Creative and Innovative Christmas Gifts for the People You Love Most

As Christmas approaches, the pressure to find the perfect gift can sometimes overshadow the joy of giving. We want to surprise and delight our loved ones with something memorable, meaningful, and, if possible, unique! 

To help you on this quest, here’s a list of creative and innovative Christmas gift ideas that will leave the people closest to you feeling truly special.

1. Personalised Star Map

There’s something magical about the night sky, and a personalised star map captures that beautifully. It’s a map of the stars aligned exactly as they were on a specific date and location – like the night of your first date, the birth of a child, or a milestone moment shared with a loved one. This is an extraordinary way to mark a cherished occasion and makes for a sentimental yet stylish piece of art.

2. Customised Illustration or Portrait

For a gift that is both heartfelt and artistic, consider commissioning a customised illustration or portrait. You can choose to have your family, a beloved pet, or even a special moment depicted. Whether it's a watercolour portrait or a fun caricature, having a piece of artwork that is deeply personal makes it a one-of-a-kind gift that will be cherished for years to come.

3. Subscription Boxes for Their Interests

Subscription boxes have taken gift-giving to the next level by offering a range of personalised experiences delivered to the doorstep. From gourmet food, craft beers, books, and self-care kits to niche interests like gardening or photography, there’s a subscription box for everyone. It’s a gift that keeps on giving beyond Christmas, with new surprises arriving every month.

4. Experience Days

Rather than giving a physical object, why not give the gift of an unforgettable experience? Experience days can range from the adventurous (hot air balloon rides, driving a supercar) to the relaxing (spa days, fine dining experiences). It’s a fantastic way to create new memories together, and for many people, the joy of doing something new or exciting can far surpass material gifts.

5. Handcrafted DIY Gift Kit

For those who love a personal touch, gift them the joy of crafting something themselves. A DIY kit allows them to create their own candles, soaps, knitted scarves, or even home-brewed gin. It’s a hands-on, creative gift that they can enjoy making, and they’ll be left with a unique item to remember the experience by.

6. Smart Photo Frame

Digital photo frames have evolved and now offer an innovative way to share memories. A smart photo frame allows you to upload and update photos remotely, keeping family and friends connected even from afar. Whether it’s sharing family moments with grandparents or displaying snapshots of a recent holiday, it’s a thoughtful and practical gift that keeps on updating throughout the year.

7. Personalised Leather Goods

For something luxurious yet timeless, consider personalised leather accessories. Whether it’s a monogrammed wallet, a leather journal, or a bespoke handbag, there’s something sophisticated about quality leather that stands the test of time. The personalisation adds a layer of uniqueness, ensuring the recipient feels truly special.

8. Memory Scrapbook or Journal

If you’re looking for something sentimental, a memory scrapbook or journal is a heartfelt way to relive and celebrate your shared moments. You can fill it with photos, notes, mementoes, and anecdotes from your time together, or gift a beautiful blank journal for them to fill with future adventures and reflections. It’s a creative and deeply personal gift that shows thought and effort.

9. Sustainable Gift Bundle

If you’re gifting someone who is environmentally conscious, a sustainable gift bundle is a fantastic option. Include eco-friendly products like reusable shopping bags, bamboo toothbrushes, zero-waste beauty products, or even a plant-a-tree donation in their name. Sustainable gifts show care not just for the person, but also for the planet, making them meaningful in more ways than one.

10. Virtual Classes or Courses

Has your loved one been wanting to try a new hobby or skill? This Christmas, you could gift them a virtual class or course. Whether it’s cooking, photography, painting, or learning a new language, there are countless online platforms offering expert-led courses. This gift gives the recipient an opportunity to explore their passions, gain new skills, and enjoy a productive, creative outlet.

11. Custom Playlist or Vinyl Record

For the music lover in your life, create a custom playlist that tells a story through songs that mean something to you both. If they’re a vinyl enthusiast, you can take it a step further by pressing a custom vinyl record featuring their favourite tracks. It’s a nostalgic, personal gift that speaks to the heart.

12. Unique Indoor Plants

For plant enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys a touch of nature indoors, a unique plant such as a bonsai tree, air plant, or exotic succulent can brighten their living space. Paired with a stylish pot, it becomes a beautiful, living gift that can grow with them. For an even more innovative twist, consider gifting a plant terrarium kit so they can create their own mini indoor garden.

