(India Knight Substack, How to Live an Artful Life, V&A Membership, The Sunday Letter Project)
It’s the final day of Giftmas, and today it’s all about the (not) material girl…
…and maybe that’s because you’re left shopping for ‘the person who has everything’, the friend that is impossible to buy for (‘what do they even like?!’), or after something a little more special that a few of you can all chip in to- let me guide you through on our last day of Giftmas!
Last year I did another version of this guide with various genres of gifts (including art, charity, cinema, foodie, relaxation, outdoorsy, and subscription which I’ve linked here) so if you’re after more ideas with my favourite places for everything from a heavenly massage where you can wear pyjamas, the best place for a Sunday morning in nature to a fancy-pants cinema evening- do head there for more ideas!
Today I’m sharing a handful of things I think would make for gorgeous not-physical pressies, and I’m going to begin with a Substack subscription, a.k.a the modern magazine subscription. I say this because I still am an ardent Red Magazine subscriber (I always love getting it through my postbox at the end of every month!), but I also love the thought of gifting the words of some of my favourite writers into someone I loves inbox to brighten up their commute. I recommend my favourites all the time, but it’s a bit like having access to a glorious online zine in the palm of your hands. If you aren’t sure where to begin my current loves include India Knight (which I think is excellent value for money as she has the best taste and shares so many wonderful, cosy things), Wooden City by Issac Rangaswami (or London Centric) for the London dweller desperate to learn more about their city, The Trowel for excellent (and hilarious) beauty writing and A Lot On Her Plate by Rosie Birkett for the best recipes too. I’m pretty sure there’s something for everyone on Substack (I also love Nick Hornby’s reads which I know my dad would love)- plus, if you know someone partial to a vintage recommendation, a great playlist and romantic ways of spending the weekend- may I recommend The Sentimental Wardrobe too (wink wink!)
Okay, admittedly, I’m cheating a bit here with this present- because this it is a book. But it’s no ordinary book– but a beautiful book, filled with creative prompts, thoughts and ideas to encourage you to take the best out of each day in the new year. Physical in one sense but full of gentle, creative suggestions from exceptional artists to squeeze the juice out of every day. One of my favourite books to read at the beginning of a year is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I feel like this could be another special way of starting a new year too.
For my birthday, one of my favourite presents from my partners incredibly kind family was a membership to the V&A Museum– somewhere I adore visiting, but something I’d never have treated myself to. Not only do you get access to all their incredible exhibitions (as many times as you’d like to see them!), but they have a members restaurant, talks and events as well as gift shop discounts (and don’t I know I’ll be utilising those). It’s one of my favourite places to spend an afternoon in London, and having an excuse to visit is a true treat.
Finally, another completely unique present for the pal aching for more analog is a starter pack to The Sunday Letter Project. Created by Wildflower Illustration Co. it’s an invitation (and kit) to carve out time, each Sunday, to write. “We know how hard it can be to find time for things like this, so we thought that a collective, weekly movement would be a powerful way to create a letter-writing ritual.” Whether you dedicate it to yourself or your loved ones, it’s a unique way of unwinding and reflection- with the starter pack including letter paper and everything you need to get going. Plus, there’s also a Sunday Pals network, to open this up to finding and writing to a pen pal too- which I think is really, really special.
Plus! There’s two things I left out of last years guide that I would like to add below also…
A Restaurant Voucher: Again, this might be more of a club together job- but even if it’s to a bakery you know they love and swing by most mornings (e.g Lannan in Edinburgh or Pophams in London!) or somewhere they’ve been desperate to try for dinner- this would be a gorgeous idea.
A Starter Course: Whether that’s illustration, writing or ceramics- there are some gorgeous courses that would make really spoiling presents. Henry Holland does brilliant mug workshops in his studio and The Bookseller Crow in Crystal Palace also do creative writing courses, which I’m even eyeing up myself.
Thank you so much for staying tuned this year, I really hope you’ve been able to find some good ideas from brilliant makers and businesses! Have a wonderful Christmas!
x
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