If you’re racking your brain for perfect gifts for the special people in your life — we’re here to help.

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Some people are easy to shop for, but others might be less forthcoming about their desires. In that case, you need something they’ll like and that aligns with the holiday spirit. There are so many popular items and gift sets to choose from but, if you do a little digging, you’ll for sure end up buying a winner. Consider this your official guide to easing the burden of holiday shopping as we unearth some special finds that are perfect for family members and friends. Bonus: everything featured here is available in/can be shipped to Qatar.

FOR HIM

Bookworm’s Delight
Kindle Paperwhite (11th Generation)
www.amazon.com

As one of the best digital bookstores in the world with more content than any other platform, Kindle is the choice of convenience. This new e-reader not only offers a long battery life, for all-night reading sessions, but it’s also an extremely sleek design along with 50% faster navigation than the previous edition.

Paddle Play
Gentlemen’s Hardware, Paddle Bat Set with Drawstring Bag
www.namshi.com

Paddle tennis is on the rise across the region. It’s a cross between regular tennis, squash, real tennis and ping pong and it’s more about strategy and skill rather than smashing the ball hard or building muscles. Raise your game with this portable set containing everything you need for an instant game by the beach, in the garden or at the paddle court. The package includes two wooden paddles and two rubber balls in a convenient drawstring bag

Specs Appeal
Ray-Ban Stories Meteor Smart Glasses
www.farfetch.com

With the integration of Facebook technology, the Ray-Ban Meteor Smart Glasses are a sharp interpretation of the classic Wayfarer but now you can capture photos and videos for a first-person perspective handsfree with dual 5MP camera. The discrete open-ear speaker allows you to effortlessly switch between call and music whilst the three built-in microphones provide rich sound quality for calls and videos capturing sound in all directions.

Fancy and Festive
73 London, Leaf Embroidered Velvet Shirt
www.matchesfashion.com

Nothing screams holiday season better than velvet. There’s just something about the fabric that makes it so festive — perhaps the warmth or softness. The fabric is super popular as it oozes class and timelessness. The faded grandeur of historic regal homes inspires the ornate gold leaf embroidery on this velvet shirt by 73 London along with the button placket. This is luxe and essential this season.

Year-Round Gift
Yves Saint Laurent
perfumeqatar.com

It doesn’t get more iconic that Y Le Parfum in the world of fragrances and building on its legacy is the recently revamped version of the much-loved signature scent. Y’s prominent signature notes — apple, tonka, ginger and sage – remain, while it’s intensified with geranium, cedar and lavender making it the pick of the month. There’s a universal appeal to it that wears well all year round. What’s not to love?

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FOR HER

Sleeping Beauty
NEOM
Perfect Night’s Sleep Intensive Skin Treatment Candle
asos.com

Sleep majorly affects how you will look and feel during the holiday season and beyond. The NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep Intensive Skin Treatment Candle has been specially formulated with a complex blend of up to 19 essential oils, including English lavender, sweet basil, jasmine and chamomile, to relax the mind and body. This is a great gift to appreciate that special someone in your life and show that you care about her.

Awesome Accessory
Alona
Ayla agate and 18-carat gold-plated bracelet
www.matchesfashion.com

Edgy, cool and glamorous — that’s Alona’s Ayla Agate collection in a nutshell. This unique piece, that’s chunky because of the round beads, will ensure she thinks of you every time she puts it on. Utterly wearable, no matter the occasion, its moss green colour resonates with the holiday season so well, and it’s very modern and effortless. Dinner, or lunch — this will go with everything, every time!

A Stitch In Time
Stitch with Skye
DIY Feminist Hoop Art Embroidery Kit
etsy.com

This DIY embroidery kit is for the woman who loves to show off her creativity and craft. It’s also great for someone who hasn’t given needlework a go before. But, don’t be fooled, some of the designs available are a bit risqué and will definitely appeal to her inner rebel. The hoop art kit comes with everything she’ll need to learn embroidery easily at home, including fabric, threads, a step-by-step guide and online tutorial video links. When she’s finished, she can hang it to show off her fun side.

Scent Of A Woman
La Perla
Signature Eau de Parfum
www.farfetch.com

La Perla, a brand known for its chic lingerie, has launched a new scent that is just as desirable as its other feminine products. The delicate smell opens with citrusy floral top notes, edged by the green elegance of violet leaves with a tinge of cucumber and a hint of fresh-cut grass. There’s a sweet touch down of darker notes of cedarwood and vetiver as well, capturing the enigmatic allure of the La Perla woman in a couture scent. A bold scent for a radiant woman!

