We get it, some people just don’t like materialistic things. Although the majority of us adore unwrapping a fancy laptop handbag on Christmas day, a new Hublot watch, or a giant bottle of our favourite fragrance, some people just can’t stand all of the commercialism. So we’ve listed our top gift picks for the Londoners who hate material things. There really is something for everyone, even those who prefer experiences they can share with loved ones, over a product that might be used only a few times before being discarded.
Theatre Tokens
Theatre Tokens are ideal for anyone who enjoys the theatre. They’re valid at 240 venues nationwide so the recipient is able to use them to see a play, musical, or concert, and you can also choose whether the tokens come as a gift card or e-gift (perfect for those who are more eco-friendly). For those based in London the tokens can be used at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square, meaning your loved one will be able to get more bang for their buck as the theatre tickets available at TKTS are usually heavily discounted.
Find out more at Theatre Tokens
Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park
For your loved one who enjoys a refined afternoon out, treat them to a trip out to the countryside with afternoon tea at the Dorchester Collection’s Coworth Park in Ascot. Nibble on tiny crust-less sandwiches and dainty cakes and sweet treats, and then wander the grounds of Coworth Park afterward and admire the hotel’s very own Polo field.
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Spa Day at Rosewood London
If you’re looking to really spoil someone, the Rosewood London has one of the most impressive spas in the city, making it perfect for a spa day. You can purchase a gift voucher for a spa experience, and we recommend the Sense of Self package, which is a three hour pampering package designed to relax and rejuvenate even the most stressed of people.
Find out more at Rosewood London
Lunch at Michelin-starred The Savoy Grill
Red Letter Days offers a wide variety of experiences for those who aren’t the biggest fans of material gifts, including some fantastic dining experiences. One of our favourites is lunch at Gordon Ramsey’s Michelin-starred The Savoy Grill. Simply order the gift card online, place the red envelope under the tree on Christmas morning, and the recipient will be able to sip on champagne and dine on a sumptuous three-course lunch with a guest (maybe they’ll take you as their guest!).
Find out more at Red Letter Days
Belmond Train Journey
Belmond gift cards are valid for any of their travel experiences, but one of our favourites is actually their train trips aboard the British Pullman. They offer a fantastic day out, travelling through the British countryside and giving you the opportunity to experience train travel at its finest. The commuter rush will feel worlds away as you sit back into a squidgy armchair and dine on the finest of foods.
Find out more at Belmond
A Weekend Away
Why not treat your loved one to a weekend away? You could go all out and whisk them away to the Shangri-La in Paris, or treat them to a stay at the Royal Crescent in Bath. Whatever you do, make sure it’s a location they either already love or have been desperate to visit. There’s nothing worse than planning an elaborate trip only to find out that actually, they really didn’t want to visit a certain location as much as you did.
A Charity Donation – Sponsor a Child’s Education
For as little as £16 per month you can sponsor a child’s education in Uganda in the name of your recipient, and help break the cycle of poverty. By registering the sponsorship to your friend or family member and including their address, they will receive a profile and photo of the child they’re sponsoring, as well as at least two handwritten letters a year from the child themselves giving them updates on how they’re progressing in school. Only 1 in 4 young people in Uganda complete their secondary education, and the country has the world’s youngest population with the highest unemployment rate, meaning poverty is a part of every day life as Ugandan’s struggle to provide for their families.
Find out more at Amigos