John Lewis Secret Santa Gift Ideas

Christmas is coming! With only six weekends left until the big day, I've already started my shopping and I'd estimate I'm 50% done. I'm in my element during festive season, I enjoy heading out for Christmas drinks (let's not mention last year's office party), buying festive food, choosing gifts and trimming up. It's also become a tradition that every year, my mum and I head to John Lewis to buy new tree ornaments and get into the festive spirit! 

Piccadilly Sweet Parade Bon Bons: c/o John Lewis

Last weekend my mum and I visited our local store at Bristol Cribbs Causeway. I absolutely love gift giving and I only ever buy presents I would be happy with myself. I was recently invited to join a Blogger Secret Santa with John Lewis and as you can imagine, I jumped at the chance. I was tasked with selecting some gifts for Sophie of Sophie's Suitcase. I channelled my inner Sherlock Holmes and after a good solid hour of stalking, decided on a Knock Knock 'It's Gonna Be Okay' Journal, a pair of Anthropologie Monogram tumblers (I have these), a bottle of Sipsmith Gin with some Molton Brown bubble bath. Fingers crossed they went down well!

I'm part of a few Secret Santa groups with friends, at work and with Sam's family. The budgets vary which is why I scoured the John Lewis website for inspiration. If you need a bit of a helping hand with choosing gifts, feel free to check out my suggestions. I created a Pinterest board here:


Sophie spoilt me! She sent me two items, the first is some delicious Prosecco Bon Bons by Piccadily Sweet Parade (£5), which I love. I'm a big fan of fruity prosecco but unfortunately I'm allergic... luckily for me, these sweets alcohol free, they just taste incredible. NOM. I think I might buy some more for any guests that pop in over Christmas.

Liz Earle gift set: c/o John Lewis

The second gift is the Liz Earle Make Every Day Glow set (£69), which is exclusive to John Lewis. I adore Liz Earle, I had one of their epic beauty hampers a few years back and became hooked on ther skincare! I have really sensitive skin so I'm always drawn to natural products with no hidden nasties. The Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is something I re-purchase again and again.

This is the perfect luxury Secret Santa gift. I think most women would be chuffed with this, so if you're stuck for ideas, you can't really go wrong!

What are my top tips for choosing a winning Secret Santa? 

1. Stalk your giftee - research them using social media to get an idea of what they do and don't like
2. Don't play it too safe - shower gel gift sets are plain boring (unless it's by their fave brand)
3. Buy your gift early - last minute presents from the local supermarket are not okay
4. Stick to the budget - being well under budget is a bit unfair and going way over can be awkward
5. Embrace it - Christmas is about giving and picking a good gift is guaranteed to bring all the warm and fuzzies

I'm so excited for Christmas! I must confess I was playing Xmas tunes while taking these snaps... Too early? I THINK NOT. Will you be taking part in a Secret Santa this year? Let me know your gift buying tips! - T