The Very Best Christmas Gift, Revealed
Words by Emma Hughes
December 21, 2022
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There’s a certain knack to choosing the perfect Christmas present for someone. So if you feel like you never get it quite right, you’ve come to the best place!
We asked more than 100 people what their favourite ever Christmas gift was, and received lots of fantastic responses. Here’s a little insight into what people really want to find underneath the tree…
Priceless gifts
Sentimentality took the top spot, proving that the best way to make someone smile is with something meaningful.
19% of us stated that our favourite ever gift was something priceless.
Whether it’s a treasured photo in a stylish new frame or a warm reminder of a loved one, these gifts are sure to be cherished for a lifetime…
“Handwritten lyrics from my favourite band.”
“My Grandad’s medals and mine mounted in a frame, with a picture of us at my passing out parade in the Army.”
“A necklace holding a picture of me and my fur baby, who has passed over rainbow bridge.”
“Calendar with pictures of my grandchildren, and handmade Christmas card from grandchildren.”
“A gift from my daughter bought with her own money from her first job.”
“A replica of Grandmother’s 1940s locket left to me, which was stolen in burglary 20 years previously.”
Luxury gifts
But that’s not to say luxurious items go unappreciated. Gifts on the pricier side garnered a lot of responses too, ranging from games consoles and iPads to designer bags and watches – even a couple of cars!
Tech gifts – 13%
“Computer games console when I was a child. A total surprise as it was very expensive, I can still remember it to this day.”
“It was a computer in 2002, when I was only 10 years old, a generous gift from my aunt :)”
“Sega Mega Drive II – I still have it, and the games.”
“Nintendo Switch when I was 30 years old hahaha!”
“iPad”
“Alexa”
“Kindle”
Designer items and jewellery – 5%
“A bread bin – because there was a diamond necklace inside!”
“Thomas Sabo ring”
“Mulberry Handbag”
“Chanel watch”
Cars – 2.5%
“My first car, an 04 plate Corsa!”
Bikes
13% of us recall being thrilled to receive a bike for Christmas. Perhaps it’s the magic of being young, but this can still be a great gift today. A wonderful alternative to video games, it will encourage time away from screens in favour of exercise.
“A Raleigh Night Burner BMX when I was 9 – I was the envy of all the boys!”
“Andy ruffle team BMX with white skyways, think I was 10 or 11 and the bike cost my Mum and Dad £350. That was in 1985/86. Thanks Mum and Dad!”
Experience Gifts
They say that life experiences are worth more than material things, and that’s true for the 9% of us who chose an event or trip as their best Christmas present ever.
Is there a place your partner has always wanted to visit? Or is your best friend’s favourite band on tour? Then this gift idea could be just the ticket!
“A holiday to New York”
“Tickets to see the Spice Girls”
“A trip to Winter Wonderland in London”
“A ticket to spend holidays with my family in Lebanon”
Gift Vouchers
Whether you’ve left it too late or you’re buying for someone who has everything, a gift voucher is always a reliable option!
Give the gift of choice with Barker and Stonehouse vouchers in a range of amounts, from £25 to £100.
Shop gift vouchers
What’s on your wishlist?
Did you know you can now create a wishlist of your favourite Barker and Stonehouse items? The perfect way to let your loved ones know what you really want for Christmas. Hint hint.
Simply create an account or sign in to start yours.
Our favourite responses
“Every year when I was younger, when my dad would come round to bring gifts, he would always leave a big one in the car and once we'd opened all the others he would 'remember' and go and get it. One year it was acoustic guitars and another it was a small pool table - these were the most exciting and special.”
“My wife gifted me the book 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupery several years ago after a conversation that seemed to reveal that this story is very well known outside of the UK and has sold over 140 million copies. It looks and reads like a kids book, but there's more to it. I would recommend to anyone who has not read it. I really loved this gift.”
“When my Mrs agreed to be my wife. Now married 3 and a half years, together 14 years.”
“My dog Amber, although she was a gift to myself!”
“My son who was born on the 21st December.”