Christmas shopping has a habit of sneaking up on us like a badly timed office Secret Santa. One moment you are debating whether to put up the tree; the next, you are panic-ordering gifts. This year, do it differently. Whether you are dressing for the party circuit, curating a beauty stash that can survive winter lighting, or hunting for accessories that speak louder than your small talk, consider this your cheat sheet. A guide designed to keep things stylish, intentional and, above all, effortless
Fashion picks
Charles & Keith
Charles & Keith’s festive drop delivers shine without shouting. Expect pearl trims, sleek metallic finishes and heels designed to catch low winter light without clashing with the décor. Burgundy, champagne and black form the base palette, lifted by silver and gold accents that work for Christmas dinners, rooftop parties or any event where someone says “dress festive” without further instruction. These are not one-month pieces; they transition into the new year easily. Ideal for the friend who likes looking polished but never fussy.
Shop at charleskeith.in
Ted Baker
Ted Baker’s orange dress is a gift for someone who thrives under warm lighting. The silhouette is structured yet soft: a high neckline, subtle shoulder definition and a gathered waist that flatters without clinging. The midi length makes it party-ready but still appropriate for January events when the sparkle has worn off but the styling pressure has not.
Shop at thecollective.in
Lotto
Lotto’s Melt Collection is tailor-made for the friend who treats December like a competitive sprint. Crafted for Indian feet but styled with Italian swagger, the shoes come in fiery colourways — Heatwave, Neonburn, LiquidFire, Hotsauce — designed for movement and personality. These are everyday sneakers with a festive energy, pairing easily with neutrals or athleisure.
Shop at lottosport.in
Crew by XYXX
Crew by XYXX, a new sub-brand, takes varsity aesthetics and filters them through modern Indian athleisure: oversized fits, bold colours, clean graphics and the sort of comfort that enables both lounging and last-minute shopping runs. Prices start at ₹999, making it an accessible but smart gift for brothers, boyfriends, roommates or the man who lives in sweatshirts but insists he “doesn’t need anything.”
Shop at xyxxcrew.com
FILA
FILA’s Anna Sneakerina is part ballerina, part sneaker, and designed with a playful streak that makes movement look intentional — whether that is dancing at a Christmas party or sprinting to a meeting you are already late for. The silhouette is sleek, feminine and unexpectedly confident, reflecting FILA’s renewed focus on women-centred design. A great gift for someone who leads the way without announcing it.
Shop at fila.co.in
Beauty stash
Secret Alchemist
Secret Alchemist’s Midnight Patchouli is a moody, gender-inclusive fragrance built around bergamot, lavender and patchouli. It sits in that sweet spot between earthy and polished — ideal for someone who prefers their scent to arrive before they do, but quietly. It makes a smart gift for friends who dislike sugary perfumes and want something more grounded for winter nights.
Shop at www.secretalchemist.com
Innisfree
The Innisfree limited-edition Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic gift set is a safe bet for almost anyone because hydration is politically neutral. Combining Jeju green tea with five types of hyaluronic acid, it is designed to repair the skin barrier and keep winter dryness at bay. The packaging feels gift-ready without being saccharine, and at ₹1,780, it lands in that sweet zone between “thoughtful” and “budget-friendly.” Great for Secret Santa, stocking fillers or the friend who chronically forgets to moisturise.
Shop at tirabeauty.com
Diptyque
Diptyque’s holiday offering is for the person who believes perfume is a personality trait. This season, the brand’s most recognisable scents — Orphéon, Do Son and Eau Rose — return in limited-edition gilded bottles that look as festive as they smell. Diptyque has also introduced exclusive 200 ml Eaux de Parfum versions of Orphéon, Do Son and Fleur de Peau for anyone who prefers their fragrance to last long after the party ends.
Shop at sephora.in
Chorus – botanical body oils
Chorus, which was earlier Moonray, reimagines body care as a small but meaningful ritual, blending dermal science with ingredients your grandmother would approve of. Their botanical body oils are lightweight, restorative and made in small batches, combining coconut, sesame and squalane with targeted botanicals for hydration and resilience. It makes a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys skincare that works quietly but effectively.
