The "This Christmas Gift Guide" article series is a deeply personal project. Since turning my passion into a business, I have met a lot of extremely talented, kind people who approach their work with impeccable ethics, deep passion, and respect for the environment and humanity.
These articles are dedicated to them—and to you—in appreciation for your support of my blog and Instagram. These are not part of any paid collaboration, but that makes no difference. I follow the same ethics regardless of whether an article is paid or not.
I do not promote consumerism, especially around a holiday that I hold sacred for the emotions, joy, and sense of belonging we all seek.
So, I encourage you to buy selectively and choose only the highest quality, primarily from small brands and businesses. Give from the heart, and only to those to whom you truly feel called to give—something they need or that would make them happy.
Christmas is all about love, magic, community, meaningful giving, and helping others.
And, because I am currently living in Spain and my community has become international, this year, as a novelty, here is a Christmas International Gift Guide featuring some of my favourite European brands and businesses.
Flabelus
Flabelus is a Spanish brand that emerges as a bridge between the literary universe and the fashion industry, craftsmanship, and art.
Each piece has a reason for being a concept. Flabelus sells narratives that inspire and bring us closer to the magic and fantasy of dreams. Flabelus represents a turning point for the footwear industry thanks to its revolutionary proposal: the traditional Spanish espadrille is transformed into Flabelus, a very comfortable shoe that brings the traditional stitching and centuries-old structure of Spanish espadrilles into the 21st century.
It is a modern espadrille, full of colour, lightweight, and ready to be worn all year round. Flabelus has successfully established its presence in major fashion cities such as New York, London, Paris, Milan, and Madrid, with five flagship stores and upcoming openings in more cities.
In addition, its reach extends to over 40 countries, and its online platform has gained a global audience.
Diana Cojocaru
Bring an artistic touch to your living space with décor pieces inspired by the stunning watercolor artistry of Diana Cojocaru.
Each item, like this elegantly crafted vase, features delicate floral motifs and soft brushstroke patterns that celebrate the beauty of nature. Perfect for adding charm and sophistication to any interior, these décor items seamlessly blend timeless art with modern functionality.
Add a touch of artistry to your wardrobe with the exquisite scarf collection by artist Diana Cojocaru. Each piece showcases her signature watercolor-inspired designs, featuring vibrant floral motifs and delicate brushstrokes that beautifully capture the essence of nature.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these scarves blend artistic sophistication with modern elegance, making them the perfect accessory for any occasion. Celebrate individuality and creativity with Diana Cojocaru's wearable art—where fashion meets timeless beauty.
Celebrate the exquisite artistry of porcelain wearable art—an intricate dance of delicate florals, vibrant colors, and golded accents.
POMPON CUCU
Little hats made in France. I made all these hats by hand, and I can personalise them with a name, an age, or a word. It is not just a hat; it is an object that we are happy to see again in photos years later; it symbolises childhood and good moments.
érato | Italia + mediterraneo
Pantelleria is not only a magazine, not only a travel guide, nor a photo book; in fact, we simply called it a Poetic Memory Guide.
It is the memory of a summer made of all good things:wine, diving, dancing, and hair drying in the wind. We hope that this photographic book can be a starting point for organizing a magnificent trip for those who have yet to discover this island and a point of return for those who know it and want to experience and relive it with dreamy nostalgia from the comfort of their couch.
Inside, photographic and non-photographic works by talented young Italian and international artists who share a love for this land halfway between Italy and Tunisia and who, with great enthusiasm, have agreed to take part in this great project of artistic and human sharing.
Pantelleria is a perfect gift to relive the magic of Mediterranean summer or to promise someone an amazing trip!
The Sense of Beauty Gallery
Jewellery gallery handcrafted by independent designers to inspire emotions and individuality. You can order online via www.thesenseofbeauty.com.
Christmas proposal for this year: jewellery signed by Raluca Buzura (Romania/Spain), Ivon Wong (Singapore), Katerina Pimenidou (The Netherlands/Greece), and Pavlina Verouki (Greece). The products will be available for purchase at NOËL Fair.
