369 best Christmas gifts for 2026 – tried, tested and loved by the Filter UK

We’ve unboxed, nibbled and played with hundreds of gifts to find the perfect present for everyone – from cheery stocking fillers and feelgood treats to Jude Bellingham’s favourite game

Filled with dread about Christmas shopping? Luckily for you, we’ve had a head start and spent the whole year playing, tasting, sipping, sniffing and putting hundreds of items to the test to help you find the best Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.

We’ve recruited experts, from three-year-old toy testers to gardening gurus, beauty connoisseurs to our own team here on the Filter, to bring you tried-and-tested recommendations we know will bring joy this Christmas and beyond. From bloody marys and sleep masks to mushroom-growing kits and taste-test-winning biscuits, here are 369 carefully curated gift ideas to suit even the fussiest recipients. Merry Christmas!

A mini matchbox puzzle depicting the late artist Yayoi Kusama with one of her famous giant pumpkin sculptures. Putting together the colourful 99 pieces was straightforward and relaxing. There are also Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí and Vincent van Gogh editions – a great gift for art lovers.

Add a little whimsy to their fridge with these cute scissors that double up as a magnet. Comes as a daikon (AKA long white radish) too.

These fit into a pocket (great for mobile entertainment) and transform from car to dragon with the most satisfying click. Lucy Pavia

Soap inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, packaged to look like a mini book. I found the ginger and lavender scent instantly soothing, and it lathered up nicely, leaving my hands feeling refreshed.

This keyring filled with a vial of bee revival syrup is perfect for the person always stopping to rescue tired bees. It has a QR code that can be scanned to identify the species, and you can buy a refill kit so it can be reused.

Many of the under-10s we quizzed for our kids’ gift guides said how much they love this astronomy-themed eraser set. LP

Lumps of coal: the age-old threat to children everywhere. But this moreish “coal” – honeycomb dipped in milk chocolate and coated in a tangy black sherbet, made in Oxfordshire – will only reward bad behaviour. Hannah Booth

If you’re buying for a football fan who already has every bit of official memorabilia, try this pack of playing cards in their club’s colours, featuring team legends. I tried the Liverpool edition, featuring Stevie G as a Queen and Jürgen Klopp as a joker. Boot & Ball also does cards with national teams, and other sports, including tennis and golf.

These quirky socks with a climbing wall design will add a bit of fun to their outfit. London Sock Exchange does a range of designs – from sushi to cinema – so you can pick a pair tailored to their interests.

Daylesford organic prosecco jellies, 100g

A truly grownup treat: their favourite tipple in sweet form, with an adorable illustration on the box. The flavour nails the dry-but-sweet taste of a glass of prosecco. There’s also a gin fizz version; fruity with a sugary coating.

All the kids I know love these colour change pens – there’s even invisible ink for sending secret messages. LP

These are designed for threading on to trainer laces and, for a little extra, can be personalised with a motivational message to give your recipient a boost. Particularly thoughtful if they’re training for something.

Almonds, crushed candy canes and chocolate doesn’t sound like it should work, but it just does. I struggled not to finish the whole share bag in one sitting.

These moreish olives are infused with lemon and juniper to give them a flavour reminiscent of a G&T. A delicious snack or garnish for cocktail hour.

A great option for rainy days, our five-year-old tester enjoyed the various tasks, such as finding two things that begin with the letter “P”, and it’s sneakily good phonics and maths practice. LP

One of the testers for our guide to the best gifts for seven-year-olds gave the seal of approval to these Lush bath bombs. Hers was part of a set, but they can also be bought individually for stockings.

These really do swim like actual fish when they make contact with water (beware of dupes, because they didn’t work as well during testing) and transformed bath time with my testers. Using kitchen sieves as “nets” to scoop them up was especially popular. LP

Kocktail mini espresso martini cracker, 100ml

Give them their favourite cocktail to enjoy on the big day, packaged up like a Christmas cracker. From espresso martini to negroni, all the drinks are expertly mixed, and the packaging is plastic-free.

These stainless steel cocktail picks are a classy stocking filler for those who love mixing a martini at home, or foodies with a penchant for gildas.

Made from an absorbent material, this lightweight towel has a button and fastening that secures it on your head. I forgot I was even wearing it, and my hair came out of it tangle-free. It comes in a range of fun patterns.

