Gift Guides & Inspiration
10 of the best gifts for unexpected guests
Make present-related embarrassment a thing of the past with our super smart, super last-minute gift guide
We’ve all been there: you’re sitting in your PJs, listening to Christmas music while you finish wrapping the last of the presents to pop under the tree, when there’s a knock at the door. Your lovely neighbour/dog walker/childminder/family friend wanted to ‘drop by with a small gift’ and before you know it, you’re left with a face redder than Santa’s suit as they thrust a present at you.
Sure, there are some people who are organised enough to have a gift for everyone, but if you’re anything like us there’s always one person you’re never quite sure if you’ll see before the big day. Then they catch you out. But this year, things are going to be different.
Last-minute doesn’t have to mean thoughtless – we’ve rounded up an edit of some of the best unisex presents you can stash in the hall cupboard (pre-wrapped for extra points) for the next time a do-gooder comes knocking. And the best part? They’re all under £17.50.
Gift card, John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners
Our brilliant gift cards can be used online or in store at both John Lewis and Waitrose shops as part or full payment. We’d suggest popping £10 or £15 on a couple and keeping them stashed away. If you don’t end up giving them as a gift you can always spend the money on your first food shop post-Christmas.
Prosecco and Chocolate Hamper, £17.50
Most people are more than happy with a bottle of plonk and some chocolates and happily this handy gift set covers both bases for less than £20. The English-made crunchy pralines are delicious and it all comes packaged in a chic monochrome box. Just make sure the recipient is over 18, obviously.
Radley Christmas Dog Socks, £8
One for the dog walker you can’t live without: super comfy and cosy socks to keep their toes warm on those muddy strolls. This pair are adorned with an adorable pooch and are perfect for anyone with a soft spot for cute canines.
William Morris Hand Cream Set, £10
Give the gift of soft skin. This set of three tubes of hand cream is the perfect pressie for practically anyone. The lotions are full of antioxidant-rich ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter and jojoba and macadamia oils, they smell divine and they come packaged in recoloured designs by William Morris.
Le Creuset Stoneware Mug, £15
Who doesn’t love a new mug? And even more so when it’s Le Creuset. Whether the recipient uses it for coffee, a cuppa or to conceal mulled wine a tad too early on Christmas morning, this all-rounder will put a smile on their face. Better still, it comes in a choice of 12 different colours and has an easy-grip handle.
ANYDAY Quilted Mule Slippers, £9
Imagine being organised enough to whip out a genuinely useful present the recipient will use for years to come – for under a tenner? We can hear you gasping with shock, but with these quilted ANYDAY slippers it’s reality. They’re cosy, comfortable, unisex and the navy pair are currently on sale. If you’re happy to spend a little more, there’s black for £18.
Kitchen Craft Copper Double Jigger, £5
One for the cocktail fans, this double jigger can measure out a single or double shot before you can say ‘margarita’. It’s crafted from stainless steel so will look smart for years to come and is super small, so won’t require much wrapping paper. Which is a must if you’re scrabbling around in the odds-and-ends drawer.
Spiced Clementine & Pomegranate Candle, £4
Nothing feels more festive than a spicy-smelling home, so giving a beautiful scented candle in a tin that can be reused once the candle has burnt is bound to go down well. We love this Spiced Clementine and Pomegranate candle or for a ‘cleaner’ scent there’s Frosted Mistletoe and Eucalyptus at the same bargain price.
Islands Chocolate Buttons, £8
Sometimes only chocolate will do. These buttons are made by an award-winning British chocolate company that grows and sources single-origin cocoa from its farms in the Caribbean. Grab a few bags next time you’re in store so you have a stash ready to give out at the last moment. Do try not to scoff them all yourself.
Paint You Own Money Box, £8
There’s nothing more mortifying than when a well-meaning friend turns up with a gift for your child which only makes it more mortifying that you forgot their little darling. Fear not, we’ve got you covered with this ‘paint your own unicorn’ money box (there’s also a dinosaur or doll in the range). The kit comes with a set of paints, brush and ultimate smug satisfaction.
