I’m really trying to move away from the idea that Christmas has to mean buying more stuff. I’m not a fan of overconsumption, particularly when it comes to gifts that are bought with the best intentions but end up in a charity shop or, worse, landfill!
A Couple of Statistics Worth Considering:
- The estimated value of unwanted presents thrown away in the UK each year is Ā£42 million, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
- Which? research found that 1 in 5 people received an unwanted or unsuitable Christmas present in 2024.
That’s why I’m trying to be much more considered when it comes to gifting, aiming to choose something meaningful rather than simply buying something for the sake of it. My first tip is to find out what someone actually wants! It’s a pretty obvious strategy, but it’s also one of the best ways to make sure your gift will be used and appreciated long after Christmas. But if you do still want to add a little surprise to your gifting this year, I’ve also put together this gift guide of ideas that, matched with the right person, could make truly thoughtful Christmas gifts.
1. Something Personalised
Personalised gifts have been surging in popularity over the past few years as people try to be more thoughtful with their gifting. However I think there’s still a knack to finding the right personalised gift for your recipient, not just a mug with their face on it. The best personalised gifts are those that have a little more thought behind them and really reflect the person you’re buying for. It might be something that celebrates a special memory, incorporates a favourite photograph, or is tailored to a particular hobby or interest.
I recently reviewed a custom paint by numbers set, and honestly this would make is a lovely gift for the right person. You can turn a favourite photograph into a paint-by-numbers kit, making it a genuinely personal present that also gives the recipient a creative activity to enjoy.
2. A Food Hamper with Local Produce
Surely there’s nothing more festive than a food hamper at Christmas? And if you value small businesses and lovely locally-made products, this is the perfect way to gift them. Rather than buying a ready-made hamper from a supermarket, I love the idea of putting together your own.
I love visiting farm shops, delis, artisan markets and makers markets in the run up to Christmas, and they’re the perfect place to find unusual and delicious items to fill up a hamper with. Think locally-made preserves, artisan chocolates, speciality biscuits, chutneys, interesting oils, craft drinks and cheeses. You could even build the whole hamper around a particular theme, such as a Manchester-inspired selection, a cheese and wine night in, or a collection of breakfast food.
Some Northern produce brands I’ve discovered by visiting artisan markets or farm shops include:
- Cuckoo Gin: Lovely gin made locally at Brindle Distillery in Chorley.
- Salford Rum & Gin: Award-winning small batch rum and gin made in Salford, with very eye-catching bottles!
- Northern Pasta Co.: They’re on a mission to make the best pasta in the world!
- The Great British Cheese Company: Wax truckles of award winning cheese in all kinds of flavours!
- Charlie & Ivy’s: Lots of foodie gifts made with their cold pressed Yorkshire rapeseed oil. Their Bread Dipper bottles are my favourite!
And there’s also the option to include some homemade items in a gift hamper too – festive gingerbread or homemade fudge for example can make a hamper feel that little bit more personal. Arrange everything in a basket or box, add some ribbon and a handwritten gift tag, and you’ve got a thoughtful Christmas present that supports independent businesses and is guaranteed to be enjoyed!
3. Art Prints from Local Artists
Another lovely find at makersā markets and independent gift shops is artwork by local artists. I think choosing a beautiful art print from a local creator can make for such a thoughtful and personal gift. Although, in my opinion, this is one where you do need to know the person and their taste quite well! Art is such a personal thing, and you want to choose something theyāll genuinely want to display in their home.
I love the idea of supporting local creatives and independent businesses rather than big corporations. There is something rather special about knowing that your gift has come directly from an artist, and perhaps even discovering a little of the story or inspiration behind the piece.
Look for prints that capture one of their favourite hobbies or interests, a memorable holiday destination, a place that holds special meaning to them, or perhaps a beautiful illustration that would look perfect in their recently decorated kitchen. You could even look for botanical prints for someone who loves gardening, coastal artwork for a beach lover, or quirky illustrations that reflect their personality and sense of humour.
4. Gifts They Can Grow
Encouraging someone’s gardening hobby, or perhaps inspiring them to grow something for the very first time, is maybe the most wholesome of all the gift ideas. There is something lovely about giving someone a gift that keeps on giving, whether that’s a packet of seeds that eventually turns into beautiful flowers, homegrown vegetables for the kitchen, or simply a new hobby to enjoy.
My mother-in-law absolutely loves receiving seeds for Christmas, and I think they’re such a lovely alternative to the usual gifts. Although simply gifting a selection of packets of seeds is a great idea in itself, here are a couple of lovely other giftable ideas I’ve come across:
- RHS Plantable Calender: A practical calendar where each month has a plantable paper insert containing seeds for a different seasonal flower.
- She Grows Veg Seed Subscriptions: I love this idea for anyone who enjoys growing their own food or would like to give it a go. Featuring heirloom vegetable seeds and some more unusual varieties, and it’s a female-founded independent business, which I love!
5. Gift Experiences Rather Than Things
Event tickets, National Trust or English Heritage subscriptions, days out and workshops often make more interesting gift ideas than “things”, creating memories rather than gathering dust in the home. I wrote a post all about this some time ago, so check it out for lots more ideas on this theme:
6. Books
Finally, when in doubt, a perfectly selected book will always be a great gift. The possibilities are endless, too. From beautiful second-hand clothbound classics and newly released novels to coffee table books, inspiring cookbooks or fascinating encyclopaedias packed with facts about a child’s favourite subject, there’s something for absolutely everyone.
And if you’re looking for something a little different from just the book itself, I also wrote another post about lots of other bookish gifts ideas:
What thoughtful gifts will you be giving this Christmas?
