Every December, the question I hear most at the till is some version of "what can I get them for about twenty quid that doesn't look like I panicked?"
So here's my answer. These are the things I'd happily wrap up for my own friends and family, all £25 or under, all chosen from our shop on Abbeygate Street. There's something for the jewellery lover, the cook, the proud local, the one who needs a night in, and the friend who'd rather laugh than cry about the year they've had.
Pop in and see them in person, or order online and we'll send them out Royal Mail 48.
For the one who loves a bit of sparkle
Hammered Star Double Necklace by Big Metal London, £20
Big Metal London was our best-selling earring brand last Christmas, and this necklace shows why. Two fine chains with little star charms sit at the collarbone, so it looks layered without any of the tangling. It comes in gold or silver plate and is made with at least 50% recycled brass.
It's the sort of present that gets worn on Christmas Day itself. If she's more of an earrings person, have a look at the rest of the Big Metal London collection.
For the foodie
This is a gift and a night in all at once. You get four small-batch spice blends, including Great Taste award-winning Jerk and Tandoori Masala, plus a measuring spoon, a shopping list and recipe cards. Every recipe has a vegetarian option. There are four versions to choose from: Street Food Supper, Indian Banquet, Middle Eastern Mezze and Story of Spice. Every kit also helps Save the Children get food to children in conflict-affected parts of the Middle East.
Sardine Measuring Spoons by Sass & Belle, £14.50
Ceramic measuring spoons shaped like little sardines. Completely charming, and a lovely way to make baking feel like a Mediterranean holiday. Pair them with a supper kit and you've got a proper foodie bundle for under £35.
For the proud local
Illustrated South West Tea Towels by Tamsyn Gill, £15
Illustrated by Somerset artist Tamsyn Gill, these come in Bath, Bristol and Frome designs. They're generous 80 × 50cm tea towels, so they're genuinely useful rather than just pretty.
They're my go-to for anyone who's moved away and misses home, for visiting family to take back with them, or for the neighbour who knows every street in town. They're also flat, light and easy to post. Frome is down to its last couple, so don't leave that one too late.
For the one who needs a cosy night in
If someone on your list could do with slowing down this winter, put together a little night-in bundle. Socks, a proper hot chocolate, a candle and something for the bath, all under £25 each.
Miss Sparrow Fluffy Winter Socks, £14.99
Miss Sparrow socks were one of our bestsellers last Christmas, and the new fluffy winter pairs are even cosier. They're thick and soft, fit UK 3–7, and come in their own gift sleeve, so they're ready to wrap.
Harth Hot Chocolate, £9.50
Harth is made just down the road in Bath, in small batches from organic cocoa that hasn't been alkalised, so it tastes of real chocolate rather than sugar. It's vegan, comes in plastic-free packaging, and a 400g bag makes around 15 mugs. Whisk it into hot milk on the hob for the thickest, most indulgent cup.
Blackberry and tomato leaf: fruity, green and a little bit wild, like a winter walk through the hedgerows. It's poured from vegetable wax into a 270g tin that's made to travel, and the tin is fully recyclable. Once the candle's done, you can wash it out and plant herbs in it.
Steami Shower Steamers, £3.99
New in this autumn, and one of the easiest gifts to love. Pop a steamer on the shower floor, out of the direct spray, and it fills the steam with scent. The cheeky slogan packaging makes it a brilliant stocking filler, or tuck a couple into a card for a little spa moment for someone who never has time for a bath.
For the one who likes things spicy
Whether it's hot sauce, margaritas or the books they keep on the bedside table, some people like a bit of heat. These three are for them.
Spicy Chapters Glitter Socks, £9.99
For the reader whose books come with a little heat. They're soft combed cotton in warm cream with a sparkle of glitter thread, and they fit UK 3–7. Pair them with the book she's been dying to read and you've got the perfect present. There are only three pairs left.
Spicy Marg Embroidered T-Shirt, £19.50
Hand-embroidered in the UK by an independent maker, so you won't see it on the high street. The stitched spicy margarita has a lovely tactile, artisan feel. Sizes run XS to XXL, but stock is low in every size.
Hijinx Hot Sauce Bag Charm, £8.99
A little bottle of hot sauce to clip on a handbag, keys or suitcase. It's silly in the best way, and it's a great stocking filler for anyone who puts chilli on everything.
For the friend who needs a laugh
Some people don't want another candle. They want a gift that makes them snort over the wrapping paper. These three never fail to get a reaction in the shop.
Absolutely No Idea Mug by Small Talk, £17.99
From the outside it's a pretty, slightly wonky floral mug with a hand-made feel. Then you finish your tea and find the message hidden inside: "Absolutely… no idea what I'm doing." Perfect for new parents, new jobs, or anyone who's winging it (so, everyone).
Menopause Dish Towel, £13.99
You can't control the hormones, but you can at least control the spills. Unbleached cotton, super absorbent, and bound to make her laugh. A great one to slip in alongside a bigger present for your mum, sister or best friend.
Shitstorm Oven Mitt, £14.99
For the person who'll be cooking Christmas dinner for twelve and knows exactly how it'll go. Practical, honest and, frankly, accurate.
There are only a handful of each left, so grab them while you can.
Come and say hello
If you're in Bath, come and find us at 3 Abbeygate Street. There's plenty more under £20 on the shelves, from cosy socks to shower steamers, and we're always happy to help you pick.
Shopping from further away? Our Gift Box Builder lets you put together a thoughtful box from £19.99, and UK delivery is free on orders over £60. New to Hauslife? Use code 10HAUSLIFE for 10% off your first order.
Happy shopping, and thank you for shopping small this Christmas.
Kate x
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