'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.

A couple of pp mentioned St Eval candles. Tk maxx currently have 3 Christmas scents on their website.
I've just ordered a few for gifts, £5.99 each.

That’s so sweet, what a lovely mum

If you have someone who loves stationery you can order Muji pens and notebooks online. Better doesn't always mean more money as some have said. I don't live near one so I always stock up when in London. Their pens on different colors and thicknesses of nib are a fab gift.

And if you were truly going for it, some of that storage would be lush. I truly believe that when I buy it my life will magically come together.

Just looking through the list of things I've given DH in recent years. One surprisingly welcome gift was a stainless steel Parker pen a bit like this which looked a lot better on his desk at work than the usual bic type pens. We're not Mont Blanc £££ types of people but you have a massive price range available to you if a 'better pen' is appropriate.

I bought my younger DS a pack of Seasalt socks last Christmas (in desperation!) and he loves them so much that he's instructed me to buy him more this year! Says they are the best socks he's ever worn.

I love the garlic press, @Enko. Thank you. I've got one of those oxo grips ones but they take so long to clean! It might be a present to me from me because I'd hate someone to buy a conventionally designed one when I want this design.

I have had a lot of success with Pantherella socks as a Christmas present.

https://www.pantherella.com/

They are not the cheapest but they look expensive. Somebody wanted wide socks. Their merino wool socks are really comfortable - I find that cotton socks get quite hard and tight.

I have a Lamy Studio ballpoint pen, and it feels wonderful to write with. It comes in a range of finishes, and feels really special.
Lamy Studio

Love this thread. Bumping in case anyone has any more ideas

This thread might be helpful: Well designed practical things www.mumsnet.com/Talk/christmas/4938107-well-designed-practical-things

Love this!

Does anyone have a suggestion for an Umbrella? Sounds simple but it needs to have;
A decent sized canopy but not Golf umbrella huge
A straight handle that is also long. Not the curved kind, it must be straight.
The recipient is 6ft with big hands and hates umbrellas with little handles.
It needs to be good quality, budget 50 to 60 quid.
VMT's in advance.

Sorry I can't help @Crucible but your requirement is so specific, I wonder if it might be worth its own thread with a very clear title? You're very welcome to ask it on this thread obviously but not sure you'll hit people who might have some suggestions? Good luck, sounds like a perfect present if you can find what you're looking for. Nothing worse than having the perfect idea and not being able to find it!

Paul Smith for men's socks. Beautiful and wear well.

Family really enjoyed sea salt bamboo socks and oddballs pants last year. I'm always given neals yard shower gels which I don't buy for myself....

Agree with @OMGitsnotgood that there will be posters who have fantastic umbrella ideas.

My fantasy umbrella shop - have never bought anything but walked past it a lot - is James Smith https://www.james-smith.co.uk/product-category/umbrellas/folding-umbrellas/

It's ideal for your swordsticks and those seats that you stick in the ground too! They do mail order but only the folding umbrellas are in your price range. I am sure there must be a suitable umbrella somewhere.