'Better versions of....' gifts

[OMGitsnotgood]

I mentioned on another Christmas thread that one approach i take to gifts, particularly for my difficult to buy for DH, is to buy higher quality/more expensive versions of things he needs/likes but wouldn't buy himself.

For example, Sloggi pants instead of M&S; a bottle of wine that costs £15 instead of the usual £8; Charbonnel and Walker hot chocolate instead of Cadburys.
My DDs often ask for more expensive toiletries than they buy for themselves.

So thought I'd start a thread where people could either share what upgraded versions of everyday things you are planning on buying or have made successful gifts in the past. Or you can ask for recommendations for upgrades.

For example, men's socks (because if DH didn't get them for Christmas he'd be walking around in threadbare socks) I usually buy some that 'look good quality' from TKMaxx but I would like some suggestions for brands that are particularly good quality, more expensive than M&S (but not crazy money as some I've seen recommended on MN!)

Obviously not just restricted to Christmas presents, works for other gift buying occasions too.

I’m going to get Calvin Klein pants for my DD, she’s wanted them for a while but thinks they’re too expensive to buy herself.

Great idea! Bookmarking and will have a think.

My favourite category of presents

Shower gel to match fragrance/aftershave or other fancy brand eg Aesop, L'Occitane, Neom etc. can sometimes get stick deodorant to match too in men's ranges

Happy Socks - they have good themes eg bands, cartoons etc or the stripy ones are great - Greg Davies on Taskmaster and Peter Jones on Dragons Den seem to be fans

Boss, Gant or Polo Ralph Lauren pants for men

Paul A Young used to be my go to for chocolate but I think they've closed. Their salted caramels were divine. Will have to conduct a taste test of competitors! The Green & Blacks large box of mini bars are nice for a daily small treat, but not in the same league.

One of my best gifts was a case of half bottles of champagne - great if you feel like a glass of fizz but the occasion doesn't warrant a full bottle.

The Rick Stein meal boxes are a real treat if you don't mind a bit of cooking, think you can get vouchers too

Emma Bridgewater mug

Fancy corkscrew

Mont Blanc card Wallet www.montblanc.com/en-gb/collection/bags-leather-goods/all-bags-leather-goods/wallets-card-holders/card-holders

I do this too, it has backfired sometimes when DH/DC decide that that is what they like and will stick with and it continues to come out of the family pot!

Great idea! My DH likes Nordic socks as a ‘better version of’ present https://www.nordicsocks.uk/?utm_source=google+ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=brand&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkabg48OLgQMVrYlQBh2IbgnFEAAYASAAEgI-1fD_BwE
For chocolate lovers the fortnum and mason tofolossus biscuits are amazing! They come in a nice tin and you can buy refills. I put a refill on my Christmas list every year 😀

Not sure if it falls into this category but my DH bought me an Ember travel cup which is rechargeable and will hold your coffee/tea at the exact temperature you want. I was a bit bemused when he gave it to me but I use it every day now and love it so much. Other travel cups keep coffee too hot for too long. Mugs cool it down too quickly. This mug is like Goldilocks! Way better than I thought it would be. It is quite pricey though.

Love the half bottles of champagne idea!

I find the Neuhaus Carres great as lots of flavours and individually wrapped so can have one or 2 each evening.

fortnums tea - loose leaf for me

fortnums florentines

The body lotion & shower gel to match my perfume

I once asked my mum to buy me some really good pairs of tights - even M&S autograph ones, they are so expensive!

second the happy socks suggestion - tk maxx often stock them but they are great

lush bath bombs for the kids, I’ve not found any cheaper ones to be as good

Great ideas everyone, thank you, keep them coming!

Just watch DH pack his gym bag and noticed his water bottle is really shabby. Will add that to the list but not buy one until December as there's a good chance he'll buy himself one before then.

We try and buy good quality but from independent shops, including locally. Often sustainable items too.

