Love the ideas for achieving the surprise element. I think I’d buy in the January sales, wrap and squirrel away and forget what’s in them. And definitely an advent calendar under the tree to open all at once.
I don’t do my own but have just spent a very pleasant couple of hours online overstuffing my virtual stocking. Enjoyed it as much as doing other family members which was unexpected.
For a surprise:
• I wonder if I could go to a beauty counter and ask them to select a lipstick in a flattering to me shade without showing me it. This is what husband did so it’s just cutting out the middleman. Bonus they’ll probably gift wrap it too. Charlotte Tilbury £26 or Mac Mini £14.
• How Novel mystery gift wrapped book perhaps the spellbound one £8.99, NOTHS. Or I could randomly pick a charity shop book and try not to see the title £1.
• Love Cocoa chocolate 2 bar subscription box to try £7.20, I’ve wanted to try this for awhile, subsequent boxes are £9 so pricey.
• Luckydip crystal bag Little £10 or MinI size £5 from crystalwitchuk Etsy. I can never have too many crystals.
A little luxury:
• Cashmere socks in camel £36 The White Company (have hinted for years for a pair of cashmere socks). Or a little less luxurious teddy fluffy socks in blush £7 in Dunelm.
• Glossy mag rolled up and not thumbed through before choosing £5ish or even un-glossy £2ish.
• Nitiraj colour champa incense sticks £4.95; Mysore Sandalwood bar soap £1.45; Georganics natural dental floss peppermint £4.90, all from yogamatters.
I need a new mug as it’s always my favourite getting broken:
• Cosy knit mug set in blush (bonus comes with hot chocolate and marshmallows) £5 B&M.
Random bits I’ll enjoy or use:
• Make your own dream catcher £1.50; Mindfulness puzzle word book £3; Hogwarts A6 size notebook £1; Crystal design top pen (random selection so if I can wrap it in tissue without looking will be a semi surprise) £2, all from The Works. Penguin Spanish phrase book, £5.99; Woodland garden mix native wildflower seeds £2.99.
Edibles and traditions:
• Original Candy Co sour cherry candy cane £1.20; Iced Gingerbread man £1.50ish; candy whistle 18p; pink sugar mouse 80pish; a few nuts in shell £1; Chocolate coins 80pish; Chocolate orange £1; Miso paste soup sachets £1.70; cocktail can, strawberry daiquiri £1.75.
That lot comes to almost £136 or £76 with the less expensive options, it soon adds up. Was a bit shocked at the totals, I did get more than a bit carried away admittedly. Certainly wouldn’t be finding the advent calendar under the tree.