The Greatest Gift
The Gif of Self Love Workbook
www.goodreads.com

Self-love is truly the best gift of all and certainly one that just keeps giving. This workbook, by Mary Jelkovsky, offers quizzes, writing exercises and other highly relatable techniques to help build confidence, recognise self-worth and finally fall in love with yourself. We might need this ourselves!

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FOR THEM – FAMILY, FRIENDS ET AL

It’s Showtime
100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster
www.amazon.com

One for all the family. The 100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster is perfect for movie buffs who reckon they’ve seen ‘everything’. You can be guaranteed there’ll be several titles on here that they won’t have spotted. From Oscar winners and Hollywood blockbusters to classics like Casablanca and Singin’ in the Rain, this funky wall poster offers 100 suggestions hidden under foil on a cool wall poster. They get to scratch ‘em off once they’ve watched the film.

Feel-Good Giving
Sponsor A Child
Savethechildren.org

Want to give a gift with meaning? Then give the gift of giving back. There are numerous options to sponsor everything from a kennel or specific animal at your local rescue centre (we love this idea), to endangered animals across the world and even community animals in developing nations. Or, if you’re shopping for a family that has kids (or not), why not choose to sponsor a child through Save The Children. It’s a great way to learn more about giving back both locally and internationally.

Board Not Bored
Cards Against Humanity
Cardsagainsthumanity.com

OK, we looked at lots of new games for this one but, to be honest, we couldn’t find anything to beat Cards Against Humanity – which describes itself as ‘a party game for horrible people’. Having played it (possibly more than once) we can attest that this is true and would highly recommend it. It used to be adults only but there’s now a Family Edition which makes us quite scared but sounds like great fun.

Budding Chefs
AMT Cookware
qatar.desertcart.com

The family who cooks together will love these top-of-the-range pans by AMT, said by numerous chefs and professional culinary associations to be the best in the world. Each pan and piece of cookware is created using a hand-casting method and is subject to strict quality control. Thus a relaxed structure without pores is created. This structure provides the foundation for a distortion-free base, which makes for energy-efficient cooking.

Good Gaming
Yard Dice by Jeremy Exley
uncommongoods.com

We love these oversized dice that are ideal for bringing family and friends together, specially since the weather is perfect for getting outdoors. Each die is handmade from solid pine, so every one is different. And they come in a handy drawstring bag with rules for four different games. We’ll see you on the beach.

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FOR KIDS

Little Builders
Sound-Activated Light Blocks
www.uncommongoods.com

Take kids’ building blocks to the next level with this new tech. Let them stack and play on top of a rechargeable power base as they create figures and imaginative structures. These building blocks glow with colourful light using LED technology. They’re also a good way to let your child discover and learn about the wonders of electricity and colours.

Icy Fun
Hawaiian
Shaved Ice and Snow Cone Machine
www.amazon.com

Kids (big and small) love snow cones, slushies and colourful snowballs so why not gift them something to make some delicious ice-based desserts or snacks this holiday season? This shaved ice maker is fun and easy to use. With its three-piece design, you can assemble the machine in a matter of seconds and store it conveniently. It comes with two ice molds, a non-slip mat and an instruction manual. Let slushy season begin!

Hear Them Roar
Lego
3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaurs set
lego.yellowblocks.me

Lego is the beloved plastic brick that not only promotes creative play but also STEAM skills. Make this holiday season a learning and fun experience for kids with the Lego Creator 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaurs set. This is for kids who like easy, quick projects and are newly introduced to the concept of Lego. It includes instructions for building a pterodactyl, a triceratops or a T. rex

Croc Around the Clock
Crocs
Unisex-Child Classic Tie Dye Lined Clog
www.ubuy.qa

Waiting for kids to tie their shoes requires patience. Why not skip that step completely by charming them with the iconic clog that started a comfort revolution around the world and now comes lined in a cold weather edition. The groovy unisex tie-dye graphics are good to go with practically every type of outfit and they work great as cosy slippers indoors while keeping feet warm outdoors. The easy slip-on style is perfect for toddlers, but tweens will like them, too.