A set of Carmex’s classic cherry, strawberry and wild berry flavours, as well as my personal favourite, cupcake. Your recipient can pop all three into different bags, so they never have to endure dry lips.

This portable charger (MagSafe phone or case required) sticks to the back of your phone and charges it without any wires needed. It took my iPhone 15 from under 10% to full power in two hours, and managed two charges before needing recharging itself.

For more, read our guide to the best power banks

Great for campers or those always eating on the go. The case makes it convenient to just pop in their bag and reduces the need for single-use cutlery.

If they’re a custard-cream lover, this decadent vanilla spread filled with crunchy chunks of crushed custard cream biscuits can be put on toast, pancakes … or, my favourite way of eating it, straight out of the jar.

The three-year-old who tested this was so pleased with it that he took it into nursery school for show and tell, where his teachers promptly ordered several. A hit with older kids too – you use the magnetic pen to click the little balls into place to create a

Imported from Italy, this mini panettone is soft and buttery, with candied orange peel and raisins. A traditional treat to stuff in their stocking.

For the traveller in your life, this keyring holds charms of every country they’ve visited as a reminder of all of their trips. A thoughtful present for someone about to head off on a gap year or work break to see the world.

A bracelet made from discarded fishing nets fished out of the ocean. Each purchase funds Behaviour Change Cornwall’s work to remove and recycle plastic from the sea. It can also be engraved for an extra £10.

B Corp-certified underwear brand Stripe & Stare creates pieces that are comfy and beautiful (I can confirm they are a dream to wear). Its lace knickers would make a lovely stocking filler.

These were a hit in our gifts for seven-year-olds but would work for younger kids, too. There are loads of sweet designs to choose from, but I’m particularly partial to the sparkly Christmas trees. LP

If they can’t get enough of Japanese food, treat them to a beautiful pair of chopsticks. These lancewood ones have been sourced from Japan and feature a lovely geometric design.

These were especially popular with the little testers in our guide to the best gifts for three-year-olds – not so small they’ll get lost down the sofa and a good size for kids to lace on to a necklace by themselves. LP

We Are Dorothy’s football match-style scarves based on famous feuds are so fun. This one commemorates the infamous grudge between Blur and Oasis. There are also Wagatha Christie and Beatles-themed ones.

L’Esterre 70% dark chocolate buttons, 120g

Chocolate expert and Guardian columnist, Annalisa Barbieri, rates these highly. “Some of the most exquisite, smooth chocolate you will ever taste, from 70-85% cocoa content, in button form, which somehow elevates the experience – who doesn’t love a button? Buy early: these are made in small batches and sell out fast.” HB

Our testers loved tipping this on to baking trays to form little landscapes for their plastic animals, or a construction site with mini diggers. It’s really calming stuff and not as annoying to clear up as normal sand (keep it in the kitchen, though). LP

A perfect, pocket-size outdoors gift that can be hung from two sturdy trees; makes dragging the kids out for a walk that bit easier. Should be used with adult supervision. LP

Coloured nylon and wooden toothbrush, each

Cheerful, fun brushes that make great stocking fillers for the whole family. Sali Hughes

One of my best buys of 2026. Oversized clips that allow for easy makeup application without leaving dents in my hairline, while holding much more firmly than the standard size seen elsewhere. A stocking filler that will get used by anyone with longer locks. SH

For more of Sali’s picks, read her guide to the best beauty gifts in 2026

Three sets of bristles for three different screen- and keyboard-cleaning jobs – perfect for a messy home-worker. This London indie brand, known for its leather goods, is also donating all proceeds from sales of its Christmas crown, made from off-cuts, to the Hackney Night Shelter. HB

A newer addition to Tom Kerridge’s wildly popular M&S cookware line, this salt and pepper mill set is a steal. They’re reassuringly hefty and offer five settings of coarseness for complete control in the kitchen. Say hello to cacio e pepe minus the arm ache.

By creating a tight seal at the level of your wine, this smart and stylish Eto decanter prevents it from oxidising – ideal for those who want to savour expensive wine, or who enjoy opening a bottle but struggle to finish it before it goes bad.

Part planner, part recipe book, this bistro-stripe Papier journal is ideal for jotting down those family recipes, meticulously noting your restaurant bucket list and keeping tabs on your favourite spots. Foodies will love it.

