Christmas often creeps around the corner sooner than expected. One minute you’re enjoying autumn walks and cosy evenings, and the next it’s time to start thinking about presents, wrapping paper and everything else that makes the festive season special.
Getting organised early can make Christmas shopping feel much more relaxed. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or need a little inspiration, Austins brings together thoughtful gifts for family, friends and even those harder-to-buy-for names on your Christmas list, all in one place.
From beauty and fragrance to toys, homeware and smaller stocking fillers, here are a few ideas to help you get Christmas shopping underway.
Beauty is a good place to start when you’re looking for a thoughtful present that feels like a real indulgent treat.
Bath and body collections, skincare, hand care and fragrance gift sets can all work well for friends and family. Choosing something that fits into a person’s everyday routine can make your present feel considered without making shopping unnecessarily complicated.
At Austins, you’ll find well-loved beauty names including Molton Brown, L'Occitane and Heathcote & Ivory, with Christmas gift sets ranging from smaller treats to more indulgent collections.
If you aren't sure which fragrance someone wears, consider a bath, body or hand-care gift set instead. It still gives them something special to enjoy, while being easier to choose than a signature scent.
For children, Christmas morning is often all about what’s waiting underneath the tree.
Our Toy Department brings together toys, games, puzzles and creative activities from recognised brands including LEGO, Hasbro, Mattel and Jellycat.
When choosing a toy, it helps to think beyond age alone. Consider what the child enjoys doing. A keen builder might enjoy a construction set, while a child who loves imaginative play may prefer figures, dolls or a soft toy. Games and puzzles can also be a good choice when you're looking for something the family can enjoy together over Christmas.
For an early festive surprise, an Advent calendar can make the countdown part of the fun too, with options ranging from traditional treats to toy and beauty calendars.
LEGO Star Wars - Advent Calendar 2026
Thoughtful Gifts for the Home
Sometimes the most appreciated presents are the ones that become part of everyday life.
For someone who loves spending time at home, consider cosy throws and soft furnishings, attractive kitchen and dining pieces, or something to add fragrance to a favourite room.
Candles, diffusers and other home fragrances make particularly useful choices when you want a present for a friend, neighbour, host or family member. For keen cooks, practical kitchenware can be equally welcome, especially when you know there’s something they’ve had their eye on.
Our Homeware range covers everything from cookware and electricals to bedding, soft furnishings and home fragrance, giving you plenty of ways to tailor your choice to the recipient.
Not every Christmas present needs to be a large one.
Smaller gifts are useful for stockings, Secret Santa presents and those extra little surprises for friends, colleagues and family. Beauty treats, stationery, novelty gifts, food gifts and smaller toys can all work well.
Try thinking about the recipient's interests rather than simply choosing something festive. A useful or enjoyable little present chosen with them in mind can feel much more thoughtful.
And don't forget the finishing touches. Christmas cards, gift wrap, bags and tags can all be picked up alongside your presents, helping you get another job ticked off the Christmas list.
We all have someone on our Christmas list who leaves us wondering what to choose.
Start with how they spend their time. Do they enjoy cooking? Taking care of their home? Trying new beauty products? Playing games with the family? A simple interest can point you towards a department and make narrowing down your options much easier.
If you're still unsure, an Austins Gift Card gives them the freedom to choose something for themselves from across the store.
Shopping early doesn't mean having Christmas completely organised by October. It simply gives you more time to think about what people will genuinely enjoy, spreading the shopping across a few weeks, rather than leaving everything until December.
Here at Austin's Department Store, you'll find Christmas gifts across beauty, toys, home fragrances, homeware, stocking fillers and more, bringing trusted brands and plenty of choice together in one place.
And if you prefer browsing in person, our team in Newton Abbot is always happy to help you find your way around the different departments and offer some inspiration.
Independent and family run since 1924, friendly and personal service remains at the heart of Austins more than 100 years later.
So, whether you're getting ahead with the Christmas list or simply starting to gather a few ideas, why not begin your festive shopping with Austins and enjoy a stress - free festive period.
