A set of mugs, a hot water bottle, a voucher to their favourite store – all are lovely gifts on their own. But what if you’re looking for something a little more special? Rather than more, separate presents, one of our favourite things to do (for any occasion, not just Christmas) is to expand on the sentiment behind the gift and create a personalised gift package. If you’ve ever received or sent a care package, you’ll know just what we mean: a parcel of little bits and bobs, from homemade cakes to little bottles of bath soap, usually dispatched to away-from-home students and recuperating relatives, that brings cheer and a big dose of love purely for being so thoughtful. It’s an idea that, over the years, we’ve created lots of variations of… 

The classic care package 

The gifts you include don’t need to be large or expensive. Here, it’s truly the thought that counts. Choose items that exude care: a tube of hand cream and a duo of bath and body wash (like the ones in  our bath & body collection), a candle,  a soothing herbal tea (or their favourite blend) and a wellness journal like The Simple Things. If you wanted to make it a bigger present, you could also pop in a  wool blanket  that’ll feel like a warm hug. Nestle it all into a box filled with tissue paper so they can slowly peel back each layer to reveal the lovely surprise within. 

The fireside set 

Anyone who’s lucky enough to have an open fire, a log burner or an outdoor fire bowl at home will enjoy this present, and it’s one that’ll instantly bring to mind good memories of cosy evenings and campfire gatherings. 

Begin with a basket that they can use for kindling but which, for now, will hold the rest of the gifts. Our small Redford is perfect for the job as it isn’t too large. Next, pop in some natural firelighters (the sort made from straw or wood chippings), a prettily-packaged box of matches (we love these ones by The Archivist), a bundle of pinecones dipped in wax scented with essential oils (which you can DIY yourself or buy online) and enough toasting forks for everyone in the family (these handmade ones from RE are our favourites). You can wrap the presents up in the basket, but, as with all these gift ideas, we think it’s perfectly lovely just to tie a big bow around the basket and perhaps pad out its contents with shredded tissue (a great fire starter in itself). Just don’t forget the marshmallows if toasting around the open fire bowl! 

The hot chocolate kit 

This one’s the perfect gift for a family (whether the children are young or old) because it’s something everyone can enjoy, and is especially good if you don’t know all the recipients well because there’s not much chance you can go wrong. Depending on your giftee’s tastes, you could also do something similar with tea, coffee or cocktails. 

To your mug or set of mugs  (choose generously-sized ones like our  large Bowsley or Molland cappuccino designs),  add a clip-top jar or paper bag filled with a homemade hot chocolate mix – Jamie Oliver’s recipe is our go-to and is appropriately luxurious. We do think homemade is best for thoughtfulness, but if you’re pressed for time, there are some delicious and well-packaged pre-made blends around that you can pick up during your weekly shop (look out for Cocoa Loco’s flakes). Finish off with marshmallows and, for all-out festivity, red and white-striped candy canes that can be used as stirrers. 

The foodie parcel 

There are many people who’ll appreciate a food-themed gift, not least all the cooks in your life. And just like the hot chocolate kit, you can’t really go too far wrong with food. 

We’ll start this one either with our long  Borough chopping board (in which case you’ll probably want to arrange all your gifts in a box or basket) or a tray that they can then use for serving and breakfast in bed. To that, add a cookbook you know they’ll love, or else one that’s well-thumbed in your house (stuck for ideas? Our personal recommendations would be Nigel Slater’s ‘Kitchen Diaries’ and Deliciously Ella’s ‘Ella with friends’, while serious foodies will also enjoy ‘Home Kitchen’ by Donal Skehan or ‘The Farm Table’ by Julius Roberts. If you want to push the boat out, you could also include our kitchen towel and a well-made chopping knife or a beautiful copper milk pan, but otherwise, you now just need to add a selection of ingredients. Go for the artisanal over the everyday – smoked Cornish sea salt or fleur de sel from Brittany, spice blends like zaatar, ras al hanut and rose harissa, and traditional festive sweets from the continent like panettone, panforte and lebkuchen. 

This is another elevated gift idea you could adapt to suit your recipient, switching from cook to baker. For this alternative, begin with our Lewes pouring bowl, add a book like Donna Hay’s ‘Modern Baking’ or Natalie Paull’s ‘Beatrix Bakes’, pop in a wooden spoon and a selection of cookie cutters, then put together your own gingerbread mix in a jar and include a note on the recipe, or seek out sugars flavoured with vanilla and lemon and baking spice mixes (Just Spices do a great selection). 

Ready to start creating your elevated gift? Start with our gifting edit, where we’ve gathered together an curated collection of presents, including artisanal tableware and luxurious woollen throws that make great elevated gifts in themselves.