Everyone can agree that this Christmas will be a bit different than usual! This year has been a rollercoaster, and our emotions are feeling the same. So this year for Christmas we are looking for ‘wholesome’ gifts. Relaxing candles, experience days and the gift of the outdoors. These will hopefully make us feel ready to tackle the new year with fresh spirit! Are you looking for wholesome gifts too this year? Keep reading to see my top tips.
Of course we start the Christmas gifting season with advent calendars, here are my favourites:
Chocolate advent calendar
Is it Christmas if there isn’t an abundance of chocolate in the house?! The first taste of Christmas chocolate for me comes from behind the number 1 door on an advent calendar. It is a very well-known fact that chocolate releases endorphines and it definitely makes me happy and relaxed.
Advent calendars have certainly evolved since the classic Dairy Milk windows of childhood. You can now get everything from wine to beauty products behind the 25 doors leading up to the big day.
If you are looking to gift a daily chocolate to mark the Christmas countdown then take a look at this Fair Trade calendar from Traidcraft. This milk chocolate advent calendar is made from cocoa beans harvested in a fair trade co-operative in Ghana called Kuapa Kokoo. A great business to support!
Candle advent calendar
One of my favourite ways to relax is by having lots of candles on. Candles in the lounge, candles in the dining room and especially candles in the bath! I have them everywhere and a candle gift is always very much appreciated. So why not gift your friend or family member multiple candles?
Yes, there are such things as candle advent calenders. Multiple brands do them, like Yankee Candle or Air Wick. If you are looking for something a bit different you can also gift a Wax Melt advent calender. Or DIY it! You can buy candles, tea lights or wax melts and make your own calender. If you really want to get creative you can also make the candles yourself.
And then on to the main event, Christmas gifts:
National trust gift membership
This is a gift that I got some family members earlier in the year so speak from first hand experience as to how well it was received. You can buy National Trust memberships for loved ones that become a passport to explore the UK.
There are thousands of parks, houses and gardens that are managed by the National Trust and members can get free and/or priority access to. Travel abroad has taken a monumental hit in 2020 but that has encouraged more people to explore places a bit closer to home. National Trust membership packages offer one of the best ways to get out and about across the country and breathe in the fresh air!
Spa day
I think it’s fair to say that we all deserve a spa day! You don’t have to spend a fortune on a spa retreat to feel revitalised (although if you can, why not!). Often, just having some dedicated time way from the daily grind of life and a bit of pampering can do the job.
When you gift a spa experience, you are actually gifting time as much as you are the treatment! Are there many better presents than that?
Most spas have a really good choice of gifting options from single therapy sessions to full-on weekends away. If you need some inspiration, I had an amazing experience at Hawkchurch Resort just before the first lockdown and have also posted about the best London spa breaks.
The only downside of this gift is that you will want to book one for yourself!
Plant gift set
I was thrilled to find out my local plant shop Lola’s Home & Garden sells plant gift sets. These come with a plant, dried flower dome and a necklace. Personally I think a plant is one of the best gifts ever! I find looking after my plants the ultimate way to relax! It’s not simply about giving them a splash of water: watching a plant grow bigger and sprouting flowers is a very easy way of being more in touch with the world. Looking after something can be very relaxing, especially if it’s something gifted by a loved one.
Of course a plant gift set is a great thing to DIY. Buy some plants from your local garden centre: you can adjust your choice of plant to the level of gardener your friend or family member is! I have a lot of ‘beginner’ friends, so I would gift easy to look after plants like a snake plant, spider plant, or a small aloe vera. Put them in a cute pot and you’re good to go! If you’re looking for a bigger gift you can add accessories like a plant mister, plant food and a hanger or stand.
These are my top tips for wholesome Christmas gifts. I will gift these to my friends and family members this year to spread a bit of Christmas cheer and happiness for 2021. Time to relax and recharge with candles, some time in the outdoors or a beautiful new houseplant. What are your favourite ‘wholesome’ gifts?
You might also like to read: 5 Staycations to try this festive season.
Extra tip: if you are looking for more sustainable gift ideas, have a look on the Thoughtful Guide.
