A Gift Guide FOR YOU.
Some people find it a bit odd, disappointing even, when I tell them my immediate family all share their Christmas lists. Doesn’t it totally oppose the spirit of Christmas? Doesn’t it suck all the fun out of it? Does it make me sound ungrateful, materialistic and spoilt? Well, yes (all of the latter, I’m sure), but actually, no.
During a period of ‘reflection’ (let’s call it that), my husband and I had an argument about this. He simply couldn’t understand: a.) why such a list needed to exist and b.) why he had to buy from the list (and never divert). As a complete petrol head and Porsche dreamer, I gave him this analogy: I’ve suddenly won the lottery and I am going out to surprise you with a Porsche. Oh, the look of panic on his face. He admitted, though the sentiment was wonderful, there was absolutely no way he’d ever let me buy a Porsche on my own, without his input - he knows exactly what he wants down to the fuel tank filler cap (I’m not joking!). This example is akin to ‘the list’.
As someone whose love language is ‘receiving gifts’, or more fittingly ‘giving gifts’ (although, technically, this isn’t classified as a love language), I painstakingly consider my list for weeks, so that when it’s published, the research has been done. It’s been analyzed, it’s been scrutinized: Do I really need this? If someone bought me this over this, would I be happy with it, or actually should I just remove the other thing? How much am I expecting someone to spend on me? The result is a carefully and mindfully curated collection of things which evokes the same amount of thoughtfulness and joy in crafting it than it does when someone so generously decides to buy something off it. I value each and every item, and I can honestly say that I’ve never had a need for a ‘(re)gift drawer’ (there’s nothing worse).
So, here’s a list with a new purpose. Use it to craft your own list, not as inspiration for what to buy others. If we all took some time to really consider each and every item we might want, would we actually be doing everyone a service? Would it lead to less waste? Would it make you think twice? Would you get one more drawer back in your house free of unwanted gifts?
And if you’re really brave, publish it. It would save us all a lot of time!
The List
Wondering People Candle Holders
The Edition 94 Placement Cards
Wondering People x Flora Wallace Sconce
The Quiet Botanist Botanical Chocolate
Desmond & Dempsey Jag Print Robe
Catbird Tennis Earring, Sparkler
Buchanan Studio Studio Stripe Cushion
Salvesen Graham Eiderdown in Rose Great Check
Eym Evil Eye Refillable Candle
Rock Pool Dance Print by Moira Frith
Austin Austin Limited Edition Hand Soap and Cream
Catbird 'Summer in Italy' Candle
Desmond & Dempsey Handsome Duo Set
Top tip: as the first person to publish my each year, if you do it early enough in the season, you’ve usually forgotten what’s on it by Christmas day, so the surprise, the spirit and the fun is fully enjoyed!
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A delight from the start !
I love your list — I will definitely be stealing a few ideas from it!
My family is a list family too — there is nothing worse than someone wasting their money on getting something that the recipient doesn’t actually want. Gift lists avoids unpleasant feelings all around!