Stocking Fillers 2

Something special for the stockings. A Lavender Scented Pin Cushion £8.00 by Pants & Paper. I can't get enough pin cushions. Probably because I am a rabid seamstress, they're all over my studio so I can always reach for one (although the arms of the sofa are usually full of pins as well). They make a lovely gift anyway but I really like this one because it is lavender scented so, when you're not being creative, it can make itself useful scenting the room to smell like a lazy day in Provence. I'm also really struck by the simplicity of the design with it's hand-drawn style lines and decoupage elements. It would just be a really gorgeous thing to have around - pins or no pins. Pants & Paper sell this and many other small handmade items in their folksy shop and have an entertaining blog where I note that they have received a nod this week from Theo Paphitis in his weekly Small Business Sunday competition. May I take this opportunity to add my congratulations to the mix and a bit of a loud 'hurrah' too since it is Friday!   

Secret Santa Struggles - Seconds

Judging by the popularity of my Secret Santa Struggles post, it seems that there is quite a lot of searching for inspiration going on out there for  that ever elusive office christmas gift so I've come up with a few more suggestions for consideration. All for under £20. Let me know if you plump for any of them. I'd love to know how they were received.

1. Home Made Cookie Stamp £10.00

The thing I love most about this lovely little stamp from Velvet Brown is that the when you're not using it to make bold, beautiful impressions in your baking, you can hang it up in the kitchen to be admired as the lovely piece of design that it is.

2. Harrington & Squires Perforated Paper Calendar 2012 £16.50

I nice gift for someone who likes to organise with style. Presented curled up in a gift box, it hangs on a string with a pretty green label and a peg to mark the date. So pretty!

3. "The Bloody Keys" Keyring by Berry Red £5.00

I have given this as an office present before and it provoked total hysteria because he was my boss and was constantly misplacing his keys. I suppose you have to read the situation before giving someone something that tacitly criticises them but so long as it's done in the right spirit and looks as good as this lovely thing does, you'll probably get a sly look and a big hug like I did. 

4. Ella's Kitchen Company Jam Caddy £18.00

There's always one person who comes in to the office and heads straight for the toaster. Like coffee, there are just some things people can't start the day without. This is a lovely gift idea for such a person. I'd probably fill it with some really nice jams, marmalade or some other of their favourite spread. Otherwise, why not use it as a mini-hamper. Send some nice brown paper through the office shredder and pack in some goodies. We had a guy at work who loved those little pots of Gentlemen's Relish, Anchovy Paste and little truckles of cheese encased in colourful wax. This would be a great way to present stuff like that. 

5. Huge Paisley Storage Bag £6.00

Again, from Berry Red, this may seem like an odd choice but these are great presents for mums with growing families. I buy so many of these for storing blankets, linens and my daughter's clothes when she has outgrown them. They are sturdy, pack in so much and their square shape means that they stand by themselves and stack fairly well when full. This is the prettiest pattern on one of these I've ever seen. Lovely for storing things 'in sight' when the attic is full and a good idea if your Secret Santa is supposed to be something 'silly' and inexpensive. 

One For The Soul

What a treat! In response to my post Secret Santa Struggles last Tuesday, marvellous artist and designer Bridget Wilkinson has produced this lovely Mug Cosy & Mug £12.00. I was speculating about how appropriate it would be to send a Get Well Soon mug cosy with "chicken soup" on it to a poorly friend and now there is one. It positively glows with healing good will. Thanks Bridget! 

Secret Santa Struggles

If you are struggling with this year's Secret Santa at the office, may I venture a suggestion: Tea. The perfect gift for a Brit. I can't even count on one hand the people I know who don't drink it in one form or another. I have given mug cosies to people on all sorts of occasions. I once gave one as a welcome gift at work and they also make great Get Well Soon gifts (although I've yet to find one with 'Chicken Soup' on it which would be absolute perfection). I love these simple but bold Mug Cosies £12.00 by British designer Bridget Wilkinson - crocheted and attractively embellished with felt, buttons and little tapestried labels - they look like mini works of art. And they come complete with, what I would describe as a really good solid mug. This is a selling point for me as I loathe 'apologetic' crockery. I've picked out the Earl Grey one because that's my tipple but they are all absolutely lovely. Perfect as a thoughtful but unostentatious present and of almost universal appeal. So there it is. Secret Santa solved. Now stuff it with a packet of the recipient's favourite blend and and a vintage style infuser (like this one) and you'll wish you could put your name on the gift tag.