From left to right:
Tea Fishermen (in box). Four delightful Chinese style fishermen who calmly sit on the edge your tea cup. Based on the old tale of Jiang Taigong, who used straight fish hooks because he believed the fish would come to him when they were ready. With these stylish, white little silicon men holding your hooks, you can also wait patiently while your tea steeps. We enjoyed these in the office as you can individualise your mug and avoid tea cup mayhem.
On books: Neal's Yard Remedies beautifully scented candle in glass jar made from organic beeswax and plant-oils with a textile wick. Choose from Balancing, Calming or Uplifting; they all smell amazing and contain no nasties with 100% essential oils. Comes boxed so very easy to wrap.
Holistic candle, Bergamot and Wild Flowers scented soy candle with 100% essential oils, with a cotton wick, hand poured in London. Comes in a white, cotton, drawstring bag. The 125ml burns for up to 25 hours. Sublimely scented with a top note of crisp bergamot and fresh jasmine.
Ion8 Cafestor Leakproof Thermal insulated stainless steel bottle, suitable for hot or cold drinks, with Thermo Shield, double wall vacuum insulation to project the drink's temperature for hours. I just love the colour of this one I was sent to review. I've been using this every day for my tea or hot water and it really is leak proof with a fabulous flip-top, lockable lid. BPA and toxin free. Comes boxed.
Neal's Yard Remedies Refine Melissa Handcare Duo in a gorgeously innovative, recyclable flower pot container which you can keep or use to plant in. Contains Melissa hand polish and hand cream. Just gorgeous! To the left pictured is a free hand-crafted Alder Tree Bomb container which comes with the Melissa gift. This is part of Neal's Yard's initiative to help plant more trees, protect our planet and take action on climate change. If you're looking for an ethical gift start here.
The Fetch bottle opener by Kikkerland is made of beech wood and stainless steel. With a magnet mouth this stylish little dog will turn your bottle top into a frisbee! Also boxed and easy to wrap. Our review sample caused a fun office distraction and is sure to impress at Christmas.
Book gift ideas: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying. If you haven't had a chance to do this during the lockdowns then the new year is a good time to start afresh. A guide to help transform your home into a permanently clutter-free, calm space with the popular KonMari method created by Japan's expert de-clutterer and professional cleaner Marie Kondo. Widely available in bookshops and online.
Creative Flow, for those who wish to spark and nourish their creativity, by Jocelyn de Kwant Amsterdam-based, Dutch writer who specialises in writing about mindfulness, nature, creativity and simplifying life.
So there are eight gift ideas which won't cost the earth and hopefully edge you nearer to Christmas with a spring in your step.