Scooting Around
Micro
Micro Mini Deluxe Scooter Magic Aqua
www.virginmegastore.qa

Scooters are trending, both for kids and adults. Check out the Micro Mini Deluxe Scooter Magic Aqua because as soon as your child touches the handlebar, the integrated touch sensor makes its LED lights shine in five different colours. This not only increases the fun factor, but also the visibility and safety in the dark.

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SECRET SANTA

Vintage Vibes
Ho Ho Ho T-Shirt
etsy.com

We wanted a sad, bad Christmas sweater but good taste got the better of us. If you’re Secret Santa-ing someone you actually like, we recommend this rather lovely vintagestyle women’s tee that will get the recipient into the festive spirit without making them want to kill you!

Cat-astophe
Cat Butt Refrigerator Magnets
amazon.com

One for the slightly infantile (yes, we do have the dog version) cat lovers out there. Cat bum fridge magnets. Truly, what better place for a note to remind them to buy food for their fantastic feline friends.

Bathing Belles
Jenna Puente 2022 Swimsuit Calendar
uncommongoods.com

This has to be one of our favourites so far in this collection. The 2022 calendar from Jenna Puente features fantastic creatures ready to hit the beach in their bathing suits. We might just have to buy one for the zebra pic alone.

Scooby Snacks
Scooby-Doo! Cookbook
amazon.com

Guaranteed to solve any case of hunger! This official Scooby-Doo! Cookbook features― Zoinks!―more than 25 kid-friendly recipes from the Mystery Inc. gang, including Scooby’s favourite treats, Shaggy’s must-have cheese-and-pickles pizza, jaw-stretcher sandwiches, and other easy recipes. Jam-packed with bright photos, cooking basics and fun facts from the ever-popular show, it’s sure to please fans of all ages, from meddling kids to hungry adults. Another one we kinda want ourselves!

Going Green
Pasta Life Gluten-Free Pasta Straws
amazon.com

For that pal who’s trying to be eco-friendly but can’t quite bring themselves to give up plastic straws, behold, the seriously cool pasta version. Yes, we know there are both paper and metal versions out there but, really, can you think of anyone who actually likes them? No, us neither. So, you’re Secret Santa will get serious Brownie points when they break out these pasta straws. Just tell them not to use them for hot drinks. Could get a bit messy!

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FOR YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS

Comfy Cats
Marshmallow Cat Bed
Hollafamily.com

We have it on good authority – crazy cat ladies are never wrong – that kitties absolutely love these funky marshmallow beds. They’re snuggly, warm and thick to give your feline friend a great feeling of security and comfort. Who knows, you may even get your pillow back. Christmas bonus right there.

Equine Edibles
Mini Stud Muffins Advent Calendar
amazon.co.uk

Make sure your horse, pony or donkey friend doesn’t miss out on the festive fun with a yummy Advent Calendar containing delicious handmade treats made from a host of tasty ingredients including oats, barley, wheat, molasses, linseed and fenugreek. They’re handmade with care and devotion and fortified with extra protein and flax seeds ensuring they are healthy and enjoyable for your equine friend.

Happy Hoppers
BWOGUE Bunny Tunnels
Amazon.com

Rabbits, and lots of other small pets, love to dig. It’s what they would do in the wild and is part of their instinctive behaviour. So, as well as making sure they’ve always got a space to hide-out in their hutch, why not treat them to their very own Bunny Tunnel. You could even try scattering some rabbit-friendly treats inside to get them started. You’ll certainly have a happy, cuddly little friend when they’ve worn off some of that festive energy.

Cool Canines
Puppy Scoops Maple Bacon Ice Cream For Dogs
Puppycake.com

Dogs and ice cream go together like, well, eggs and bacon. And speaking of bacon, this is the perfect gift for your favourite pupper – or even a dog-loving chum who wants to spoil their pooch. Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you order ice cream off the Internet. It comes in readymix powder form, all you have to do is add water, freeze and watch the delight on your pet pal’s face when they get a scoop of their very own chilly treat. And, all the better, it’s maple bacon flavoured!

Pet Parents
Pet Portraits
Etsy.com

OK, not exactly one for the family pet (though we’re sure they’ll be immensely proud to see themselves immortalised in print). Rather a little something for the proud dog or cat mum or dad who has sense of humour. All you need is a decent picture of said pooch or puss, send it in and the clever artists will do the rest.