13. 3D-Printed Gifts

For tech-savvy recipients or those who appreciate modern design, a 3D-printed gift offers endless possibilities. You could create personalised jewellery, custom phone holders, or even intricate home decor items. The cutting-edge technology behind 3D printing ensures that these gifts feel futuristic, bespoke, and full of creativity.

14. Mindfulness and Wellness Kits

After a busy year, many people appreciate a gift that promotes relaxation and self-care. A mindfulness or wellness kit filled with calming teas, essential oils, meditation aids, and soothing candles makes for a thoughtful and nurturing gift. You could even include a mindfulness journal to help them reflect and unwind as they head into the new year.

15. Custom Map Art

Capture the essence of a special place with custom map art. Whether it’s the city where you first met, a favourite holiday destination, or the place they call home, a custom map is a unique way to celebrate the places that hold meaning. You can choose from minimalistic designs or colourful, detailed maps to suit their style.

Savernake Knives Personalised Christmas Gifts: British, Bold & Beautifully Crafted for You and Your Loved Ones

As the festive season draws near, thoughts of finding the perfect gift for our loved ones become ever more pressing. 

This year, instead of the typical gift options, why not surprise them with something truly exceptional? 

Savernake Knives, a proudly British brand, offers just the right blend of craftsmanship, utility, and personalisation to make Christmas gifting not just thoughtful but truly memorable.

A Heritage of British Craftsmanship

Founded in the heart of Wiltshire, Savernake Knives embodies centuries of British craftsmanship. With a dedication to creating world-class kitchen knives, each blade is handmade with precision and care, ensuring it not only performs flawlessly but is a joy to use. When you choose a Savernake knife, you are choosing a piece of British heritage, made by a team of skilled artisans who take pride in every blade they produce.

Bold Design Meets Functionality

The team at Savernake doesn’t just make knives that look good – they make knives that work. Blades are crafted using the highest quality materials, ensuring sharpness, durability, and balance. Whether your gift recipient is a professional chef or a passionate home cook, they’ll appreciate the effortless control and comfort a Savernake knife offers. Each knife is designed to be both bold in its appearance and exceptional in its performance.

The modern, sleek designs of Savernake knives also set them apart. Their aesthetic appeal goes hand in hand with their practical application, making them the perfect addition to any kitchen, from contemporary to classic. This attention to both form and function is what makes a Savernake knife not just a tool but a statement piece.

Personalised Gifts for Christmas

One of the most unique and exciting features of Savernake Knives is the ability to personalise each blade. This Christmas, why not add an extra touch of thoughtfulness to your gift by having a name, message, or special date engraved onto the blade? Whether it’s “Dad’s Best Carving Knife” or “Christmas 2024”, this personalisation turns a beautiful gift into a cherished keepsake. Savernake’s bespoke options ensure that each knife is as individual as the person receiving it.

Personalised knives make an excellent gift for all sorts of people – from the budding cook to the seasoned chef. They also offer a fantastic opportunity to commemorate special moments, such as a family Christmas, an engagement, or a milestone birthday.

Beautifully Packaged for the Perfect Presentation

Savernake Knives come presented in elegant packaging, designed to highlight the beauty of the knife within. Whether you choose a single knife or opt for a complete set, your gift will arrive ready to wow on Christmas morning. The packaging is just the beginning of a unique and memorable gifting experience.

A Thoughtful, Sustainable Choice

At a time when many of us are looking to make more eco-conscious choices, Savernake Knives stand out. Their production process is committed to sustainability, with each knife made to last a lifetime, reducing the need for replacement. Instead of a disposable, mass-produced item, a Savernake knife is a sustainable gift that will be cherished for years to come.

Why Choose Savernake Knives for Christmas?

Christmas is a time to celebrate those we love, and what better way to show someone you care than with a personalised gift that reflects both quality and thoughtfulness? With a Savernake knife, you’re giving more than just a kitchen tool – you’re giving a piece of British craftsmanship, personalised for your loved one, and designed to last a lifetime.

For a gift that’s British, bold, and beautifully crafted, Savernake Knives is the perfect choice this Christmas.

