17 Thoughtful Christmas Gifts

Christmas doesn’t mean clutter at Indytute HQ. We apply the GTS rule - gorgeous, thoughtful, or comes with a story - then it’s straight into the bag. Here’s our guide on giving those extra special folk in your life a Christmas gift to make them go ‘ooooooooooh’ .

Gifts for the fraught and frazzled

Well who isn’t at Christmas… but this one’s for you, Mum.  Check out the tigers (not the price tag) on these stunning silk PJ’s by independent designer, Karen Mabon.  Add a 1-year meditation subscription for Calm.com and the Vitamin C serum by the new and ever so affordable The Inkey List (Cult Beauty) and Mrs Fraught and Frazzled might not be sobbing into the stuffing this year.

For music lovers

Last year vinyl sales over took CD sales (for 1 day), let’s do that again this Christmas. The ‘Late Night Tale’ vinyls are mixed by known artists from Jamirquoi to Fat Boy Slim to create the ultimate late night mix, The Delux Vinyl Set is the dream but you can buy the records separately. On a budget? Try Indytute’s Harmonica masterclass with the brilliant Joff Watkins. A new skill they can master in a couple of hours and perfect over a lifetime (add an harmonica if you want to push the boat out).

In need of some green fingers

 
Gifts for the (hopeful) gardener. We love a houseplant at Indytute HQ (not sure how much they love us) - buy an ‘unkillable’ houseplant from Patch or encourage them to make the most of their balconies with a ‘Balcony Design in a Day’ course.  Know a keen gardener? ‘Gardening Notes from a Late Bloomer’ by Clare Hastings (author and Indytute’s Head of Most Things) will inspire with humorous anecdotes, recipes and tips on vegetables to violets.

Gifts for the tricky, picky men

There’s never been a dull night at the Soho Theatre. Comedy, cabaret and even shows for a tenner. Buy a membership for just £25 which gives discounts, late night drinks, exclusive offers all while helping nurture emerging artists.

Head to Lambs Conduit Street (make it an adventure and go by Mini Cooper, sipping gins along the way). It’s the go to street for men’s shopping. Then do him a favour, chuck out his trainers but not before you’ve bought him some beautiful desert boots from Folk.

For the Grandparents

Every year they say 'we don't want a present' but here are some ideas to keep them sweet! A chocolate gift subscription from Cocoa Runners - a craft chocolate club. Have small batch, bean to bar chocolate from makers from around the world delivered to your door every month. Or go together on an east London adventure, discover the little known and totally delicious wine bars of east London - one of The Indytute’s most popular experiences.  How about a never-ending supply of beautiful fresh flowers delivered monthly from the team at Freddie Flowers. If Peonies don’t appeal and you’ve got a get up and go Gran then try Tricity Vogue’s ukulele workshop.

Grab the gang

Plump up the cushions or get cosy in your favourite boozer and let the infamous (ex front man of The Stranglers) Paul Roberts host your very own personalised pub quiz.    Alternatively, if you are looking for some zen before Christmas then spend the afternoon feeling festive and make your own beautiful succulent Christmas wreath.