As we head into November, I’ve been using almost every conversation with close friends and family as an opportunity to fish for present inspiration (not always subtly) and have been wondering whether it’s too soon to start writing a Christmas card list (truly, it’s a rock and roll life I lead!)
As Next has been one of my go-tos for Christmas shopping since my teens, I was looking forward to getting some serious festive inspiration at their 2019 press day, which attracts bloggers and journalists from all around the world.
Having checked out all of their Christmas highlights, here are a few of the things I think the brand is getting very right this year…
Beauty
I love choosing one or two products from the beauty counters as presents for my mum in the run-up to Christmas. Admittedly, I don’t shy away from the beauty counters at any time of year, but my stint working on a Calvin Klein counter one Christmas during my student days has left me with an enduring appreciation of a good added-value Christmas gift set. Next has a brilliant beauty edit, focusing on the kind of brands and products that people who are into this kind of thing will appreciate seeing on their bathroom shelf all year round, rather than the kind of novelty beauty gift sets that crop up on high streets nationwide at this time of year, just begging to be panic bought. Next’s strong on the kind of beauty treats that tend to sell out pretty swiftly – from limited editions from cult brands to in-demand beauty advent calendars, so if you’re shopping for something really specific, it could be worth ordering it online sooner rather than later.
Childrenswear
If you’re looking for children’s clothes for winter, Next has really pushed the boat out this year, with the kind of sparkly partywear that the His & Hers team secretly wishes went up to adult sizes! If you’re looking for gifts for friends or family members with children, a carefully chosen outfit can sometimes be a better choice than toys or games unless you know what’s on the child’s Christmas wish-list.
Homewares
I’ve written before about how I think Next’s homewares buyers get it right every time. If you want to give a slightly unusual gift this year, why not consider a pristine new duvet set (because who can resist fresh bedlinen at this time of year) or get photographs printed to personalise one of Next’s frames. You’ll find plenty of candles, accessories, and fairy lights, too, which make lovely stocking fillers for interiors lovers.
Fashion
If you’re in search of some last-minute partywear, the brand has some great eveningwear on offer this year, from sequinned statement pieces to oh-so easy to wear classic little black dresses, plus some really strong menswear pieces for evening. However, if you’re shopping for Christmas gifts, His & Hers would recommend Next’s PJs, robes, or even slippers (look, slippers are a classic gift for a reason, OK, we don’t make the rules, although we’d probably draw the line at choosing socks as a gift, unless they’re cashmere, by an ultra-luxe brand, or you happen to know the recipient really wants some more socks in their life).
Overall, if you find yourself out of ideas on the Christmas present front, His & Hers’ advice is that you’ll find something for (almost) everyone at Next this year.
Related read: The His & Hers blog on taking the pressure off in the run-up to Christmas.
