Christmas gifts for home lovers (& eco warriors)
Step into Christmas!
I absolutely promise that this isn’t just a sneaky way of putting a Christmas gift list out there for Mr Gringley Bespoke to happen upon that’s a smidge subtler than collating an Amazon wish-list! Pinky swear! (note that Amazon don’t sell most of these items anyway!) I just know, from experience, that gift giving is getting tougher and tougher to do these days as the number of things we already own far outstrips the amount of things we actually need. I hate to think of gifting something that is just future clutter for one of my nearest and dearest! So here’s a list of gift ideas for the home lovers in your lives…
1. Books on interiors.
Flicking through a lovely book filled with inspiring interiors can be a nice way to encourage them to relax with a cuppa and perhaps inspire their next home renovation project. Buying second-hand books a great eco-friendly option (check out WOB) and make sure to personalise the gift with an inscription.
2. Workshops.
Gifting a one-off workshop can be a great choice and perhaps something they wouldn’t buy for themselves. Experience gifts are getting more and more popular and there are so many to choose from-they could create a lampshade or make a wicker basket to keep all their throws or interior magazines tidy in!
3. A crafting course.
Go one step further and enrol them on a course. Local evening courses are available in so many different disciplines- pottery, life drawing, upholstery- giving them an opportunity to get creative and make something unique to display in their home.
4. A beautiful frame.
It might sound basic but if you have a lovely photo that will bring a smile to someone’s face it’s well worth getting it printed and put in a nice frame that will slot easily in with their decor. Most people don’t get around to printing photos these days so it can make a welcome gift to have a reminder of a special place, loved one or fun moment.
5. Their own coffee table book.
Take it a step further and collate a whole album- it could chronicle a trip, a year or a time period in their life. We have one to commemorate our family interrailing trip round Europe and I had one gifted from friends that celebrates our 30-year friendship: both are truly treasured possessions.
6. Something from their past.
I love to come across something from my childhood at an antiques fair- it sparks such lovely memories to find something that takes me instantly back. It doesn’t need to be big things- a map of their local childhood area, a game they mentioned loving as a kid or their favourite book- all nice things to have in their home.
7. Craft them a keepsake.
Something that’s been made especially for you is a joy to receive. If you’re not confident in your crafting capabilities maybe start with something that is for a more practical purpose than to be displayed- think a hot water bottle cover with their initials on rather than a painting to be hung on a wall!
8. Something to brighten up the winter to come.
vintage cookware planted up with bulbs that will bloom indoors in January and February makes such a pretty gift and will be a lovely addition to their home when the Christmas decorations come down leaving the place feeling a little bare. Fragrant ones are an added bonus and after they’ve bloomed the bulbs can be popped in the ground for some spring colour next year!