This festive season, elevate your gifting game with something unique, meaningful, and unforgettable. Explore the collection at Savernake Knives and make this Christmas one they’ll always remember.

https://www.savernakeknives.co.uk

A Very Social Spirit! Celebrate Togetherness at Xmas With Masons of Yorkshire's Personalised Products, Award-Winning Gins and Vodkas, All Locally Produced in Yorkshire

Following on from our previous blogpost featuring amazing personalised Christmas gifts, That's Christmas brings you news of Masons of Yorkshire.

Ten years ago, gin lovers Karl and Cathy Mason set up a Facebook page about their favourite spirit. They were posting reviews of their delicious finds, followers followed, and soon 10k people were on the page, joining in the chat and sharing their gincredible finds too.

It took a lot of time to manage thousands of comments and reviews - and then the couple had the lightbulb moment: what if we did this all the time? And Masons of Yorkshire was born. The distillery was the first to open in Yorkshire, right at the start of the gin boom that swept across the UK and beyond.

This year the company celebrates a decade of distilling. 24 people are now employed at the stunning state-of-the-art distillery in beautiful Bedale, North Yorkshire, which is open for tours and events all year round. Masons of Yorkshire has won countless awards the world over, (over 180!) and exports products internationally. 

With a gin portfolio consisting of the 10th Anniversary Gin, Original, Tea Edition, Orange & Lime Leaf, Pear & Pink Peppercorn, Pink Grapefruit & Cucumber, Fruit of the Tropics and English Lavender, the Masons have lent their expert hand to crafting Luxury British Vodka, and sales have doubled in the last year as at-home cocktail enthusiasts and bars discover the smoothness of the Original, Citrus, Espresso and Chocolate expressions. 

Now a proudly carbon-neutral business, Masons of Yorkshire will dedicate the next 10 years to creating business and jobs for local people as sustainably as possible, building on a legacy of creating award-winning 'no gimmicks' gin and vodka, and being at the forefront of British produced distilled spirits.

Stand out products for stand out gifts, let your family and friends know how much you treasure them by sending the original and best.

Perfectly Personalised Presents

They can personalise their award-winning range of Gins and Vodkas with up to 20 characters on the front label. From £37.95 for 70cl.

The serious Gin for the serious Gin Lover - 52% abv

To mark the 10 year anniversary, Masons of Yorkshire has released a special edition gin, with the star of the show being juniper, to celebrate the plant that started it all. The gin has been crafted to be juniper rich, to share with the gin aficionados and gin lovers out there that have supported the brand.

In addition to the juniper, the gin also features other key botanicals such as coriander, fresh lime and bay leaf. These botanicals add complexity to the gin, making it a well-rounded and delicious spirit.

The gin features two different varieties of juniper, distilled three ways: pot still, vapor basket, and vacuum distillation. It's bottled at 52% ABV, 10% higher in ABV than the Masons of Yorkshire Original Edition, (1% for every year!) a punchy flavour fitting for a 10th anniversary celebration and the perfect strength to deliver a juniper hit. The gin will be presented in a beautiful presentation box, made from fine linen with foiled copper detailing. The ultimate in luxury gin.

Available from www.masonsofyorkshire.com. £45 for 70cl, 52% ABV.

Stocking Fillers - Luxurious Gin and Vodka for under £25

Why not treat Santa to something a little special this year? Swap the cookies for a miniature bottle of Masons to enjoy with a tonic under the tree?

These perfectly formed presents also make absolutely wonderful stocking fillers, or why not save them for Christmas Dinner? The smooth flavours will make amazing aperitifs for your guests on arrival.

The Taste Experience Gift Set, £22.50

Each pack includes five miniature 5cl bottles of Masons gin including The Original, Tea Edition, Pink Grapefruit & Cucumber, Pear & Pink Peppercorn and Orange & Lime Leaf. Perfect as a gift for all premium gin lovers, or why not treat yourself?

Vodka Miniatures Gift Set, £16

The Masons Vodka Gift Set bundle includes all three of their original Vodkas: Classic Vodka, Espresso Vodka & Citrus Vodka, now in a 5cl miniatures tasting set. It's ideal to explore the flavour, clarity and smoothness their Vodkas have won awards for. Perfect as a gift set to treat a vodka lover.