Chilly bottles For water

Eva Solo To Go and their mugs.. actually scrap that Eva solo anything (blooming love that brand)
garlic press Their garlic oress gets a special mention though its going in my 3 children's stocking this year

White Company candles for those who like more minimalistic style presentations

Copenhagen mugs. Again if the person like more minimalistic presentations. Look at their cups if you want a different style The above suggested Emma Bridgewater mug would not be something I would like but dd1 would adore it.

Neuhaus chocolates as omg nothing beats them imo.

Local coffee company coffee as its fun to Try new stuff like that. Same goes for local Ales if you have a ale drinker.

Forgot to say I couldn't get amazon links to like so just grapped different links. Some stuff can be had cheaper than the link I used I was more showing what I meant

Also I know you said above M&s. But their florentines really are good

Last year DH bought me Oddballs pants... definitely a lot more comfortable than my usual supermarket ones. His boxers from there seem to be lasting a lot better as well.

Great thread.

I third Happy Socks they are always well received.

I elevate by gifting handmade /crafted/ bespoke items, a more eco conscious replacement item and level up brands.

This year on the list so far is a replacement lightweight summer robe that’s hand printed with vegetable dye and hand sewn. A sort of replacement summer hat this one’s foldable though, some bar soaps with nicer ingredients than std and a commissioned garden sculpture.

Last year I gifted a mechanical pencil made from a piece of old wood when I noticed theirs had broken, was very well received, I got the company name which I can’t remember just now from a thread on here.

Falke socks are good and , importantly, can be machine washed- the problem with a lot of fancy socks is that you have to hand wash and who has time for that?

If you’re in TK Max look at the bamboo socks - super soft and wash really well

Boxer shorts from Jolly Boxers on Etsy- handmade and loads of different prints.

Body wash

Shampoo and conditioner

Socks but the upgrade is more buying all matching so I never have to pair another black sock by it's length or cuff. It's a game changer for £20 in matalan/Tesco.

Candles.

I do this too but extend it to clothing. I bought my dh a couple of Patagonia things- sweatshirts/fleeces. Great quality and great company.

Tk maxx also have some good pjs. I got Desmond and Dempsey ones for £30, and they retail at £150!

Oh this is a good thread. Came on to say Happy Socks.

Like the mini champagne bottles too. Actually, anything mini can be appealing, so any more ideas for that?

Have noted travel cup details!

Great idea for a thread. DH very much loves nicer versions of every day things. He's a big biker/ hiker * buys everything he needs for all that (expensive!) himself, so he likes me finding different everyday things. My go to is TK MAXX- every year I find him unusual/ organic shower gels/ shampoo/ creams. Their bamboo socks are a go-to, as are BAM socks - so soft. Paddy & Scott's Jerry Can coffee/ local roaster he's not tried.

DS(19) raves about Columbia (outdoor brand) underwear. I originally got them in TKs, now buy where ever I can find them. His eyes lit up more than anything else when he unwrapped those last year 🙃.

Landsend plain men's hoodies/ sweatshirts are phenomenal quality and a relaxed enough cut for teens too. Both my v cool teens love them - although Vans is also a go-to for me: really great quality, robust & often decent offers.

Bird & Blend is good for tea- so many varieties.

I had my first pair of Joules PJs last year. So impressed with them- beat Boden ones hands down I reckon.

Looking for some recommendations for some merino, men's PJs (long trouser/ long tshirt top). Not mega pricey please! DH likes Lands End ones usually- they wash & wash & wash, but was pondering merino the other day.

TIA

Forgot about these! I bought lots from them last year (3DS & DH). Their socks are brilliant quality as well as the pants. I bought rugby tops & fantastic sports towels with a matching mini gym face towel funky colours/ thin to dry quickly & really soft. I got a few free bobble hats too- nice quality.

SHO bottles are really great too. More affordable than Chilly's. I've bought multiple as birthday gifts & have gone down really well.

Candles -St Eval Candle Company. I buy a box of Bay & Rosemary every year- it's our house's winter smell. There's nothing like it.

My husband just got himself some of these, they're lovely!