Crystal Christmas gifts

There is no single best crystal: amethyst, rose quartz and clear quartz are the most popular gifts because they are affordable, tough and widely loved. Examples in stock: Gemstone Healing Hands Pendant - Amethyst (£11.96) and Gemstone Small Dragon Head- Bloodstone (£14.40).

No crystal belongs to Christmas itself, but December's birthstones (turquoise, tanzanite and zircon) and red and green stones such as garnet and green aventurine echo the season's colours. Examples in stock: Deadly Poison Plastic Tumbler with Straw (£17.99) and Steel Cased Pendant Ovals - 12 Assorted Gemstone Chips & Shells (£38.40).

Clear quartz is traditionally linked with clarity and new beginnings, and selenite with a clean slate, so both suit a new-year gift. Examples in stock: 6in Ritual Wand Smudge Stick with White Sage, Abalone and Quartz (£30.99) and Gemstone Yoga Garden - Sukhasana Pose - Amethyst - Tilted Tree - 100 chipstones (£27.84).

Amethyst and lepidolite are traditionally given as calming stones. We make no health claims; many people simply enjoy holding a smooth stone during a quiet moment. Examples in stock: Large Charging Plate 18cm - Sacred Geometry (£27.60) and Gemstone Six Face Obelisk Poins approx 17cm - Rock Crystal (£38.40).

Black tourmaline, tiger's eye, smoky quartz and pyrite are popular choices for men because of their strong colours and weight in the hand. Examples in stock: Small Teal Crystal Ball on Stand (£38.99) and Self-Love & Healing - Crystal Infused Ritual Candle Set (£14.99).

For older children, large tumble stones such as rose quartz or amethyst are a lovely first collection. Small stones are a choking hazard, so keep them away from young children. Examples in stock: Shiva Lingam Magic Wand - Amethyst - Success (£30.80) and Gemstone Sphere 50mm - Amethyst Aura with Stand (£17.60).

Tumbled stones are smooth, pocket-friendly and ideal for stockings; raw pieces show the natural crystal structure and suit a collector's shelf. Examples in stock: Steel Cased Pendant Teardrops - 12 Assorted Gemstone Chips & Shells (£38.40) and Smudge Kit with Rose Quartz Crystal (£22.99).

Wrap a tumble stone in a small cloth pouch with a handwritten card naming the stone and its tradition. Pad larger pieces well, because points and clusters can chip. Examples in stock: 9in Ritual Wand Smudge Stick with Rosemary, Palo Santo and Quartz (£34.99) and Gemstone Dome Garden - Amethyst - 30 chipstones (£15.36).

We make no health or medical claims. Crystal meanings are tradition and belief, and many people simply enjoy them as beautiful natural objects. Examples in stock: 555 Angel Number Crystal Ball (£16.99) and The Little Book of Crystal Gift Set (£31.99).

Many people like to cleanse a stone before gifting it, traditionally by leaving it in moonlight or passing it through incense smoke. Avoid water for soft stones such as selenite. Examples in stock: 999 Angel Number Crystal Ball (£16.99) and 8cm Crystal Ball with Stand (£24.99).