Ideas for DP (female) for Christmas

[lulabelleread]

Hi all

I am finding it overwhelming and uninspiring out there for Christmas shopping and am in desperate need of some ideas for DP! It’s her birthday 3 days before Christmas too so I am stumped! Budget at this point is non existent, happy to spend, but looking for something luxurious, not every day etc. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!! Together we have DD1 and DSD19, two dogs, like walking and outdoors, foodies etc. We are very similar and like the same things/same size/same clothes etc, so share a lot of stuff, but wanting to find something special for her this year.

A trip together. A European city break. That would be my choice.

Check our Pandora

I always think things from the white company are nice as gifts.

Diptique candles are my go to for tricky people .

A trip together or an experience you can share would be my choice if you are able. You can buy scratch cards with details on which they can rub off to reveal the surprise. Not Pandora!

Decent walking boots?

I have recently bought Adirondack ones, which are Ugg BUT highly rated by actual hikers for warmth and comfort. I've done miles and miles of dog walking in them since I bought them and nary a mark on my feet which have been toasty and 100% dry in all conditions. I am absolutely singing their praises to everyone at the moment.

https://www.brandalley.co.uk/womens-adirondack-boot-iii-25259367.html I bought these as cheapest, but there are other colour options elsewhere for more ££.

Celtic and co slipper boots

New coffee equipment
A beautiful cashmere jumper
Some high end perfume - eg a Chanel Les Exclusifs like coromandel
Pair of earrings
Luxury equipment for a study - nice pens, table lamp.

(Realise this is probably not special enough but small board games for two which you can play in cafes or pubs - eg patchwork, Jaipur, hive, next station London)

definitely not Pandora!!!

A cashmere sweater in a single colour that you know she likes (a colour she often wears). John Lewis have quite nice ones this year for around £100 (their quality is sometimes variable but they seem better this year imo.) Uniqlo are okay but not as soft as other brands. There are some good companies online but may not arrive until after Christmas.

Cashmere is ideal for country walks - keeps you warm but not too warm. Same with a cashmere scarf or gloves. You can then get the accessories - a special storage bag and cedar wood balls or lavender moth repellents.

Or a merino wool base layer - again, they are brilliant for walks - but more for proper long distance hikes. Keep you warm, draw sweat away from the body so you stay dry, even on strenuous walks.

A very lightweight and stylish daypack for carrying water, snacks, waterproofs etc on walks.

As PP said - new hiking boots, if she needs them. Best hiking boots I ever had are Salomon. Very lightweight, very durable. I feel happy every time I put them on. And they have survived for years, climbed loads of mountains and done innumerable muddy hikes. They are almost indestructible. Their trail shoes are also very good as so lightweight.

Could you book a hiking weekend for her birthday, then get her some new outdoorsy presents for Christmas? (Or the other way round?) Otherwise: a foodie hamper with a cookbook, lots of fun ingredients and snacks, and eg. a new knife?

What about something personalised from etsy? There should be items you could get in time if ordered now.

If you like board games check out the personalised monopoly boards from grockle shop (probably too late for this year now but perfect for next) I purchased one and it was fantastic and totally unique with each square on things we both love, places special to us and our own ' in jokes'.. they are smaller than a normal board but my partner was initially speechless and then kept repeating it was the most thoughtful gift they had ever received... it took me ages (3 months) to decide what to have on the board.

A river cottage cooking class? They always seem to get good reviews

How long have you been together? Do you live together?

If you are struggling to think of physical items that she wants/ needs then go for experiences instead. A weekend away in a (dog friendly) cosy cottage near some amazing walks and if you want to make it more extravagant add a posh 'picnic' of luxury foods/ wine (indoor evening picnic if it's UK winter) and/or a nice pub lunch mid walk.

Tickets to her favourite band/ peotry night/ theatre or ballet with a nice hotel stay? Food tour in a European city, wine tasting class, map reading or orienteering experience day, wild swim and sauna followed by nice meal.

I'd 100% rather something like that than getting more stuff!