How to perfect your Christmas shopping at Regent Street and St James’s this year

When it comes to foodie gifts, you’ll be spoilt for choice at London’s iconic department store Fortnum & Mason’s. Not sure what to get? You can’t go wrong with The Fortmason Hamper (£125), which includes dark chocolate florentines, smoked cheese straws, blackcurrant preserve and more. If you’re shopping for a cheese-lover, pick up the Little Box of Christmas (£45) from Paxton and Whitfield, London’s oldest cheese shop, which features a selection of hard, blue and goats' milk cheese and mini gingerbread men. For those with a sweet tooth, look no further than Prestat in Princes Arcade for delicious chocolate truffles – the Christmas Festive Sharing Box (£41.90) is filled with seasonal creations that are bound to go down a treat.

Everyone loves Aesop hand wash, but this Majestic Melodies gift set (£93) takes things up a notch with hand balm, body cleanser and body balm, as well as that all-important hand wash. Find more great skincare and beauty options at L’occitane – the Luxury Almond Collection (£62) with almond shower oil, almond hand cream and more, is perfect for those who love pampering. And for the person who can’t have too many steps in their skincare routine, pick up the Discover Your Glow Vitamin C Skincare Duo (£38) at The Body Shop, which promises to leave skin looking radiant.

Got a friend or relative who spends a lot of time at the gym? They’ll love this Everyday Tote (£30) from fitness brand Gymshark, which has multiple compartments, making it ideal for keeping sweaty lycra separate from all your other stuff. Alternatively, if you want to help someone tend to their aching muscles (whether from working out or just too much time sitting at a desk), head to Masaj in beautiful Quadrant Arcade, which specialises in treatments that counter the effects of city living and sells handy gift vouchers (from £58.50 for 30 minutes). For more rejuvenating gifts, try high-end gym Third Space, which also sells gift vouchers (from £50), so your loved one can treat themselves to a massage, a facial or a body treatment.

Shopping at Liberty London is always a joy – this famous department store is filled with beautiful things, so you won’t be short of inspiration. Brighten someone’s day with this exclusive Liberty Poppy Dawn Wool Throw (£325) that’s ideal for getting cosy on the sofa. For more chic homeware, head to Earl of East – the shop’s own-brand candles are handmade in London from soy wax and make a really special gift. They offer a brilliant selection including an Earl of East customised candle (£30) where you can choose the scent and create a personalised label. And for the person whose home office is their pride and joy, the Shine Collector's Box (£140) is ideal – this stylish gift set includes an undated diary and document envelope and a black Kaweco fountain pen.

Everyone needs a solid winter coat, and this mid-length duffle coat in camel (£399) from Gloverall ticks all the boxes – it’ll look good and keep you warm. Or give garish Christmas jumpers a wide berth in favour of this stylish half-zip jumper (£175) from Hackett. And for the person who can never have enough handbags, pick up this leather quilted mini bag (£225) from Cos that’s bound to become a firm favourite.

Start planning your Christmas outing in Regent Street and St James’s. For more inspiration, follow Regent Street (@regentstreetw1) on Instagram and TikTok for more inspiration and St James’s (@stjameslondon) on Instagram.