The truly thoughtful gift guide

Don’t let the pressure of finding the perfect present for the perfect person/people overwhelm you. We’ve scoured the shops and our sentimental souls to create a list of the most thoughtful gifts out there.

Curated with significant others, couples and newlyweds in mind, consider this your ultimate cheat sheet. In this edit, we hope you’ll find something unique that’s sure to express your affections. From fail-safe ideas to nostalgic notions that don’t cost a penny, this is a gift guide for both the old romantics and the new.  Keep scrolling for anniversary, engagement and wedding present ideas that will make your gifting a little easier, and who knows; you might just find something for yourself too. 

1. Handwritten recipes

   Evoke comforting memories by asking your partner’s family for the recipes they enjoyed as a child. From a classic spag bol to Nanna’s secret chocolate cake recipe, write them up and bind them together to create a personal gift that’s thoughtful, nostalgic and almost free.

2. Recreate a memorable moment

   Memories are timeless treasures, so why not recreate one. Do something unexpected for the one you love and take them back in time. You could revisit where you had your first date, retake your favourite photo or even relive the best holiday you’ve ever shared.

3. A Spotify playlist

   Although cassettes and CDs may be a thing of the past, there is still a sentimental way to put together a compilation of tunes for someone. A Spotify playlist is the modern-day mixtape, and much easier to put together. Create a new playlist, add songs you both love or ones you know they will, name it, add some personal cover art and tap share. Satisfyingly simple.

4. Love letter blanket

   A little bit cheesy, but absolutely adorable and sure to put a smile on their face. Personalise this cotton blanket with a love letter to your significant other. Ideal for cosy evenings in as well as a daily reminder of your feelings for them.

5. A day in Paris

   Embark on an adventure in the world’s most romantic city. A luxurious choice that won’t dent the bank as much as you may think. Spending less than 24-hours in Paris is both exhilarating and more than enough time to take in the highlights. For £70 you can book a return ticket on the Eurostar from St Pancras, take the earliest train out and the latest back. Unleash your spontaneous side and relish a day of croissants, chocolat chaud and champagne.

6. A keepsake box

   If you’re looking for a unique way to store photos, you’ll adore this beautifully handmade wooden keepsake box by Molly & Tom. Designed to house 25 of your most beloved photographic prints, this box comes in a range of colours and you can personalise the lid.

1. Personalised champagne

   Trust Fortnum and Mason to make the most elegant personalised gift. Far from just a novelty bottle, this champagne has aged for three years ‘sur latte’ for extra complexity. Edit the label for the happy couple for a gift that’s almost too special to pop; note we said almost!

2. Smythson wedding planner

   Style and substance come together in this beautiful planner. Made in England, this white wedding planner is bound in cross-grain lambskin and features a guide to help with the planning of a wedding, from the engagement to the honeymoon.

3. Custom map of engagement location

   Gift the newly-engaged with a keepsake of their special moment. Grafo Maps creates chic, stylised maps that will complement the decor of almost any home. Select a location, choose your style preference and personalise before checking out; you can also have it wrapped and delivered straight to the receiver’s home.

4. An appointment with Sassi Holford

   Help a bride-to-be discover her dream dress by organising a wedding dress consultation with Sassi Holford at our London or Taunton boutique. If you do choose to visit us at our London store, you may want to check out our best local brunch spots and make a day of it!

5. Biscuiteers

   Baked in Notting Hill, these stunning hand-iced biscuits are a sweet way to say congratulations. The talented Biscuiteers team can personalise them for you, before popping them in a pretty box and delivering it straight to their door. 

1. Personalised stationery

   Smythson made it onto our list twice, and for good reason. Their personalised stationery is a very sophisticated and timeless gift that you wouldn’t necessarily buy for yourself. The sets will also come in useful when the newlyweds are writing their thank you notes. 

2. City guides

   Travel and style magazine Cereal, have channelled their chic, minimalist design and extensive knowledge into a city guide series. Their guidebooks will not only look fabulous on a coffee table but they’re also full of insider tips for destinations such as Copenhagen and Los Angeles.

3. Instant printer

   We all have phones and we all use Instagram to document the memorable occasions we experience. It’s also so easy to lose these precious memories when we lose our phones, run out of space, or have no backups. An Instax printer is a handy gadget that encourages you to create tangible mementoes. 

4. Portable Bluetooth speaker

   For the couple who are brand-aware and fashion-forward B&O’s stylish portable speakers are bound to impress. They come in subtle tones and a discreet design that will blend in brilliantly to almost all surroundings. The Beoplay A1 has True360 Sound guaranteeing a balanced distribution of your music from wherever you place it.

5. A year of flowers 
   

   Bloom and Wild are not only a life-saver when it comes to a last-minute birthday present, but they also offer a yearly subscription that makes a lovely wedding present. It’s unlikely to appear on the couple’s registry, however, who wouldn’t love receiving a beautiful bouquet every month. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.