I'M guessing that by the time you read this you will have dealt with Delia, met with Jamie and his all star cast at Sainsbury's and grown a bit tired of that cute little boy and his box in the John Lewis advert (what is in that box?). Now it's a must to hit Barnstaple – the devil's in the retail.

Stocking Thrillers:

THESE are the gifts that rely on thought not cost. We are looking at goodies under £30. First stop Cool Calm And Collected who have, quite literally, turned Christmas on its head this year by hanging their Christmas tree upside down. Genius, but don't try this at home.

As always they have a great selection of imaginative gifts from pretty stone glow handmade candles at £14 to personalised mugs. Choose from Little Sister or Big Brother, but be careful who you give Village Idiot to. I would love to receive chocolates inside the retro-style Rowntree's glass jar (£30), and the appliquéd cushions (from £25) would please many an aunt or two.

A trip to La Senza in Green Lanes revealed some good stocking fillers – including stockings. I loved the cerise pink heart-shaped faux fur hot water bottle at only £10 and had to buy the pyjamas that read, "Is it too late to be good?" at £20.

Accessorize is another great stop for little treats. For small girls the Angels range has little boot cuffs for £10 (just like the ones mummy bought at PC) and the cutest little reindeer printed slipper socks. Bigger girls will love their assortment of ear muffs and cute hats. And for the ultimate stocking filler for yourself download the new iPhone app Perfect Man. Four fantasy men to choose from at £1.49 per man. I'm saying no more. Just try, it's hilarious – a guy in your pocket you can access at any time.

Sugar, Spice And All Things Nice:

EVEN if the nearest you get to home baking is re-heating Heston's pine scented mince pies (still not convinced), you need your home to smell festive this time of the year. I always pop into Twigs for armfuls of eucalyptus for its uplifting aromatic fragrance. Or buy their cinnamon twist or gingerbread candles at £8.99 – lovely.

What else is Christmas for if not to indulge in some sweet treats? In M&S I found (oh comfort and joy) decadent Petit Fudge with pieces of cherry, fig and almond, French glazed calissons of marzipan in gold and silver and a box of darling Belgian chocolate canapés. All of which would have made excellent presents if I hadn't had to try them all, in the name of research you understand.

For sweet treats without the calories try Born Lippy lollipop and the Fruit and Nut lip Trio – both £10 at Bodyshop. Or the Fresh Sugar Passion tinted lip treatment for £14.50 from Boots. Pair with Bourjois No Chips nail polish in Cherry Red or Barbie Pink, again at Boots.

Now that a satsuma or some nuts no longer cut it in the gift department everyone wants an Apple. Pop into i-Lab on the High Street for a fantastic range of covers for pad, pod or phone and all things i. They are, like, so cool.

Here Come The Girls:

BUYING for your girlfriends is usually easy. You can just buy what you would like for yourself as you often have similar tastes. Most would like the little Ruby Brown slippers for £30 at Hattie B or a divine cashmere scarf from Private Collection. Every girlfriend would thank you for Estee Lauder Pure Colour illuminating Powder Gelee (£20). It brightens the skin on a day when you realise your inability to process alcohol in the way you once did.

And guys – listen up. Some tips:

If the lady in your life says "Don't bother getting me anything for Christmas", she's lying. Trust me on this.

If she asks for something from Marks. That'll be Mark Parkhouse not M&S. Which is why she loitered outside his wonderful diamond lit window last week when you were in town.

If she asks for a cashmere jumper may I recommend the finest Scottish cashmere available at PC from £199 for a simple crew or v-neck to £499 for an indulgent ivory coloured number that has shedloads of style mileage (and we giftwrap).

Of course, it also makes Perfect Scents (sorry) to indulge her pulse points with her favourite fragrance, a great way of buying into high-end designer market at a fraction of the price. Worth looking at for their packaging alone are Marc Jacobs Oh Lola (£37) with its flower topped bottle and Dolce & Gabbana's The One with a gorgeous black lace-trimmed bottle, both at Banburys. And for the fragrance equivalent of Killer Heels try Prada's L'eau Ambree at £47.50.

This Christmas:

I'm listening to Talk That Talk, the dancetastic new album from Rihanna. And please let's all buy the Chivenor wives choir single with lyrics taken from lines in their husbands' letters home. Gareth Malone's totally inspirational project should knock the usual X Factor winner off the number one spot.

I'm reading when I have the time The Doll by Daphne du Maurier, 13 short tales never before published, and the Duchess of Windsor by Diana Mitford packed with brilliant photos.

I'm eating Matthew Williamson's Ladurée macaroons (£13.40 for eight). Find them in London or at laduree.com

On Christmas morning I'm hoping to find The Glitter iPhone case from Jimmy Choo (only £225). Choo...Choo...Choose me.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Stylish New Year. Love Jane.