Unique Christmas gifts

Christmas is a time for giving but finding the perfect present can often feel like a chore. This year, why not ditch the high street and embrace the appeal of unique Christmas gifts?

Whether it’s a personalised trinket, a handcrafted treasure, or an unforgettable experience, a unique gift shows you’ve put thought and care into your choice.

In this article, the Christmas.co.uk team explores a variety of unique Christmas gift ideas, discuss where to find them, and provide insights into their costs.

What makes a gift unique?

A unique gift is more than just an item; it’s a reflection of the recipient’s personality, interests, and passions. It could be something:

Personalised: Adding a name, date, or special message transforms an ordinary item into a cherished keepsake

Handmade: Gifts crafted with love and skill carry a special touch that mass-produced items lack

Unusual: Quirky and unexpected presents add an element of surprise and delight

• Experience-based: Creating memories through activities or adventures can be even more valuable than material possessions
• Supporting independent businesses: Choosing gifts from local artisans or independent retailers helps support the community and discover truly one-of-a-kind treasures.

Essentially, we think that unique gifts at Christmas are those that are one-of-a-kind, handmade, or have a personal touch.

They are often more meaningful and memorable than mass-produced items.

These gifts can range from quirky and fun to luxurious and elegant, catering to all tastes and budgets.

It’s also worth thinking about starting your search early and visiting various sites, such as eBay, to see what’s on offer. You could even visit Salesroom and register for auction alerts for something specific – such as ‘Scalextric piece from 1962’ that someone may need to add or complete a collection. This is a thoughtful – albeit uncertain – way to find a Christmas gift.

Unique Christmas gift ideas

For the foodie in your life:

Artisan food hampers: Filled with locally sourced cheeses, chutneys and gourmet treats – try Amazon

Personalised cookbooks: Featuring their favourite recipes or blank pages to create their own culinary masterpiece

Foodie experiences: A cooking class, wine tasting, or brewery tour.

For the homebody:

• Handmade candles or diffusers: With unique scents and personalised labels
• Cosy blankets or throws: Made from luxurious materials like cashmere or merino wool
• Personalised mugs or coasters: Featuring their favourite quotes or photos.

For the adventurer:

• Experience days: Hot air balloon rides, spa days or weekend getaways
• Outdoor gear: Hiking backpacks, camping equipment or water sports accessories
• Personalised travel journals: To document their adventures.

For the fashionista:

• Unique jewellery: Handmade necklaces, earrings or bracelets
• Personalised accessories: Scarves, hats, or bags with their initials
• Vintage or upcycled clothing: For a sustainable and stylish gift.

For the kids:

• Personalised storybooks: Featuring their name and likeness as the main character
• Handmade toys: Wooden puzzles, rag dolls, or building blocks
• Creative kits: Art supplies, science experiments, or DIY craft projects.

We also think that subscription boxes, which are monthly boxes tailored to specific interests, such as gourmet food, books or beauty products, will provide ongoing surprises.

Plus, you should consider unique tech gadgets, like novelty USB drives, quirky phone cases and fun kitchen gadgets which make for entertaining gifts.

We would suggest using Subscriptionboxes.org.uk which is an excellent resource for finding a wide variety of subscription boxes available in the UK. It features an extensive list covering categories like beauty, food and drink (including recipe boxes, snacks, coffee, tea, gin, beer, wine, and chocolate), clothing, geek and gamer boxes, shaving subscriptions, socks and even adult-only options.

Where to find unique Christmas gifts

Online marketplaces:

Etsy: A treasure trove of handmade and vintage gifts from independent sellers

Not on the High Street: Curated selection of unique gifts from small businesses

Yumbles: Specialises in artisan food and drink gifts

Cuckooland: Known for its wide range of unique and unusual gifts, Cuckooland offers everything from quirky stocking fillers to luxurious handmade items

• Graham and Green: Specialising in quirky gifts inspired by animals and nature, this retailer offers a variety of unique presents
• The Range: Offers a diverse selection of unique gifts, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious items
• Dunelm: Known for its festive decorations, Dunelm also stocks a range of unique Christmas gifts.

Independent retailers:

• Local craft fairs and markets: Discover unique creations from local artisans
• Independent boutiques and gift shops: Often stock unusual and hard-to-find items
• Charity shops: A great place to find vintage and pre-loved treasures.

Department stores:

• John Lewis & Partners: Offers a range of personalised gifts and experiences
• Marks & Spencer: Features a selection of unique food hampers and gift sets
• Liberty London: Known for its eclectic mix of designer and independent brands.

How much are unique Christmas gifts?

The cost of unique Christmas gifts can vary widely depending on the item and where it’s purchased.

Handmade or personalised gifts may be more expensive than mass-produced items, but they often offer better quality and lasting value.

• Budget-friendly: Personalised mugs, small handmade items, or charity shop finds can be found for under £20
• Mid-range: Experience days, artisan food hampers, or unique jewellery pieces typically cost between £50 and £100
• Luxury: High-end handmade items, personalised experiences, or designer gifts can range from £100 upwards.

Buy unique festive gifts to impress

This Christmas, break away from the ordinary and embrace the joy of giving unique gifts.

By choosing presents that are personalised, handmade or experience-based, you can show your loved ones how much you care.

With a little creativity and research, you can find the perfect gift to make this Christmas truly special.

Remember, it’s not just about the gift itself, but the thought and effort behind it.

A unique Christmas gift is a way to express your love and appreciation, creating lasting memories for years to come.