Friends, family, food, drink and general over indulgence wherever possible, there’s a reason why Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. But, let’s be honest, nothing really beats presents (except maybe for snow in London on Christmas Day, but until then… presents). Whether you’re giving or receiving, here are six gifts that you won’t need to get the receipts for.
Star Wars Lego Millennium Falcon
Is £110 too much to spend on reawakening your childhood? To make your ten-year-old self’s dream come true a couple of decades later? I think not, which is why number one on the list is the Star Wars Lego Millennium Falcon. Oh, and once I’ve built it I can say things like “She'll make point five past lightspeed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid. I've made a lot of special modifications myself” to anyone who’ll listen. Available here.
Aero Press Coffee Maker
Nobody has a La Marzocco espresso machine in his or her home because that would just be lunacy. The best way to get that espresso quality in your kitchen is with the AeroPress Coffee Maker. No power needed, it’s all about the vacuum. And at £25 it’s a touch cheaper than an industrial maker. Available here.
Brew Dog Punk IPA Kit
Fast-forward to next Christmas and picture yourself sipping on a cold Punk IPA brewed by your own fair hands. At £40 for a Brew Dog IPA starter kit, you can take your first step into the world of craft brewing without quitting your day job. That will come later. Available here.
Signed Set of The Secret History and The Little Friend by Donna Tart
Literary gold here; available in store only at the South Kensington Bookshop, Donna Tart’s first two novels come bound in a limited edition hardback cover, signed by the author. At £70 you can see it as an investment for the future as well as a couple of excellent reads. Find South Kensington Books here.
The Rap Year Book by Shea Serrano
A labour of love, written by Shea Serrano and illustrated by Arturo Torres, The Rap Year Book goes all the way back to 1979 and lists each year’s best rap release up until 2015. If you like your Ice-T with a little Biggie on the side, then this is your jam.
Monroyo Serrano Ham Set
Ham hasn’t had the best press this year but who could be disappointed by the sight of a full leg of Monroyo Serrano ham under the tree on Christmas morning? Available form Brindisa for a fairly indulgent £110, you can buy the full sweet, cured ham complete with carving knife and ‘How To Carve’ DVD and spend your Christmas break eating ham by the leg. Available here.
