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A Waterstone's voucher just isn't going to cut it for the culturally savvy friends and family in your life.
You need to think creatively. And if you've not got the time, let us think for you.
Here's ELLE's edit of the best Christmas gifts around.
Words by Francesca Donovan
For the die-hard culture-seeker
Institute of Contemporary Art Membership (£30)
The ICA on Pall Mall is one of London's most respected contemporary arts hubs. With film screenings, art performances and international artists regularly exhibiting in one of the centre's spaces - as well as a fully loaded shop stacked with the latest zines - a membership would give this lucky recipient an annual access-all-areas pass.
For the music appreciator
Crosley Cruiser Turntable
John Lewis (£69.00 - £89.95)
We all know vinyl is back, so let's embrace the past and make like our parents with this three-speed turntable. Fans of analogue are sure to love this beautifully finished record player by Crosely.
For the politico
The Corbyn Colouring Book
Hive.co.uk (£6.49)
This colouring book will help your political friends embrace the fun side of politics, and it comes with a free red pencil. We'll be sending one in the post to Jez himself.
For the pop culture afficionado
Anti World Tour 2016 Tickets
Livenation.co.uk (£110)
Rihanna's Anti World Tour is finally happening, after what feels like an age. Bad Gal RiRi is back and we cannot wait to see what she does to top her last arena tour. See you at the front.
For the budding photographer
Instax Mini 8 +10 shots
Selfridges (£69.99)
This cool, lightweight and frankly, very pretty, polaroid camera is the perfect quick-fix gift for any photography nut. You are well within your rights to demand a polaroid of their smiling face as they open up their present on Christmas morning.
For the actual artist
Paint-by-Numbers
Crafty Arts (£49.99)
Know someone who's desperate to create their very own masterpiece? Give them a helping hand with this Paint-By-Numbers of Monet's classic painting 'Starry Night'.
For the book worm
CONIMATTA Anemone Bookmark
Wanelo (£16.50)
Wonderful books deserve beautiful adornments, and Italian brand CONIMATTA desgin just that. Their tassled bookmarks come in different shapes and sizes, so there's one for everyone.
For the gin drinker
Jensen's Bermondsey Gin
The Whisky Exchange (£25.95)
Nothing beats an evening with a book and a G&T. Jensen's, the London-based distillery can provide half of that winning combination. And if the lucky recipient doesn't appreciate the bottle immediately, they might feel differently after drinking its contents.
For the fashionista
'The Fine Art of Fashion Illustration' by Julian Robinson and Gracie Calvey
Quarto Knows (£35)
This book - full of hundreds of beautiful plates from the best fashion houses known the world over - is a striking coffee table addition befitting any fashion fanatic's home.
For the cycler
Brompton Folding Bike
Evans Cycles (£970)
Cycling isn't just a sport; it's a lifestyle. This Brompton folding bike is practical and looks beautiful too.
For the proud home-library owner
Liberty London 'Books Ex Libris' Bookplate Gift Box
Liberty (£24.95)
This book plate gift box would make the perfect stocking filler for the discerning book owner. The collection of 100 delicately designed book plates feature the phrase 'Ex Libris', meaning literally 'from the books of'. The recipient adds their own name and pastes them to the inside cover of their favourite books to signify them as their own.
For the business mogul
One in a Million Business Card Holder
Kate Spade (£25)
Nothing says class like a well held business card. This initialled gold-plated example from Kate Spade allows you to add a personal touch.
For the pop diva
Taylor Swift tee by Scissorsaurus
AwesomeDistro (£15)
Taylor Swift has proved she can do no wrong in 2015. Sprinkle a little 'Swiftmas' on porceedings this year with this handprinted tee, drawn by indie label Scissorsaurus.
For the urban listener
Urbanears Plattan ADV Headphones
Urban Outfitters (£60)
These stylish headphones sound as good as they look. They're on every hopeful Superstar DJ's Christmas list this year. Make someone's day more tuneful with Urbanears.
For the writer
Scriptum Handmade Correspondance Card Set
Scriptum Fine Stationary (£28)
The digital age may be upon us but there are a few traditionalists left. Treat them to something special this Christmas, courtesy of Scriptum. This handmade correspondace has been made exclusively at Velke Losiny, one of Europe's oldest surviving paper mills. It includes ten luxuriously thick and heavily textured A6 handmade flat cards and corresponding envelopes. The set is available in cream or white.
For the sassy scribbler
Mean Girls Pencil Set
Ohh Deer (£3.95)
This 'Mean Girls' pencil set is a must-have for any 21st century woman. As the cult film has been dubbed (by us) the most-quotable film of all time, we're all dying to get our hands on this pink pencil set with some of the best phrases engraved. You go, Glen Coco!
For the subscriber
My Little Box 6 month subscription
My Little Box (£66)
This really is the gift that keeps on giving. My Little Box will send your pal a surprise treat every month for half a year, or a full year depending on your budget. Open up each box to discover a veritable Aladdin's cave of wonders including; must-have beauty products, fashion and lifestyle accessories, the in-house magazine My Little World, illustrated goodies by Kanako, and other surprises. The beautifully presented gift boxes vary from month to month, each with a themed set of gifts.
And why not buy your friends and loved ones a subscription to ELLE? With all the latest fashion, lifestyle and beauty news and features, we're at the forefront of culture, both in the UK and further afield.
Merry Christmas from the ELLE team x
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