Gifts for a guest

[KCSIE]

So we're hosting this Christmas: us, parents, and a young work colleague who'd otherwise be alone, and likely to be homesick. Age 23, F. They'll be staying 2 nights, don't know them well at all.

Want to do a little stocking and a gift under the tree for them, and something small from the kids too.

Any ideas?

Stockings are a lovely idea. I'd usually get some small bottles of nice stuff (shower gel, sprays etc). It works for men and women, and then some food related goodies!

I've had to do this several times - and wish I'd heard of the five gift rule years ago:

something they want, need, wear, read, and do. It encourages thoughtful, purposeful gift selection based on the recipient's desires, practical needs, style, interests, and experiences, making the process more meaningful and enjoyable.

(Google entry.)

I have boys that age and I put toiletries, nice chocolates, socks and aftershave in their stocking. Not expensive aftershave, something like a £10 Ted Baker one. Maybe add a Costa gift card, although honestly I think she’ll be really touched with any little bits.

For the present how about a fleecy blanket or a pair of pyjamas (Primark are good for this stuff)?

The New York Times has a timely ‘Holiday List’ - most of which can be translated to the UK, or at least prompt ideas.

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/us/2024-gift-guide.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

I don't know the person well enough to have any clue what they need, want, wear, like to read or like to do though, hence posting for ideas.

Imagine trying to accommodate a stranger and including them for a nice Christmas.

Something that they can use for work?
If they drive, then some car accessories
If they walk, a nice umbrella
If they drink hot drinks, an upmarket thermos mug, or a nice steel water bottle.
If they drink alcohol ( you can legitimately ask as part of Christmas planning), a fancy glass
If they wear glasses, a pretty case
Anything from rituals

That's so thoughtful of you. Do you know her well enough to notice things like if she paints her nails or wears earrings? If so, for the stocking I would suggest a nice nail polish, a little pair of earrings, small box of chocolates. My mum used to add things like a lip balm, a pretty handbag sized umbrella. Things that are useful and not just clutter, but a nicer version of what I might have bought for myself.

Gift wise, does she drink tea or coffee at work? There are lots of nice gift sets from small businesses. I usually get my husband some nice coffee from a small Lake District business. That way it's again not clutter or you needing to make a guess about clothes size etc.

How about some fancy soaps??? There is a online site that has some really cute Christmas shaped ones.....sorry brain freeze can't remember name. Think its chateau savignon???

A couple of scratchcards.
Hand cream.
Chocolate.
Candle.
Gloves, scarf or hat.
Notebook.
Tree decoration.
Mug.
Cotton shopping bag.
Cute socks.
Reed diffuser or room spray.

World of books have a good selection too, very good price and mostly excellent quality for second hand

A fleecy blanket? You can get them from places like Asda or the range for under a tenner.

This is a great list . No-one could be disappointed with this .

Imagine trying to accommodate a stranger and including them for a nice Christmas.

That was most of our family Christmas times growing up, and something I’ve tried to replicate as an adult …

You have a bit of time. There must be other colleagues who may know a little more about them? You say they might be homesick? For Yorkshire or Uganda? Belgium or The Bahamas? What could make their life more comfortable? What do they wear to work? Do they go to coffee shops or the cinema? Do they like to cook? There’s sure to be something someone else has mentioned that has aroused some enthusiasm in them?

(Don’t give almost strangers second hand books … Not everyone feels the same way about pre-owned stuff - they might be hugely insulted.)

I do think you could safely pick a couple of small things from

Community Clothing

Notebooks, cotton socks (or wool if you know they’re not allergic), a colourful t shirt maybe…

And also a newly published book - maybe with a tote bag from the bookshop - Daunt / Persephone Books …

These are great ideas, thank you so much everyone!

@IWantedThereThereButItsGone homesick for Down Under. They're over here on secondment until next summer.

@KCSIE if you can get to a B&M they are doing this box this year

Amazing, thanks!

How lovely of you!!
My dd is a similar age and so far I've got her (as well as boots and a jacket)
Clinique Black honey gift set (on offer at beauty buys £18 for it with mascara. It's an 'almost lipstick" in that it brings out your natural pigmentation so suitable for anyone. Apparently all the rage on Tik Tok.)

Elizabeth Arden 8 hour skin protectant

Benefit make up and skin care

Tesco Christmas glass with her initial on

Tesco penguin hand warmer

Personalised Heinz ketchup

Her name in Greek lettering necklace from Etsy

Hair towel from L'occitane

Just reading that it's all quite personal! You probably don't want bulky things for her to carry home!
For DS' GF same age I've got perfume (Debenhams has some fab prices), packing cubes (going travelling) and the black honey set.

I think the stocking is a great idea. Can pop in wee bits like cosy socks, a relaxing eye mask, you can buy Tim Tams (Aussie biscuits in some UK supermarkets) Aussie paws paw balm (Superdrug, Amazon etc it's great and generic), some traditional U.K. stocking fillers, some stationery bits.

Is there anything locally made you could get for her that would remind her of this trip when she goes back?

Cosy hat, scarf, gloves as might kit be expecting it to be this cold!!

Pyjamas? She can exchange if she wants.

Some wee home comforts she might not have if she is living out a suitcase - things that could make her life here a bit nicer but she doesn't need to lug home!

Nice stationery. Not necessarily expensive. The Habitat stuff from Sainsburys is nice.
Scented candle
Fluffy bedsocks
Shower gel
Small make up item / mascara
Chocolates / food treats from M and S
Mini panetone
Scarf
Slippers
Mug
Jewellery (Jomo stuff apparently trendy)
Coin purse
Face wipes
Fancy pattern tights

Posh chocolates
Scented candles
Fuzzy socks
Desk calendars (you can design them yourself even)
Travel mug
Skincare like hand creme or body lotion
Bath bombs

This sounds like a lovely thing to do. We’ve done it once before and I would say don’t go over the top as embarrassing if they haven’t got you a gift or have just got you a small token. I would get something nice but generic eg a nice scarf, but also maybe something that gives them something to do so if you all need space from each other that’s their excuse - “I’m going to go and lie down and do my puzzle/read my new book/ try out the bubble bath” etc

Also I would have a group activity in reserve in case awkward - film, walk, easy game.

film, walk, easy game

Honestly I’ve never experienced any ‘awkwardness’ in inviting/ involving relative strangers for the celebrations. Be welcoming, be generous, include your guest in everything, but let them be quiet when they want to be. (It’s good if they’re with you overnight with their own room, so they have somewhere to retreat to.) Ply them with food and drink - and get them to help with meal prep, laying the table, lighting the fire, or whatever, if they’re able. Maybe find out in advance if they have any Christmas traditions that might be easily incorporated into the day. The great thing is that a stranger on your midst makes everyone behave better and expend a little effort for the general good.