painless shopping

The Cheapest, Nicest Gifts From the Most Expensive Brands

Photo-Illustration: Courtesy the retailer

Whether you’re buying for someone else or just treating yourself on pay day, luxury items are always a splurge. But our favourite flex at the moment is finding great thrifty options from designer brands — from a luxury Italian lunchbox to a tape measure from Finnish interior experts. We went on the hunt for the cheapest options from some of the biggest brands, so you’re sorted for Secret Santas, budget buys, or even shopping for yourself this Christmas. And to shop for everyone else on your list, visit our gift guide hub.

From £40

For the country hound.

This inexpensive lip cream from Aesop would make a great stocking filler.

Store your leftovers sustainably (and stylishly).

If Armani clothing is ludicrously overbudget, we like these muted towels with chevron edging.

This Finnish furniture company does an aesthetically pleasing tape measure.

Great as an apartment accent, bad for your poker face.

You might not be able to do your grocery shopping at F&M like the queen, but you can at least make doing the dishes feel a little fancier.

A pepper mill that could be on show during Clerkenwell Design Week.

We like the floral detailing on the lipstick tube.

These socks will carry you from bed to sofa over the Christmas break.

This also comes with three free samples that you can share (or keep for yourself).

A beautifully crafted notebook, inspired by the 1908 Panama diary — the world’s first portable diary.

This Gold Secure–rated bike lock (in collaboration with cycling fan Paul Smith) is super-light, yet super-strong.

Made of satin, this mask promises a luxurious snooze.

Ideal for bar soap, but also keys, trinkets, or change.

Some Chanel bath soap for that soap dish.

Every grey cloud has a snap open, monochromatic, logoed silver lining (with matching case).

£95

A waggish brass-and-leather keyring.

The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

The Cheapest, Nicest Gifts From the Most Expensive Brands