my favourite meaningful and useful gift ideas that won't just end up as clutter
I still buy stocking gifts for my adult children (do you do this too?) - it is my favourite part of Christmas. Even though they are opened now after 10am and not at 5am in our bed like when they were young!
I love shopping over several months for their gifts but I have a very strict rule...
I will only buy things that will be useful and I know they will use. Never buying rubbish "tat" that won't be used and will end up being clutter or thrown away.
For me that is getting them underwear, pyjamas, socks, toiletries, their favourite edible treats or drink.
When my son was at University, I would buy his complete set of skincare as he liked a specific brand and it was expensive for his student budget.
I once chatted with an acquaintance who said she played a game called "tat" stocking gifts. She bought everyone the worst and silliest items and wrapped them in glittery paper and everyone would groan when they opened their gifts. That is my idea of hell! Why waste money and the environment on purchasing rubbish?
Now I don't mean to stand on my soap box here but for me, Christmas is about being with family and friends, giving thoughtful gifts that you know will be liked and not breaking the bank or the environment.
So here are some of my favourite gift ideas for you. Some of these items were gifted for review, some I own already and some I have purchased for gifts myself but all opinions are my own.
*This post may contain affiliate links which don't cost you a penny but pay a commission to this site.
I love these cheeky candles and laughed out loud when I saw some of them. They smell absolutely amazing, ship worldwide and are handmade in Manchester, UK. They are hand poured in small batches and only use soy wax so no nasty chemicals.
Candles make such great gifts and the reason I love these so much is not only do they appeal to my sense of humour (they have non rude ones too) but once they have been burnt and enjoyed, the glass can be reused or recycled so there is no waste.
Mishcief Candles offer candles for all different gifting occasions but I already know some friends who will enjoy these for Christmas. Average price is £14.50 per candle.
2: good wash day hair towels
I learnt about these amazing organic cotton hair drying towels whilst on holiday in 2023. I posted a reel about taking a towel away with me to dry my hair. A follower commented about Good Wash Day hair towels and how they were brilliant and much better to travel with. They are also based 30 minutes from me in Hampshire, UK so I jumped online and got one - pink obviously!
I am so thankful to have learnt about these amazing, award winning towels. They are suitable for all hair types but began as a solution for curly hair. They are super absorbent, speeding up drying time whilst reducing frizz, and without over drying your hair.
They come in a variety of colours and patterns and make the most brilliant gift. I have 2 now and never wash my hair or pack a suitcase without one.
Good Wash Day ship worldwide and make excellent, thoughtful gifts. Average price is £30.
Hand drawn, eco-conscious, wildlife inspired art and giftware. These gifts are beautiful and all artwork is by Lucy Kendall in Dorset, UK. Fine bone china mugs, takeaway coffee cups, tote bags, organic cotton tea towels, stationery and colouring books. A huge range and she also does pet portrait commissions.
I love the tote bags and the giraffe one will be perfect for my younger niece who is obsessed with giraffes!
Share A Little Frankie prices start from £5 and ship within the UK.
Our family have had this for over a decade now and it is always a talking point when people come over to see where we have been.
It also is fun to look at and decide where to go for a new holiday or travel adventure.
I have labelled ours and each label has it's own coloured pins as we don't all travel as a family anymore now the kids have grown up and they have travelled to some far flung places alone on adventures.
But when anyone comes back from a trip they enjoy getting the corresponding pin and putting it on the map.
This is a fantastic gift for anyone who likes to travel or is planning a trip.
Our family have had an Amazon Alexa Show for several years now and I have also given them as gifts.
Not only can you use this built in smart home hub for all the normal things - play music, radio, timers etc. I use it to see who is at my door with my Ring doorbell, play Netflix and Amazon Prime whilst cooking, ask it for jokes, recipes, the weather - the list is endless.
One of the main reasons I love it though and why I have given it as gifts to other family members is to show photographs. Once you have them saved to Amazon Photos, you can create albums and upload them to play on the Amazon Alexa Show. I have a separate album which I update and plays on the one I gifted to my in-laws whilst we have different photographs on ours.
With a variety of products from beach towels, ponchos, hair wraps and tea towels, these quick dry, compact, colourful products are made from 100% recyclable materials.
Sand is repelled from the towels and ponchos and they dry super quickly so they are fantastic for travelling or swimming. Great gifts for anyone who loves bright colours, gorgeous practical products from a company that prides itself on eco-credientials. Each product is made from 100% recycled materials, arrive at your door in biodegradable/recyclable packaging they are taking steps to become carbon neutral. Certified B Corp, too.
I love the beach towels and the tea-towels. Prices range from £12 for a tea towel and £29 for a large beach towel.
I have been using Fior Skin Care for a couple of years now and love them. This gift set contains the Hydra Boost facial serum, Nutra Boost facial moisturiser and the facial oil (I love this and use it every night). All 3 come in 15ml travel size. Also included in this gift set is a Konjac sponge for delicate cleansing which is 100% biodegradable and a cotton muslin facial cloth for gentle exfoliation and also biodegradable.
Fior is an ethical skin care company making products with organic oils and natural beauty actives. All products are hand made in small batches and I am a devout fan.
Such a fun gift for anyone who loves to relax.
Place your smart phone, tablet or kindle in the holder and put snacks in the bowl. Sit down and relax with the cushion on your lap or the bed/sofa to watch your favourite show.
I cannot think of a teenager who wouldn't love this!
Mine is stored in my bedroom and when I fancy a cosy night with my favourite show I take this up to bed and leave the family to watch what they want whilst I indulge myself with some snacks and whichever series I am watching.
Snack bowl and tablet holder is on Amazon and currently priced at £47.99.
9: Gift Voucher Ideas
I don't believe that giving a gift voucher is lazy. They can be incredibly thoughtful and well received.
My best friend from childhood has her birthday on Christmas Day so I often give her a voucher for her to enjoy later on in the year.
Here are some of my favourite ideas:
Massage or beauty treatment at a local salon.
Cinema tickets.
Gift voucher for local clothes store - my favourite ones who also ship are Loved by Da and Clobr.
Sports venue tickets.
National retail store vouchers which can also be used online.
Currency if travel is planned.
In conclusion: Christmas gifting is a time to be thoughtful for your loved ones, support local if you can and to enjoy the simple practice of giving your loved ones something you have chosen with love and care. Not to add to clutter and buying gifts for the sake of it that will not be used. This non exhaustive list is simply some of my favourite items that I own or have gifted to my favourite people so I hope they are helpful and encourage you to give some unique gifts this Christmas.
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