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I don’t know about you, but I hate Christmas shopping. Every year, I feel the pressure to get my friends and family something great - without asking them what they want, of course - frantically searching online for inspo, only to find the same generic ideas broken down by recipient - mum, dad, girlfriend. But what if we went on vibes instead? This year, I’m going to shop based on aesthetics so I can get my loved ones something they’ll really appreciate.

Aesthetics have become a big trend online in recent years, but they’ve always been around. Essentially, the term refers to someone's (or something’s) overall style and vibe. It could be the way they dress, the way they do their makeup or how they decorate their space. More and more, people are using different aesthetics, like ‘cottagecore’ or ‘Y2K’ to express their creativity and find a sense of community with others online.

So, by giving someone a gift that resonates with their aesthetics, you're pretty likely to get them something they’ll enjoy and use/wear/keep for years to come. No more generic presents that don’t get a second look! Let’s dive in - 

Coquette

The coquette aesthetic is all about feminine touches; think ballet flats and bows, lace and lipgloss. The term comes from the French word ‘coquet’, often used to describe a stylish or flirtatious woman. Nowadays, this aesthetic leans more towards the romantic, pastel tones and ‘girly’ details.

Gift ideas for the coquette person in your life should fit their flirty and playful style, like this sweet bow mug from Flying Tiger. If your friend enjoys hosting or making the most of a meal at home, these colourful Coupe Glasses from M&S would make a great gift - along with these Rockett St George placemats, complete with a cute scalloped edge.

And finally, for the girl who likes the finer things in life, this Anna and Nina x Liberty bracelet perfectly matches the coquette aesthetic.

Vintage

The vintage aesthetic is a bit of a catch-all covering lots of subgroups, from those who love 1920s art deco to the Y2K girlies on TikTok. The key to getting a good gift for a vintage friend or family member is nailing down what ‘vintage’ means to them.

When I think of vintage, I think of analogue tech - record players, cassette tapes and old-fashioned cameras. This updated model from Polaroid is on the more expensive side, but its portability makes it an ideal present for those wanting to get started with film photography.

For those whose vintage vibes are more in line with the Flower Power movement of the 60s and 70s, these groovy vinyl coasters are a great stocking filler. This band tee from Abercrombie & Fitch will also pair perfectly with their flared jeans and afghan coat.

For your vintage loved ones who lean more towards the Dark Academia aesthetic - characterised by an old-school academic vibe, usually linked to 1930s and 40s- a tote bag from Daunt Books will go well with their classic outfits.

Grandpacore

2024 has been full of new clothing trends, but grandpa-core is more of an ‘old’ trend that has come back into fashion. As the name suggests, grandpa-core takes inspiration from the average granddad’s wardrobe, featuring timeless pieces, eclectic styles and comfy staples.

Speaking of eclectic, some funky accessories, like a pair of fun socks or a colourful scarf - like this one from John Lewis - are the foundation of grandpa-core style. A pair of braces is also a good addition to any grandpa-core outfit - they’re available in a range of colours too, ideal for gifting.

And of course, no grandpa-core look is complete without a signature sweater vest. Seasalt makes men’s and women’s versions so everyone can get involved in this kitschy aesthetic.

Blokecore

Blokecore is a style trend inspired by British football culture from the 80s and 90s - aka if the girls from Bend it Like Beckham had TikTok. Despite the name, this is a fairly gender-neutral aesthetic that usually involves baggy jeans, football jerseys, and an overall sporty-causal vibe.

A keyring so your bloke-core friend or family member can represent their team is always a good idea, but if you don’t know their favourite team (we’ve all been there), a generic sports top, like this one from Weekday, is a safe bet.

Add the finishing touches to a bloke-core outfit with a casual bucket hat - this one from Polaroid is a fave of mine - and if you really want to treat them, a pair of Sambas are quintessential for a sporty ensemble.

Costal

This aesthetic is all about the simple seaside life. Relaxed but classic, cosy but elegant, all the things that make you think of an idealised rich grandparent’s house at the coast.

Of course, we can’t talk about the coastal granddaughter/grandson aesthetic without something seaside-themed. These shell candles are a super Christmas gift idea for those friends who need some mood lighting to go with their cosy nights. Plus, this enamel mug from Toast is perfect for a warming cup of tea or hot choc.

This aesthetic is also about spending time outside and taking in the nature around you. So, if your friends are more outdoorsy - or need a bit of inspiration to explore the country - this guide to pub walks will help them get out and about.

And to keep them nice and warm as they head our or get cosy at home, Abercrombie & Fitch has a range of men’s and women’s cable knit pieces which completely match the vibes.

Clean Girl

The one that started it all. The clean girl aesthetic has been popular on TikTok since 2022 and, at its core, is all about natural beauty and self-care. Elegant accessories, ‘no makeup’ makeup and healthy habits are key to achieving clean girl vibes.

So, this trinket dish from H&M would fit right into any clean girl’s minimalistic setup and give them a place to store their everyday jewellery.

On the beauty side of things, Gisou’s hair perfume and Laneige’s lip sleeping mask are both clean girl staples and will help enhance their natural look. And if you really want to spoil the clean girl in your life, you could always treat them to the iconic Djerf Avenue robe.

So, there you have it; we’ve broken down our gift guide into different aesthetics so you can avoid generic presents this year and get your loved ones something that they’ll genuinely appreciate.

Now, what’s on your Christmas list?