When I’m travelling, I’m always on the lookout for interesting design and homeware shops for unusual gifts for family and friends. When I was in Spain a couple of months ago, I stumbled across one such store and was pleasantly surprised when I realised it was UK high-street favourite Zara.

At this time of the year, we are all looking for well-designed, good value gifts. Where better to start than our own much-loved high-street stores? Here are some of my picks.

Chic glassware
I was drawn to the shelves of colourful glasses while browsing in Zara. Also check out the latest trend for mottled glassware at Monsoon – the jugs and glasses in bright cobalt blue and citrus green will brighten up any winter tablescape or cocktail trolley.

I am lusting after Henry Holland’s gorgeous multicoloured Murano glass tumblers, available from online store Freemans. They will certainly be on my Christmas list.

Stylish ceramics
For unusual ceramics look no further than Anthropologie; a perfect hunting ground for presents for your boho-chic friends. The fun Audrey face vases bring a dash of quirkiness to bookshelves and the patterned House of Hackney cup and saucer set would add an elegant touch to anyone’s afternoon tea.

At Zara, the brightly painted floral earthen-ware plates are sure to pep up kitchen shelves. For your green-fingered friends, the Pegi painted plant pot from Oliver Bonas would look fabulous filled with an interesting-shaped cactus.

Cool cushions
Cushions make great gifts, especially for anyone starting out in their first home, and the high-street fashion stores have some of the best buys. My niece has just moved into her first flat share in London, and I’ve found her a pink, gold and aqua flower-patterned cushion that will really brighten up her bedroom.

Urban Outfitters have some of the coolest designs around – their folksy tufted cushions come in mini versions too. For a more classic, vintage-boho look French Connection’s tasselled Katrina cushion would add a spicy pop of colour to a winter sitting room.

Special scents
In the winter I like to have lots of candles around my home, and they make good gifts. The high-street clothes chains have some strong offerings here too. I’m impressed by the new Marks and Spencer classy Apothecary range, and I love their affordable cityscape light-up candles. My daughter is a fan of Anthropologie candles and always has one burning in the winter months. I’ve got my eye on a House of Hackney Glass Tortoise candle for her.

Add to basket
If you’re still stuck for ideas, why not brighten someone’s bathtime with the Urban Outfitters disco bath light? Their logo bath mats are guaranteed to make anyone smile. Now all you need to do is ‘add to basket’ and you will have your Christmas presents sorted in plenty of time for the big day.