What practical gift to give at Christmas?
Everyone always looks forward to the festive season, and the Christmas gift dilemma is on everyone’s lips. Enough of overconsumption: why not give a gift that is both useful and practical? As Christmas Eve approaches, Embrin has prepared a top 5 of useful gifts to give this Christmas.
1. A home service
Massage, hairdressing, manicure, make-up: there are many online services offering to give the gift of a home service to someone of your choice. Finally, a real present: a massage for tired backs, a hairdresser for grandparents who find it hard to get out and about, or a manicure for busy mums. For just a few dozen euros, you can give a thoughtful gift that will truly help someone you care about.
2. Household linen
The bedroom has just been redecorated – the perfect opportunity to organise a group gift for a new set of bed linen, coordinated with the new paint or wallpaper.
Your children’s bath or table towels are a mismatched jumble: bring a little harmony to their homes by choosing table linen or bath linen.
Did you know?
Linen is a thermoregulating fabric, which helps keep the bed cool in summer and retain warmth in winter. It is also hard-wearing and keeps its colour for many years. Finally, this material is hypoallergenic and antibacterial, as it holds very few allergens. Embrin’s linen is grown in the fields of the family farm in Normandy, and every product is made in France.
3. Kitchen utensils
We’re not talking about yet another gadget or supposedly revolutionary appliance, but rather the essentials that need regular replacing. Did you know, for example, that a chopping board lasts about a year and should be replaced after that? That knife blocks are teeming with bacteria and should be changed regularly? And what about blunt knives or frying pans that stick? Or the teaspoons that seem to disappear at every meal? Treat your loved ones and give them useful, brand new kitchen utensils.
4. Cosmetics
This selection of gifts requires you to know the person’s habits and preferences well. But did you know that hairbrushes, reusable cotton pads, make-up brushes and beauty oils all have a limited lifespan? Giving your loved ones the pleasure of self-care is a wonderful gift.
5. Sports equipment
As with cosmetics, it’s important to know the person well, or even ask them in advance if your gift would appeal. Runners need to change their trainers about every 6 months. Yoga enthusiasts should replace their mats every 1 to 2 years. Swimmers have to change their swimsuits regularly because chlorine damages the fibres. So many gift ideas to consider!
Eco-friendly idea: consider furoshiki for wrapping your presents. These little linen squares are reusable and help reduce your carbon footprint.