Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Ungiftables

With just a few manic days left until the big day, if you are still searching for some last minute Christmas present ideas, I have just the things for you.  It is that time of year when I have pretty much done all of my shopping but I do still have a few odd presents for those people I like to call the ‘ungiftables’.  You know the ones that, they either have everything they need and, you just have no idea what they’re intoare difficult to buy for or they are just plain awkward.  We all have them in our lives and families, so here are a few interesting ideas that might just be the perfect ungiftable gift – better yet they’re all available to buy online so you don’t have to rely on the post!

Escape Room Vouchers from Handmade Mysteries

I have yet to experience an escape room but many of my friends have tried different experiences and say that it is incredible.  Handmade Mysteries offer two different Escape Room experiences, or “escapism rooms” as they call them. You can choose from the twisted Poppa Plock’s Wonky Workshop where players are immersed into the world of a child, abandoned in a toy shop where he created himself a new family. The main character inside the room is Oki, a cheeky and sarcastic ventriloquist dummy. He helps players with clues in the game.There is also a character called Roy, the dismembered mannequin that gamers are challenged to put together throughout the game and the host is a wind up doll called Wynne, he’s a little broken so can be unpredictable. Poppa Plock’s Wonky Workshop takes place at The Depot in Islington.

Alternatively, you might prefer to take on the challenge of Lady Chastity’s Reserve. In this game, Gabriel is the host who will introduce you to the lair of the deranged Lady Chastity where you will need to pit your wits against her mysterious belongings and strange contraptions. Those who prove themselves worthy will whoop their way through an hour of surreal gaming, leaving with Chastity’s fabled bottle of aphrodisiac wine. Lady Chastity’s Reserve takes place in three locations in London and Brighton (Four Thieves Pub, The Hope and World’s End (Brighton).

An Escape Room gift voucher makes the perfect present for those ungiftables in your life as it is something completely different, exciting and fun way to spend an evening with friends, away from phones having fun. You can buy them online and print them out, or if you make it in time get a fancy one in the post. 

A Practical Gift

When I’m having trouble figuring out what my “ungiftable” person likes, I go for something useful and practical. The easiest choice is a gift card from Amazon or other retailers. It’s a win-win deal for us both. I save time and headaches while they can get something that they actually like or need.

Another option is a useful gadget, such as a computer with decent specs, a pair of headphones, or a self-sanitizing water bottle. All these are items that my ungiftable person can use in their everyday life. If all else fails, you can always do some sneaking on their social media accounts to get an idea of what they want or need, or you can ask someone who is close to them.

Tickets and Tours

What is your ‘ungiftable’ person like? If, when I mention tickets, you are thinking theatre or concert tickets, whilst those could be an excellent idea, tickets could be for so many things.  Maybe a sporting event, tickets to see a comedian or to go to the cinema, tickets for a festival such as a music festival or literature festival? If they like TV shows, why not try and get tickets to be in the audience for one of their favourite TV shows.  There are a number of websites that you can register for the chance to be in the audience of some of the UK’s biggest shows, I have used Applause Store before and what makes it even better is that most of the tickets are free. 

Tours are also an interesting gift option to explore. If they have a favourite alcoholic tipple at Christmas, why not book tour of a brewery, distillery or vineyard tour.  Not only do they get to find out how their favourite drink is made, but they will probably be able to try some as part of the tour. For those that prefer something less alcoholic, did you know that there is such a thing as chocolate tourism?  This would certainly appeal to me. Experiences include chocolate tours, chocolate making experiences, tasting or workshops. Find out about some top chocolate hotspots in the UK here.

Afternoon Tea

I will put my hand up and say that this is a gift option I have used many times over the years and one that I would happily receive.  Afternoon tea is a wonderful gift.  Time to relax, chat, drink tea (or sometimes something stronger) and to eat.  And what a wonderful selection of foods to eat.  I have never had an afternoon tea that I didn’t love with selections of sweet and savoury delights to try.  Perfect.

Adventure Days

With so many exciting experiences to choose from, why not book your ‘ungiftable’ an experience day that they will never forget.  Driving, flying, diving, wind-surfing, climbing, there are so many different options to choose from.  If you are looking for something to get the adrenaline pumping, then an adventure day experience might just be the perfect gift idea.

Whatever gift idea you choose for your ‘ungiftable’ person, they will love receiving something different, something that they can enjoy the experience of.  What makes it even better is that all of these experiences can be booked online, meaning you don’t even have to book.

P.S If I turn out to be on your ‘ungiftable’ list, I would like to try the Escape Room experience, it sounds amazing.

Disclaimer – this post was written in collaboration with Handmade Mysteries.