It’s December, the season of merriment and endless festivities, when the city of London comes alive. Houses and streets across town are adorned with lights and decorations, holidays are nearly upon us, parties are planned, TV channels are awash with festive adverts and people up and down the country are deciding what to buy their loved ones for Christmas. But when it comes to Christmas shopping, the reality is its all too easy to fall into the trap of buying the same, obvious gifts for family members, particularly those in their later life. A tin of biscuits, some cashmere socks or luxury bath soap spring to mind.
Here at Wallacea Living, we passionately believe in the benefits of being active and social to help people live happier and healthier lives. Which is why we have collated our alternative gift guide to help celebrate people’s passions, hobbies and interests, and to encourage a greater sense of adventure into 2024 and beyond.
So what’s in our alternative Christmas gift guide?
1) A subscription to the Little Fine Wine company, London.
As the name suggests, the Little Fine Wine Company specialises in the world’s finest wine in half bottles. It offers flexible subscription packages which include monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly options with choices including all-red, all-white, mixed and seasonal fine wine cases. Each bottle is handpicked by founder Vicki and each delivery comes complete with tasting notes, pairing guides, drink-by recommendations and region guides.
Price: From £66.95 per quarter.
Shop: https://thelittlefinewinecompany.co.uk
2) Membership to The National Gallery, London.
Give the gift of unlimited access to the world’s greatest paintings and endless discovery. Alongside exclusive benefits, members will also be part of the National Gallery’s 200th birthday celebrations in 2024.
Price: From £65 per year.
Shop: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/membership
3) A Nike gift voucher.
For the active and style-conscious shopper. Recipients can go to the Oxford Circus Nike store and design their own pair of trainers that are not only practical for walking around London but define their individual style too.
Shop: https://www.nike.com/gb/gift-cards
4) A YETI coffee cup.
Energise those on the go with a stackable and insulated cup for compact storage and hot brews, perfect for the eco conscious:
Price: £25.
Shop: https://bit.ly/YETI_Rambler_Mug
5) Theatre Tokens.
The perfect way to treat someone to a night out at the theatre. With no expiry date, Theatre Tokens can be used for something they really want to see at more than 300 theatres nationwide.
Shop: https://www.theatretokens.com/buy-now
6) The Dinner Party: A Chef’s Guide.
The ultimate guide to sophisticated home entertaining from fine dining chef Martin Benn, featuring nine expert menus for memorable feasts, from relaxed gatherings to glamorous celebrations.
Price: £25.35.
Shop: https://bit.ly/dinner_party_chef
7) The Well-Lived Life, by Dr Gladys McGarey.
Written by a great-grandmother of 12 who pioneered holistic medicine, this book offers powerful secrets for how to live with joy and vitality at any age. By sharing stories of miraculous healing from her patients as well as from her own extraordinary life, Dr. Gladys will transform how readers think not only about health and healing, but ultimately a satisfying life.
Price: £16.99.
Shop: https://bit.ly/46Nk5Px
8) Royal Palaces membership.
Experience unlimited adventures in some of the most magnificent palaces ever built, from The Tower of London to Hampton Court Palace.
Price: From £55 per year.
