The Ultimate Guide To Gifting

Buying gifts can be stressful. If you tend to choose tried and tested presents all the time, or you find yourself wandering around stores low on inspiration, you’re not alone. It can be difficult to find gifts for loved ones, especially those who have everything. The good news is that shopping doesn’t have to be a hassle with this fantastic guide to gifting. If you’re on the lookout for the perfect present for a special occasion, here are some incredible ideas. 

For foodies

Do you have a sister who loves to cook or bake, a friend who is always on hand to offer advice about choosing the best wine, or a partner who adores dining out? If so, indulge their passion for food and drink with a gift fit for a foodie. There are all kinds of options to choose from to suit every budget. Build your own hamper of their favourite products or save time and effort by ordering a hamper online. Investigate cooking classes or courses to hone cake decorating skills or book a wine, cheese or chocolate tasting session. You could also invest in some utensils or gadgets for the kitchen, barbeque tools or recipe books. 

If you haven’t seen friends and family much in the last year, you could also treat your food-loving friends to a feast at a restaurant they’ve always wanted to try, book afternoon tea or organise a cocktail making session. This way, you can spend quality time together and treat your tastebuds at the same time. 

For adrenaline junkies and petrol heads

Does your partner enjoy the thrills and spills of active pursuits, or have you got a sibling who is a self-confessed petrol head? If you have an adventurous soul on your gift list, there are some fantastic presents and experiences to choose from. You can buy vouchers for skydiving, bungee jumping, track days, off-roading and supercar driving or plan a day out or a weekend away in the wilds to try activities like hiking, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking and abseiling. Another great idea for driving enthusiasts is personalised DVLA number plates. With this present, you can add a personal touch to make your offering extra special. If you have a limited budget, why not club together with your siblings, parents or friends to plan an adventure together?

For those who enjoy a little pampering

Who doesn’t love a bit of pampering from time to time? Many of us lead hectic lives, and we struggle to find the time to relax, unwind and treat ourselves. If your mum never stops, your friends are always on the go, or your brother or sister deserves a treat, there are all kinds of ways to pamper them. You could put together a home spa kit with face masks, body lotions, bath oils and candles, buy new skincare or beauty products, book a facial or an indulgent massage, or push the boat out and plan a spa day or a weekend at a hotel that offers treatments. If you feel like you need a break too and you’d love to hang out with friends and family, make a weekend of it and book a trip together. 

For fitness fanatics

More and more of us are taking an active interest in health and fitness. If your best friend lives in the gym, your cousin or auntie is starting a new health regime, or your parents have discovered walking recently, take inspiration from their passions to find great gifts. For fitness fans, you can choose from a vast array of presents. From home gym equipment and on-trend activewear to personal training sessions, a gym membership and gadgets and devices designed to track activity levels, there’s something for everyone. You could also look at personalised gifts, such as customised gym bags and water bottles. 

For armchair fans

Many of us follow sports teams, and we spend our weekends glued to the TV watching matches or awaiting news of goals. If you have an armchair fan in the family, why not treat them to some merchandise, some memorabilia or a trip to see their favourite players or teams in action? You could buy tickets to a match, book a stadium tour or personalise a pair of boots or a replica shirt. Items of memorabilia are an excellent idea for landmark birthdays and special occasions. Look online or visit specialist stores to check out signed shirts, posters, matchday brochures, balls, bats and clothing. 

For movie buffs

Most of us enjoy going to the cinema, but some people live for the latest releases. If you’re buying for a movie buff, it’s a fantastic idea to use their love of films to find a present they will adore. Ideas to consider include cinema membership and monthly passes, old-school prints and framed movie posters, film memorabilia, gift cards and tickets to themed events or VIP experiences. Outdoor showings are hugely popular in the summer now. If you’re looking for an opportunity to make memories as an alternative to buying a material gift, you could get friends and family members together for a moonlight movie with a picnic and drinks. 

For culture vultures

We are lucky to have access to a plethora of cultural gems, but many of us don’t have the time to explore museums, galleries and landmarks. If you have a history fan, an art enthusiast or a music aficionado in the family, there are some wonderful gift options available. Books are a great idea for those who love to read and you could also explore the possibility of buying a magazine subscription. You could also pay for membership to enable your friend or relative to visit historic houses, art galleries or museums for free or book tickets to a show, a concert or an exhibition. 

Are you on the hunt for a gift for a friend or family member, or are you tired of buying the same old things even though you spend ages trying to conjure up original ideas? To make gifting a breeze, why not try these suggestions for size?