No one does Christmas quite like Selfridges Birmingham – and for the 2017 festive season, expect an array of fabulous gifts as well as another extraordinary line-up of fun events for all the family.
With stocking fillers for the youngest members of the family to high-end electronics, designer labels and jewellery for the luxury lover in your life, Selfridges Birmingham is the one-stop destination for all your Yuletide needs.
Advent calendars
What better place to start than the countdown to Christmas? Advent calendars have come a long way since the daily chocolate treats of our childhoods – even grown-ups can indulge in a daily gift in the run-up to the big day. Whether you treat yourself or a loved one, Selfridges Birmingham has a range of deluxe advent calendars to suit every taste, from traditional chocs and candles to stationery and toys. There’s even one for dogs.
Paris fragrance house Diptyque is really spoiling us this year with 25 cute miniatures, including candles, eau de toilette and its signature skin and bodycare products. The Diptyque advent calendar costs £300.
Gin has never been more popular, so to satiate the appetite of the gin drinker in your life, Drinks by the Dram has created its incredible Ginvent advent calendar (£135), which has 24 30ml samples of the spirit behind every door.
Exclusive to Selfridges, the L’Oreal 24-day advent calendar features miniatures from top beauty brands, including Lancôme, Kiehls, Viktor & Rolf, YSL and Urban Decay (£120), while fragrance aficionados will enjoy this year’s offer from Atelier Cologne, which includes tiny perfumes and exquisite soaps every day until Christmas Eve (£60).
Clinique’s 24-day advent calendar (£75) includes some old beauty favourites, such as Dramatically Different Moisturiser, 7-day scrub cream and clarifying lotion, and mini make-up samples.
Food and drink
Foodies are spoiled for choice in the Food Hall, which is renowned for its deluxe goodies. Whether you want to enjoy a traditional British mince pie from the Selfridges Select 1929 recipe mince pies (£9.95) or go Italian with the divine Selfridges Select BlondChocolate and Hazelnut Panettone (£26.99), there’s something for everyone.
For the ultimate foodie gift, Selfridges luxury gift boxes and hampers are a must. From £36 for the Pierre Hermé boîte à gourmandises teas, complete with three exquisite infusions, up to the most decadent £10,000 connoisseur hamper filled with wines, spirits and food, including award-winning smoked salmon from Forman & Field, Cristal and Dom Perignon Champagnes, Remy Martin Louis XIII, and Delamain XO Cognac. Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find something that will delight a friend or loved one.
For a bottle of something special, head to the Food Hall’s wines and spirits section, which stocks a huge range of tipples, from beers and wines to incredible spirits – how about a bottle of Selfridges exclusive Birmingham Gin, which is brewed and distilled in 150-year-old copper pots at its production facility in Langley, near Warley?
Another local gin that is expected to fly off the shelves is Fifth Spire Gin, made in Lichfield. Exclusively available in Selfridges Birmingham, this smooth gin (£52.99) won a gold medal at the World Spirits Competition 2017.
For a personal touch, why not splash out on a personalised bottle of Verve Clicquot Champagne? Available in a personalised tin (£54.99) or presentation box that can include a voice message (£62.99).
Fashion
Selfridges prides itself on showcasing exciting brands and this festive season is no exception. Bathing Ape (BAPE) has launched its exclusive capsule “Our City” collection, which celebrates Britain and features tote bags and t-shirts. Even the trademark shark hoody gets a Union Jack makeover.
For the discerning fashionista in your life, Selfridges is the store to head to this festive season. Kenzo’s cool sweatshirts for kids with its iconic tiger branding are ideal for boys and girls, while women can style the day out with a Kenzo signature t-shirt or jumper, teamed up with a gorgeous high-rise taffeta skirt. The men’s collection includes a range of tiger icon tees, jeans and joggers, plus wool jumpers and bomber jackets.
Nothing says Christmas like sparkle or metallics – and Balmain’s turtleneck form-fitting metallic knit dress will add a touch of glamour at any festive dinner or drinks party. Shaped with extreme shoulder pads and flecked with high-impact metallic thread for a runway finish, this long-sleeved design needs little more than heels to make an impact (£1,330).
Dare to be different in Alexander McQueen. Its wool-boucle dress is cast all over in a marl pattern accentuated by a fine knit. The scalloped sheer panels at the skirt, the sleeves and the yoke are inspired by the curves of crashing waves (£1,495).
No outfit is complete without a stunning bag and Jimmy Choo’s Lockett Petite bag takes the wearer from day to night. This cross-body bag features the designer’s exclusive push-lock closure and includes silver-toned hardware, adjustable chain strap, embossed brand lettering, suede interior, diamanté crystal (£1,095).
Kids
2017 is the most definitely year of the unicorn and to celebrate, Selfridges Birmingham has created Unicorn Universe, dedicated to this most magical of mythical beasts. From beanie boo toys, glitter notebooks, bubble bath and eau de toilette – all under £12 – to a Jellycat cuddy unicorn in three different sizes, Selfridges has a huge collection of goodies for kids of all ages. And if you have a serious addiction to unicorns, the 145cm high Hansa hand-sewn plush unicorn will be tempting. When plugged in, this beautiful beast moves its head (£3,600).
No need to panic while sourcing the children’s must-have toys this year – Selfridges Birmingham has it covered. Head to floor 1 for all the latest toy trends, including Paw Patrol, Despicable Me 3 and Peppa Pig.
Family events
There’s a fantastic line-up of family events and in-store entertainment this festive season for everyone to enjoy.
Breakfast with Santa
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, from 2–17 December; Saturdays 8.30-10.30am, Sundays 10.30am-12.30pm
Where: San Carlo Restaurant
Tickets: £20 for kids, £25 for adults
Be one of Santa’s special guests as he and Mrs Santa host a festive breakfast for all the family. Meet the man himself and receive a special personalised gift. To book tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/breakfast-with-santa-at-selfridges-birmingham-tickets-38835098826
The Selfridges Party Parade
When: Saturday 2, 9 and 16 December, noon-4pm
Where: Throughout the store
Join Santa and his joyous procession of merrymakers for a see-it-to-believe-it festive celebration like no other, with confetti cannons and a marching band.
Santa and his chief elf
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, from 25 November to Sunday 24 December
Saturdays – noon-6pm; Sundays noon-4pm
Where: Throughout the store
Follow Santa and his chief elf as they spread their Christmas cheer throughout the store, taking selfies with their fans and creating magical moments for all the family.
Christmas Choirs & DJs
When: Monday 27 November to Sunday 23 December (various dates)
Where: Throughout the store
Enjoy the ultimate soundtrack to your Christmas shopping with our line-up of DJs and choirs.