Claw Ring
Core Earrings
Underwater Flow Brooch
Small Totem Dog Earrings
Round Tahitian Pearl Earrings Silver
Christmas proposal for this year: jewellery signed by Dolly Boucoyannis (Greece), Maria Psarianou (Greece), Marion Fillancq (France), Anna-Rosa Moschouti (Belgium), Roos and Geertje Eek (The Netherlands). The products will be available for purchase at Assamblage Fine Christmas (Galateca).
Left RB Bracelet
Gilt Pearl Earrings Gold
Spiral White Pearl Earrings 14K Gold
Cross Pearl Ring 14K Gold
Triangle Pendant 18K Rose Gold
Pebble & Black Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
After Ice Age no. 34 Earrings Gold
Dangling 3 Pearls 18K Gold Ring
Universkin
It's no longer a secret that I adore the Universkin brand, particularly four of their products: the SUNSCREEN POWDER SPF50+, which is my all-time favorite SPF product; L'Huile, a Universal Cleansing Olive Oil; Nexultra P light moisturizer; and The Serum Sunscreen SPF50+.
Universkin formulas are free of organic filters, nanoparticles, synthetic fragrance, endocrine disruptors, controversial preservatives, and synthetic dyes and are vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
Photo 3: Universkin
FREYWILLE
This year for sure we will have the Monochrome Bracelets as favourites, as an addition to already owned jewellery, as a standing-alone item, or in combination with a favourite set.
One of my latest favourites that I dream of is the Denim combos where we used Monochrome in combination with one of our newest sets, Hommage à Sophie Taeuber-Arp—Midnight.
I love how this combination works on a more casual style, and I think it shows that FREYWILLE jewellery can be worn and be statement pieces that can be enjoyed daily. Ana Maria Conache, Country Manager at FREY WILLE
Gifts for HIM
Tomologo
This holiday season, give a gift that tells a story. Tomologo’s timeless designs are crafted to create memories that last. For a limited time, our exclusive end-of-line bags are available at 50% off—a perfect blend of elegance and heritage, waiting to be cherished. Celebrate the magic of the season with a touch of authenticity and timeless charm.
Initial engraving is available for bags and cardholders, complimentary with your purchase—because who wouldn’t want a little personal touch on their perfect gift?(limited to only 3 characters)
La Nonna di Florentia
La Nonna di Florentia is a heartfelt tribute to the artistry of Italian heritage, born from a deep passion for the past and a love for timeless craftsmanship.
Each vintage and antique piece in this curated collection tells its own story, carefully sourced from Italy’s bustling flea markets and hidden treasure troves. Crafted from natural materials like cotton, muslin, linen, and lace, these pieces carry their own histories and are thoughtfully curated by Alexandra Jitariuc (https://www.alexandrajitariuc.ro/), the creative force behind the project who brought this project also to Bucharest, Romania.
Photos: Alexandra Jitariuc
"Throughout my life, I have been drawn to the simplicity and rhythm of slow, cyclical processes in nature. This project gives me the opportunity to embrace and reflect on this connection even more."
La Nonna di Florentia honors the connection between generations of women, tradition, and sustainability, offering quality garments for women who value authenticity, delicate texture, and handmade details.
Photos: Alexandra Jitariuc
WeBloom
WeBloom is a small, independent shop in Stavanger, Norway, that promotes female-forward, like-minded creators from around the world. Each piece is carefully curated, each story honestly told, and so they all make a whole. They work together to bring joy in the everyday, simple moments that we have for so long been taking for granted.
The sun is shining ever so softly these days. It feels like Christmas in our shop now. The music says it, the shop-window shows it, the candles are burning every day, the lights are no longer bright. Time keeps running forward and gifting season is soon upon us. Although we do hope and encourage you to be mindful of your purchases, we also hope that when you do shop, you will choose to shop from small businesses and support your local community of creators.
When you buy from small businesses:
- you know who you’re buying from either because you directly know the producers or because you know and trust the voice of those producers through the (local) retailer;
- you support small producers around the world, their families, their employees, their craft;
- you signal you want to know and to trust the supply chain;
- you are the change you wish this world to experience.
