Gifts for friends and extended family this Christmas

I can hear you wincing from here! It can be a tricky topic, especially if your other half has other ideas on what is considered an acceptable amount to spend…or even whether to spend anything at all! It is an annual dilemma for many of us, especially with everything costing a little bit or a lot more this year. Children, partners, parents, and siblings are usually on the top of the gift list to buy for, but what about uncles and aunts, cousins, friends, in-laws, family member’s boyfriends or girlfriends, and work colleagues? This list can become a little rangy and that’s when a bit of budgeting needs to come into play.

In our house, we have as many birthdays to cater for in December and January as we do for Christmas. We cannot splash the cash on everyone, as much as we would love to. For me, I take a little more time to buy something thoughtful, often ecological, charitable, or locally sourced. Not everyone has time for thought! It is a busy time of year, and we have all run into the nearest shop and picked up the first jumper or box of chocolates we have seen when we suddenly realise we have left someone off the list! I am also reliably informed that some people – mainly male colleagues – are still solid Christmas Eve shoppers. The panic-buying is sometimes heightened or becalmed with a swift half at the pub.

Buy one quality gift

I would suggest that this year’s Christmas shopping needs to be more carefully considered. Most of us are watching the pennies. Gifts for friends and extended family could be an area where you could keep your budget on track. Also, I would also consider buying one excellent quality item rather than several cheaper ones. Hamper style gifts may seem like you are giving more but you are also using more packaging and giving yourself extra shopping to do. Be confident in your choice and give one gorgeous gift instead.

Everyone’s budgets are going to be different, so I am going to suggest a few items no more than £50. It would also work well for your nearest and dearest…and yes, I am starting with socks!

Nothing wrong with socks!

Socks get a bad rep. They are considered a careless, almost ironic gift for the men in your life…right up there with soap on a rope. However, this is where care and attention can elevate your gift. Is your uncle a keen walker? Does your cousin get cold feet? Would rainbow stripes help your daughter’s boyfriend get noticed at work? Are they secret rock stars and need to sport skulls on the feet? Pick the sock for the person and spread some joy.

Look at our Skull Argyll sock, the University sock, the Fred sock, Peregrine’s boot sock and the Donegal wool sock. We have loads of socks. All are excellent quality and there is enough choice to match the sock with your gift recipient. The above are my favourite picks. While we are talking about feet, just squeezing in at £50 on special offer are our Logan rubber soled slippers. They are warm-lined and ideal for nipping outside to take the bins out. I am tempted to call them ‘house shoes’ rather than slippers!

Warming scarves and hats

Another warming gift is the scarf. While we have cashmere scarves that break the £50 budget, we also have a range of soft touch lambs wool options. They are super smart and shout quality. My favourite is the Glentress. It is a classic blend of neutral shades, so will work with any outfit. We have tartan versions too, plus a range of plain colours.

The Porter fisherman’s beanie from our clothing partner Peregrine is made from 100% merino wool. This wool is highly sustainable, breathable, antibacterial, soft and warm. Again, a quality hat will be a welcome gift. It may not look much when you stick it under the tree, but I guarantee they will be popping it on their heads every time they go out into the cold. 

And for the Peaky Blinder in your life or a chap who does not mind the rain? Peregrine has a new waxed cotton cap to keep the water out of their eyes in inclement conditions.

Shoe care gifts

While all the above would fit into the accessories category, I am also going to suggest some shoe care items. Everyone needs to take care of their shoes, so these are useful gifts that people often do not buy for themselves. A small shoe care kit will give you everything you need in a neat leather bag. For real footwear fans, wooden shoe trees are essential for maintaining the health of their shoes. And for people who are beginning to struggle to get their shoes on easily, we have some lovely shoe horns.

Meanwhile, the Make Your Own Card Holder Kit may suit the crafty man in your life. The Flaneur passport holder is perfect for the budding adventurer.

You may think many or all the above may seem a little boring or a bit obvious. But you are buying a really decent quality gift that they will definitely use and should be grateful for. You’ll also be supporting a British business at the same time.

I will tackle the immediate members of your family in my next blog, but I also think many of the above will work equally well for them too. Happy shopping!