If they love mixing cocktails, this luxury shaker would undoubtedly upgrade their home setup. Its double-wall insulation protected my hands from freezing and made it a joy to use, while the lid’s built-in measurement lines eliminate the need for a jigger. Designed in collab with Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre’s Still GIN, it’s got more street cred than your average shaker.

After rigorous trampoline-based testing, the KeepCup Commuter came out on top of our roundup of the best travel mugs. I’m particularly taken by the new on-trend mulberry colour, and its cup-holder-friendly design is ideal for the school run.

Allday Goods’ colourful kitchen knives feature handles made entirely of post-consumer plastic waste, meaning no two knives are the same. The brand’s santoku knife features in our test of the best chef’s knives, where pro chef Ben Lippett said it’s “light, nimble and has a fantastic edge”. I tried the brand’s latest release: the nakiri knife with its squared blade ideal for precise slicing and chopping.

Bodum’s Caffettiera came out on top of our cafetière testing, and now it’s available in an eye-catching colourful collection with MoMA. Pair it with matching glasses for a bold midcentury coffee setup.

Our resident coffee expert Sasha Muller recommends the Bambino Plus as the best manual option for beginners in our guide to the best coffee machines. It combines Sage’s quality espresso extraction with automatic milk steaming that crafts “wonderfully silky frothed milk at the press of a button”. It’s also a neat little option that will look the part on any kitchen counter.

Testing this one gave me a bonus workout, but what they say is true – pop some double cream (as high quality as you can get) into this butter churner, give it a whirr for 10 minutes, and you’ll be left with homemade butter. A deeply gratifying gift that can be put to good use on Boxing Day with any cream that didn’t make it on to the Christmas pudding.

Using loose-leaf tea is the easiest way to level up any brew game, and this tea infuser mug will help them do just that. This Bird & Blend set, with a stainless steel infuser basket and lid, is the ideal gift for the tea lover in your life. I particularly appreciated the removable lid that gives you somewhere to rest the basket once you’re done brewing.

Who wouldn’t be delighted to open a Christmas present and see a box from Le Creuset? The matcha whisk and stand set is a first from the brand, not only solving a genuine matcha-lovers’ dilemma (where the hell do I store my whisk?) but doing it in style.

There’s an art to giving mugs, but if you opt for one from Anna & Nina, you’re on the right track. Fun and a bit cheeky, these hand-painted ceramic mugs come in a range of styles with different slogans. I tried its classic mug shape, which is a chunky, tea-ready textured option that will add a bit of style to any bedside table.

Addison Ross has a knack for blending whimsy and practicality. For someone who loves to host (or just really appreciates a big salad), these contemporary stainless steel salad servers are sure to be a winner.

One for the person who loves a new kitchen gizmo. Ninja’s revolutionary Creami is a freeze-first ice-cream machine that allows you to fill its plastic tubs with anything from yoghurt to protein shakes to homemade custard, freeze overnight and then churn them into scoopable ice-creams in a matter of minutes. In our guide to the best ice-cream makers, reviewer Danielle Amato said: “It makes homemade ice-cream genuinely achievable.”

Only keen bakers will know the horrors of scraping sourdough gloop from their fingers after another stretch-and-fold. It’s the worst bit of baking bread, and the Doap is the first product I’ve tried that makes it easier. A thoughtful gift that’s guaranteed to change their baking game.

If it’s going to live full-time on your kitchen counters, it may as well bring you joy. Take a look at this ceramic butter dish from &k Amsterdam and tell us you’re not filled with nostalgia. I was struck by its sturdiness and relieved that it’s the ideal size for a block of Kerrygold.

Panasonic SD-PMC100NXC mini bread and ice-cream maker

Maybe they’re committed to cutting down on ultra-processed foods in 2027, or perhaps they just really love bread. Either way, a bread maker is one of those thoughtful gifts they’ll wonder how they ever lived without. In our guide to the best bread makers, this Panasonic was our top pick. Reviewer Danielle Amato said it’s a “great choice for anyone looking for a compact machine that doesn’t take up too much worktop or cupboard space”.

There’s a charming simplicity to these speckled espresso cups from Fable. Hand-finished in Portugal in a handy stackable design, they look gorgeous and feel fab to drink from. Espresso lovers will thank you.

If your foodie friend has ever made you a brilliant meal, only to tell you they made it up when you ask for the recipe, buy them this Chef’s notebook. Made of water- and grease-proof paper and bound in vegan leather, it’s the chef’s notebook of choice for jotting down recipes as they go. I was impressed by how lightweight and portable it is, despite being hard-wearing.

