We’ve all had socks given to us as a present for Christmas? The dubious pens, the cliche coffee mugs, the generic scarves, even vintage pyjamas that suspiciously look like they’ve come straight out of the 70’s?
And that’s ok. It’s the thought that counts ~…but as the festive season approaches (it's already here according to some), the question of gifts comes up yet again, and people begin to plan out their Christmas gift ideas. What to get their closest friends and family? The children will probably have already submitted their Christmas wish lists by now, but what about the wife or husband? What will my family get me – something I will like (or which I need)?
A few years ago, my wish list would have included a waterproof wireless Bluetooth speaker, maybe a colourful tie, some cufflinks and a new shirt. These days that wish list has become rather eco-friendly. And it’s not as a consequence of all the climate change talk entering the public discourse, or because I’m a big suporter of environmentally-friendly stuff. Instead some of the modern eco-friendly mod-cons (if we can call them that) have become rather cool. More so than they were 10 or 15 years ago.
Take for example this sublime table –lamp combo by French architect and designer Jean Marie Massaud.
You then have things like this Solidwool chair from Solidwool Factory.
Quite the exotic. And while I wouldn’t expect anyone other than my better half (don’t worry she’s not reading this), and possibly a few close friends, to collectively part with 400 quid for a present, it’s definitely something I wouldn’t mind receiving.
But if that’s too steep for you, what about these Hempcrete glasses:
Or this bamboo bicycle? Or indeed these eco-kettles including one which keeps your water hot for up to 4 hours after you’ve boiled it! 4 hours! Now there’s a Christmas gift worth having.
I think the appeal of these items is not merely because they are eco-friendly, or indeed different. I mean, aren’t they just so cool?
I know for some people switching from what they have always liked to something a bit adventurous, a bit more eccentric, isn’t easy. There’s the little problem of taste, which can influence many buying decisions (For me, trying to choose the right pair of shoes is quite the challenge). But surely, even if you wouldn’t buy any one of these items yourself, or for your family; you have to at least give it to the designers that most of these items are quite desirable.
And if you asked me what I would have, if I could choose a reasonable(ish) Christmas present without worrying too much about the price, I’ll have to go for this. Nothing else comes even close.
An earlier version of this article was first published here on our website.
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