Where do we start with a Christmas gift list of the best things to buy your girlfriend? The possibilities are endless – but so are the opportunities to get it really, really wrong.
Take my advice – do not buy your girlfriend mats for her car, a bin for her car, or really any accessory for her car (unless she’s specifically asked you for it).
Obviously, take into account her likes and hobbies; the brands she likes, or covets; listen to the hints she’s been giving you over the past six months. Has she left magazines lying around open on shopping pages, even with things circled? Has she been talking about the same self-development book for ages? TAKE THE HINT.
If you’re completely lacking in inspiration, we’ve spoken to the girlfriends on Team WhatsTheBest to find out what’s on their wishlists this Christmas; hopefully, you’ll find ideas of things to buy the love of your life from our shortlist.
The best Christmas gifts for girlfriends UK 2021
Sienna Hoodie Wearable Hoodie Blanket
Best for the girl who steals your hoodiesFed up of having no sweaters to wear because your girlfriend hoards them to herself? Why not get her this wearable blanket from Sienna, with reviews raving about how soft it is. Warning: your girlfriend will probably still steal your hoodies.
Teabloom Complete Glass Tea Set
Best for the girl who loves to hostIf your girlfriend loves to invite friends over for a cuppa, get her this fancy tea set from Teabloom, including a tealight warmer which makes sure the tea stays hot.
Labyrinth Friends Pyjama Set
**Best for the girl who loves Labyrinth (who doesn't?)**If your girlfriend is a fan of Jim Henson's 1986 fantasy adventure, she'll love these PJs. The film is a marvel for many reasons, including the infectious soundtrack, the iconic characters (hello to the Worm, Hoggle and the Fireys), and, of course, Bowie's remarkably snug leggings.
Christmas Brownie Box
Best for the brownie-loving girlfriendSay hello to my little friend: a huge box of brownies. These are homemade in the UK, deliciously gooey and irresistible. Any chocolate-loving girlfriend will be drooling over these in no time.
Origins Merry Masks Set
Best for the face mask loving girlfriendSorry, but there's nothing better than putting on a face mask and having a hot bath - if your girlfriend is one of us, then she'll love this Origins Christmas face mask set. Full of luxurious face masks for her to enjoy. Easy, festive and a huge hit.
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS, 41mm Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band - Regular
Best for the techy girlfriendDoes your girlfriend love tech and her fitness? An apple watch is a perfect option for a Christmas gift. The Series 7 is the most recent version and has amazing features including blood oxygen sensor, water resistance and Apple pay, amongst many other features.
Edinburgh Preserves Hot & Spicy Sauce Box
Best for the girl who loves spiceIs your gf a huge fan of anything spicy? We love this Edinburgh Preserves Hot & Spicy Sauce Box from John Lewis. With six amazing sauces from around the world, she's sure to be spoiled.
No.3 Gin London Dry Gin with Gift Box, 70 cl
Best for the gin-loving girlfriendGin is always a great go-to gift for any girlfriend, and this London Dry No.3 Gin will definitely impress. Packaged in a beautiful gift box, she'll be pouring a glass in no time.
Cartwright & Butler Champagne and Truffle gift box
Best for the girl who loves luxuryCartwright & Butler is known for its extra luxurious hampers and you can't go wrong with a bit of bubbly and truffles. If this isn't your girlfriend's thing, there are tailored boxes for everyone - sweet or savoury, you name it.
FOREO UFO 2 Power Mask and Light Therapy Device
Best for the skincare-obsessed girlfriendIf your significant other is obsessed with skincare, this gift will really make their year. The FOREO UFO 2 device makes masking feel like going to a spa without even leaving your house. It massages your face, provides LED light therapy, plus heating and cooling treatments. Deputy Editor, Jade, said: "I was gifted this earlier in the year and I only wish I'd known about it sooner. It's easy and exciting to use, with a number of app-led treatments meaning all the goodness from your skincare products sinks into your skin rather than sitting on top. I love the heating and cooling features and the fact that it takes 90 seconds rather than sitting with a mask on for 10-20 minutes. It's pricey, but so worth it. I'll be recommending this to all my friends!"
Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses The Perfect British Cheeseboard
Best for the cheese-loving girlfriend Um, who doesn't love a cheeseboard at Christmas? If your girl is just as big a cheese fan as we are, she's going to LOVE this cheeseboard, made at home in Lancashire. Pop the red wine, pls.
