Instead, the lavish gift suggestions in the Advent editions of the weekend magazines are enough to bring on a paroxysm of stuffocation: a gilt manicure set for £540? A designer biro for £405?

January’s candle, for example, smells like Snowdrop and Almond Blossom. “Tender, frosted snowdrops bloom with crushed botanicals swirled in a crisp, winter air complex, infused with rich almond ...