'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.

@Scousemousey Aromatherapy Associates, Olverum, Jo Malone, REN, Espa. Espa and Aromatherapy Associates do lovely gift selections if you want a mix, Olverum is quite kinda herby/medicinal, Jo Malone if you know their taste in fragrance.

I'd also give a massive vote to Chanel No 5 bath oil, truly luxurious. I don't think they make a bath oil in any of their other fragrances. The soap is also sublime, and I'm still missing the spray body oil they used to do.

Whilst I agree with waiting and ensuring it is fresh or good quality.

Make sure you know the taste of the individual. I love pralines and plain chocolate and find getting walnut ones hugely disappointing. I find Hotel Chocolat chocolate a huge disappointment Others would feel differently.

A thoughtful present is about considering what the person receiving the gift would like.

Oliver bonas wine and cocktail glasses instead of standard ones from Tesco or dunelm.

Great thread

My DC and DH all get PJs at Christmas from Abercrombie and fitch - so soft and lovely feeling and definitely out of the normal budget for pjs

For those who like fancy toiletries I often buy from the ranges to go with their perfume, so a scented body lotion/mist or shower gel. Chanel is great for these.

The Neom three wick candles are bloody amazing and full the house with gorgeous scent. No one ever seems to buy them for me but I treat myself to one every Christmas as it's more than I would spend on candles in the rest of the year

@Scousemousey - I got a sample of Aromatherapy Associates de stress bath oil in my Liberty Box. Gorgeous and am planning on getting one some but it’s £50. Really lovely though and you only need a tiny bit.

I buy branded underwear for DS ( usually TKMaxx has a great selection) and some from Next as basic

I bought DD a Cyberjammies robe for her birthday (in June) and she has a plush grey robe last year . Pyjanas will be M&S or Victoria Secret/Pink
I got her some VS underwear as a step up .

Mario Badescu face /skincare
Usually Nails Inc polish but I've got her some gel polish this year (that you need the light for ) to try

@Scousemousey another vote for Olverum or Aromatherapy Assoicates. Mio Liquid Yoga is lovely too, but the packaging isn’t as lovely as the others.

For fans of salted caramel I recommend Artisan du Chocolat, especially the flavoured varieties.

St Eval for reed diffusers or candles. Made in Cornwall and they smell divine.

Yeti for thermos mugs. Expensive but they work brilliantly.

Chillys for water bottles.

Cashmere bed socks.

Oh, and LSA for glassware.

Silk pillowcases are my top tip for women.

What a brilliant thread idea.
I'd second or third the toffolofus biscuits from fortnums, I received some as a gift and they're truly amazing.
For pjs I love Yawn as a gift
The idea of locally roasted coffee is great too
For chocolates I would do Hotel Chocolat for a mini treat or Artisan du Chocolat for a big treat
Papier have lovely upgrades for anyone who loves stationery
My husband is also a bloody nightmare to buy for so I usually choose one of his favourite foods or drinks and find something on the Great Taste awards website.

Any particular ones whenlifegivesyoulimes ? I’ve been looking to add to Xmas list but so far the reviews have been off putting.

https://www.corrymoor.com/product/companion/

John Lewis own brand.

I've just done a Patagonia order for my DS, he's home for a few days end of October so Christmas items will be going back with him to save me posting them. Love this brand.

Great thread OP, I'm off to Google Nordic socks and St Eval candles

Oddballs PJs are also excellent - really good quality. They sell out quickly but worth looking out for.

@Cinnamonandcoal try darn tough socks.

Fab thread! Placemarking for later

Penhaligons lip balm , the orange blossom is gorgeous, instead of chapstick

Molton Brown shower gel instead of pretty much anything .

Love this thread and will be good for the 3 adults I have to buy for that can always buy what they want anyway!

my local TK’s often have St Eval candles! You need to know what you’re looking for as the candles themselves often have the sleeves/branded label missing. If you turn them upside down you should see the brand.

(May regret posting when TK Maxx are cleared out of St Eval!)

I’ve received this and those glasses make me happy every time I use them. Really lovely gift.

Mine vary across price ranges.

On the subject of socks, dh loves the cushion soled socks (Next’s ones are the softest) and while they’re not the poshest, they’re practical. I got him some as a stocking filler at Christmas and then upgraded all his ordinary socks for his birthday.

Ladurée macarons are amazing; they ruined cheaper macarons for me.

Otterbox charging cables are cleverly designed and really durable, and worth the extra outlay compared to the cost of continually replacing cheaper cables.

I was sceptical about paying more for work shirts but dh loves these and they are wearing well. The cut is more flattering than his m&s ones.

leuchtturm1917 and moleskin notebooks and planners are joyful. But Flyingtiger do a really good quality bullet journal for €5. I love to get a packet of Uniball black pens in my stocking - pricey by Tesco standards but not going to break the bank.

I’d recommend these bamboo t-shirts which passed the super sensitive autistic ds standards of excellence.

A cashmere jumper is a fantastic upgrade for someone who wears wool or cotton or synthetics. Twice as warm and half as heavy. But you get what you pay for - cheaper brands use shorter hairs that pill after a wash or two. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts in more expensive brands or charity shops.

I haven’t found better pjs or dressing gown anywhere than DH’s m&s ones. I only want to upgrade his dressing gown so I can inherit his old one!

I am loving all these suggestions, way more responses than I expected!

Now left with the decision of exactly which socks to buy DP, he'll have a new pair for each day of the year at this rate!

@Nonplusultra your comment re Flying Tiger bullet journal and uniball pens is a reminder that 'better' doesn't have to mean mega expensive. The pens would make a good stocking filler for DH &DS - do they come in multiple types and if so which do you recommend?

Re LSA glassware: my favourite vase is from LSA, so classy.

I still exchange bd presents with one of my best friends. She bought me a lovely serving plate one year as she knows I entertain a lot and she took me at my word when I said 'you can buy me this sort of thing every year'. I have received all different types of serving plates:vessels. Not necessarily expensive but better than the everyday plates & bowls I used to use.

For those of you with outdoorsy, sporty people to buy for I use Sports Pursuit. Often have good quality bits and all on offer. Got dh a fab fleece recently, a bit dull but much better quality than he would normally have. I also would choose Falke socks.