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    15 fail-safe Christmas gifts for mum that she’ll actually love

    My mum always ‘borrows’ these gifts from me, so I know she’ll actually use them

    Dionne Brighton's avatar
    By Dionne Brighton
    Published 26 December 2023 In Features

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    A selection of product shots of the best christmas gifts for mum on a pale background
    (Image credit: Future)
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    Mums deserve only the greatest of presents; it's what makes shopping for the best Christmas gifts for mum so tricky. The best gifts are things that they'll need—and actually use—and I've cracked the code to find out exactly what that is. 

    The best Christmas gifts for mum should be easy to find, as we know them so well, but it somehow never feels that way, especially with so many fantastic new launches this year. One way to know for sure what they really need? What they're always borrowing from you. 

    As a shopping expert who can't help but try all the best skincare products, jewellery trends and best self care products, my home has become my mum's go-to place to raid. So much so, that these 12 products she borrows from my stash have led people to believe she's my sister. So, in the spirit of sharing, it's time to treat her to products of her own. 

    Keep scrolling for a list of Christmas gifts for mum they will want to open on Christmas morning, aka everything I noticed my mum borrows from me—and that scarf I borrowed from her and forgot to return.

    The best Christmas gifts for mum she'll adore just as much as you do

    Struggling for Christmas gift ideas this year? We've got you covered. Here at Marie Claire UK, we've rounded up the best Christmas gifts for her, stocking filler ideas and self-care gifts. Plus, Christmas gifts for him (that we secretly want too) and gifts for hosts. But first, arguably one of the most important gifts, the best Christmas gifts for mum (that she will actually use).

    Diptyque Do Son eau de parfum one of the best christmas gifts for mum

    Diptyque Do Son eau de parfum
    £148 AT JOHN LEWIS

    My mum wanted to buy this for herself. I insisted she couldn't, as it's my signature scent. But, now that she asks to spritz it every time she comes to see me, I'm finally getting her her own one this year. Any Diptyque fragrance is sure to go down a treat, but I know that she loves heady jasmine scents so this is a no-brainer. 

    Trudon Tuileries Candle one of the best christmas gifts for mum

    Trudon Tuileries Candle
    £95 AT HARRODS

    One of the first things my mother will do when she walks through my doors is light my favourite candle—bold, I know. And I can't blame her; with notes of pink berry, white flowers and raspberry, and a musky base of vanilla, it deserves to be lit as often as possible. The gorgeous glass jar and luxurious packaging make it a great gift too.

    ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener Christmas Gift Set one of the best christmas gifts for mum

    Ghd Platinum hair straightener
    £239 AT LOOKFANTASTIC

    My mum has decided that this straightener is why my hair looks so shiny and that her straighteners just don't work the same. My go-to pair is arguably one of the best hair straighteners around, so I always let her borrow them, but it's about time she got her own, and this gift set (that comes with heat-protecting spray and paddle brush) makes it the perfect gift. 

    Siren Wire Earrings one of the best christmas gifts for mum

    Siren Wire Earrings
    £125 AT MONICA VINADER

    You can't go wrong with a pair of earrings as one of the best Christmas gifts for mum. Mine is always asking to borrow these for any special occasion. I like to think it's because she wants to copy my style, but in truth, it's because she saw Kate Middleton wear them, and now she wants them too. I can't blame her: they are one of my favourite pairs. 

    nica scarf one of the best christmas gifts for mum

    Nica scarf
    £120 AT BALZAC PARIS

    My mum has saved me from many a cold night by reminding me to take a scarf, often lending me one when I've forgotten mine. Now it's time to return the favour. A scarf is a fail-safe Christmas gift because you can never have too many, right? I borrowed this from my mum and never returned it because it's the perfect pop of colour for winter outfits. This one is made from merino wool and cashmere, a luxurious gift that's practical too. 

