Things to add to your Christmas Wishlist!

It's that time of year again and I couldn't be happier.

My mum always asks me in and around October, 'Charis what are you looking for Christmas?' and honestly sometimes I struggle to think.

 This year the type of things on my list have dramatically changed and I feel like I've actually become an adult. I asked mum for contact lenses because I fear I don't want to have to pay to see. I recently also stood on my laptop - I know, not helping the blonde stereotype, so a new screen is needed. Just to top it off my wee car, wee Fiona the Fiat 500, has served me well but last week she began to leak, so a mechanics bill is coming my way. Not sure if Santa will be generous enough to pay for all that but I have made a list of things that I would have on my list despite my adult expenses. I think there's something so special about giving at Christmas and after doing some research by asking friends I think these things would make great gifts (family and friends take note ;) . I hope this blog helps you find things to add to your Christmas list or gives you ideas for giving to those you love!

1.Phone case

I recently just invested in a new phone case and normally that is something that's on my Christmas list every year. This year I decided I couldn't wait, my case was getting quite grubby and so I bought one from Fragola. I got their tough case, blue one with navy polka dots. I love it, although I was silly and didn't realise I normally get a Magsafe case so I can stick it up on my stand and follow directions when driving. But I think it's a great quality case and Fragola has some gorgeous cases as well as the brands Blancspace and Coconut Lane. 

2. Bag

I love my Longchamp, I got it for my 18th birthday and although it was expensive I use it so much so it was definitely a worthwhile purchase. There are some great Longchamp dupes from Dunnes and I think they're a lovely style of everyday bag. This year Mum has ordered me a 'By Lynsey' bag. I saw them first on TikTok a few months ago and I just loved so I saved the video and it was top of my list for Christmas. You can find her bags on Etsy, she has some lovely Autumnal colours. I went for the butter yellow because if you know me, you know I love a pop of colour and I can't wait to style it.

3.Coat

I'll hopefully be in my placement year with my degree next year and so I've been on the hunt for a coat that I'll be able to wear through next Winter. I haven't found one I'm in love with yet but I've been looking on Zara, Next and Vinted. I love the Trench style at the minute so I'm thinking of a charcoal grey but we shall see what I can find. Coats can be expensive so I think that they're a great Christmas present.

4. Jewellery

I love love love Lines and Current and their new collection is lush and I don't have any of their jewellery (as of yet ;) ). I think it's so nice a Northern Irish jewellery brand has become so popular and it's stuff is so beautiful and would be the perfect gift. I also saw the brand 'Another Mai' on Tiktok and have been loving the style of their jewellery, I've seen a couple girls wearing their rings and I think their wee flower ring is so adorable. It's such a unique style and for a recent start up business and through mostly just TikTok and Social media advertising, it's doing so well and is definitely one to look out for.

5. Shoes

Shoes are probably one thing I get nearly every Christmas, they can be expensive so are great for getting for Christmas. I could write a whole blog about shoes and ones I'm loving but I'll just give you a list of some of my favourites at the minute - Puma Speedcats (the red are lush), SALOMONS (need I say more), Uggs (so cosy for Winter), Doc Martens (loving the Docs grungy style at the minute), Asics Onitsuka Tigers ( I have a love hate relationship but my friends love), Birkenstocks (Bostons and Sandals are both just the perfect slip on shoe).

6. Waterbottle

I love my Owala and would reccomend them to anyone although I have hear some can be faulty and can leak. Mine gets thrown about my bag and has never leaked. I love all the different colours and the handle. I just think they're great and so pretty. I've also heard Bottle bottles and Frank Greens bottles are great and so pretty too. I feel like I definitely drink more if it's from a nice waterbottle so I would highly reccomend getting yourself a bottle you like.

 

7. Sports Clothes

2026 it's a new year, trust the gyms will be packed and I think it's great!  It's so good to be active! I've been getting into the gym more recently and been loving it. I feel so much more productive and healthier, it's also so fun when you go with friends. My housemates and I have memberships now and I genuinely feel like I'm at the play area with my friends sometimes but we also push each other too because we all have different strengths. So obviously I have more motivation to workout when I have nice gym clothes to put on. I love my Hoka trainers, they're so supportive, great for running too which I enjoy and I love Nike, Under Armour too. I have some Primark active and Hollister Gilly Hicks stuff which is also great. I think nice gym clothes just make you feel better and are such a worthwhile investment.