So, take a chance on us, your small (local) businesses, and keep us connected. Products that are something different but can be used in versatile ways (image rights belong to the creators of each product):
- The Japanese washi scroll with Sakura blossoms or plain
- The gua sha comb by Mellow-Mind that can be used both on the scalp and on the face (with the reverse side)
- The gua sha comb by Mellow-Mind that can be used both on the scalp and on the face (with the reverse side)
- Room scent by Lingua Planta (Attract, Defend, or Repel)
- Handmade incense cones by Ryoko Berlin
Cuckoo B: Gift Christmas edition
Cuckoo B is a fashion label of statement accessories with core values rooted in global artisanship, sustainability, and chic design.
The brand was founded in Seattle in 2017 by María Jesús Silva and Ylenia López-Llata out of their shared passion for travel, culture, design, and beautiful stories and people.
Each piece is designed in Madrid and Seattle and is 100% handcrafted by artisans from countries as diverse and culture-rich as Spain, Colombia, Vietnam, Mexico, and others.
Cleo Vase Heads
Cleo Necklace Green
Leandra Earrings
Marianne Necklace
Celia Bag
Indina Bag
Leandra Mini Red
MTArt AgencyTalent agent: The art sector’s leading talent agency
David aiu Servan-Schreiber's piece:
From the Microcosm series by David Aiu Servan Schreiber, David aiu Servan-Schreiber, a self-taught artist who transitioned from street graffiti to canvas, uses nature’s elements and scientific inspiration to address environmental issues like deforestation and climate change. His "Planets" series combines abstraction and figuration, inviting reflection on the earth's fragility while encouraging action for its preservation.
Abysa
2022
Acrylic and fire on panel
60 x 80 cm
£7,500 + VAT
Visual Detox by Marine Tanguy:£16.99
The average person sees about 10,000 commercial visuals a day. Yet, research shows we can only process about 1% of the visual information we encounter. If a picture is worth a thousand words, where does this excess leave us?
'Necessary reading for everyone who uses the internet' Emma Dabiri | 'This book is the new Ways of Seeing' Sharmadean Reid |'Brilliant insights ... highly recommended' Christian Busch | 'An indispensable guide' Guillaume Cerutti, CEO of Christie's | 'Very informative' Laura Whitmore | 'incredibly timely' Pippa Vosper | 'I wish I'd read this book years ago' Josie Cox
In The Visual Detox, art expert and businesswoman Marine Tanguy explains how the imagery we see shapes our wellbeing. She gives us new tools to think critically about images, combat information overload, and participate more in the visual world around us by engaging with the art and content that improves our day-to-day experiences online, at work, in our homes, and in public spaces.
A photograph by our artist Delphine Diallo: Delphine Diallo, a French-Senegalese artist, uses photography to empower women, particularly Black women, by challenging sexist and racist histories in portraiture and creating new, spiritual myths. Her work blends body paint, mythology, and self-portraiture, aiming to redefine representation and envision a matriarchal future through inclusive and provocative visuals.
God is a Woman (The Oracle)
2020
Pigment inkjet on archival paper
75 x 55 cm
£4,600 + VAT
A small bust by Rayvenn D Clark:
©BJDeakin_Photography
£9,000 + VAT
AIRE Christmas Gifts
The selection embraces warm & rich textures in earthy tones for a sophisticated note of elegance.
The Little Ones
1. Ballerina Dress in Milkshake
The little ones AIRE Ballerina is a very elegant and ultra-soft dress to wear. Designed as an homage to ballet—seen as a form of art—this knitted dress is expertly handcrafted from natural silk and fine alpaca yarn.
2. Cloud Sweater in Mousse
Cloud AIRE sweater is knitted with an oversized shape from warm, cozy and ultra-soft alpaca fibers blended with pure silk for a comfortable fit. A dream sweater for the little ones.
Cherished gifts
3. Fine Knit Cardigan in Taupe
Deep V-neck AIRE cardigan finely knitted from smooth Merino wool fibers for a light sensation. A wardrobe staple and an elegant gift for the loved ones.
4. Fine Merino Sweater in Taupe
A timeless gift crafted in pure Merino with a flattering silhouette for a cozy feel. Style it with tonal basics or silk dresses for holiday escapes.
5. Relaxed Soft Blouse in Blush
A discreet, transparent blouse for a feminine look. Designed with wide sleeves for an extra elegant touch. Pair it with a silk dress or classic pants for a social lunch.
