Small pleasures: The best luxury stocking fillers for Christmas 2023
Surprise them with an array of small gifts guaranteed to delight
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
You’ve found them a great gift so now you can sit back and relax, right? Wrong. Christmas is all about generosity and surprises – and a carefully packed stocking is the perfect way to get the big day off to a great start. Happily, it’s not too late to curate a thoughtful selection of small-yet-special gifts. Here’s our guide to the best stocking fillers for Christmas 2023…
For her
Herd Wyre cardigan
It is a truth universally known that no woman can ever have too many cable knit sweaters – especially when they come with the thoughtful design touches of this Herd number. Hand-knitted in the UK using full-traceable and incredibly soft Bluefaced Leicester sheep wool sourced in North West England, there are also few more sustainable options on the market. Available in hues of ivory, light grey and salmon (all an ideal companion to denim of all kinds), it’s crafted from a soft recycled wool blend and features a pretty scallop trim that is practically the definition of cosy.
Wyre cardigan, £375, herdwear.co
Diamond: Diamond Stories (Assouline)
While we wouldn’t recommend putting actual diamonds in her Christmas stocking (there is, after all, no way to top that next year), this gorgeous coffee table book on the subject is the next best thing. Created in collaboration between Assouline and the Natural Diamond Council, Diamonds tells the story of the world’s most precious stone, from its royal ascendancy to the modern crop of designers democratising the jewel with their playful approach and innovative designs. Granted, you’re going to need a rather large stocking.
Diamonds: Diamond Stories, £91, assouline.com
Burberry sunglasses
Universally flattering, perennially necessary and oh-so-chic, sunglasses are always a good idea. They are, however, also a rather personal purchase so if you’re choosing for someone else keep it simple (and maybe also keep the receipt). Opt for Burberry’s oversized Sixties-inspired square frame sunglasses, however, and we’re pretty sure you won’t need it.
Icon stripe square frame sunglasses, £200, burberry.com
Paul Smith scarves
Every winter wardrobe needs a great scarf and there are few more luxurious than Paul Smith's cosy wool knits. Knitted in the UK and Italy using super soft lambswool, each is finished with the designer's signature playful colour combinations and cheeky motifs. These are truly buy now, wear forever pieces.
'Happy' wool scarf, £90, paulsmith.com; 'Fleck' wool scarf, £135, paulsmith.com
Skandinavisk Takka candle
Small gifts don’t have to mean forgoing big labels. The candle from fragrance master Skandinavisk is inspired by the traditional scents of the festive season, and specifically roaring fires, and comes dressed in a sparkling glass container that’s as pretty as a picture. It boasts a burn time of 50 hours and, if you're feeling generous, comes with a whole host of siblings that complete the set.
Skandinavisk Takka scented candle, £49, harveynichols.com
For him
Smythson playing card case
Know a card shark with a taste for the finer things in life? Smythson's range of luxurious leather boardgames and backgammon sets are true showstoppers but if you're stocking budget doesn't extend into the hundreds this elegant playing card case, which comes complete with gilt-edged playing cards, is equally impressive. Perfect if you’re planning on holing up in the countryside this festive season.
Playing card case, £210, smythson.co.uk
Ganni beanie
Few and far between are those who won’t be impressed to find something from Scandi fashion heavyweight Ganni in their stocking. A classic example of the brand's understated luxury style, this beanie puts a minimalist twist on a winter essential and will look as great with a ski jacket on the slopes as it will on your annual Boxing Day ramble.
Ganni knitted beanie, £75, farfetch.com
Ruinart
This set of Ruinart champagnes may, admittedly, be a little too pricey to be deemed a stocking filler but gift it to someone spending the festive season in your home and they’re obliged by the rules of etiquette to share – so it’s really a win-win. Containing four bottles of the esteemed Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, it’s the perfect introduction to this most revered of champagne houses.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs cellar case, £345, clos19.com
Carl Friedrik
He may have a wardrobe full of Savile Row suits and made-to-measure shirts but if he pulls out a tattered wallet at the end of an important business lunch, the carefully curated impression is going to be ruined. Take care of the details for him with Carl Friedrik's cognac leather Swanfield design, which features enough space for seven cards, as well as notes.
Swanfield leather wallet, £85, carlfriedrik.com
Memo Paris
Fragrance is an easy win if you’re in need of one last thing to fill his stocking. This year, bypass the standards (you know he already has a bathroom cabinet full of Tom Ford and Creed already) and instead introduce him to Memo Paris. Founded by husband-and-wife team Clara and John Molloy, the 11 scents in its collection are inspired by the couple’s favourite global destinations. Exclusive to Harvey Nichols, African Leather is a masculine, spicy blend of cardamom, geranium, saffron and oud accord.
