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The art of the “extra gift” at Christmas

The art of the “extra gift” at Christmas December 6, 2015Lifestyle0 Comments

We’re well into December now, so we can talk about the C word! I first talked of my concept of the “extra gift” two years ago on my BBC Radio Kent weekly fashion slot, when talking Christmas shopping. I know it sounds a little bit ‘Good Housekeeping top tip’ or something your mother would do, but I have found it always comes in handy.

The art of the “extra gift” at Christmas

Just last night, myself and the fiance were given a bundle of gifts from close friends. We don’t have a “present agreement” as such… we don’t have any rules.. so they surprised us with a fun gift…. and I wasn’t prepared, I haven’t finished all my Christmas shopping and I didn’t have the “extra gift” So it got me thinking that I better get prepared.

My concept it about always having an “extra gift” in your christmas present stash. Just in case your long lost Aunt arrives for a mince pie on Christmas Day or your cousin returns from her trip around the world, or you realise your future Brother-in-law has left a present for you under the Christmas tree and you haven’t left him one.

You don’t need to spend a fortune, I recommend under £10, but emergency presents need to be flexible by gender. Make sure you wrap the present in red or blue paper according to gender so you don’t give the wrong gift away.

Here are four top ideas to help you on your Christmas shopping way;

Movie Buff Game from Cuckooland

Cuckooland have a great range of unusual and quirky gifts, I’ve featured them tonnes of time before. The Movie Buff Game is a good gift for pretty much anyone, who doesn’t like watching films! It combines questions on old classic movies with modern day Hollywood blockbusters. It also has a premium design so it looks like a luxury gift but for under £8. Perfect to have under the tree as the “extra gift” but if its not used, it’s timeless so you can always bring it out next year!

Great Ideas Cunning Plans Notebook from The Present Finder

I love a notebook. So much so that whilst tidying the house this week I found five notebooks that I have on the go. I am awful at finishing one as I love buying them so much. Always useful, this is a great gift for anyone. From the Great Ideas Cunning Plans Notebook from Happy Jackson Collection of fun quirky products, I think it will be well received and is a great gift to have as a spare under the tree.. and if not used, you can keep it for yourself!

Holdsworth Truly Scrumptious Chocolate Selection from John Lewis

Chocolate is always well received! Christmas is a great time to have something a little bit special as a treat. The Holdsworth Truly Scrumptious Chocolate Selection will definitely be a great extra gift to have up your sleeve. A selection of handmade chocolate and truffles. Yum!

Archipelago Bali Scented Candle from Selfridges

I don’t know about you but I find candles very indulgent. This is a lovely gift to provide as a Christmas gift. The one I have chosen is a Bali scented candle by Archipelago available from Selfridges. It combines a zesty blend of lemongrass, yuzu and sage in a hand-poured candle in a useful travel tin. An energising design is perfect for the home, the office, or when travelling.

So there you have it, a selection of a few good ideas for that “extra gift”, to get you out of a tight spot or an embarrassing moment when someone brings you a gift and you feel you should reciprocate. Merry Christmas and happy shopping!