    An image of a Bobbies Ancone micro bag

    Ancone micro bag
    £200 AT BOBBIES PARIS

    Whenever my mum has a special occasion coming up, she wants to raid my wardrobe. First on the agenda? A going-out bag that actually fits everything in. This is my go-to (and my mum's now, too), and it makes a gorgeous Christmas gift with a range of shades (and a stunning tweed option) to choose from. 

    tatcha mist, one of the best christmas gifts for mum

    Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
    £48 AT SPACENK

    I'll often find my mum in my bathroom cabinet looking for "that glowy spray", and I don't blame her: this mist is incredibly hydrating. This is often on my own Christmas gift list and one you can never go wrong with IMHO. 

    omnilux mask one of the best christmas gifts for mum

    Omnilux Contour Mask
    £350.90 AT OMNILUX

    It's evident by now that my mum mainly comes to see me just to raid my wardrobe and beauty cabinet, and this is the mask she always tries to take home with her. I should've kept the benefits of red light therapy to myself, but ever since I told her Kim Kardashian uses Omnilux, she's wanted this mask too. Who doesn't want glowing skin?

    john lewis slippers one of the best christmas gifts for mum

    John Lewis Sheepskin Mule Slippers
    £49 AT JOHN LEWIS

    It seems everyone wants sheepskin slippers this year (they're selling out fast this year). The best slippers are a fail-safe gift for any mum–cosy, comfortable and just what you need for hibernation season.

    Women's Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves christmas gifts for mum

    Women's Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves
    WAS £99, NOW £74.24 AT SELFRIDGES

    You just can't go wrong with a scarf and gloves for an easy (but thoughtful) Christmas gift for Mum. This pair is extra special–and luxurious–they're handcrafted from soft nappa leather and lined with cashmere. Yes, please.

    NEAL'S YARD REMEDIES one of the best Restoring Bath Scents Collection christmas gifts for mum

    Neals Yard Restoring Bath Scents Collection
    £24 AT M&S

    Bath sets for Christmas are a go-to for a reason: you can never have enough bath soaks. Whenever my mum pops over after I've had a bath, she asks what diffuser I'm using, but it's actually just the calming scent of these bath soaks still filling the room. With three restoring scents, it's a self-care gift you'll want for yourself, too. 

    A bottle of Mumm Cordon Rouge champagne

    Mumm champagne
    £43 AT JOHN LEWIS

    I've definitely "borrowed" and not returned a (now empty) bottle of champagne or two when I'm running low. This one, by way of Mumm, is a lovely all-rounder and it makes for a great last-minute Christmas gift for mum, too. 

    BIBBI Radio Child Eau de Parfum

    BIBBI Radio Child
    £225 AT LIBERTY

    It only landed in Liberty in October, but this fragrance has quickly become one of my favourites. A different story inspires each scent–Beethoven's disappearing student inspires this blend. It's earthy but sweet, with heart notes of jasmine and fig that will surely make my mum smile. 

    RoC®️ Derm Correxion®️ Dual Eye Cream

    RoC Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream
    £39.99 AT BOOTS

    I don't need to make any guesses on this; my mum has already told me the best Christmas gift will be one of the best eye creams. I have it on good authority that Sarah Jessica Parker uses this eye cream, and I've been using it religiously since. The cream works under the eye, and the gel is used on the upper eye to lift–just what you need through party season. 

    Authentic Beauty Concept Peggy Gou Hydrate Gift Set

    Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Gift Set
    £54.60 AT NORTH LAINE HAIR CO

    If you're looking for a great gift for your mum who loves haircare, this gift set should be on your radar. I discovered this brand earlier this year and it's been my go-to ever since. The hydrating shampoo and conditioner are ideal for the dry hair season and come in a super cute fluffy gift bag that doubles up as a great wash bag. Plus, if you've left it to the last minute, you can find it in a salon near you. Happy gifting!

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    Dionne Brighton
    Dionne Brighton
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    Social Media Editor

    Dionne Brighton is the Social Media Editor at Marie Claire UK. After writing about everything from nail trends to celebrity style moments for Marie Claire UK, Glamour UK and Woman & Home, she now leads the brand’s social strategy. Her work transforming Marie Claire UK’s social platforms earned her a BSME Talent Award nomination.

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