Classic Vodka: Designed with clarity and freshness in mind. Savour the crisp, gloriously smooth characteristics of Masons Classic Vodka over ice, in long drinks or as a base for your favourite cocktails.

Espresso Vodka: Masons Espresso Vodka is slowly distilled for smoothness. Delicately nuanced with vapor-infused coffee beans from El Salvador results in a taste experience of rich, silky coffee.

Citrus Vodka: Masons Citrus Vodka is distilled for smoothness and quality. Citrus is delicately vapor-infused through the process to create a vodka with crisp and punchy citrus notes.

As we say, ideal, personalised Christmas presents, but this time for the gin and vodka lovers in your life!

11 Unique and Budget-Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, filled with love, laughter, and the joy of giving. While it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas gift shopping, finding unique and budget-friendly Christmas gifts can be a rewarding challenge. 

This year, why not surprise your loved ones with gifts that show thoughtfulness and creativity, without breaking the bank? In this blog post, we've compiled a list of 10 unique and inexpensive Christmas gift ideas that are certain to bring smiles to the faces of your friends and family members.

Personalised Ornaments

Create custom ornaments that reflect the recipient's interests or special memories. Whether it's a photo ornament or one with their name beautifully crafted, personalised ornaments are both sentimental and affordable, too.

Homemade Treats

Put your culinary skills to work and bake a batch of homemade cookies, fudge, or other treats. Package them in decorative containers or jars, and add a heartfelt note. Homemade goodies are always appreciated.

Home filled wicker hamper

Everyone loves a special wicker hamper filled with delectable Christmas treats such a mince pies, Christmas cakes, Christmas puddings, waxed cheeses, wines, beers, liquors, spirits, scented candles, trinkets and special, quirky gifts. You can easily obtain your own wicker basket (we buy ours from The Works https://www.theworks.co.uk and fill them up with whatever we think the intended recipient will love. Especially helpful if you want to create a bespoke wicker hamper for someone who has health issues such as being a coeliac, vegan, etc.  

Indoor Plant

A small potted plant, such as a succulent or a mini herb garden, can be a thoughtful gift that brings a touch of nature to a loved one's home. It's a gift that keeps on giving.

DIY Photo Album

Create a scrapbook or photo album filled with cherished memories and mementos. You can find budget-friendly albums at craft stores, and it's a wonderful way to relive special moments.

Handmade Jewellery

Craft a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery using beads, wire, or even polymer clay. Personalize it to match the recipient's style and taste. Handmade jewellery carries a unique charm and sentimental value.

Customized Recipe Book

Compile a collection of your favourite recipes or family recipes and present them in a beautifully decorated notebook or binder. Add personal touches like handwritten notes or cooking tips.

Film Night Kit

Put together a cosy film night kit with popcorn, their favourite cinema-style sweets, and a DVD or a streaming service gift card. It's a thoughtful gift that encourages relaxation and quality time.

DIY Candles

Make your own candles with scents that you know the recipient will love. You can find candle-making kits and supplies at craft stores, etc. And the end result is both personal and functional, too.

Personalised Calendar

Create a custom calendar featuring photos or artwork that hold special meaning for the recipient. They can enjoy a year filled with memories and reminders.

Craft Kits

Give the gift of creativity with a DIY craft kit. Whether it's knitting, painting, or making handmade soap, there are numerous affordable kits available that provide hours of creative enjoyment. They can be found at craft stores, B&M Bargains, Home Bargains, The Range, on Amazon, etc.

Finding unique but inexpensive Christmas gifts doesn't have to be a daunting task. By putting thought and effort into your gift-giving, you can show your loved ones how much you care without breaking the bank. 

Whether it's a personalised ornament, homemade treats, or a handmade craft, these thoughtful gifts are sure to warm the hearts of those you cherish. This Christmas season, let your creativity shine and celebrate the spirit of giving in a meaningful and budget-friendly way. You'll have fun sourcing them and creating them and the recipient will have a special and unique Christmas gift that is personal to them.

You'll find more details of what to do, where to go and what to buy in this blogpost

https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2023/08/why-not-try-crafting-for-christmas.html