How to find a Christmas gift for anyone

Whether it's a picky sister, a dad who has everything, a mum who almost refuses to receive a present, we've all got one or more people in our lives who's difficult to buy for.

You've tried everything: asking directly, asking indirectly, forcibly handing them a catalogue, eavesdropping on their conversations.

And each year it's the same: you vow to spend more time thinking about it next year and to really blow them away with your Christmas present. Maybe you could make it yourself? 

 But somehow you find yourself sprinting to the shops before they close on Christmas Eve again, sweating and panicking buying something, anything – novelty socks? A bath bomb? – that might be a little less… Crap.

You won't be surprised to learn that we're a big fan of a gift experience around here. They're different, they don't clutter things up, they're often more sustainable, you can do them together. 

And if you know anything about The Indytute, we've got more gift experiences you can shake a cocktail stick at – from stay-home kits to activities out in the big wide world when we're eventually allowed out. 

Indeed, it's our job to track down the best and brightest experiences you could possibly think of. So it's fair to say we know a thing or two about how hard it is to find something that's different and special.

Let us share our wisdom with these Christmas present ideas for anyone, no matter how hard they are to buy for...

For the chocolate lover: truffle making kit

Skip the ready-made chocolate bars and go straight for gold with this sweet masterclass that'll teach them how to make creamy, melty, gorgeous chocolate truffles. Warning: this experience is highly addictive.

For the beer lover: Beer and cheese pairing kit

Move over red wine, there's a new fromage-friendly drink in town. This masterclass provides enough beer and cheese for two, so you also get to enjoy. We know your game...

For the cocktail drinker: Cocktails and spies kit

Just so you can utter those immortal words: shaken or stirred? (Although true cocktail aficionados would never have a martini shaken, obviously). This kit is educational and boozy – no one can resist.

For the music lover: Ukulele masterclass kit

The ultimate gift for music makers. Included are the ukulele, a tuner and a 90-minute one-to-one lesson, so no need to worry about having to endure weeks of out-of-tune, out-of-time strumming. 

For the arty type: Cyanotype kit

Cyanotype is gorgeous, unique and not your usual creative fare, so no worries they've been-there-made-that. Plus you might even benefit in return if they decide to make something for you...

For the fashionista: bucket bag making kit

Why bother trying to buy them a new handbag when they could make a unique creation all by themselves? Doubly special because you make the bag of reclaimed leather, so you're doing your bit for the planet, too.

For the relentlessly inquisitive: How To Academy

For the friend who knows something about everything. Help them broaden their horizons even further – they could attend an online masterclass with anyone from Caitlin Moran to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall to Ai Wei Wei.

For the plant lover: terrarium kit

Terrariums look good and require minimal watering. Easy peasy. Provides both a background and conversation fodder for endless Zoom catchups.

FURTHER READING: You've done all that hard work, now it's time to have a well earned rest. Here's how to truly hunker down and cosy up this winter. 

Main image: Photo by Taisiia Shestopal on Unsplash