14 gift ideas that won’t get regifted this December

We’ve all received, and probably given, gifts that call on our poker face skills.

Finding good Christmas gifts can be tricky, particularly if you’re shopping for someone with discerning tastes. Unsurprisingly, more than half of us have received unwanted gifts, according to a survey by Finder.com. Whether it’s a loud jumper from your gran or a helmet from Dad for the bicycle you sold two years ago, some Christmas presents just don’t hit the mark.

These well-meaning gifts can be expensive too; the average unsuitable gift costs £47.10 and we receive an average of three every year. As a nation, we’re thought to be spending more than £5 billion every year on presents that haven’t made it onto the recipient’s wish list (and never will).

Regifting Day

It feels needlessly cruel or wasteful to simply bin these misguided presents, so around 22% of us regift them. That lipstick from your aunt that doesn’t work for you could be perfect for a friend, while the crockpot that’s gathering dust could make amateur chefs jump for joy.

In fact, there’s a whole day dedicated to passing these gifts along. ‘ Regifting Day’ takes place on 17 December. But to make sure your gesture doesn’t make the regift list, we’ve put together some of our best Christmas gift ideas, so you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

Christmas gifts for him

The men in your life deserve more than socks or toiletries this Christmas. Whatever he enjoys doing in his spare time, you’ll find thoughtful Christmas gifts for every interest at Red Letter Days.

Give him the chance to brush up on his kitchen skills during a cookery class, where he can try his hand at sushi or cocktail making or expand his dinner repertoire. Or, browse our range of sports experience days, which include football stadium tours, golf lessons and shooting sessions.

Shopping for an adrenaline junkie? You’ll find plenty of exhilarating ideas in our adventure gifts range, from indoor skydiving to a triple supercar day to get his blood pumping and make his Christmas special. And he’ll have plenty of time to use them, as most of our experience day vouchers are valid for 20 months.

Christmas gifts for her

There are plenty of great Christmas gift ideas for women. If she’s got a serious sweet tooth, our retro personalised sweet hamper and other indulgent treats will hit the spot. You could also give her the chance to savour delicious food and make memories with a three course champagne lunch at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill.

It’s been a busy and stressful year for many of us, so perhaps a pampering experience is just what she deserves. Treat her to a spa break or give her the chance to squeeze a moment of well-being into her busy schedule. We reckon she’ll appreciate a kind gesture like this far more than a hastily-bought candle or bath bomb set.

Food & drink Christmas gifts

Items like clothing and cosmetics can be tricky to get right, so why not opt for a food and drink gift instead? A box filled with winter goodies to see them through the festive season, or a top-quality tipple they can sip in the evenings will definitely put a smile on their face. We’ve got options for every budget and taste.

Go for a vintage armagnac brandy gift, which comes presented in a silk-lined box or give them the gift of variety with a 12 wines of Christmas box. Looking for something without the alcohol? We’ve got plenty of food-focused hampers on offer, including speciality options for people with dietary requirements.

Alternatively, choose a gift that keeps on giving, like a 3 -month cheese subscription or 3 -month coffee club subscription. Your treasured friend will receive regular deliveries of their favourite food or drink, giving them a chance to broaden their culinary horizons from the comfort of their home.

Experiences to look forward to

After a year of staying indoors, you could give those you love the chance to make some fantastic new memories with an experience gift. If you’re not sure what to get them, browse our luxury short breaks. There’s everything from two-night city and country getaways to relaxing spa weekends. Our short break vouchers allow the recipient to pick a destination and date, so there’s no chance you’ll get it wrong.

If you want something every generation can enjoy, an afternoon tea is a great gift option. Go for a sparkling winter afternoon tea at home for two to brighten up winter days. And when restrictions are lifted, celebrate by taking your gran, best friend or partner out for a champagne afternoon tea at Kensington’s secret domes.

Choose a thoughtful Christmas gift

After spending so much of the year inside, our range of personal experience days and delicious food and drink gifts could be just what they need to brighten their Christmas. Explore our full range of gift ideas or sign up to our newsletter for more handy present inspiration.