Hotel Chocolat: Bring on the Bubbly Collection
Best for the chocolate-loving girlfriendWell, you can't really go wrong with chocolate and Prosecco, can you? This gets a thumbs up from everyone at WhatsTheBest. Featuring filled milk, salted caramel, white chocolates, Pink Champagne Truffles and a bottle of Prosecco Superiore. Delicious!
Silentnight Wellbeing Silk Eye Mask
Best gift for the girl who likes sleeping****Deputy editor Natalie said: "I've been using one of those eye masks you get free on an aeroplane and putting this Silentnight sleep mask made me realise what torture I was putting myself through. The silky smooth feeling of the mask and no part digging in anywhere sent me into a dream state. The silk covered elastic straps mean that nothing digs into my ears or head and it doesn't irritate me when I'm sleeping. Couldn't recommend it more and would be the perfect gift."
Cornish Sea Salt Pinch Pot Selection - 6 Assorted Flavours
Best for the cooking girlfriendIf your girlfriend loves to take over the kitchen at Christmas, these pure luxury Cornish Sea Salt pinch pots are a perfect and thoughtful gift. Even better, they'll make your food taste a-mazing.
Kindle Paperwhite
Best gift for bookworm girlfriends For bookworms, the Kindle Paperwhite is a must-have – it'll save loads of room in your suitcase when you next go travelling, and it saves acres of bookshelf space.
The View from The Shard Entry and a Cocktail for Two
Best for the girl who has everythingIf your other half is an 'I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it' kind of girl and regularly treats herself to her favourite things, it's likely you're really struggling to come up with a something special for Christmas. We're big fans of an experience day at WhatsTheBest and Red Letter Days has something for everyone. From this cocktail experience at The Shard to tickets to a West End show, or even a spa day, there's plenty to get excited about.
Twelve South BookBook for iPads or Kindle Paperwhite
Best for stylish bookwormsMade from genuine leather, this cover is perfect if your girlfriend loves her iPad or Kindle but wants to pretend she's reading a book. Insights Analyst Clare owns this, and said: "It's really stylish and great for anyone who still misses the feel of a good book while keeping the bonus of thousands at your fingertips. The fabric is firm and slightly stiff at first which should break in with use. The magnet used is strong enough to secure the tablet without fear of it falling out though does require a bit of force to unclasp - certainly be careful if you have long nails."
Evergreen Indoor House Plants Collection
Best for the green-fingered girlfriend If your girlfriend loves a house plant, then this bargain trio from Amazon is a great buy. It's a lucky dip so you can't guarantee which three you'll get, but this is a great price for green-fingered girlfriends.
Afternoon Tea at Bettys
Best for the girlfriend who loves afternoon tea****Editor Sophie said: "I always love a gift that's an experience, and afternoon tea is just my favourite thing. You can't really go wrong with Bettys, whether you choose York, Harrogate or any of their other locations. Their cakes and pastries are just divine and you'll have a wonderful couple of hours. I'd love to receive a voucher for this for Christmas."
MyHeritage Gift Membership
Best for the girl interested in their family historyBuild your own family tree and receive smart matches from the millions of family trees and billions of historical records with MyHeritage. It's the perfect gift for long-distance family members and friends, or even for yourself.Jade from WhatsTheBest said: "If your other half has always wanted to find out more about her family, a MyHeritage gift membership would be a really special present. I was recently gifted one and I can't believe all the amazing things I've found out about my family."
What NOT to buy your girlfriend at Christmas:
According to the WhatsTheBest team...
Writer, Lily Anderson, said: “A pair of trainers in the wrong size. Also, someone bought me a single and rare lily once (because my name is Lily - original) - they assumed I'd love lilies, but they make me cough.”
Editor, Sophie Knight, said: “Car mats. For his car. And a foot spa, which his mum had told him to buy me.”
Editor, Jade Moscrop, said: “If someone bought me a Peloton I'd be fuming.”
Previous Competitions Executive, Emma Beattie, said: “The Harry Potter LEGO game for the Xbox 360. I don’t like Harry Potter or LEGO (but he did).”
Insights Analyst, Clare Bradley, said: “Uncooked prawn crackers.”
Some other not-so-hot ideas include an alarm clock (especially if you have children, and therefore never EVER need an alarm clock ever again); protein powder; underwear two sizes too small (ALWAYS check the sizes); or indeed, thermal underwear.
Don't do it. Just buy something from our gift guide instead.
What to read next:
Thoughtful Christmas gifts - the presents that keep on giving
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