Presents that can be 'used' and not more 'stuff'

[OMGitsnotgood]

I’ve a few gifts I need to buy that I am out of ideas on: one for a couple for Christmas; one December birthday and a thank you gift. All adults.

Requirements are similar, keeping it brief:

No vouchers, candles, toiletries, confectionery, cakes, biscuits
No alcohol for 2 of them.
Nothing that will add ‘clutter’ as they are all of an age where they have all the stuff they need.
They aren’t ‘posh jams and chutney’ sort of people.
I wouldn’t know what books/cookery books they have so want to avoid, ditto games.

I sometimes, but not always, buy similar gifts for the person with a December birthday and the couple I need a Christmas present for, as I would say they have similar tastes (and they don’t know each other!)

In the past I have gifted outdoor plants; indoor Christmas plant arrangements (given early for the couple for Christmas); a pasta, sauce, olive oil combo (suggestions along these lines particularly welcome); a decorated plate for serving cakes/sandwiches etc. (which I know is ‘stuff’ but they admired one of mine and said it was something they didn’t have); stationery items and probably many other things I can’t remember as been exchanging gifts for years. Not something we want to stop as we enjoy exchanging gifts, I enjoy thinking what to give, just this year I’ve drawn a blank. Apart from DH they are the last presents I need to think of and have a hectic few weeks ahead so would like this off my mind!!

I’d prefer something they can use up but am not coming up with anything I haven’t already given. The couple we buy for almost always buy us gin or decent wines, which is a perfect present for us and they can repeat that forever and we’d be happy. Alcohol out for two of the gifts, it's is my fall back plan for the other, but would prefer something more original

Budget c £30 each

I’ve a feeling a lot of people will be looking for similar ideas so hopefully this thread will help others as well as me

Thank you

A 3 month Spicery subscription. One of the best presents friends bought us. We could log in and choose our own recipes.

I've seen the Spicery box suggested up-thread too, which I thought was very pretty, but quite expensive for what it is?

For the ones that do drink - 'distil your own gin' day. A really nice way to spend time, and a bottle of gin to show for it.

Do they have hobbies? Or things they're interested in? How about workshops relating to them? (Cooking workshop for example, or something crafty)

Actually those last 2 are over budget, but leaving them in case they're useful for others.

How about a voucher to go to an Escape Room?

Agree. Weird to highlight someone's comment that they took the time to try and help just to criticise.

I have a similar problem trying to buy for my mother, so I'm following the thread with interest. Unfortunately, I've accidentally set myself a high bar by coming up with great presents in the past, so now she tells everyone how clever and thoughtful I am and how I always get such nice gifts 😖I'm quite stumped this year!

Sorry don't know how to add a link but Google Kandy Kitchen Creations. This sounds like EXACTLY what you are looking for.

I've bought my dad a nightlight, or say it's a bedside lamp. It'll be OK for his nocturnal wandering.

If they shower something like shower steamers in a festive scent.

Unfortunately, I've accidentally set myself a high bar by coming up with great presents in the past, so now she tells everyone how clever and thoughtful I am

Please would you share some of those successful presents? Might help others (even if they don't meet my criteria for these presents, I do buy for other people who are mainly sorted now but I keep a list of possible presents for.birthdays/ next Christmas- as sad as that sounds!!!)

BTW I don't think PP was being a misery guts, they had a valid point but we all know lots of people don't read past the title so I just scroll on by without comment

Kandy Kitchen Creations - it's not sweets.

It's an almost impossible task

Which is why I gave up

I just don't do it anymore

I decided I didn't have the time for the mental gymnastics

You can't go wrong with Fortnum & Mason biscuits in tall tins.
https://www.fortnumandmason.com/biscuits/biscuit-collections/tall-tins

Also, flower seeds. Well below budget but you can find posher ones (e.g. Sarah Raven) and make a little bundle.

Tins of posh tea and coffee
Some sort of calendar

How about a gourmet mushroom log kit and a nice salami. Who doesn't like a nice salami! 😆

Gloves? I always lose mine so need more. My favourite present in the past few years has been a pair a fingerless alpaca mittens...

What about posh hand wash, from Aesop or similar?

Good olive oil, like one of these? https://shop.honeyandco.co.uk/collections/kitchencupboard

Tickets to an exhibition.

Oh, just saw you said no biscuits, sorry. But F&M is great for all sorts of food gifts as the packaging is so superb. So do have a look through the website.

If any of them have pets, then a pet gift is fairly easy.

If any of them have trouble sleeping, look at the magnesium products on https://betteryou.com/

It’s boring, but I love being given souvenir tea towels to remind me of places I’ve visited. One of my friends gives me a tea towel every year! They get used, of course, so they don’t count as clutter. 😂

Just because some don’t drink alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t buy drinks. Lots of good quality non alcohol gins on the market now. Tanquray and Gordon’s do 0 %. Or there is seedlip or clean G.

I don’t drink alcohol and for a birthday was sent a mocktail drinks kit by a friend. Just enough of a mix for 2 drinks. Was great as I wouldn’t buy those ingredients in bulk and nice for an aperitif.

A gorgeous Wentworth wooden Christmas jigsaw puzzle. We have a collection of them and try to buy a new one every year. They're lovely to have around the house during the festive season for people to have a go at in quiet moments.

Re: pet gifts - I wholeheartedly recommend this cat bed (the small 50cm size), and it's currently 10% off with EARLYELF code and free shipping. Just got one for my cat and he absolutely LOVES it. https://www.pawsomecouture.com/collections/pet-beds/products/calming-pet-bed

If any of them are forgetful, and have an Apple Mac or iPhone, then maybe https://www.apple.com/uk/airtag/

https://www.souschef.co.uk/products/extra-virgin-olive-oil-in-blue-splatter-ceramic-bottle?variant=39452910813242&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtJKqBhCaARIsAN_yS_mJYP1B_Lq5H_AstKA4NmU5delqYhmypsGy7jOw_0RBXEh2ztEf7d8aAoXwEALw_wcB

everyone apart from my children + siblings is getting a bottle of this olive oil in these gorgeous bottles + some beautifully wrapped home made brownies.

Theatre tickets

Said I wouldn't comment on individual comments but no chance of a pair of theatre tickets for £30 where we live (not London)

This is such a nice unique idea. I wish it were a bit closer to me 🤩