Is there a harder task on earth than buying a Christmas present for a 'fashionista'?

Well, yes, obviously - but it's still a trial that can induce panic and confusion in even the most organised of shoppers.

The thing is, Uncle Gerald probably wouldn't bat an eyelid if you got him the wrong colour socks, but your Instagram-obsessed teen cousin's contempt will be palpable if what she finds under the tree doesn't meet her exacting standards.

Help is at hand, however. From trendy trinkets to glam accessories and cool woollens, follow our foolproof guide to the fun, fashionable finds that won't require a gift receipt.

A CHARMING IDEA

Is your fashion-following friend in possession of a designer handbag (or four) that she loves like a child? Obviously, adding to her collection isn't really an option - unless your Secret Santa budget is in fact £5,000 - but you can offer a little seasonal spruce-up in the form of a trendy trinket, with which she can adorn her arm candy.

Ted Baker's leather 'Tassler' comes in three colours, while Dune has a selection of touchable charms that chime with winter's faux fur trend, so it's easy to find a suitable shade, even in the sub-£20 region.

Top of the trinket tree, however, is definitely the Burberry Beauty Charm, a glitzy triumvirate with a dusky pink lipgloss hidden in one of the golden cubes.

:: Dune Jangles Faux Fur Keyring, £15 (www.dunelondon.com)

:: Ted Baker Tassler Tassel Bag Charm, £35 (www.tedbaker.com)

:: Burberry Beauty Charm, £70 (www.burberry.com)

BAGS OF FUN

Gifting clothes can be a risky business. There's the chance you'll seriously offend someone if you guestimate the wrong size, and if your recipient does have to return the ill-fitting item, then Sod's Law says the right size will be sold once the January sales hit.

A bag, on the other hand, carries less risk, especially if it's a compact clutch that will come in handy during the party period.

Let the autumn/winter trends guide your selection - faux fur, red and 'fairy tale baroque decadence' are the buzzwords to bust out if you have to resort to asking a shop assistant.

Or you could go with the bag that's an iPhone-aholic's dream come true. The Mighty Purse is a sleek leather pouch containing a rechargeable gadget that's got enough juice for two smartphone refuels.

:: River Island Limited Edition Grey Faux Fur Box Clutch Bag, £30 (www.riverisland.com)

:: Monsoon Marseilles Floral Box Clutch, £45 (www.monsoon.co.uk)

:: Lotus Red Frill Trim Clutch Bag, £50 (www.debenhamsweddings.com)

:: Mighty Purse Original 'Purse With Power' in Gold Shimmer, £80 (www.wowthem.com)

TOP MARKS

If you do decide that clothing is the way to go, might we suggest an on-trend top? That way, you've got more leeway size-wise and don't have to worry about pesky inside leg lengths, bra sizes or waist measurements.

Evoking a glossy Seventies vibe, two of the top trends have returned to the fashion fold after many a season in the cold. The roll-neck jumper and the pussy bow blouse also make glam gifts, especially if you choose luxe fabrics like cashmere or silk.

For a more modern proposition, a double-strap camisole or a boxy sequinned crop top will please fans of the Nineties resurgence, but consider your giftee carefully, as not everyone will relish such skimpy shapes.

:: BOSS Pussy-bow Blouse, £220 (www.johnlewis.com)

:: Jaeger Gostwyck Roll Neck Top in Winter Berry, £80 (www.jaeger.co.uk)

:: Next Premium Beaded Black Strap Top, £85 (www.next.co.uk)

:: Miss Selfridge Baroque Embellished Top, £35 (www.missselfridge.com)

PULL THE WOOL

As any catwalk watcher will tell you, designers went wild for wool this season, and the high street Christmas collections are full of gorgeous gift-worthy knits.

Wool scarves, hats and gloves always go down well - especially if they're Dents gloves with one techy fingertip that works on touchscreen devices - and a blanket wrap is both cosy and cool.

A word of warning, though. While it may be tempting to grab a penguin-covered poncho or 'hilarious' reindeer bobble hat, this kind of festive fare is going to end up stuffed at the back of the wearer's wardrobe for 11 months a year.

Remember, the best presents are for life, not just for Christmas.

:: Dents Ladies Wool Gloves in Chocolate, £19 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

:: Camel Cashmere Beanie, £45 (www.topshop.com)

:: M&S Collection Best of British Pure Wool Checked Wrap, £45 (www.marksandspencer.com)

:: NW3 Fair Isle Scarf, £49 (www.hobbs.co.uk)

GET THE LOOK

There was plenty of party season inspiration to be found at the British Fashion Awards recently, with several of the stylish attendees, including Karlie Kloss, opting for silky bias-cut gowns. The American model's look is easy to emulate with this Jacques Vert Gold Satin Panel Dress, which also happens to be reduced right now to £149 (from £229). Just add metallic heels and a simple chain bracelet, a la Karlie, and you're all set for your glitziest Christmas do.

BUY IT NOW

How to truss-up your on-trend gifts before they're stowed beneath the tree? This year's most fashionable wrap comes courtesy of Peter Pilotto, the uber-hip design duo loved by the A-list. Available at McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, each of the three digital print paper designs costs £2.50, with all proceeds going to regional children's charities across the UK. Find your nearest outlet at www.mcarthurglen.com

FASHION FLASH

:: Washing woes

If you've ever turned a whole load of white washing lilac, because of an undetected purple sock, it won't come as any surprise to learn that, on average, Brits ruin £14,980-worth of clothes during their lives, according to a survey by Cotton USA. They also found that only 3% of the 1,000 people questioned could correctly identify all four washing symbols, dropping to 1% for - you guessed it - men.

:: Dare to bare

It's a flesh-baring trend that started over the pond, now 36% of Brits say they'll be going tights-less this winter - in spite of the knee-freezing weather. Most likely to go bare-legged are Londoners (45% of those surveyed by Venus) and Northerners (40%), while in Scotland the figure drops to 25% - but then so does the temperature.

RECESSIONISTA ALERT

When asked what they wear to work, fashion industry insiders often rave about Equipment. Founded in 1975, the brand was relaunched in 2010, and now their perfectly cut silk shirts are massively in demand again. They usually retail around the £300 mark, but right now, you can choose from a selection for £130 on BrandOutlet.com. We think the muted tones of the Signature Leopard Print Shirt would look great with a burgundy blazer and berry lipstick, or wrapped up as a Christmas gift for a label-savvy loved one.