Guest blogger Suzannah Roach, founder of online fashion boutique I May I Might I Must shares her tips on picking the perfect on-trend gifts this Christmas, and offers our readers an exclusive 20% off during December.
Whether it’s the festive songs playing in the shops, the images of falling snow, or the ritual of putting up the Christmas tree, there’s no avoiding that the Christmas season is well and truly upon us. If you’re trawling the internet or pounding the streets for the perfect present this year, don’t forget that it’s all about the giving! So before time runs out, here’s our quick guide to picking quality British made gifts which reflect this season’s fashion trends.
For Her…
While clothing can be tricky there are some ’safe’ options. Knitwear is big this year, and oversized cable knit sweaters worn in layers look great. My advice is to go for the best quality you can afford; cashmere/silk mix feels great and hangs fantastically, but it’s not cheap so opt for a good wool blend if your pennies won’t stretch that far. Patterns are also on-trend this season so feel free to go for the brightly coloured options, in fact the more Christmassy the better, such as this knitted tank top by British knitwear designers Quinton Chadwick.
If you don’t want to play the safe card, there are other options. Believe it or not fetish fashion is hot right now. Before you think you’re reading an ‘alternative’ feature don’t fear. Fetish fashion this year is about over the knee boots, leather skirts, shorts or tops… in fact leather as a whole works the trend. Or play it down by opting for a few studs on your bag or accessories, such as this studded metallic leather bow belt from I May I Might I Must.
Fashion accessories are a also good option for the mother-in-law, where you can help guide her towards the fashion world in a diplomatic way. A leopard print or tasselled scarf such as this hand knit purple cable scarf from I May I Might I Must will give a nod to current trends without her looking like Bet Lynch.
For Him…
While buying gifts for men can feel like a thankless task, they’re admittedly tricky but not completely impossible. Men tend to know what they like (and don’t like), and they don’t browse so don’t give you any hints. However, you might consider investing in a lesson or two to help them improve or learn a new skill. How about a private sushi making course in the privacy of your own kitchen from School of Food, the cookery school that comes to you? Team it with a professional chef’s apron from Cooking Gorgeous and he’ll be looking the part in no time.
For the fashion conscious, satchels and backpacks are now offering men a dressed-down and less corporate alternative to the briefcase. Go for a leather and sack cloth finish such as the Mini Explorer from I May I Might I Must and you will be hitting the current trend and pleasing your man all in one fell swoop.
For the Kids…
There are now many children’s toy companies offering something other than the ubiquitous sea of brightly coloured plastic. Choose hard-wearing sustainable wooden toys that can withstand the daily abuse, and they may even last long enough to be passed on to the next generation. Or invest in one of these stunning ’Dreaming Spires’ willow playhouses by Judith Needham, which will naturally blend in with the surroundings while your children live out their fantasy lives in the garden.
Whichever gifts you decide to go for this year, remember one thing… in the words of Roy L. Smith:
“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”
Reader Offer: I May I Might I Must are offering our readers an exclusive 20% off when you enter code ‘frombritain20%’ at the checkout until the end of December. Browse the collection and buy online at www.imayimightimust.com
and finds inspiration between its beautifully styled pages. 
