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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

'Better versions of....' gifts

115 replies

OMGitsnotgood · 02/09/2023 08:25

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.

OP posts:
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Muchtoomuchtodo · 03/09/2023 09:48

I’m getting camping mad ds these Chilly cutlery set to replace his basic supermarket bought ones! https://www.chillys.com/uk/pages/cutlery-set-brand-page

Oddballs pants also go down really well here as did Premier Inn pillows a few years ago - they were a most unexpected hit for ds who was about 13 at the time (covid years, they looked great wrapped up under the tree and he’s had the same ones ever since!)

For chocolates we have a fancy independent chocolate shop down the road that is my go to for presents. They always get well received.

Travel Cutlery Set | Chilly's

Chilly’s 4-piece full size cutlery set is here. The complete set for food on-the-go. This set includes a stainless steel fork, a sharp knife, a spoon and a telescopic straw.

https://www.chillys.com/uk/pages/cutlery-set-brand-page

PinkStarAtNight · 03/09/2023 09:50

Bookmarking for Christmas. I will be back when the inevitable present panic begins around November time.

HewasH2O · 03/09/2023 10:04

Yeti water bottles and thermal mugs are even better than Chilly's.

Chococo chocolates are better than Hotel Chocolat

Turtle Doves are better than any other gloves, scarves, neck warmers....

TotalOverhaul · 03/09/2023 10:08

BAM socks and pants, joggers and yoga pants. SO comfortable.

Neal's Yard Geranium and orange foaming bath oil - bliss.

BeaLola · 03/09/2023 10:22

Notellinganyone · 02/09/2023 16:12

@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.

They often do 20% off and offers on larger bath 100 ml oils. If you are signed up to website you get early notice of sales - the one after Christmas is usually v good . You can often buy the rollerballs for around. £8 in TKMaxx.

fruitnutz · 03/09/2023 10:32

Lavabre Cadet Gloves (v. expensive - luxury or buy it for life)
Trehearne and Brar Pashminas
Opera Opera Custom Handmade Spectacles + Sunglasses

chillycat · 03/09/2023 15:58

Bath House bath oils are lovely
Second Great Taste awards product
Fortnum and Mason biscuits
Hu chocolate - cashew nut is amazing

fruitnutz · 04/09/2023 06:47

Mason Pearson Boar Bristle Hairbrushes

Sweetener12 · 04/09/2023 10:57

I think this is perfect gift and that's what I've been told, too, when asking what my DP actually wants for Christmas or his Birthday. So far the best hits were: iMovie for Windows, an ID photo maker, the Ultimate version of a photo editor he uses a lot and a set of 3 shirts same to the old one he particularly likes.

Honeysuckle9 · 04/09/2023 11:22

some lovely ideas here , most of mine have been covered but I am always so grateful when I get some nice pjs etc

WhenLifeGivesYouLimes · 04/09/2023 12:13

One other thing which was good - premium subscription to my favourite podcast. If your recipient is a big fan of Kermode and Mayo/The Rest is History/Pushkin Industries or whatever then an ad free subscription with extra content can be a great "upgrade" style present in the spirit of this thread.

WildFlowerBees · 04/09/2023 12:18

Christmas candles

Space NK Shimmering spice
Neom 3 wick Christmas Wish

Ploptheowlwhowasafraidofthedark · 04/09/2023 12:19

I’ve got cyber jammies in TKMaxx before. They also sell Little Green Radical kids pyjamas for £10, they are very cute and last ages.
Chococo chocolates or montezuma are my favourite and I always go to fortnums if I can get to London and get their Christmas biscuit musical boxes.

PinkArt · 04/09/2023 17:06

TK Maxx are great for discounted Neom three wicks, @PurpleWhirple. I got three earlier this year for this Christmas.

Hop27 · 04/09/2023 22:46

Anything from Aesop
Magnums of favourite wine / champagne
Yeti travel bottles / coffee cups
Lululemon gym gear

Papillon23 · 05/09/2023 05:52

Defiantlynot41 · 02/09/2023 13:58

Oh, more ideas

Lip balm - Kiehls for men (non shiny), Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream stick, Eve Lom kiss mix for women

Fortnum's do some fab non- food items too. I want this to replace an old Gordon Ramsay Plane Food one which has been much used www.fortnumandmason.com/fortnums-picnic-hamperling-bag-eau-de-nil

Garden tools, I love everything on this site, and they also stock Nesti Dante Botanico soaps which are lovely www.dancoopergarden.com/collections/garden-tools. Also keep an eye on his Christmas page for the most fab Christmas decorations (he gets new stock in September)

Shampoo & Conditioner eg Pureology (it's hard to go back to normal stuff afterwards though)

Dyson hairdryer

Pukka tea Christmas tin wholefoodearth.com/p/red-festive-tea-selection-pukka-30-sachets

T shirts, socks and gym wear from Bam clothing

I have the one of these that attaches to a bike - it's great, can be a pannier or fitted like a basket or just take the loops off and it's a good over the shoulder option. Not enormous, but perfect for a couple of people at least.

I'm also a fan of lovely glassware (managed to get a set of 6 Dartington crystal glasses in tx maxx last year for a tenner), lovely pyjamas (fable and eve but only in the sale!).

Upgrades of things are definitely one of my favourite presents because most of my friends and indeed family can buy the things they know they want.

Puffalicious · 05/09/2023 22:42

Ploptheowlwhowasafraidofthedark · 04/09/2023 12:19

I’ve got cyber jammies in TKMaxx before. They also sell Little Green Radical kids pyjamas for £10, they are very cute and last ages.
Chococo chocolates or montezuma are my favourite and I always go to fortnums if I can get to London and get their Christmas biscuit musical boxes.

Little Green Radical PJs make me go all fuzzy. My lovely mam- now not with us- bought DS2 a pair (from TKs) when he was 3. They were his favourite PJs ever- you know the ones they watch going round in the washing machine? 😀 They washed & washed & washed & were so soft.

He's now almost 17 & still has them folded in his PJ drawer- although I think it might only be the bottoms now. They remind him of mam, & me of when he was cute & listened to everything I said 😆

SmokeMeAKipperIllBeBackForBreakfast · 06/09/2023 12:36

Scousemousey · 02/09/2023 12:49

Anyone have suggestions for nice bath oil?

Olverum. It’s heavenly.

PurpleWhirple · 06/09/2023 15:36

PinkArt · 04/09/2023 17:06

TK Maxx are great for discounted Neom three wicks, @PurpleWhirple. I got three earlier this year for this Christmas.

Thank you, I will investigate