I swear the older we get the harder it is to think of and find gifts for loved ones that feel like they actually mean something. I'm constantly looking for ideas online but they always seem to be crappy stocking fillers that will end up in a drawer or in the next charity shop donation bag and I can't stand that kind of waste.
Last year I decided to make a conscious effort to make as many presents as possible and try to make them thoughtful so that my family would be just as delighted with them as the latest gadget or fashion piece.
Here are my top 10 ideas that went down a storm!
- Christmas morning breakfast
I went for cinnamon buns as they seem to be everyones favourite. This was kind of a stocking filler type present for the whole family and it did not disappoint.
- Sough dough starter and starter kit
My mum has wanted to try making sourdough for ages and has tried to make the starter a couple of times but always failed half way through so this year I gave her some of my mature starter and then bought her the bits and pieces she will need to get started. All in all the gift cost was less than £20 but looked so pretty in a lovely gift box.
- Hamper with all their favourite things
This is one of my favourite things to do. You dont have to get lots of expensive things but showing how well you know someone by putting together all their favourite things in a lovely wooden gift box can be a beautiful present.
- Personalised Christmas tree decorations
This was another really fun one and if you have kids it can be even more so. Air dry clay is available on amazon or from somewhere like hobbycraft and is not very expensive. Get creative and if you happen to have anything to celebrate why not make the decoration specific so each year you will remember that time.
- Preserves
Now of course you can buy some preserves from us at www.thesussexpantry.com I always like to try to give bought gifts from small independent and/or local businesses but why not try making some too! its not too difficult to make small batches of your favourite flavours and gift sets of a few preserves that you have made will always go down a storm on Christmas and boxing day when those cheeseboards come out!
- Truffels
Truffels are so incredibly easy to make and i always think look so impressive! make a few different flavours and put them in a small presentation box et voila you have the perfect gift! my favourite flavours are hazelnut praline and of course amaretto!
- Photo book
You can either make this entirely at home in a scrap book or pic all the pictures and have a photo book printed. They are not too expensive these days and look so professional and beautiful. Pick all your favourite photos of that person and yourself, showing your relationship over time but add in some tissues because invariably they will get a bit emotional!
Have fun creating and don't forget to leave a comment tl=o let me know if this was helpful or not.
Love Holly xx