How to shop well this
Christmas
Taking part in a Secret Santa ? Not sure what to buy for the person who has everything ? Harriet Rouse has you covered
Christmas shopping … you either love it , or you
hate it , there is no middle ground . No ‘ quite good fun ,’ or ‘ yes it ’ s OK ’, you ’ ve either been planning your gift giving since the 26th December last year , or you go for the last minute ‘ everybody needs more socks , right ?’ approach . Dear reader , we are here to help . If you fall into the latter camp , we have ideas aplenty and , if you fall into the ‘ love it ’, we feel certain that we have come up with some fresh new suggestions for you anyway .
2020 is going to be something of a different Christmas ; we may not be sitting round the table with loved ones , rather awkwardly propping up our various devices against our bottles of wine and Zooming whilst we eat enough calories to see us through an average week . But perhaps this is the year where we let our gifting do the talking . It might sound silly , but if we can ’ t be with someone we had hoped to be , what if the gifts we send them can make sure they know how much we love them ?
We ’ ve come up with a range of ideas for varying budgets . Whether you are cash poor and time rich , or cash rich and just want us to do all the thinking and legwork for you , all of our gift ideas are available here , in Jersey , enabling you to also support your local artisans , creators and small independent businesses while you save yourself the hassle of queuing at the Post Office at Rue des Pres .
The Secret Santa When you pull a name out of the hat and feel a sinking feeling … what on earth are you going to get for Uncle Chris ? Hmmmm , you know he likes chocolate .
Whether it ’ s for the office or for friends and family , a Secret Santa is meant to be a bit of fun . Don ’ t put too much pressure on yourself if you don ’ t know the person well enough . Make sure that the gift can be shared / used then perhaps some pampering goodies from Jersey Skin , or something edible . Candles get a bad rap , but you can never have too many and there are so many made locally that fall under the dreaded
‘ under £ 10 ’ stipulation . Why not give some delicious gin miniatures from La Mare ? Or a pack of delicious fudge from Sue ’ s Fudge , all made using local produce ?
If you DO know the recipient well , then you ’ ve got much more of a chance to have some fun . Within reason . Christmas usually has some small children present , and whether they are yours or not , it ’ s always advisable to keep the gifts PG .
An alternative suggestion to put to your Secret Santa group is to add an element of competition . Perhaps set a challenge to buy the heaviest thing for £ 3 . Or the most calorific chocolate bar under a certain weight . It ’ s all about getting together , talking and having fun after all . The gifts should really be secondary .
The DIY ( or pay someone to do-it-for-you and possibly take the credit ) It ’ s the thought that counts right ? Well sometimes it really is . There are some people who just don ’ t want more ‘ stuff ’. But they also don ’ t want to be left out when it comes to giving out gifts . For them , we ’ re going to moot you create something to give . Or you cheat and pretend you did .
A personalised cross stitch may sound old fashioned , but Nine By Five have brought an old art back to life . From personalised family portraits to sweary mantras , there ’ s something for everyone … and if you don ’ t see what you like , Cat can make it for you - to order !
Another idea is baking ; a term that fills almost every kitchen owner with dread . Especially when it involves a small child . Consumables are a lovely thoughtful present , whether it ’ s a bag of cookies for a teacher at the end of term , or chutneys made from windfall apples from the garden , you can give a gift that shows you have given time and thought to the recipient , with the bonus that it can be eaten .
There are so many tutorials online suggesting DIY ideas . From photographs , to painting pottery ; to planting up a pot with bulbs to sewing Christmas decorations , if you need to go thoughtful , it really needn ’ t cost you anything at all .
56