For anyone else who maybe has a little bit of this characteristic coursing through their veins, I see you and I’m here for you. With a full 3 weeks left before the gifts are due, the 4th of December is hardly a panic buy holiday situation for most. But I hope my Little Last Minute Gift Guide will be welcomed by those of you who sit in my camp, meticulously thinking about the what, for who and how quandary, without having yet completed the procuring/obtaining/acquiring/delivering bit just yet.
This collection of ideas is for anyone still gift searching for a creative foodie type they love. I am erring on the side of experiences over items with these options because I personally love a learning adventure (and because do we really need more stuff?). I hope that even if you don’t find the exact something here for that wonderful person in your life, it will at least spark a plan.
And if you are someone who I admire enormously because your gifting is already complete, wrapped and even sent in advance, I salute you and hope you will save this list in your file for next year’s inspiration. As always, I would love your feedback and hear about imaginative gifts that you loved giving and receiving this year so we can combine resources and inspire each other when this time comes around again next holiday season (because we know it will and we won’t be prepared).
Meanwhile, procrastinators unite.
Note on how I compiled this list: There is a common theme here of local (both US and UK), independent (some still family run), many B corp business’s that produce outstanding products. None of the items selected are sponsored but all of them are tried, tested and well loved by me and hopefully soon by you too
Hayman’s Gin Distillery Tour or Cocktail Masterclass
Because don’t we all sometimes still fantasise still about being Tom Cruise in Cocktail when our friends come over (yes I’m showing my age)? And because I love Hayman’s Gin, a 160 year old family run business. Their cocktail masterclasses and tours take place in their beautiful Distillery in South West London (almost around the corner from where it all started) and will not only improve your mixology skills, they will broaden your knowledge and palate and are a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or evening.
For the creative adult, child or for the family, a gift of an Arthub class is a treat. A group environment where you can be creative and free to create freely, with Adi to guide you through the process. Give the gift of a voucher or a class and the recipient will have the incredible opportunity to unleash their artistic flair.
Olivia Rubin Apple Cherry Scarf
This apple cherry scarf is for the foodie fashionista in your life. Gorgeously cosy and the ideal accessory to put a spring in your step I just love the colourful joy this cotton knitted scarf brings to any outfit and is sure to brighten anyones day. It’s high on my wish list this year, basically my winter farmer’s market accessory of dreams.
I am aware this suggestion puts me safely in the technophobe department. While others are suggesting the best tech to improve your life, I am suggesting an almost obsolete implement requiring you to tear yourself away from a screen and practice the old school long hand skill of actually writing on paper. This fountain pen small enough for an inspired stocking stuffer, comes in an array of colours and is well priced so you can build a collection is not only for all my fellow list makers, but for anyone who doesn’t want to lose the art form of cursive letter formation. I write down everything from to do lists to recipe ideas to future dreams down in notebooks with fountain pens, I love shaking up my weeks with different cartridge colours and pens depending on my mood. I suggest starting with one and building a collection (story of my life).
My notebook collection almost rivals my cookbook collection. I have books and pads in every room in a multitude of shapes and sizes, each serving a separate purpose (I wouldn’t want to muddle ideas). It will come as no surprise to hear I am a little fussy about paper, weight, feel binding and have spent years searching for “the one”…….These Notem Studio books are hands down my favourite, ticking all the boxes of perfect size options, paper quality, lined, gridded and plain pages (all necessary at times). They also make a welcome gift paired with a fountain pen….
While we are in the previous century era of gifting, this classic Stendig calendar, a design icon by Massimo Vignelli in 1966 is the gift for a mid century modern lover who collects books and also probably still writes lists. Perfect for the both the dreamer and the planner, this is an essential design classic. If wall space is a premium you can always have the V Calendar, a year at a glance instead.
Piped Dreams Bakery Cookie Jars
We all know Piped Dreams for the beautiful cakes she makes and the cake decorating classes and challah bakes that everyone raves about. But this festive season I am coveting these genius DIY cookie jars with the proceeds going to charity. Just add butter, an egg and a splash of vanilla and the cookies are all yours (and delicious). There are two varieties on offer, one a Festive DIY Cookie Jar with proceeds going to Shelter, and a Chanukah DIY Cookie Jar with proceeds going to Magen David Adom.
Pump Street Chocolate Rare Batch Box or Class Voucher
My love of the Orford bakery and chocolate gang is no secret and their Rare Batch Chocolate Subsription Box literally lights up my life when it is delivered every other month. Each box brings a new section of the latest and most loved bars and chocolate products and a treat from the bakery. You can give a one off box or an annual subscription which will definitely brighten someones world. Pump Street have also just opened their Workshop – a new beautiful space in Orofrd opposite their bakehouse where they are offering classes and events, starting with their secrets of sourdough and chocolate making courses. Guest chefs will also be appearing soon on their roster so a voucher or class gift would be perfect for your foodie enthusiast.
My go to gift to send to friends and family in the USA is always a Seed + Mill box of treats. The offer a brilliant range of varieties from a basic tahini or halva selection to a tahini shortbread cookie tin to a full blown box of their top holiday hits, a gift from these incredible folks is always received with so much excitement and gratitude for making the recipients life so much sweeter and more delicious.
Home Made Gifts
I love a home made gift. They are always such a welcome thoughtful treat and a wonderful way to engage the family in the art of gifting. I am not blessed with sewing or knitting skills so mine are more of the baked kind, but I encourage you to embrace your creative spirit and pepper in the odd home made thing or two into the art of giving mix. My top pics are a bag or box of spiced shortbread or the triple chocolate pecan variety or ginger snaps. A jar of something savoury cranberry sauce , hot honey or marinated feta, or some maple roast pecans are loved by absolutely everyone and anyone.
I will be back in a couple of weeks with my last instalment of the year (can you believe it?????). Please get in touch with your favourite creative foodie gift ideas – I would love to hear all about them.
As always its such a pleasure to be here with you xx