As a purveyor of all that is tasteful and gorgeous, I asked the lovely Sophie Devonshire, founder of the Babes with Babies website what she hopes will be under the tree for her and her nearest and dearest this Christmas…
My List
Well, this Christmas I’ve asked for ‘world peace’. Gift-wrapped, of course. But I’ve asked for it every year and apparently it’s difficult to get. (Assume that means it’s not on Amazon).
So, if not that, then I’d love a new set of Aromatherapy Associates Miniature Bath Oils. Not on a par with world peace but very good for peace in our time (in our house). These are a real sanity saver for me though and a fantastic gift. They smell utterly incredible and you choose one to suit what you need (e.g ‘destress’ or ‘revive – morning’ or ‘relax’. They’re a secret hangover weapon these too; perfect for Christmas tippling. I really want them to do a pregnancy safe set we can sell on our site but in the meantime these ones are available from Space NK and all the normal places.
I’m such a stationery slut. It’s definitely time for some new notebooks so a few choice ones from Liberty’s would be handy to find in my stocking this year. This ‘Bee Happy’ one would cheer me up and is so glaringly bright I wouldn’t lose it at the bottom of my bag. I’d also really love a very simple leather one like this for my lists and ideas for a book I’m currently writing with my BFF on ‘How to stay sane and stylish during pregnancy.’
I’ve asked for some new pyjamas this year as well. These silk pyjamas from Charlotte and Co are simple but gorgeous. I’m hoping the nice light colour will reflect on my tired face and make me look all glowy and young from boxing day onwards.
What else? A nice new hat would be good. I’m a bit bored of beanies so something like this fabulous fedora would be fun & make me feel all grown-up and gorgeous.
Lastly, as my New Year’s Resolutions will invariably include something related to being more organised with looking after my things, I’d love something to help. I’m finding my jewellery is a bit of a battle when travelling so I’m casting my eye around for an alternative and I’d love to find a travel jewellery case all-wrapped up under the tree. I’m an enormous Smythson lover so I’d be interested in this one but also quite happy with this neat travel case from Johnny-Lou-Lous instead. Or 36 hours in the day. I’m quite interested in a time extension for Christmas. Might get something actually ticked off my to do lists then….
For my daughters
For the girls I’m buying some ‘I love gorgeous’ dresses because I love I love gorgeous! But I’m very aware that’s for me rather than for them! Rosie will roll her eyes at being given clothes. So she’s getting roller skates. She’s going through an ‘anything but pink’ stage so I’ll get her some cooler looking ones. As we’ve listened nonstop to Matilda the Musical since she was taken earlier this year (the best lyrics ever), I thought she’d also like to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Sam Mendes is a God and I can’t wait to see this… so this is another not-so-selfless gift. My youngest, Georgina is easy-peasy. She’ll have a day out in Peppa Pig world and a new wheelie suitcase (she loves to wheel her own when we travel on planes or trains…and I love that she does that too). I’ll also get them a Kubb set – a brilliant Swedish game to play in the garden.
For my three closest friends (sssh, don’t tell them) I’ve got them each a Perfect Poncho as they’ve been so popular with our customers and with everyone in our team (I live in my grey and pink ones – they look brilliant with skinny jeans).
I’ll do a Happy Box London for my best male friend, anything I send from there always goes down well. I’m treating my husband to a weekend at Calcott Manor so I’ve also bought him a gorgeous new wash bag from Quintessentially gifts which will be well received as he travels a lot for work. And a lot of Christmas kisses under the Mistletoe. ‘Cos all he (and Maria Carey) want for Christmas is me….
Sophie Devonshire is the founder of Babes with Babies London and lives in West London with her husband and two daughters (8 and 5). She is a shopaholic, a chocoholic and a workaholic, all of which makes Christmas a very interesting time. Follow her and her team on Twitter.