Shop at chorusworld.com
Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder’s Melt-On Glosstick is for the friend who always “just needs a lip.” With one click, it delivers high-shine colour, gloss-balm comfort and a soft plumping effect that rescues even the most sleep-deprived December face. Perfect for quick fixes between parties.
Shop at esteelauder.in
La Mer
La Mer’s new Rejuvenating Night Cream is for the person in your life who treats skincare like asset building. Infused with MRA-3™ and Miracle Broth™, it targets eight signs of ageing while promising smoother, plumper, more rested skin by morning. It is undeniably a splurge, but Christmas is the one time of year when big skincare gifts feel justified.
Shop at tirabeauty.com
Hula Hoop by Foxtale
Hula Hoop is Foxtale’s playful, science-driven approach to body care, bringing facial-grade actives to the parts of us December lighting never flatters. The Brightening Body Wash uses lactic acid and niacinamide to even skin tone, while the Exfoliating version tackles ingrowns and texture with salicylic acid and zinc PCA. The Brightening Body Lotion adds SPF 30, making it a smart all-day companion. A great under-₹1000 gift that actually gets used.
Shop at foxtale.in
Accessories
Forest of Chintz
The Didda Wrap is the sort of gift for someone who believes accessories deserve their own entrance music. Woven in gold threads with tassel detailing, it glows under warm light without veering into costume territory. At ₹37,500, it is a statement gift — the kind given to someone who considers styling a sport and shimmer a neutral. Then there’s the Abbakka Bag with sculpted floral motifs, beadwork, metallic accents and a silk base that catches light beautifully. It’s the “I’m attending something significant” handbag.
Shop at forestofchintz.com
Janvi Sachdeva
This silver bracelet is a poetic little stocking stuffer — quiet, elegant, celestial without veering into horoscope territory. Crafted with iolites, green quartz and CZ diamonds, it catches the light delicately, making it perfect for someone who prefers jewellery with personality but not volume. At ₹22,500, it feels ideal for minimalists who still enjoy a bit of sparkle in December.
Shop at janvisachdevadesign.com
Fossil
Fossil’s Everett Automatic is a dependable crowd-pleaser — sporty, gold-toned and smart enough for someone who enjoys watching their watch more than their phone. The open-heart dial adds mechanical intrigue without overwhelming the design. It’s a strong update for someone who already owns a smartwatch but wants something with more character for dinners and parties. At ₹20,995, it’s a solid mid-range gift: thoughtful, practical and masculine in a modern way.
Shop at fossil.com
Kate Spade
The Gracie Mini Bag is the sort of gift that works for almost anyone: structured, smooth leather, and compact enough for party season without feeling impractical. The shape is chic and unfussy, making it a versatile companion for dinners, drinks or office events. At ₹24,500, it lands comfortably in the “nice but not extravagant” lane.
Shop at luxe.ajio.com
Seiko
The Seiko Presage Classic Series Limited Edition is a gift for someone who appreciates the charm of details nobody else notices. It features an upcycled leather strap made from offcuts — a quiet nod to sustainability wrapped in old-school craftsmanship. The Shiracha brown gradient dial is warm and refined, with gold accents that lend a subtle formality without tipping into ostentation. At ₹95,000, it is a considered gift for a considered person.
Shop at justintime.in
Forevermark
Forevermark’s Centre of My Universe pendant feels symbolic without drifting into sentimentality. A natural diamond sits at the centre, framed by a precise lattice of round and baguette stones designed to catch and hold light like a modern talisman. The effect is radiant but restrained, making it a versatile piece for everyday wear rather than a once-a-year ornament.
Shop at in.forevermark.com
Drinks
Cabrón
Cabrón is for the friend who hosts the best parties — intentionally or by accident. It is a bold, accessible agave spirit created for cocktails and casual nights alike, with a name that reads like friendly mischief. It is great for someone who wants to experiment with cocktails or expand their home bar beyond the predictable. At ₹1,610 in Goa and ₹2,200 in Maharashtra, it is a high-impact, low-stress gift.
Available at major wine and spirits retailers pan India
Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14YO
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 will impress whisky lovers without alienating beginners. Matured in American oak and finished in Caribbean rum casks, it offers warm toffee, vanilla and a soft tropical note — a combination made for slow December evenings. Smooth enough for neat sipping, interesting enough for conversation, and festive without thematic gimmicks.
Available at major wine and spirits retailers pan India
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