To get a Christmas gift right in trainers or clothing, think about sizing risk first. The safest options are care accessories and loose-fitting clothes, like an Essentials hoodie. Next come UGG-style slippers and, last of all, sneakers, where it's worth knowing their exact size.
We've ordered the list by profile and by how risky each gift is, not by price. Everything we link to was available online when we put this guide together and is 100% authentic.
The lowest-risk gift: sneaker care
No need to guess size or taste, and anyone who cares about a pair will use it. The Crep Protect Gift Pack brings together protector spray, brush and cleaning solution in a case that already looks like a present.
If you want something smaller, for Secret Santa or to go with another gift, the Cure Travel Kit has a brush and cleaner in travel size, and Sneaker Guards stop the toe box from creasing. It's all in Crep Protect.
To get it right without knowing their exact size: Essentials
Fear of God Essentials pieces have a relaxed cut, with dropped shoulders and a generous length. That works in your favour: if you're torn between two sizes, the margin for error on an Essentials hoodie is much smaller than on a pair of trainers.
- The Essentials Hoodie Light Oatmeal or the Fleece Light Heather Gray in light colours.
- The Hoodie Fleece Black if you don't know their style well: black never misses.
- An Essentials T-shirt if you want something smaller, or Essentials sweatpants to complete the set with the hoodie.
If they want the full set, the easiest option is the same colour top and bottom. If you're curious about the brand, we cover its origins and history.
For someone who lives in slippers: UGG
In December, few gifts get as much wear as a pair of UGGs. The Tazz II Chestnut, with its platform, is the favourite for going out; the Tasman II Black is the flat, more low-key version; the Lowmel has laces and a wool lining for anyone who prefers something with a trainer feel.
Watch the sizing: UGG only makes whole sizes. On sheepskin models like the Tazz, if they're between two sizes, go for the smaller one. We explain it in detail in UGG Tasman, Tazz or Lowmel: differences and sizing. If they'd rather have a boot, take a look at the Classic Ultra Mini.
Classics that never miss
If you know their size and want to keep it simple, some models have pleased almost everyone for decades:
- Adidas Samba OG Cloud White: white with the three black stripes and a gum sole. Works with jeans, a suit or a tracksuit. More colours in Adidas Samba.
- Nike Air Force 1 Low '07 Triple White: all white, the easiest Nike to wear. See Air Force 1.
- A Gazelle or a Campus if they already have Sambas and you want to stay in the same vein.
For someone who follows what's in
2000s-style runners are still going strong. The ASICS Gel-NYC Oyster Grey is one of the best-selling ASICS on our site, and the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 follows the same line with more colour. We cover how it fits and how to wear it in our Saucony Omni 9 review.
For her, if she likes slim silhouettes, the Puma Speedcat OG Haute Coffee or the Speedcat Ballet Whisp of Pink, which is the Speedcat in ballet flat form. More in Puma Speedcat.
For someone who has everything
This is where you step away from the obvious:
- Samba OG Cow Print Aurora Coffee: the classic Samba with a cow print. For anyone who already owns the white one.
- Something from Denim Tears, like the Cotton Wreath Hoodie Black Monochrome, with the brand's cotton flower wreath.
- A pair of Yeezy 350 V2, which are no longer made. Remember that they run small: go half a size up.
For someone who walks or runs a lot
If they're going to clock up the miles in them, go for proper cushioning. The Hoka Bondi 9 Triple Black is Hoka's maximum-cushioning model, designed for people who spend long hours on their feet; the Clifton 11 is lighter and a little less plush. See Hoka and running shoes.
Extras to round off the gift
If you've already chosen a pair of trainers, a small extra makes them last longer and fits in the same box:
- For leather trainers, like Air Force 1 or Samba, the Crep Protect Leather Conditioner keeps the leather supple.
- For suede and sheepskin, like UGGs or Gazelles, the Crep Protect Spray creates a barrier against water and stains.
- For everyday use, Crep Protect wipes get mud off the sole in a minute.
If the gift is a pair of UGGs, the spray is almost a must: unprotected suede marks with the first rain.
How to get the size right without asking
- Check the inside label of a pair they wear a lot. Note the European size and the brand, because not all brands fit the same.
- Ask someone you trust rather than the person themselves. That way the surprise isn't spoiled.
- If there's no way of knowing, choose clothing or accessories over trainers.
And if you'd rather see things in person, at our stores in Madrid (Calle de Tetuán 16), Barcelona (Carrer de la Canuda 37) and Paris (19 rue du Temple) we'll help you choose.
