Buying Christmas gifts can be a tricky task, especially if someone says they don’t need anything. I like to think outside the box when it comes to gift-giving and consider items that someone would genuinely appreciate, or perhaps not buy for themselves.
If you’re buying for someone who has just recently moved into their first home or loves receiving home gifts, I’ve curated what I think are the best options.
Houseplant
You cannot go wrong with a houseplant, and there are several online companies that I love. This includes Beards & Daisies, which offers a variety of plants, as well as Patch Plants. Houseplants can last for many years when properly cared for, making them a great gift for Christmas.
Candles
You can’t go wrong with a candle either, and there are so many on the market, all at varying prices. Whether you opt for one from Marks & Spencer or a high-end one from Maison Margiela, a candle is a useful gift for any homeowner. Some of my favourites include Santal by Diptique and Bubble Bath by Maison Margiela. However, I also have plenty from Yankee Candle, which smell just as great, and they’re more readily available.
LED candles
If you know someone has pets, you could always opt for a candle warmer or LED candles. My favourite LED candles are the taper-style ones from Tinkalink. They are suitable for less flame-friendly areas such as the bathroom and bedroom. Having just launched, the fabric-wrapped LED candles beat any I’ve seen in the shops. There are various patterns available that make the perfect Christmas gift. The quality is incredible, and you get the light and look of a candle, without the mess or risk.
Knife set
Similar to chopping boards, a variety of affordable knife sets are available on the market. However, why not treat someone in your life to a good-quality knife set? Tefal’s EverSharp Pro 5-Piece Auto-Sharpening Knife Block are one of the best knives I’ve ever used, with the bread knife gliding effortlessly through sourdough bread, and the small ones perfect for vegetable chopping. A patented sharpening system guides blades and fully sharpens them with the right pressure, sharpening the knives when you slide them back into the block. It’s currently on offer on the Tefal website, reduced to just £99 from £150, and it can also be purchased on Argos. Ninja also have a similar knife block known as their Stay Sharp 5 Piece Knife With Knife Block set.
Thermapen
An absolute staple in any kitchen, a Thermapen has become my new favourite gadget to use when cooking. Made in Britain by leading temperature experts with over 40 years of experience, Thermapens are made with quality at the heart. There’s a wide range to pick from, making it perfect for everything from baking to BBQs. Mainly used to test the temperature of meat, I also use mine to test the temperature of chocolate for tempering, making it a great all-rounder. I have the ONE pen, but there’s a variety of different ones to pick from.
Slow cooker
I use a slow cooker year-round, and recommend it to anyone who asks if they’re worth it. I think they’re the perfect Christmas gift for new homeowners who may not necessarily buy one for themselves. I love my Laura Ashley one, but there is a huge range available, including ones which can be used to brown meat on the hob.
Cast-iron casserole pot
A cast-iron casserole dish is an item which will stand the test of time when it comes to gifting. They can be used for casseroles, stews, or even baking bread, and I’ve definitely seen a few on the market that are worth gifting for Christmas. While everyone dreams of a Le Crueset, there are many more affordable options, including Emma Bridgewater’s Black Toast Cast Iron Casserole Pot or the Robert Dyas Cast Iron Casserole Pot for just £34.99 at the time of writing.
Staub also has some incredible pots on the market, if your budget suits. From the gorgeous sage green colour to more neutral colours, these high-quality pots are popular for a reason. Available from a variety of sites and in a variety of sizes, there is really something for everyone.
Bread board
While everyone can visit their local supermarket and purchase a breadboard at a great price, not many people ever splurge on one. However, if you invest in one, it could last for decades. Emma Bridgewater has a stunning chopping board that I’d keep out on the worktop, and it comes in a variety of sizes. Borough Kitchen also have high-quality, stylish wooden boards, perfect for bread, and I think it’s a great Christmas gift. I’ll definitely be asking for one this year.
Sourdough baking gifts
With sourdough baking all the rage and many attempting to make their own starters, if you have a sourdough baker in your life, there are plenty of suitable gifts on the market. From starter jars to a DoughBed from Sous Chef, thoughtful gifts like these are truly the best presents. The DoughBed is a countertop incubator designed to maintain a consistent temperature for your dough. They also have suitable bread bags, which would make a great stocking filler.
Handheld clothes steamer
Gone are the days of anyone standing ironing for hours; well, it’s definitely the case for me anyway. Instead, why not buy someone a handheld clothes steamer? There are many on the market, but none compare to the Tefal AeroSteam HandHeld Clothes Steamer, which is the best I’ve ever tried. It’s worked on my curtains, my bedding, shirts and all my clothes. It heats up so fast and is honestly better than any steamer or iron I’ve tried.
