10 best gifts for any occasion

Unless they expressly point out something they want, it’s not always easy to buy a suitable present for a friend or family member. Nevertheless, there are some gifts that are relatively safe bets regardless of the occasion.

Buying a gift is easy. The hard work lies in finding something the recipient actually wants. Occasion-based gifts are, more often than not, useless. A Christmas tie, a Valentine’s Day heart-shaped cushion – nobody really wants these things.

Instead, seek out information about the intended recipient. Discover what they like and dislike and make an informed decision. A thoughtful gift tailored to a person’s preferences will make them happy and speaks volumes about the giver.

Image Source

Food

Regardless of their figure, or lack thereof, everyone has to eat. Tailor the food item to the person and it can make the perfect gift. For example, buy some raw chocolate for the eco-minded person or a kosher food hamper for a Jewish person.

Drink

This doesn’t necessarily have to mean alcohol – check whether the recipient drinks or not first. If they have a favoured tipple, then indulge it. A fine bottle of wine, a good single malt whisky or even locally sourced ale will inevitably be well received. For non-drinkers, some quality coffee or an unusual selection of teas can prove appropriate.

Image Source

Experience

One of the most modern developments in the gift world is the rise of the activity or ‘experience’ voucher. These enable the recipient to enjoy an array of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that range from racing supercars to bungee jumping. Those unsure about the particular tastes of the recipient are able to buy open vouchers that enable them to make the choice.

Clothes

This comes with a number of caveats. Don’t impose your own taste on others. Ideally, find out from someone else what the recipient is hankering after and buy it for them.

Hobby-related

Everyone has a hobby, however small. Buying something related to it is a considerate present. Make sure however that it’s useful. For example, a sailor will appreciate some good quality rope, but will be less likely to appreciate socks with a picture of a boat on them.

Time

Most people would like more time to do the things they like doing. Give your time as a gift. Take on some of their chores or find someone else to. If they have kids, offer to babysit. If they’re too busy to cook, take them out for a meal. Draw the line at doing their accounts.

Image Source

Luxury items

Indulgent items that cannot be rationally justified are often the best gifts. Carry out some research beforehand to ensure that the investment isn’t wasted.

Money

The classic cheque in the post always goes down well, and allows the recipient to buy something they truly want. For an unusual take on the idea, buy some stocks or shares in an area the recipient is interested in.

Gift card

A more personalised take on the money idea is to buy a gift card. Ideally, find out where the recipient likes to shop first. If that’s not possible, opt for somewhere that sells a variety of goods, such as a department store.

Request

The most obvious solution to the present buying quandary is to ask the person what he or she would like. Not everyone likes surprises. Many actively dislike them – especially when it comes to presents.

Resource Box:

Gifts to avoid

10 of the worst gift gaffes.

Gifts for him

50 best gifts for men.

Gifts for her

100+ gifts for women.



I’m dreaming of a … Spanish Christmas?

Try something new this Christmas by incorporating traditional Spanish cuisine into your festive feast. From prawns and shellfish soup to roast lamb and Spanish sweets, this guide shows you how to inject the taste of Spain into your Christmas dinner.

Most of us are used to turkey, Brussels sprouts and Christmas pudding on Christmas Day, but why not try something different this year? Take inspiration from Spanish yuletide cuisine and introduce new dishes into your festive feast. This guide gives an overview of Spain’s most popular Christmas dishes and suggests how you can incorporate the taste of España into your merry meal.

Christmas Eve feast

Spaniards gather together for their big family feast on Christmas Eve, which is called La Noche Buena (The Good Night). Eaten late in the evening and lasting for hours, this meal comprises several courses of sumptuous food accompanied by Spanish cava, a sparkling wine, followed by coffee and brandy.

It begins with ‘tapas’ (appetizers) and moves on to a ‘primer plato’ (first course) typically of seafood, soup or salad. The ‘plato principal’ is the main event and is a meat lover’s dream, followed by ‘postre’ (dessert) full of Spanish sweets.

Typical Spanish tapas

Appetizers at a Spanish Christmas meal often include ‘langostinos’, large prawns, which you can prepare by boiling and serving on a bed of lettuce or with a Romesco or pink sauce. An easy option which involves no cooking is a selection of ‘jamón, queso y chorizo.’ That’s ham, cheese and sausage!

Favourite Spanish first courses

Get your guests’ stomachs ready for the heavier course by serving a light ‘primer plato’ of fish and shellfish soup. Other popular options include seafood salad with a good dollop of Romesco sauce. All you need to make the classic Spanish sauce is oil, garlic, vinegar, almonds and roasted red peppers.

Spectacular Spanish second courses

‘Cordero asado’ (roast lamb) is very popular in Spain and is usually served with ‘patatas fritas’. These home-made potatoes are fried lightly in olive oil and are a welcome addition to any table! An ‘ensalada mixta’ (mixed green salad) helps balance the richness of the heavy meat and potato dishes.

Spanish Christmas sweets

When it comes to dessert, the Spanish know how to satisfy a sweet tooth. ‘Turrón’ (nougat) is a must, as are ‘polvorones’, which are soft crumbly cakes. ‘Figuras de mazapán’ (marzipan figurines) are also popular.

Does all this talk of Spanish food make you want to pack your bags and sample authentic cuisine in the country itself? Visitors to Spain will not only get the chance to taste the food of the country, they will also have the opportunity to learn Spanish language skills.

Those who really want to get to grips with Spanish study abroad to immerse themselves in the culture. When it comes to Spanish courses Spain is unsurprisingly the number one destination for students.

Poll: Which Spanish food will you incorporate into your Christmas day feast?

A            Langostinos

B             Shellfish soup

C             Roast lamb

D            Spanish sweets

Resource Box

A Spanish Christmas

Discover more about Christmas traditions in Spain from the BBC.

Spanish food and drink

Read the Guardian’s recipes, cookery masterclasses and features on food and drink from Spain.

Spanish food recipes

Learn how to make all manner of Spanish dishes from the Good Food Channel.