Is this a shit gift?

[OhhBetty]

A group of friends and I are doing secret santa this year with a 15 pound limit. The person I've got is so hard to buy for! She just buys everything she wants as she is very wealthy! Things like bath stuff or anything girly is a no no. She does like her spicy food and spent a lot of time in India and her partner is Indian and she cooks that style of food.

I've come across a gift set with all kinds of spices in including some rare ones. Does this sound ok to you or does it sound like a shit present?!

[impostersyndrome]

Just popping in to say thanks to Showmeagain for the recommendation of the saffron set. I ordered one and love it. It's really dinky and much easier to use than my big mortar and pestle, which used to be really tricky to use for such tiny amounts.

And to everyone who recommended Spicery, thanks as well!

[jumpjumpformylove]

blueamberuk I could live on Prince Vladimir. (and the decaf Earl Grey is pretty great too)

[WorkAccount]

My kids wear their christmas things all winter, then start again next autumn.

[nooka]

I like spices, but I'd steer clear of a gift set because it's an expensive way to buy them and they might be quite stale. I'd go for tea instead. Tea is always good :)

[m0therofdragons]

I love cooking and would love to receive spices as a gift. Not sure why people are so negative . I have millions of nice mugs and socks are so dull.

[Totallybonkersmum]

I think that's a brilliant idea. Failing that, why not buy her a nice bottle of wine or champagne? 🤔Another idea, is a pampering session to have her nails done or something similar for £15? Or does that cost more than £15 these days! 🤔 She could always enjoy the champagne at some point over Christmas!

[MrsRhettButler]

Sorry, totally unhelpful for op but thank you wishingchair1 for the paneer info, I had no idea it was that easy!!

[YuckYuckEwwww]

I count on getting a few pairs of socks each at Christmas to replace the worn or shrunk ones.

Also love socks because if we run out and I buy them they're a quick nip to primark for some cheapo ones that'll "do" - gift socks are usually lovely soft M&S type ones

I'ld be sad if people stopped buying us socks, socks is such a Christmassy gift IMO - but I do appreciate that they're not enough of a "treat" for some people, so when I give them its usually along with somehing else or part of a hamper..

What I hate is "Christmas socks" instead of functional socks - what am I supposed to do with them? wear them for a week then store them for a year by which time they'll be too small for DDs? I also hate all of the Christmas themed clothes they seem to get - so they'll have loads to wear for 4 weeks.. then it's all useless?

[AnchorDownDeepBreath]

Didn't see your post, Yuck - That is a lovely idea and definitely the way to go if buying socks!

[AnchorDownDeepBreath]

I'm surprised at how many people want socks - I've stopped DP buying socks for anyone, for any occasion - it's such a dull gift! I've also guided him away from bath sets...

I'd go with spices. I have loads but run out lots and it's a Secret Santa gift. I bet she'll be thrilled to have something she likes and will use.

[YuckYuckEwwww]

Or if it's proving too hard, if you give a pair of these nice socks another pair of socks gets given to someone who is sleeping rough

[magratvonlipwig]

It sounds lovely and thoughtful to me. You know she likes spices, youve got her some spices. How could anyone dislike that?

Those who say she wont like them as shes got better stuff are being gift snobs. I mean its only secret santa ffs

[KirstyLaura]

I'd get on Amazon and find a recipe book to suit her tastes for cooking. You could pair it with something foodie if it comes under price. I'd love that.

[LellyMcKelly]

If she's a real foodie and has expensive tastes she'd probably prefer something like a really good bottle of balsamic vinegar or olive oil.

[LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett]

Elle I once got a box of malteasers from the supermarket next door... And I'm not exactly hard to buy for booze so I think it's nice op cares...

[blueamberuk]

A previous post suggested tea from Kusmi and I must admit that they are seriously one of the best upmarket tea makers, I personal think their Prince Vladimir tea is heaven but as its a Xmas gift their mulled tea is pretty good stuff as well and can also benefit from a drop of a good bit of alcoholic extra on a chill night uk.kusmitea.com/upsell/lovely-glogg.html?packaging=218

[MissBattleaxe]

How about a chili plant?

[rightsaidfrederickII]

If she likes cooking, how about one of the recipe binders that Paperchase sells? They basically let you handwrite in your favourite recipes, so they're all in one place and pretty much become a family recipe book. www.paperchase.co.uk/gifts/home-and-kitchen-gifts/recipe-books

[Laska5772]

Garlic Farm stuff is also great (I am lucky enough to live nearby!) Their pickles and chutneys are fab also .. ( also the garlic pesto)

[Laska5772]

How about some unusual Indian chutneys? Have a look at Anilas They deliver and are really fab. .I recommend the apple chutney and the tamarind and date ones and also the the Tindoori Pickle (my favourite) . The carrot one is lush also ..

[YuckYuckEwwww]

or, this I think makes a great gift for someone who is into cooking and it's much better quality than most others you can get. Plus in budget:

www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk/product/solent-wight-10-bulb-plait

[goodbeans]

I always love being given a plant (and generally think that you can't go wrong in giving one). Could you get her a kaffir lime plant, then she could use the leaves for cooking?

[YuckYuckEwwww]

Don't get the spices! Many spices sold to the general public are gone off, someone who is really into their spices will be getting fresh ones from a good asian food store.

How about making her some spiced marmalade? Or homemade mince meat. Homemade spiced nuts?

I go for homemade when it comes to people who will have a nicer (more expensive) version of whatever I would buy them.

[Elledouble]

That said, a beautiful recipe binder is a nice idea.

[Elledouble]

Jesus, it's Secret Santa, not an offering to the gods!

I think the spices sound a lovely thought, and something she might have a chance of using. Much better than horrible smellies or chocolates. Maybe it's the caliber of Secret Santas I've participated in, but she's lucky not to get something 'hilarious' from a sex shop. It's supposed to be a bit of fun, surely?