JOANNE watkinson
THINKING INSIDE THE BOX
I READ on Money Supermarket that more than £380 million will be spent on unwanted gifts this year.
An unwanted gift is a sad and wasteful affair. I shudder when I walk through the aisles of soulless cosmetics gift boxes that pop up in every pharmacist/ supermarket/ department store at this time of year.
I wonder just how many people up and down the country wind up with bottles of body wash they will never use come January?
It is estimated that 38% of bath products given at Christmas are unwanted.
The late Royle Family actress, Liz Smith, who played the much-loved Nana character, was in her late 80s when Graham Norton asked her what her family bought her for Christmas. “Consumables” was her reply. Cue raucous laughter from the audience, as they imagined toilet roll and washing up liquid wrapped up under the tree. But at almost 90, it seemed to me the most practical answer.
Who needs another ornament to dust when you could buy them the face cream they use every morning?
Useful gifts don’t have to be boring. A great gift should be one of two things: something they would never buy for themselves OR something they will use again and again.
Cosmetics aren’t a no-no but I would take the time to find out the brands your loved ones prefer. A little bit of bathroom snooping goes a long way, it’s the same with scent. It’s personal and so easy to get wrong.
My advice is, either buy their signature perfume or don’t bother.
If jewellery is on your radar, check your metals before you commit to anything. It may be very modern to mix your gold and silver but quite often women wear one or the other.
If he/she loves to travel, check out the Away travel range (awaytravel.com), their carry on cases make for stylish airport arrival.
Purses and handbags are a popular choice but do your research, does she carry a cross body?
Will the purse fit in her existing handbag?
Personalisation is thoughtful, but remember it renders the item non-refundable.
Tactical, waste-free gift buying – it’s the future. Merry Christmas.