9am - Start Early & Fuel Up
Make sure you get a head start on the day by getting a big breakfast in you. Head to 26 Grains and fill up on their delicious porridge, which comes in a ton of flavors and will slowly release energy throughout your morning.
10am – Mum’s The Priority
With Mum in mind, pop in to Neal’s Yard Remedies to chose from one of their perfect gift boxes. Chose from on of their organic collection gift boxes or make your own bespoke one with the help of one of the holistic therapists working there. Oh, And check out their new Bee Beeautiful line, the Bee Lovely Body Butter is a rich, creamy and luxurious body butter made with conditioning Fair Trade organic honey.
10:30am - Carry On To Kiehl's
Walk just round the corner and pop in to Kiehl's to browse their gorgeous skin and hair products. While you’re here, why not get a skin consultation from one of the informative girls there? They will tell you the exact state of your skin and the perfect remedy for it. With affordable prices, this place is perfect for anything from stocking fillers to boxes of goodies.
11am – Find The Perfect Scent
Directly opposite sits Miller Harris. Duck in here and talk to the fantastically talented John, there is nothing this guy doesn’t know about fragrance. Take his Fragrance Wardrobe Questionnaire to help determined what scent works for you or your loved one. Then spend the next half our sniffing everything in here, including the candles. This place is perfect for both men and women as all the products are unisex. Why not treat your Dad to something a bit more modern than Old Spice? Or get your sister a beautifully delicate new perfume?
**11:30am – Re-hydrate **
Pop in to Lab Organic for a delicious juice to keep you going until lunchtime…
12pm – Dress The Men In Your Life
Get yourself to Fred Perry and Carhartt(just a few feet away from each other) to trawl the rails for the men in your life. Want your BF to look a little more dapper? Pick one of Fred Perry’s classic designs. Think your bro needs an injection of cool? Grab him some Carhartt for his wardrobe.
1pm – Wrap It Up
While here, pop in to Scribbler and grab everything you need to wrap your gifts and send your cards. If you are after something a little different, then why not head to London Graphic Centre to do-it-yourself. Here you’ll find everything you’ll ever need for homemade gift-wrap and presents.
1:30pm – Re-Fuel
By now you’ll need a much-needed break. Take the weight of your feet and feast on tasty homemade sandwiches, cakes and pastries in Free Range People. The coffee here is from Monmouth, and the guys who run it are super cool; it’s the perfect place to re-fuel, re-stock and plan the remainder of your day.
2:30pm - Treat Your Girls
The perfect shops to splurge on your girls are right by you. Drop in to Skinnydip and get excited at all their fun phone cases, bags and accessories. Then wonder over to Tatty Devine to buy your BFF a customized nameplate necklace to show her just how much she means to you.
3:30pm – Final Pieces
Magma stocks some of the cutest, most unique gifts that are perfect for those difficult to buy for. So if Uncle Fred has just popped in to your head, grab him a chic notebook or penholder from here.
**4pm – Socks **
Well, it is Christmas! Bored of buying the same old socks? Get your loved one a gift box from Happy Socks, their designs are sure to make even the grumpiest Granddad smile!
4:30pm – Pamper Time
All that shopping must have ruined your manicure. Drop in to Blow for a quick re-paint, or full mani if you have time. Then head over to Sassoon Salon for some of the best hair treatments around. A quick half-hour blow dry will leave your hair looking party ready, and super healthy.
6pm – Treat Yourself
Head over to Lancaster Gate and get a table in the award-winning Nipa Thai. Situated on the first floor of Lancaster London, this place is renowned as one of London’s best Thai restaurants and has even received the prestigious “Thai Select” award from the Thai Government for its authentic cuisine. Head Chef Sanguan Parr and her all-female team prepare outstanding dishes including Por Pia Tod (Crisp spring rolls containing glass noodles, cabbage and crab meat with a sweet plum sauce) and Pla Nueng Ma Nao (Steamed seabass in a garlic, lemongrass, lime leaf and chilli broth). Why not try a one of their set menus, including their Thai Wine Pared Menu? Go on treat yourself, you deserve it!
And Relax!
Whew! You did it! After all that hard-core money spending you must be knackered. Head upstairs and fall in to one of The Lancaster’s comfy beds. For the ultimate in luxurious living, the top floor suites are all beautifully designed and provide the best views of London including unparalleled views of Hyde Park. Lancaster has been rewarded with accolades such as “AA Eco Hotel of the Year”, “Considerate Hotel of the Year” and the Green Tourism Business Scheme’s “Gold Star Award 2013-2014”. The rooms are generous sizes, and the beds are big enough to fit 10. Why not use the generous space to unload your day’s wares and start wrapping? If you get it all done, you’ll wake up all after a restful night’s sleep completely ready for the big day!