Throughout the year, I keep on tripping over potential presents that hold the possibility of making a dear friend/my mother in law/my sister happy beyond words. But comes Christmas, my mind goes blank as soon as I need to face elbowing my way through the hordes of maniac shoppers that aimlessly but very determined congest the streets of London. It all reminds me a bit of Return of The Zombies. (‘Leave that leg alone, it’s all mine, uaaah, uaaah, uaah!’)

However, there is hope: it’s called Met Mum’s little black book of presents. And because it is Christmas, soon, I am going to share a few of my cunning gift ideas with you.

Bye bye dark circles! Every mother, partying teenager or any other tired woman will be eternally thankful for this gift. From £28

A box of Ladurée macaroons. Make mine salted caramel, vanilla and red berries, please. From £9.80 for a gift box of six pieces.

Diptyque Eau Duelle. The most exciting scent I have encountered in a very long time. ‘A narrow escapade between gentleness and character, feminity and virility. Vanilla and exhilarating spices are intertwined unleashing splendid blends.’ From £45

For warm ears. Fluffy, rabbit fur beanie hat (also in black). From £59

Yes, you can have the whole essie winter collection! From £32.06 for a set of six.

For lovers of the written word. Beautiful, ink stamped correspondence cards with hand lined envelopes. From £30 for a box of 10 sets.

Heavenly thin milk chocolate wafers with sea salt. From £11.95

For a little preppy chic. Lulu London wool cape in camel. From £75

For beautiful legs. Falke tights from £18

Something to lift the mood on grim winter days. From £36

For the lover of food: Le Creuset casserole. From £95

For the lattemamma. Pre-paid Starbucks Card. From £5

To lounge around or to be dressed up for an evening out. Supersoft, cashmere and wool mix jumper dress from American Vintage. From £90

And last but not least, for a little sparkle. Alex Monroe 22-karat-gold-pleated feather earrings. From £150

Happy shopping!