It’s day 5 of Giftmas, and today it’s all about the experience…
… which means todays guide is going to take a slightly different format as it’s not necessarily about the physical present. Whether it’s because you’ve found yourself buying for World’s Hardest Gift Recipient, or know someone that would rather cosy up in the cinema watching the latest release rather than unwrap another book to add to their bedside book tower- hopefully I can offer some ideas! I’ve categorised the different genres of presents to help point you in a loose direction, but have also added in some subscriptions too, because although it might result in a physical gift- means you aren’t necessarily the one having to wrap and deliver it! Plus, it’s the thought that counts!
The Art Gift:
If you know someone who loves nothing more than spending a Sunday afternoon perusing a new gallery or exhibition, the National Art Pass might be a suggestion. Not only does it grant free access to over 250+ venues across the UK (from galleries, museums and historic properties) but also offers up to 50% off major exhibitions too.
The Charity Gift:
There are *so* many amazing charities offering festive giving ideas, but two that continually stand out to me are both Choose Love and Oxfam. With Choose Love giving you the option to visit their physical store (or online) and select some of the most needed supplies for refugees and displaced people in the name of your loved one, and Oxfam offering gift cards to some of their most vital projects- both are doing invaluable work. I also additionally spotted Liberty offering a £50 donation gift to Feed London, which helps families in need during the school holidays, ensuring they reach children who need it most.
The Cinema Gift:
Depending on your local, there are so many amazing cinema memberships for film lovers out there. Whether it’s a cool Curzon, Picturehouse, Everyman or a classic Odeon and their Limitless offer– the gift of making sure your loved one is up to date on the latest releases (and fuelled on fresh popcorn) is a pretty lovely gift if you ask me.
The Foodie Gift:
Whether that’s a gift voucher for their favourite restaurant (largely available on their websites) or a Supper Club subscription on foodie haven Dishpatch (where your recipient can select their meals from some of the UK’s best chefs and restaurants and when they’d like them)- it’s the gift of a home cooked fancy dinner, without having the leave the sofa from the post-Christmas slump. There’s also Pasta Evangelists for some of the finest Italian to your door- or even a Deliveroo voucher if you know someone very partial to a cheeky takeaway.
The Relaxing Gift:
Much like a cosy pair of pyjamas or a creamy bar of chocolate, opening up a voucher for a massage or spa treatment feels nothing short of brilliantly indulgent. One of the best presents I’ve received was a Lush Spa massage voucher; the kind of thing I’d never treat myself to but always, always appreciate. There are so many brilliant spots around the UK for a great massage (or a spa day out at a beautiful hotel), depending on your budget. I also love the idea of treating someone to a subscription to an app like Headspace, which offers at home and on the go mindfulness exercises to help unwind wherever they are. You could also buy them a series of classes or workshops (from pottery to pilates) if that helped them carve out a bit of time for themselves too.
The Outdoorsy Gift:
Is there a better way of spending a Sunday than mooching around a beautiful historic house? Re-enacting Pride and Prejudice in vast great gardens, or soaking up royalty in the homes of monarchs gone by? Arguably not- which is why an English Heritage or National Trust membership is a great gift for any history (or outdoors) lovers. I’m yet to meet someone who doesn’t love inhaling a jammy scone and tea at a National Trust café after a big stomp around their breath taking gardens- and a membership is the perfect excuse to truly go to town.
The Subscription Gift:
Finally, there are few things as lovely as receiving a bunch of flowers in the post and a flower subscription makes the surprise of a knock at the door all the more lovely. From UK based Petalon, to Bloom & Wild and Freddie’s Flowers– there are so many brilliant businesses offering year round blooms. I also love Uncut Stems for unarranged flowers, giving you the chance to play florist in your own home too. Additionally, there are so SO many subscriptions that I could be here all day; but for book lovers Daunt, Rare Birds Book Club and Persephone all offer brilliant book deliveries for the big readers which would also be the biggest treat too.
Come back tomorrow for day 6 of Giftmas, and gifting for the home!
x
The post Giftmas Gift Guides 2023: Day 5, The Not-Physical Gift appeared first on What Olivia Did.