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

I’ve just sent someone a selection on cheese from Cheese Geek. They liked it.
I’ve got a discount code for £10 if you like the idea.

Sock subscription was very successful.

Agree with F&M biscuits but check the sell by date or buy late!

Make your own terrarium kits are cute. Lots on Etsy. I've used this one https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleHangingGarden

What this thread really highlights is how one person’s “just more stuff” is another person’s prized possession.

A bottle of really good olive oil is something I would like to receive, and you can get them for around the £20-30 mark which is more than most people would spend on themselves and therefore quite gifty.

https://www.labourandwait.co.uk/ is a good website for beautiful practical items.

https://www.ortigiasicilia.com/en/bath-shower/soap Beautiful soap in gorgeous boxes, totally use-up-able but definitely gifty.

This is why I used to like carluccios- you could put together a box of different savoury bits and pieces, it looked beautiful but was stuff like pasta sauce so it actually got eaten. You could do something similar from an online place like Diforti.com

That is a very kind offer, thank you. I am leaning towards cheese, crackers etc for one of the recipients, but if I do will use one of our local speciality cheese shops as i try to buy local where i can. Appreciate the offer, thank you

@DiamandaTheGreat a wool blanket, Emma Bridgwater mugs and books set in holiday destinations are lovely ideas for gifts and personally I would be over the moon with any of those. Someone bought me a real wool herringbone blanket fot my birthday this year and it was one of my favourite gifts. It sits on the sofa most of the time but has come with me in the campervan on many a trip away as well.

Absolutely- the pasta/pill/sauce combo I referred to in my OP was from there. In fact I almost wrote Carluccios in the OP but decided it wasn't relevant!

Things that have worked in the past for awkward adults I've bought for include petit fours, really nice paper serviettes, cake forks, fancy cheeses on a cheeseboard, a sundial for the garden, a Christmas tablecloth, and the inevitable amaryllis.

If they like plants, maybe an airplant jellyfish?

https://betweenthefolds.co.uk/collections/jellyfish-air-plants/products/air-plant-jellyfish-caput-medusae

If someone was buying me presents I'd go for:

• Cashmere or cashmere/silk blend pashmina/shawl in a good size
• Cashmere bedsocks
• A bottle of good calvados or single malt whiskey

All these welcome to me whatever the time of year. 🌹

12 Year-Old Gold Label Balsamic Vinegar, 250ml (fortnumandmason.com)
Due Vittorie Oro Balsamic Vinegar of Modena | Ocado
Oro del Desierto Olive Oil, 250ml (fortnumandmason.com)
Dexam Stainless Steel Oil Drizzlers Pack Of 2 | Harts of Stur

That was my logic @EllaPaella - I was given a beautiful wool herringbone blanket for my birthday and it makes me happy every time I use it! I have some myself but wouldn't have splashed out on this one (and also my husband is angling for a one-in/one-out policy on cushions and blankets, but it's harder to object with gifts 😁).

monthly cake subscription through the post would be my ideal gift to receive! 🍰😍😋

Have they traveled recently? One year I made up foodie gift bags/boxesthat related to where people had been on holiday. So my niece got a bag of Japanese food and ingredients from M&S, my SIL got a Spanish selection, and my nephew some of the more unusual Indian spices and products from one of the specialist ethnic shops. They all seemed really pleased and liked the link to their trips.

Cheese making kit

These oyster mushroom sets are amazing, they get delivered and you just water them and watch them sprout. The pink ones were beautiful, and so unusual ~ mushrooms!

Cotton pyjamas sets usually go down a treat. Last year I bought some quirky print ones in John Lewis and everyone love them and actually use them.

If you like the bits from Carluccios, Sacla does similar things. I bought myself some lovely bits from there not long ago.

Also, Belazu does nice pestos, pasta, oils etc.

Hand cranked socks. They come in up to size 13-14
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheWoollyWyvern?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=737883750&from_page=listing&section_id=25679589

Thank your for all the suggestions, much appreciated

You still can online. 20% off rn:

www.carluccios.com/shop/