Queen of comfort food Sophie Wyburd recently made nine sausage stews for us, all in the name of finding the ultimate casserole dish. The winner was Le Creuset, but this Habitat option was a worthy runner-up, and costs a fraction of the price. It also comes in six fun colours, so there’s an option for any kitchen should they wish to display it on the stove.

Folio Society: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain is to foodies what the Beatles are to music lovers. This special edition of his memoir is pricey, but it’s one of those cherished gifts that shows how well you really know them. Everything about it feels luxe. The Folio Society has added an exclusive introduction by Bourdain’s friend and collaborator Joel Rose, a specially commissioned portrait by another friend, Paul Pope and several previously unpublished photographs by Jake Chessum.

The Filter’s Fiona McKellar swears by this chic cross-back apron from La Redoute. “I find them more comfortable than traditional aprons with neck straps, and you can just throw them on and off without fiddling with ties. They’re also stylish enough to wear when entertaining. I’ve used mine for painting and other messy craft activities.” A lovely stocking-filler, and it comes in a couple of colours.

Few do eye-catching prints quite like Orla Kiely, and this reasonably priced, versatile fruit bowl will add a pop of midcentury flair to any kitchen. It’s also a good reminder to eat fruit, but maybe don’t put that in their Christmas card.

You may know someone who already has the Always Pan in their kitchen. But if you want to expand their collection, the new dual-handle version is a top pick. It has a clear lid ideal for bubbling shakshuka or blistering bakes, and the same sleek aesthetic.

Sourdough is science, and temperature is the most unruly variable. The DoughBed is expensive, but it removes under- or over-proving from the equation: priceless for a keen bread baker. It has space for 1.5kg of flour dough to double in size; more than enough for them to bake you a loaf as a thank you.

Any keen home chef will use this grater daily. It’s durable and versatile; just as suitable for zesting lemon into your sponge as it is for topping a risotto with a mountain of meltingly fine parmesan.

Show them you love them by replacing that soggy tea towel they always reach for with some proper oven mitts. These silicone-coated HexClad oven gloves felt reassuringly protective during testing, and they were easy to wipe clean when I accidentally dipped them in sauce. Monica Horridge

For people who don’t mess around when it comes to a cuppa (or those who could use a helping hand), these colour-coordinated timers ensure black tea is brewed for five minutes, white tea for three and green tea for two. It’s got the characteristically weighty, high-quality finish you’d expect from F&M and would pair perfectly with a new mug or fancy teabags in a stocking.

This striking blue ash paddle is topped by three ceramic serving dishes. The brand says the design is reminiscent of the serveware you’d find in Tirolean mountain bars, and I found it a fun and storage-friendly way to elevate my evening nibbles. There’s also an option with vodka shot glasses, for the full après-ski experience.

“This one ticks every single box,” said Ben Lippett when he put 14 kitchen knives through their paces. It may lack glamour, but the Wüsthof took the top spot in our guide for its user-friendly design and balanced feel. An outstanding gift for a budding chef. “Buy this knife, keep it sharp, and you’ll be set for life,” Ben said.

Caramel smothered in Swiss chocolate and topped with toasted pistachio pieces – what’s not to like? These pistachio muddles are a match made in heaven and come in a suitably festive tin.

Odysea x Kew Gardens Greek olive oil, 500ml

A great alternative to giving a bottle of wine, Odysea’s Greek extra virgin olive oil comes in a decorative can featuring Kew Gardens’ signature botanical artwork. This oil is so rich and flavourful that your recipient won’t need to add much to make a tasty salad dressing. I found it scrumptious drizzled on freshly salted tomatoes and for dipping bread in.

These fermented chilli condiments are versatile. The jalapeño is pickly and savoury, while the bird’s eye is much fresher and tangier – both would be tasty with tacos or to jazz up eggs. The jam pairs deliciously with garlicky yoghurt in a chicken wrap, and the habanero adds a kick to any meal (not for the faint-hearted). They can also be bought individually.

Tony’s Chocolonely Christmas pouch, 126g

Ditch the bag of chocolate coins and give them a pouch of tiny Tony’s instead. It has a selection of coin-sized chocs in some of the most-loved flavours, including white raspberry popping candy and, my favourite, dark milk pretzel toffee.