one piece I’ve been quietly collecting inspiration for, it’s a classic French chandelier. This one from The Crown Collection is the real deal; ornate without being overwhelming, and rich with old-world character. I’ve long imagined one hanging in my entrance hall, setting the tone the moment you walk in.

Why I love it: it’s timeless, unapologetically elegant, and instantly elevates a space. And while a French château may be out of reach for now, bringing a little of that romance home feels entirely achievable.

Quiet Classics for Summer Days

Country Road delivers the kind of everyday pieces that quietly earn their place. These are gifts that feel considered rather than seasonal. 

The insulated water bottles are a personal favourite: streamlined, beautifully weighted, and proof that good design doesn’t need hype to perform. They keep drinks cold for hours and look good doing it; a refined alternative to trend-led tumblers. The beach towels, rendered in muted palettes and graphic restraint, are equally compelling. I’ll be buying these for my husband, who surfs year-round. Nothing shouty, nothing disposable, just enduring essentials we’ll reach for again and again.

Shop here.

A Wellness Reset

A recent visit to La Motte’s enviable farm boutique introduced me to Inheems, their wellness range that feels quietly luxurious rather than overtly indulgent. I left with the sea sponge, dry body brush and hand soap, but this December I’ll be adding more to the collection. The organic, understated packaging sits beautifully on a bathroom shelf, while the subtle, herbaceous scents feel restorative without overpowering. It’s the kind of gift that elevates everyday rituals and brings a sense of calm to the season.

Buy it now.

Fashion, With a Sense of Humour

Anyone who knows me knows I have a soft spot for dogs, so when Louis Vuitton folded them into a high-fashion campaign, I paid attention. The Men’s S/S 2026 collection leans playful without losing polish, and it’s that balance that drew me in. The toast and Beagle leather bags feel light-hearted yet considered, a reminder that luxury can have a sense of humour. I’m bookmarking these as joyful, conversation-starting pieces for 2026.

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Playful Plates

Madison Boutique has long been a Constantia, Cape Town institution for clothing and accessories, but their move into homeware feels especially well judged. These ceramic plates are playful without being precious, exactly the kind of pieces that lift a festive table without tipping into theme territory. I’d mix and match the different plate paintings for a layered, informal setting that still feels considered.

Plate your table.

A Walking Stick, Reimagined

I may be (hopefully) far from needing a walking stick for practical reasons, but this limited-edition oak walking stick by Pedersen + Lennard has been firmly on my wish list. Made from solid oak and finished with a beautifully carved handle for a comfortable grip, it’s less about utility and more about conversation. What makes it truly special is the detail: for the first time, Pedersen + Lennard have combined three steel finishes in a single solid oak piece, each inspired by the idea of movement, exploration and getting out into the world. Sculptural, thoughtful and quietly radical, it’s the kind of object that earns its place in a hallway long before it’s ever used — if at all.

Buy it today.

Flowers, On Repeat

There’s something quietly generous about a gift that arrives long after the wrapping paper is gone. UBlom’s bouquet subscription feels like that; a considered, ongoing gesture rather than a once-off flourish. Each delivery brings seasonally fresh stems, thoughtful guidance on arranging, and just enough floral know-how to make the process feel intuitive rather than intimidating. 

Flowers for your Loved Ones

A Collectible Celebration

I don’t drink myself, but I can always appreciate a beautifully considered gift, and Veuve Clicquot’s La Grande Dame 2015 is exactly that. Equal parts celebratory and design-led, it’s the kind of bottle that earns its place on a drinks cabinet long after the cork has been popped. The vintage is revered, but it’s the graphic, colour-rich presentation that really elevates this festive offering, making it a thoughtful choice for hosts, collectors or anyone who appreciates a moment of quiet luxury.

Buy today.