6. Textured Knit Sweater in Truffle
AIRE textured crewneck knit with a wide, oversized silhouette for a cozy feel. Knitted from soft alpaca blended with smooth silk. Style it with neutral slip dresses for artistic escapes.
1988 Cultivating Spaces
In a crowded marketplace, 1988 Cultivating Spaces tells the story of simplicity through authentic design. Created by Diana Toncea and Bianca Popa, the collections feature handcrafted ceramics, accent furniture, and wall art that blend artistry with functionality. Each piece is designed to evoke a sense of tranquillity and sophistication and will transform any interiors into serene and refined spaces.
Cœur Blanc and Cœur Noir are dedicated to authentic love, embodying charm and sentimentality—making them the perfect Christmas gifts. Impress your loved ones with a handcrafted cup that will stand out and serve as a lasting symbol of love and thoughtfulness.
Poured into a handcrafted ceramic bowl, this chocolate-scented candle makes the perfect Christmas gift. Inspired by the delicate shape of birds’ nests, the hand-sketched design symbolizes life and eternity. Infused with the rich, gourmand aroma of chocolate, it provides a delightful way to bring comfort and joy to the holiday season.
At 1988 Cultivating Spaces, you’ll also discover the award-winning Transparent speakers, a Swedish brand celebrated for its innovative design. The Small Speaker, featuring a sleek glass frame, is crafted to seamlessly blend into any environment, complementing any style, place, or era. Additionally, its modular design allows for upgrades and add-ons, ensuring it remains a timeless and upgradable audio solution.
Vispoke Perfume Oils: small batch unisex perfume oils
Vispoke offers six handcrafted, unisex perfume oils made with natural & organic ingredients to match every mood & vibe. Each blend evokes emotions, makes you smell amazing, inspires mindfulness, and enhances daily rituals. Perfect for anyone seeking sophisticated simplicity this holiday season.
1 unit (60 EUR) including shipping
15% discount buying more than 1 unit
Alura
Treat someone special to the perfect blend of style and comfort with the Arina Short Cowboy Boots. Crafted from premium natural leather, these boots combine classic Western-inspired design with modern elegance. The subtle low heel offers effortless all-day wear, making them ideal for versatile styling—whether paired with jeans for a casual outing or a dress for a chic, sophisticated look. Perfect for fashion enthusiasts who appreciate quality and value quality, comfort, and a touch of Western charm in their footwear collection.
Elevate your loved one's wardrobe with the elegant charm of the Danielle Ankle Boots. Crafted from luxurious natural leather, these ankle boots feature a rich burgundy tone in trend that expresses sophistication and power. The lace-up design adds a touch of timeless style, while the block heel ensures comfort and stability for all-day wear. Perfect for transitioning seamlessly from day to night, these versatile boots are a chic addition to any outfit. A thoughtful gift for the modern woman who values both fashion and quality craftsmanship.
Add a touch of timeless elegance to that fashion icon friend's wardrobe with the Sara Long Boots. Made from luxurious natural suede leather, a fabric so hyped this season but timeless, however, these boots showcase a warm brown tone and a chic, slouchy design that reflects effortless sophistication. Whether paired with a flowy dress or sleek trousers, these boots are a versatile statement piece. A perfect gift for someone who appreciates refined style and exquisite craftsmanship.
Delight someone you love with the timeless elegance of the Christinne Ballet Flats. Crafted from high-quality patent natural leather, these flats feature a sophisticated burgundy finish that radiates refinement. The square toe design offers a modern twist on a classic style, while the double buckle straps add both charm and a secure fit. Perfect for adding a touch of polish to casual outfits or complementing more formal looks, these flats are a versatile wardrobe essential. A thoughtful gift for anyone who values comfort, quality, and enduring style.
OK KINO
In our new collection, we continued to experiment with knitwear, creating pieces from soft mohair in our studio in Chișinău, Moldova. This September, we made our debut at London Fashion Week, which was a significant milestone for us. Our participation was made possible by winning a competition that supported and helped us organize everything.
Ceva cu Dichis
For Christmas, we recommend fluid outfits made from our signature fabric, cupro, or vegan silk, along with outfits in burgundy red crafted from rich, soft cotton. This is your last chance to find them with us, as we work exclusively with dead-stock materials. As harsh as this term may sound, it’s actually beneficial for the environment.
