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.

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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.

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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.

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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.



Alternative Christmas menus

Christmas is at once both immensely fun and immensely terrifying – especially for the person tasked with creating a menu. Rather than churn out the same old fare year after year, the festive chefs-elect are embracing the idea of change and adapting the menu to include dishes not traditionally associated with Christmas.

The important thing to remember when trying a new Christmas menu is to prepare everything well in advance, says London-based chef Sally Clarke. ‘Getting ahead is so important,’ she says. ‘Entertaining at Christmas isn't just about food – it's about looking after guests. Don't have a drink until you are satisfied that everything is well on the way to being done.’

Venue

South Africans and Australians famously boast of spending Christmas Day at the beach, charring sausages and burgers over a barbecue. While the idea of a BBQ doesn’t quite work in the UK, there are other options open to the adventurous. One option is to take one or two Forman & Field Christmas hampers to the countryside for an impromptu picnic. Wrap up warm and it’ll provide an unforgettable experience, with none of the forced claustrophobia. Alternatively, hire a venue and descend en masse with an assortment of family and friends for a large-scale banquet-style Christmas.

Starters

Starters are mostly about the presentation, so they provide the perfect opportunity to indulge those creative urges. Try creating pastry ‘spoons’ filled with hummus, taramasalata or prawns in mayonnaise. Mini sausage rolls are always popular – try making them a little different by filling them with caramelised onions. If creating starters is one job too many, just buy some in advance. Dip into some cheese hampers or put in an order with a local deli – the joy of starters is that almost anything goes.

Mains

While turkey may have been the staple Christmas main for over 100 years, the old bird is getting a little tired. If choosing a main that everyone is happy with proves difficult, consider making a couple of relatively simple options. Roasted carp with peppers and pancetta is a traditional Balkan Christmas dish, while spiced beef with roast vegetables or dumplings will leave plenty of time for other Christmas activities. Those averse to meat will be more than happy with vegetarian options that include a carrot and cashew fan or a smoked bean curd bake.

Desserts

For many people, Christmas pudding has all the appeal of an unexploded mortar shell. After a large meal, the thought of shovelling in an overly large slice of super-dense cake can be deeply troubling. Why not spare the communal pain and try one of the many alternatives out there? Lemon tart, jelly, or Seville oranges steeped in Cointreau are all far lighter options, and ones that can be made suitably Christmassy with just a few minor additions. Other valid choices include a mulled mixed berry terrine, tiramisu, and Clementine meringue or spiced winter fruit compote.