The CSH Christmas Gift Guide 2020: Nourish & Nurture

I think we’re all looking forward to seeing the back of this bleak year so much, that we’re starting to think about any end of year celebrations as soon as we can. No wonder – it gives us something to look forward to amongst the lockdown blues, darker evenings and time spent separated from family. I think if anything this year has taught us to appreciate the little moments spent together and the simpler things in life. I love giving presents (perhaps even more than receiving them); I get excited when I see a friend or family member’s face light up when they unveil the gift I’ve carefully chosen just for them. It doesn’t have to be anything wildly expensive or utterly luxurious, it’s more the tender act of kindness that matters. That shows you care and appreciate them.

I’ve created three Christmas gift guides this year, each based around concepts we could all do with more right now. There’s a focus on the home, of course. Not only because that’s my number one focus, but because that’s where we’re all spending so much more time. Fancy outfits and ridiculously expensive shoes have paved the way instead for everyday treats and simple objects that bring us the feeling of comfort and ease that we need.

Each of the concepts that I’ve based my gift guides around prioritise the things that can help uplift time spent at home. First we have Nourish & Nurture, later in the week there will be Relax & Indulge, and next week Comfort & Joy.

Today’s Christmas gift guide, Nourish & Nurture, is all about simple gifts that can feed the soul and care for the creative mind as well as the home. So there’s cookery tools for the chefs out there, plant subscriptions for the green fingered amongst us, candle making kits for the homebodies and a few cheeky gin truffles, because why not!

1. Glazed terracotta plant pot with matching saucer, £19, Arket [affiliate link] – add your own plant for a personal touch!
2. Monoware pitcher, matt glazed stoneware crafted in Portugal, £50, Tea and Kate
3. Wildsmith compostable hand wash and lotion duo, inspired by the plants and botanicals found in the arboretum and grounds at hotel Heckfield Place, £50, Wildsmith
4. Cedar home candle making kit with everything you need to make two soy candles, £40, Zero-Living – perfect for home lovers looking to get a bit creative (and cosy) at home!
5. Set of two striped linen tea towels, crafted from 100% natural, uncoloured oeko-tex linen, and presented in a gift box made of 40% recycled materials, £22, Goscandi
6. Less Waste No Fuss Kitchen cookbook, offering inspiring, practical and simple ideas to shop, eat and cook sustainably, £12.99, Trouva [affiliate link]
7. Huskee reusable coffee cup made of waste coffee husks, £14.49, Zero-Living
8. Dominican 68% salted chocolate, organic certified and vegan friendly, handcrafted in Glasgow, £6.50, Bare Bones
9. Serving board, handmade by Selwyn House using sustainably felled English oak, £28, Object Story
10. Atlas 150 Pasta Maker by Marcato, £85, The Conran Shop [affiliate link]
11. Blue and white speckled terracotta pitcher, made of terracotta, £25, Arket [affiliate link]
12. Linen napkins in artichoke green, crafted from 100% natural, uncoloured oeko-tex linen, and presented in a gift box made of 40% recycled materials, £18.50-35, Goscandi
13. Ridley’s Games House of Plants game, £15, Liberty of London [affiliate link] – a fun game for plant lovers
14. Linen apron, crafted from 100% natural, uncoloured oeko-tex linen, and presented in a gift box made of 40% recycled materials, £40, Goscandi
15. Menu ash and carbon bottle grinders, £59, Trouva [affiliate link]
16. Plant subscription box, from £115, Bloombox – a plant and ceramic planter delivered straight to your recipient’s door with plant care tips, choose from 3, 6 or 12 months
17. Monoware set of two mugs, matt glazed stoneware crafted in Portugal, £34, Tea and Kate
18. Charbonnel Sipsmith dark chocolate gin truffles, £15, Heal’s

Stay tuned for my second Christmas gift guide, rounding up a delectable selection of treats to help you relax and indulge, which will be coming out on Friday.