There are few things more magical than Christmas in the City. Twinkling lights, hot chocolate and childhood glee abound. Father Christmas is officially on his way to the Square Mile, but he’s not the only one with top-notch presents in his sleigh.
At City Matters HQ we’re ready to pour the eggnog and dash out for some caroling. But first, it’s time to give the big man in red a run for his money.
We scoured the Square Mile for the most luxurious and unexpected products for you to choose from for your loved ones. From bundles for bookworms to homeware that will be the talk of the next Christmas party. Only one problem…they may be too good to give.
The Whiskey Exchange Spirits Advent Calendar
The Whisky Exchange advent calendar features 24 whiskies and fine spirits from around the globe, one for each day of advent, as well as a special 25th bottle to celebrate Christmas Day. Sounds like a luxurious gift for the spirits aficionados in your life.
£175 The Whiskey Exchange, 88 Borough High Street SE1 1LL
thewhiskyexchange.com
The Prize-winning Book Bundle
This one is for the bookworms. This bundle includes the winner of the Women’s Prize Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi, Booker winner Douglas Stuart’s Shuggie Bain and Abdulrazak Gurnah’s, awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature 2021, Afterlives.
£27.97 Daunt Books, 61 Cheapside, EC2V 6AX
dauntbooks.co.uk
Hermès Le Sacre des Saisons scarf
If you’re after a unique item for your loved one, check out the Hermès scarf designs at The Royal Exchange. Each scarf comes in several colourways and is made from 100 percent silk twill. This scarf is a timelessly exuberant piece for any wardrobe.
£370; Hermès at The Royal Exchange EC3V 3LR
theroyalexchange.co.uk
Bee tree ornament
If you’re after a unique ornament to hang on your tree, The Charterhouse has loads of beautiful decorations to choose from. Handmade and ethically sourced gold, black and silver bee decoration is a lovely addition to any tree.
£9.95 The Charterhouse EC1M 6AN
thecharterhouse.org
Cufflink and tie bar set
Crafted using a semi-precious stone, each piece in this cufflink and tie bar set is unique. The gift comes with a t-bar cufflink fastening and matching set in gold.
£108 Reiss, 62 Leadenhall Market EC3V 1LT leadenhallmarket.co.uk
Octagon one desk lamp
Want to spruce up your loved one’s work-from-home setup? This art-deco lamp from Barbican features a wood finish base, touch control button and built-in rechargeable battery, making it a totally wireless desk lamp that can be positioned from three angles.
£80 Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
barbican.org.uk
David Hockney Lidded Candle
If you have an art lover in your life, you’re going to want to get your hands on this special candle this Christmas. The decorative lidded jasmine candle features David Hockney’s cross-hatched ‘Drop Curtain’ design from The Rake’s Progress and is crafted from English fine bone china with platinum gilding.
£95 Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AE
Touchscreen gloves
These gloves will keep your loved one warm without the inconvenience of pulling the glove off to use their smartphone. Made from hairsheep leather with wool and acrylic lining, these gloves are a must-have this season.
£99 Hawes & Curtis, 1 New Change EC4M 9AF
onenewchange.com
The full Ted service gift card
There’s no better gift than a day of getting pampered. Send your beau to Ted’s Grooming Room for “the full Ted service” and he’ll come back transformed.
£64 Ted’s Grooming Room, 1 New Change EC4M 9AF onenewchange.com
Talbot dog cuddly toy
A symbol of the Charterhouse Founder, Thomas Sutton, and his tomb in the chapel adorned with Talbot dogs. Each sale of the plushie toy supports the Helpful Hound Collection Supporting Greyhound, Whippet and Lurcher Organisations.
£19.95 The Charterhouse EC1M 6AN
thecharterhouse.org
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