8. Knopps voucher

Knopps in Victoria Square does the best hot chocolates in Belfast. They re SO good, but unfortunately they are also SO expensive and unfortunately a student budget doesn't cut it. The two times I've gotten them I got the app and got them free, so would reccomend that and look out for the deals they give you. I've asked my brother for a voucher for Christmas because I can't justify spending £8 of my own money on a hot chocolate. 

9. Gloves and scarves

I have become a real scarf girl, taking after my mother who has a magnificent collection which I love to steal from (sorry mum!) But you can get some lovely ones from Primark or Stradivarius. I have a lovely green one from Jack Wills- they're everywhere and such a great gift. I always have cold hands so gloves in Winter are an essential. Oliver Bonas have the nicest coloured gloves and that shop in general has so many trendy things, perfect for gifting. 

10. M&S voucher

My frontal lobe is definitely developing because I am genuinely a fiend for M&S. Their food is lush, the jewellery great for a formal and their clothes are so slept on.

11. Skincare

I love Christmas for restocking my skincare, I love Tropic Skincare but it's expensive so the perfect treat at Christmas time. I would also love to try the Sundae shower foam, I've fallen a victim to their marketing and I just think it looks lovely. 

12. Violet and Twine

I love hand sewn pieces and I've mentioned Violet and Twine before and although she's not taking any more orders before Christmas, get excited because she's going to a Christmas Market! For one day and one day only on the 13th December, so give her a follow on Instagram to keep up-to-date with how you can get your hands on her lovely pieces this Christmas.

13. Makeup

Christmas is a great opportunity to try new beauty products or buy your holy grail. I love a bit of Charlotte Tilbury and Rare Beauty or their dupes and always try to restock at Christmas and quite often their are some great bundle deals online or in Boots.

14. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

When I tell you this is the most fun game, we love playing it in our house, it gets really quite competitive. It's such a fun gift for any age of a person or even other games like Uno or a deck of cards are perfect for gifting. 

15. Socks

Whether it's branded Nike ones, fluffy ones or cute frilly ones, I'm always happy to receive socks at Christmas. Nobody likes cold feet, so you can't go wrong.

16. Jellycats

We are doing a JellyCat Secret Santa in our house which I'm so looking forward to. I'm not going to lie, I do still think £30+ is scandalous for a teddy but they are super cute so...

17. Iets Frans joggers and oversized hoodies

I love comfies. Give me joggers and a big hoodie and I'm happy and Urban's Iets Frans joggers are my favourite. I love Scuffers hoodies but they are more of a fancy hoodie in my  head so a really big cosy, fluffy hoodie is what I love to lounge about in. I love my Eko for Purpose red hoodie, it's thick, it's cosy and such great quality and all the girls in my house loves it too. There's hardly a day where it doesn't get worn! I bought it about a year ago, have got so much wear out of it and it's worn so well. 

18. Mugs

You can't go wrong buying someone a mug and there's so many cute ones. I love love love Oliver Bonas mugs, Emma Bridgewater Mugs, Anthropologie Mugs but you can also get some really affordable ones in places like B&M or The Range. Stick some sweets, hot chocolate powder sachets or socks in a cute mug and it's the perfect gift.  

19. Food

Last week I was in B&M and I walked round, taking pictures of food I loved and sent it to my mum. I love getting simple stuff like my favourite cereal, favourite jam, some chutney for Christmas. This year because I'm a Uni student I asked for Cheese and broccoli Pasta and Sauce, literally a five star meal in my opinion. I also asked for some tins of sweetcorn, goated vegetable, crisps, and a double pack of chocolate hobnobs - I keep a pack in my handbag at all times. I basically asked her for my weekly food shop, I mean it saves me the money! Anyway, in my opinion, food is a cracking gift for Christmas. Festive food is yum, yum, yum!

20. Perfume - The last thing, but such a brilliant gift for Christmas is perfume. Who doesn't love being told they smell nice? Literally one of the best compliments. If you're not looking to spend a fortune which I don't, Mango has some lovely perfumes at the minute, M&S apparently has some great scents which I haven't tried and I love the Next 'Sparkle' perfume.

Hopefully this has given you some inspiration! Leave a comment below if this has been helpful or let me know what's on your Christmas list. 

Thanks for reading, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!