I’m feeling totally in the Christmas spirit right now (and it is December, so it’s OK be overexcited like a small child, right?).  Here are my pick of retro Christmas gifts for women. The question is, which would you find more useful as a life coach for all those tricky decisions: Jane Austen, Nancy Drew or Audrey Hepburn..?

What Would Jane Do?

When you’re at a loss for words, let Jane do the talking for you with this delightful book. Filled with quotes from Jane Austen’s novels and letters – for example, gems such as, “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more” – this quirky little book knows just the right thing to say! More info

Retro Phone in Yellow

Decorate your digs in sincere style with this fabulous revamp of a retro phone! A proper reproduction of the 747 telephone – an iconic British model from the 60s – this pale-green receiver arrives with a grey cord and matching push buttons, staying in tune with your throwback flair. More info

Camera Lens Cup Black

People may think you’re a bit crazy when they first see you drinking from a camera lens, but they’ll soon marvel in wonder when they realise that it’s actually just an incredibly realistic mug. The rubber grips look just like zoom and focus wheels, when in reality they stop your fingers from getting burnt, and the mug also features realistic decals for buttons and measurements. The removable lens cap acts as a lid to keep your hot beverages hot or as a small plate for those yet-to-be-dunked biscuits. More info

 

Retro Sewing Themed Wallet

Showcase your passion for fashion on your everyday accessory – this magnificent mint wallet. With its sewing theme, this vegan faux-leather billfold finds its home in your life, seamlessly. Read more

Stylophone

Anyone who remembers a time before the internet will no doubt recognise this iconic noise maker, or pocket electronic organ, as it was also known. The sleek case is full of oscillators, diodes and resistors and is played by tapping the stylus on the metal keyboard that runs along the side. You’ll be producing the stylised electronic sounds that have influenced a range of stars, from Bowie to the White Stripes, in no time at all. More info

1920s Flapper Statement Necklace

Showcase your innovative sense of style with this vintage-inspired statement necklace, which pieces together the enchanting tale of an elegant, bat-winged dame on an antiqued-brass chain in a dramatic array! More info

Tequila Mockingbird Cocktail Book

Plot your next book club meeting in smart, sophisticated style by consulting this compedium of ‘novel’ cocktail recipes! Featuring 65 drinks that pay homage to your favorite books, this literature-inspired anthology by Tim Federle invites you to mix a little extra character into the next happy hour you host. Serving punnily named provisions that include the Gin Eyre, Vermouth the Bell Tolls, the Wonderful Blizzard of Oz, Gone with the Wine, and the Last of the Mojitos, you’ll amaze discerning critics and clever connoisseurs alike! Punctuated by ‘rye’ historical commentary, dreamy sepia-toned illustrations, and even a few recipes for the ravenous reader, this petite hardcover is the first any bibliophile will check out in your library of mixology manuals! Read more

Bookshelf Bandit Tote in Alice

Do you find yourself stolen by arresting storylines and captured by all things classic? Combine the two when you toss your next best seller within the inner pocket of this Out of Print tote, boasting a classic illustration of everyone’s favorite wondrous gal at one mad tea party. For every one of these adorable canvas totes sold, a book is donated to a community in need, so claim yours today, and proudly hang it over the shoulder of your vintage tee and high-waisted jeans to bundle off in ‘novel’ style! Read more

What Would Audrey Do?

More than just a fashion icon, Audrey Hepburn was also known for her gracious way of life. This edition from Penguin Books, penned by Pamela Keogh, is a primer for those who look for an Audrey-inspired life, whether it be in lessons of love, style, the home, or generosity. Buy it for yourself for a lifted heart, or for an Audrey-loving friend. Read more

Famous Frocks: The Little Black Dress

So popular it’s got its own acronym, the LBD has been the start of style for years now. Celebrate – and craft your own – with this hardcover book and pattern set from Chronicle Books! Written by Dolin Bliss O’Shea, this 175-page volume dissects the history of 20 iconic frocks and presents the construction instructions and pattern for each, from the slinky Ava Gardner to the demure Audrey Hepburn. More info

The Official Nancy Drew Handbook

Fancy yourself an amateur investigator? Get your fill of information from the original girl detective, Nancy Drew! This 175-page, hardcover volume by Penny Warner delivers step-by-step walk throughs on everything from “How to Determine a Man’s Character by the Shoes He Wears” to “How to Train a Carrier Pigeon” and every crime-solving topic in between. More info

Clockwork Orange Tote

Do you find yourself stolen by arresting storylines and captured by all things classic? Combine the two when you toss your next best-seller within the inner pocket of this Out of Print tote, designed with an old cover of “A Clockwork Orange.” For every one of these adorable canvas totes sold, a book is donated to a community in need, so claim yours today, and proudly hang it over the shoulder of your simple black dress and bowler hat to bundle off in ‘novel’ style! More info