HOME & HORT by JP Clark

HOME & HORT by JP Clark

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HOME & HORT by JP Clark
HOME & HORT by JP Clark
Gifts For Impossible People To Buy For -Part 1
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Gifts For Impossible People To Buy For -Part 1

What to buy people when you haven’t got a clue.

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JP Clark
Nov 24, 2024
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HOME & HORT by JP Clark
HOME & HORT by JP Clark
Gifts For Impossible People To Buy For -Part 1
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This post will be too long for Gmail due to all the photos, so please click to view it in the app or the website, or click ‘view all’.


It’s that time of year again when we all have to wrack our brains on what to buy the most difficult people we know for Christmas. It gets harder every year, don’t you think? I have quite a number of people like that and I think one of the main reasons is that most of them already have everything they need apart from perhaps a luxury yacht, an apartment on the Upper West Side, an Aston Martin or Chris Hemsworth.

If they do want something, then they tend to just go and buy the damn thing. No one waits anymore just in case someone might give it to them for christmas. Retail patience is a thing of the past.

My husband, Mr. C is notoriously difficult to buy for and his favourite trick is to buy exactly what I want to get him about a week before Christmas. He actually finds it funny, which is even more infuriating. That, or he just happens to be searching inexplicably for some inane object and ends up finding said present before the big day and then all I want to do is hit him with it - infuriating.

So many gift options don’t really exist any more either. Gone are the days when you could buy someone a jolly CD of their favourite band with a lovely box of Brazil nuts to bulk the gift up a notch. Although I personally love books as a gift, so many people would prefer an Amazon voucher so they can download onto their kindle. But giving someone an Amazon voucher is about as dull as a date with the tax inspector, so please don’t do that - sorry tax inspectors! If you’re looking for a few great coffee table, Lifestyle and reference books though, I have included some fabulous ones in my guide.

I’m a big fan of ‘experience gifts’ often booked for January or February, two of the most wretched months of the year, so there is something to look forward to in those cold, grey months. Last year we received a wine tour, tasting and lunch gift certificate and the friends that bought it for us came with us. It was the most wonderful day and something we will actually remember being given forever. That’s in the latter part of this guide.

Just so you know, I don’t do the whole male and female gift guide thing as I’m not into pigeonholing gifts. I can assure you that after seeing quite a few gift guides on Substack already I want half of the things that are supposedly for women. You can decide who gets what and if your husband really wants that silky pink eye mask then I think his wish should come true!


I’ve made sure that a good 50% of this post is available to all and free to read. I’ve also made sure most of the small businesses are in the free section too to get maximum coverage for them. Btw - there are no affiliate links here. However, as I’ve saved some of my best ideas till last, the remainder is for paid members only, as a special perk. To see my fabulous gardening gifts, presents for the most impossible people ever and ‘experience gift’ ideas you’ll need to upgrade, but there’s 20% off right now, so why not treat yourself, or gift someone an annual membership?

Get 20% off forever


Okay, let’s get going!

Gifts that are useful, unusual or gorgeous - hopefully all three.

House of Disaster - The Beatles All you need is love socks £11.50
National Gallery Sun Flowers Van Gogh Deckchair - £195 - There are many other designs, so do take a look.
I bought this beautifully made Valet Box for my husband a few years ago. For the man that has everything. Loake Valet box - £140.
This will keep them busy on Boxing Day. Another gift I bought for my husband. Boat in a bottle kit - £19.20.
Love this Connor Lamp in blue from Next. The pink and the amber colour ways are also stunning. £50.
&Son’s Getaway Bag in tan - £135.
Fern Aroma Electric Diffuser - Marks & Spencer £54.40
The Basket Company - Grey & Buff Rattan Wheeled Wicker Log Basket - From £110. How clever is this? You can wheel it all the way to your front door to be as close to your wood store as possible.
Just as beautiful, but more affordable: Antique Oval Wicker Log Basket - From £60 - The Basket Company.
I’m Pretty mini clutch bag - House of Disaster - £24.99
Mulberry Silk Eye Mask rose pink marble Chalk Pink Linen Company - £26
&Sons Prospector Canvas jacket and detachable inner wool blend liner jacket for men - £235.
The Portobello Oud Classic Candle is True Grace’s best seller. It fills the room with a woody and spicy scent, rich with notes of Patchouli, Leather, Sandalwood and Ginger. You can personalise the back of the glass for £5 extra and refills and lids are available too. True Grace - £42.
All is Bright Hamper - Harvey Nichols - £130.
Holly & Co Hanna Embossed Ikebana - £72.50.
Breton Striped T Shirt in red - &Sons £45.

Books

At Home with Nature by Marianna Popejoy - £35 (Get an extra 20% off at check out with code: BLACKFRIDAY20. Marianna and I met many years ago now and we have remained in touch on Instagram. Her first book is a celebration of biophillic design and how it can help you create a healthy and happy home. It’s also truly beautiful!
Everyday Comfort by Katie Pix has become my new favourite cookbook. 100 comfort food reimagined with a healthy twist - Amazon £16.40. I’ve followed this wonderful girl on Instagram for years and just had to include her debut book.
This is hysterically funny and great for a stocking filler. The Ladybird Book of The Mid-Life Crisis - £3.99.
Emily Rollings The Essential Planner 2025 - £29. Not a book as such, but once you have one of these you will want one forever. I have bought myself one of these for years now and I can’t do without it. I also have two friends that have asked for them again this year. There’s 10% off your first purchase when you give your email address.
India Knight’s Beauty Edit - Awesome Books £15.02.

I saw this on

India Knight
utterly brilliant newsletter ‘Home’ and knew who it would be perfect for, so I bought a copy. I’ll be having a good read first! Don’t use Amazon as my copy arrived with last year’s brown cover rather than the updated jolly red.


To see the rest of my top picks, including useful and often beautiful gardening gifts, presents for the most impossible people ever and extra special ‘experience gifts’, you will need to upgrade to a paid membership. Part 2 of this guide will include homeware gifts, more menswear, culinary choices, gifts for pets and even more ideas for the most impossible people on earth. There’s currently 20% off an annual subscription and it will never go up as long as you stay subscribed.

Get 20% off forever

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