Step away from the gift vouchers and don’t even think about buying smellies, because the time for standard Christmas presents is over! If you love the idea of giving gifts that inspire a wry smile, a Santa-worthy belly laugh or even a meaningful tear, read on for some inspiration.
Buy for the fur babies
Pet lovers will enjoy being gifted with something for their furry companions but try to think of something unusual. Online retailers like vidaXL that specialise in a wide variety of house and garden wares are a good bet as they usually have fun baskets, blankets and even swimming pools specifically for animals. You could also look into joint owner and pet spa days…yes, these ARE a thing.
Focus on a passion
If you know a budding mixologist, why not lean into that passion and buy a gift that will elevate it to the next level? A personalised cocktail shaker, the perfect zester or giant ice-cube trays are all fun ways to show that you really know the recipient. Or how about something more personal, such as hand-blown glass swizzle sticks?
Introduce some new flavours
No, hot sauces designed to burn away taste buds are not on the menu here, but a hamper of hand-selected and unusual goodies could be. Visit a local delicatessen and ask for some advice about putting together a hamper fit for a gastronome and don’t shy away from the more unusual items. You might not have tried quince chutney before but there’s a first time for everything – and isn’t the point of Christmas to eat, drink and be merry?
(They’ll) thank you for the music
Vinyl is back with a bang, although most record collectors will say it never went away. A personal, funky and unforgettable gift for any music fans, portable record players have come a long way since the days of Dansette, and now most have Bluetooth built-in as well, for seamless use with smartphones. It’s a whole new era!
Decorate their door
Personalised doormats are a big trend right now and the humble shoe cleaner can be enjoyed in endless guises. From bespoke printed coir to novelty pop-culture options, a fashion-savvy doormat is a must-have for any trendsetter. We are big fans of the many tiger-shaped and leopard-print designs that are readily available, but we could definitely be tempted with something more personal.
Help them ditch the gym
Hey, big spender! For a generous and thoughtful gift for the gym bunny in your life, how about an interactive exercise bike, complete with a subscription to online classes? Working out at home has become the new normal in light of Covid-19, so why not encourage your loved ones to return to old habits? Set aside some space in any room, set up the bike and let them sweat it out in comfort.
Peace of mind
Think you can’t buy this? Well, you can. Sort of. A home surveillance system might sound like an odd gift, but really it’s the ultimate in thoughtfulness. Not least because your recipient will feel safer, but also because their home insurance will usually be reduced. What a grown-up present!
From the frivolous and funky to the practical and health-inspired, there are plenty of unusual gifts that you can give the people in your life this Christmas. There’s no excuse for lazy gift-giving, so it’s time to turn your back on all those clichéd last-minute presents in favour of something that will be hard to beat next year!
What’s your go-to gift for those people who are so difficult to buy for?
This is a collaborative post.
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