Don't panic, buy these
Some Christmas gift ideas for for my fellow harassed and unimaginative friends
A different kind of email from me this week, for ‘tis the season. Anyone who has ever worked with me will roll their eyes if they read this. During my time as a magazine editor, saying the words ‘Christmas gift guide’ to me was the foolproof way to kill my buzz. Look, I like Christmas. I like gifts, too. I do not like 1,1002 PRs an hour phoning and emailing - from 5am on the 31st of August - to ask about making it into the magazine’s gift guide.
But that’s someone else’s problem now. Maybe that’s why I’ve been moved to deliver you this, a list of Christmas present ideas from me. But it’s the first time ever it’s all 100% stuff I like, would buy, or would want. If you want specific ideas under headlines like ‘For him’ or ‘Under £10’, you’ll need to consult the professionals. But I was recently very inspired by the lovely offerings of fellow Substack writer Chris Mandle, on his very enjoyable and soothing page Scraps. I really liked his approach to gift-giving: simple and thoughtful. Little gestures, well intended. Like Chris, I agree that you don’t have to go big to make an impact. (This may or may not be related to the fact that I haven’t even really started Christmas shopping. )
Even in my most spoilt days of Christmas as a magazine editor, one of my favourite annual gifts was from the fashion house Max Mara - a hunk of Parmesan cheese the size of my head. It was peak Italian and also simple and utterly, joyously useful. This is the spirit I hope to bring to you today with some of my favourite little gestures.
My big tip for panic buying, or buying for people who flummox you, for whatever reason? This very simple way to elevate basics.
Socks and pants
The thing is, everyone’s so afraid of going this supposedly ‘lazy and boring’ route, that no one gets given them anymore. But do it with confidence and buy multi and in some kind of colour co-ordination. Something useful becomes something delightful to look at when you open it.
I adore the rainbow of colours always available at Arket and they usually have a ‘5 for 4 deal’ on.
Arket also does some great glittery and patterned options. Go nuts.
While we’re on the subject of sensible staples, what about knickers? Again, there’s something quite cool about thinking it through with a good quality, multi-pack. These really are the best undies I’ve ever worn: sustainable, biodegradable, they wash well and are feather soft.
Food presents
If you can eat it, it can be gifted. Some of my favourites:
Cheese and meats from Capo Caccia
Mr Elvin and I had to ween ourselves off this stuff. Divine Sardinian cheeses, meats and this magical crispy bread called Pane Carasau that is perfect with it all. Add some great olive oil and it’s a gorgeous care package.
Afternoon tea from Sugar Tea Room
I’m trying not to be too London-centric with this, but I adore this small business. The afternoon teas for two come towering with freshly-prepared finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, the lot. They do an Australian-themed one which was a thrill to receive. The presentation alone is so cheering and it’s delicious.
Beer from Perivale.Beer
I’m not a beer drinker but the husband is and his recent discovery, the Perivale Brewery, has made him very happy. A selection box of these award-winning brews, in very stylish packaging, would be well worth a shout for any craft beer aficionados you need to sort.
Tea from T2
A novel little surprise box for tea drinkers in a cute, easily reuseable tin.
Candles
…are the new socks, yes. On that note, I still adore this old Saturday Night Live sketch.
But who cares, everyone likes a candle. I’ll be buying this one for my many friends of similarly puerile mind:
Affordable bling
Expensive jewellery is wonderful, yes, but some people - like me - can’t be trusted with it. (I wonder if it’s time to have the guts to tell my mum that about 15 years ago I lost my grandmother’s diamond engagement ring.) For those of us who want some sparkly bits that look great but won’t break the bank, some of my favourite brands:
Scream Pretty
Estella Bartlett
Pdpaola
It’s not too late, so I hope this provides a tiny bit of inspiration. Merry Christmas!
I can’t believe I’m only just finding out now that there is a brewery in Perivale. Thank you!
I love shopping recommendations, thank you for these!