Let’s be honest: traditional gifting “rules” can feel a bit… outdated.
We’re told who we should buy for (mum, sister, bestie, colleague)
when we should buy (Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries)
and then we’re herded straight towards the nearest 3-for-2 deal at Boots. 🙃
But here’s the thing: those rules don’t just limit who we buy for — they limit what we buy too. And that’s how we end up panic-buying generic bath sets or novelty socks at the last minute, rather than finding something that actually means something.
What if we flipped the script? What if, instead of starting with who or what, we paused to think about why we’re giving in the first place? Because when you do that — when you focus on the reason behind the gift — you’ll find the perfect thing so much more easily. And bonus: you’ll save yourself a ton of stress along the way.
With gifting season creeping closer, there’ll be plenty of chances to spoil the people you love (and honestly, nothing beats that). But this year, let’s push back against the generic, one-size-fits-all present. Whether it’s for them or for you, let’s choose gifts that truly reflect who someone is right now — their quirks, their passions, their story.
Here’s how to start:
1. Wear Their Story — Not a Stereotype 🎁
Here’s another “gifting rule" worth breaking: the idea that people should be defined by their labels. Every year, we’re handed gift guides that read like a roll call — “Mum,” “Best Friend,” “Sister” — as if those roles tell the whole story of who someone is.
But we’re all so much more than the labels we wear. Your mum might also be a budding gardener 🌱, a lover of moonlight and magic 🌙, or a woman finally stepping into her power. Your best friend might be a bookworm, a hiker, a dog mum, a traveller, or a crystal-carrying free spirit.
The best gifts — the ones that get treasured for years — speak to those parts of who they are. They’re not about ticking a box; they’re about saying “I see you” in a way a bath set never could.
That’s why I created pieces like the Story Collection — a blank canvas you can stamp with the words, symbols, or memories that matter. It’s jewellery designed to celebrate individuality, not stereotypes.
Pieces from the Story Collection
2. Make Gifting About Joy, Not Obligation 🎉
We’ve all been there: the December panic, the rushed online orders, the desperate grab for “something” before the last posting date. And when gifting becomes a chore, it loses all its magic.
But here’s the thing — gifts don’t need to be reserved for big calendar dates, and they definitely don’t need to be driven by guilt or obligation. The most joyful gifts are the ones that happen just because. The ones that celebrate tiny moments — a Tuesday win, a Saturday spent resting, a Thursday that reminded you how strong you are.
And when it comes to gifting others this season, the same mindset applies. Instead of the “one gift fits all” panic shop, take a little time to ask yourself why you’re buying. What story do you want that gift to tell? What do you want them to feel when they wear it? When you focus on the why, the what becomes so much clearer — and far more meaningful.
3. Give Yourself the Reminder You Need ✨
I will always shout about the power of self gifting And it's the BIGGEST "gifting rule" we need to ditch!
Honestly, most of us forget ourselves completely when gifting season rolls around. We run around making lists and hunting down presents for everyone else — but when was the last time you gave yourself something meaningful?
And no, I don’t mean adding an extra candle into your online shop cart (though I fully support that this cosy season 🕯️). I mean a gift with intention — something that reflects where you are in life right now, or where you’re heading next. Maybe that’s a word you want to carry with you, a symbol that reminds you how far you’ve come, or a piece of jewellery that marks a milestone only you know the weight of.
That kind of self-gifting isn’t indulgent — it’s grounding. It’s a powerful way of saying “I matter too.”
The Bottom Line...
This year, let’s rebel against these “gifting rules".
Let’s stop buying things just to tick a box.
Let’s stop defining people by their titles and start celebrating who they really are.
Whether it’s a little self-gift that reminds you of your worth, or a piece that speaks directly to someone’s soul, the perfect present isn’t about price tags or promotions — it’s about connection.
And trust me, when you gift with that intention, it’ll mean more than a hundred bath sets ever could. 💛
