Go nostalgic this Christmas
Lets face it, Marks & Spencer is a Christmas institution, which is not necessarily where you want to spend Christmas. But if it was the only place still open on Christmas Eve, then there are some choices I would make on the foodie gift front. Actually, some of these are definitely worth turning up for before Christmas Eve! Here’s my choices:
1. I’ve actually really loved all the retro stuff they’ve done this year, and I would happily give some of these. I don’t think you can have too many cake tins, and this set of two is lovely looking. Could be quite tempted by the teapot and the mugs as well.
2. For kids big and small, and for a guilty foodie treat, then I love the limited edition Percy Pig Union Flag money box. Practical, stylish and tasty, all in one nightmare to wrap package! Sadly, I’d love to show you this but it appears you can only get this in the shops. And not online. Bit of a M&S fail I would say. There is an online Percy Pig special though, should you not want to face the High Street.
3. If there are chocolate lovers on your list, then have a look at the Chocoholics hamper. All presented in an attractive and practical magazine holder/wrapper holder, there is a veritable chocolate feast inside. They can snuggle up with Fairtrade drinking chocolate sprinkled with mini marshmallows, and dunk in a milk chocolate Florentine. They can drool over chocolate recipes, whilst eating dark chocolate or spooning chocolate sauce straight from the jar. Perfect!
4. For the vintage lover, then there is a full on 125 Year Souvenir Gift. The gold label tea caddy is great looking, and I love the Hedgerow Jam, not something you see much these days. With two mugs and a tea towel, you’re on your way to a nice cup of a tea and a sit down. Just get some toast on and you’re all set!
5. Food intolerances are no fun, and I’m thrilled to see M&S offering a great gluten free hamper. No need to feel left out, there is gluten free Christmas cake and Christmas pudding, plus a great selection of jams and chutney, tea and coffee, chocolates and cava. This just feels like great tasting products, rather than “specialist food”, which is how most people with intolerances would want to feel.
6. For something a bit simpler, and cheaper, but still with good taste, then I like the Risotto Set. The grater both looks attractive and useful, and comes with a bowl for grating into. It comes with the essential wooden spoon and also a packet of risotto rice with dried porcini mushrooms, which should be very tasty. If you want to make it truly authentic, then you need to add a good piece of Parmesan too.
So, some really good standbys and useful options for people you might normally find it difficult to buy gifts for. Of course I would still prefer to order everything online and get them to deliver it, but if you had to go somewhere on Christmas Eve for last minute gifts, these would be pretty good choices. Better than these anyway:
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