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Lily Smith

Lily Smith is a researcher for the Filter, the Guardian's home for trusted product reviews, recommendations and shopping guides

March 2025

  • Daffodils in spring backlit by sun

    The Filter
    Say hello to spring! 22 simple ways to refresh your home, wardrobe and routine

    From new season scents to cleaning hacks, we’ve picked our top spring essentials to blow away the cobwebs

February 2025

  • Natoora Radicchio

    The Filter
    The best Valentine’s Day gifts: 34 thoughtful ideas they’ll actually want

    Forget hot-housed roses and generic chocolates: from a modern mix tape to a padel racket, give them something more considered this year

January 2025

  • A woman wearing a grey scarf coat

    The Filter
    From waterproof boots to invisible jackets: this winter’s wardrobe essentials

  • Unrecognizable woman in sweater, wrapped in green blue duvet sit on sofa and drink hot tea energy staying warm winter

    The Filter
    From electric blankets to the cosiest coats: the cold weather essentials you need to beat the big freeze

December 2024

  • An overhead view of wrapped Christmas presents on a backdrop which have been decorated with ribbon, string, eucalyptus leaves and holly leaves. An unrecognisable man is wrapping one present while surrounded by the other presents and they are ready to be given for Christmas.

    The Filter
    The best eco-friendly wrapping paper – and its alternatives

    We round up the finest festive recycled – and recyclable – gift wrap and alternatives, from reusable bags to gorgeous cloth wraps. Plus, all the eco extras you’ll need: tape, twine, toppers and tags

November 2024

  • Secret Santa

    The Filter
    30 Secret Santa gifts under £10: fun ideas they’ll actually want

  • Cropped shot of little girl's hand holding a colourful bauble, decorating and hanging on Christmas tree in the festive Christmas season. Countdown to Christmas. Festival and celebration concept

    The Filter
    The best Christmas baubles and decorations: 28 trinkets to deck the halls

  • Woman's Hand Spreading Frosting Across Cinnamon Rolls in Skillet

    The Filter
    The best Le Creuset alternatives, from cast-iron casserole dishes to skillets

  • A composite of pictures of a golf ball, a monopoly board and a tin of baked beans all held up by illustrated hands, on an orange background

    The Filter
    The 19 best personalised gifts for men, women and kids, from custom monopoly to baby rompers

June 2024

  • Nigel Farage wearing a striped, cream-coloured blazer, spotted tie and white shirt stands on a stage next to a podium with Reform UK signage

    Nigel Farage outperforms all other UK parties and candidates on TikTok

    Exclusive: Videos on Reform leader’s account show more engagement and average views than any other candidate
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