Christmas Gift Guide - Sleepwear and Lingerie

The next categogy of potential Christmas gifts I'm going to explore is that or sleepwear - covering pyjamas, slippers, dressing gowns and underwear. Things that, at their most basic level, are not a million miles away from being necessities, but are available in so many delightful varieties there is no need  for them to make boring presents.

Slippers

I've always received slippers for Christmas, so to me they have always been one of the quintessential Christmas gifts. Everyone in the family seemed to get a new pair so you could spend the rest of the day wearing them in the spirit of Christmas cosiness. My mum likes the likes the bootie kind, like these snowflake print slippers from Barratts, or the fluffy leopard print ones from New Look. My brother likes novelty slippers, massive padded things in the shape of some sort of animal usually, and the tiger claws from Monster Slippers reminded me of him, while the cute bunnies from Accessorize are a more delicate alternative. I tend to prefer the ballerina style - keep your feet warm without overheating, pretty and practical. I like the fair isle knitted ones from Tesco, and the butterflies and buttons from Next.

Pyjamas

Another common Christmas present in my house, you can never have too many pairs of pyjamas! the pretty butterfly print pjs are from New Look (£8.99), and more traditional and Christmassy red check ones are from Topshop (£30). Everyone seems to be going nuts over onesies at the minute and though the look like they might get a bit over hot for sleeping in, they look incredibly comfy for lounging around in - the cupcake one here is from BooHoo (£25). Finally the classy bird print pyjamas are Dickens and Jones, available from House of Fraser (£48).

Robes

A nice warm dressing gown is another essential in these winter months (gas prices keep going up so need to find another way of keeping warm!). Two of my favourite snuggly looking ones at the minute are both from Dorothy Perkins: this cute cat print one (£28) and the cosy looking feather print (£28) both look like they'd keep the chill off. The silk kimono from Topshop (£58) isn't as warm looking but is absolutely beautiful and would make a gorgeous gift.

Lingerie
Buying lingerie as a gift is something that can quite easily go wrong, and I'm sure I remember more than one sitcom scenario dedicated to the likelihood of causing offence, but if done right lingerie can make a much appreciated gift. The key is getting something the receiver will like, not just what the buyer wants to see her in - Christmas morning is not the time for revealing any previously undisclosed unusual preferences, so unless you know she's appreciate something a little more 'out there' it may be best to stick to slightly more 'classic' styles and materials. It's also important to get the right size!

A range of options here to suit a variety of preferences. The Stella Babydoll in black (£39) and the pale pink Ida bustier (£45) with matching Brazilian Thong (£16), both from Affinatas, would make great gifts for many because of their classic colours and flattering designs. For those that prefer a bit of colour, the gorgeous turquoise set from Claudette (£45 for the Bra, and £19.50 for the matching briefs) or the vintage-inspired set from Parfait (£30 for the bra and £14 for the high waisted briefs) would make equally lovely presents for a special lady at Christmas.
And of course ladies, if you don't think you can trust your fellas to get you the right thing, you can always treat yourself!