Jewelry and watches that enrich your Christmas wish list - or that you can give yourself as a gift

If poet TS Eliot measured his life in teaspoons, then mine could be measured by how many Christmases I spent feigning joy at a gift, only to put it in my gift box days later, ready for re-gifting next year.

I've long been convinced that there are some things that shouldn't be given to others as part of celebrations. In addition to seductive underwear (a nightmare in terms of size, style and inconvenience for loved ones) and beauty advent calendars (what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another), watches are also personal and meaningful accessories for me , where you should always make the decision yourself - either by giving it to yourself or putting it on the wish list for others.

Watches are an expression of personal style and have the unique ability to accompany the special moments in life. While other pieces of jewelry are great for surprising a loved one on birthdays and anniversaries (e.g. earrings and bracelets), a watch that you want to wear forever has to be just perfect.

As a lifelong fan of Fossil, I want to get into the modelRachel(above), which is inspired by the Art Deco architecture of New York City. In addition to the classic style, the watch features Roman numerals, a sized dial and a multi-link bracelet available in both silver and gold. It's timeless with a touch of sophistication, but neither flashy nor pretentious - perfect for someone who's more likely to wear a suit with sneakers than a pair of sky-high heels. Fossil also offers the option of having the watch engraved according to your own wishes and offers a free personalization service.

Another model on my wish list is the watchHarlowwith its five-link stainless steel bracelet with black Roman neural numerals that exude a touch of vintage. Combined with a black turtleneck, black leggings and black ballet pumps, it's a wonderful pop of color in my monochromatic everyday outfit.

In addition, the watch rings from Fossil - especially the rectangular frame of theRachelModells – Memories of my grandmother’s unique and timeless gold watch from the 1940s. Since I'm looking forward to my first child, this accessory would be perfect to add some nostalgia to my style.

Unlike Coco Chanel's style rule of removing one item of clothing before leaving the house, I'm a "more is more" believer - especially when it comes to jewelry. This winter I'm not only giving myself a watch, but I've also got my eye on the Arden jewelry set from Fossil. The set consists of oneArmband, oneRingand oneNecklaceand is the perfect trio for an outfit that is worn from morning to evening and exudes a slight touch of glamour. The individual pieces would also fit well in my jewelry box - especially the bracelet, which would look great with a D-Link model like thisHeritageBracelet from Fossil can be combined.

While it's important to start preparing for Christmas well in advance and spread the costs well over the coming months, now is the best time to invest in special pieces that you'll wear for years, rather than fashion trends that will quickly disappear.

Don't wait for others to spoil you - Christmas is a time of love, and self-love is the beginning...

Visit the website ofFossilfor more timeless pieces of jewelry.

(Text: Katie O’Malley Branded Content Editor ELLE UK)