Christmas gift ideas at The Packhouse

There can be any number of reasons why shopping for gifts at this time of year isn’t always the joyful experience it should be. Some people seem to have very little in the way of real interests or passions, making it tricky to know where even to start. Others are just notoriously hard to please. (We all know someone like that …)

Sometimes, there are just too many people to buy for, or you’re too busy at work and so you just run out of time. Or it may be that you’re spending Christmas with someone for the first time this year, and so don’t really know what they’d like.

Equally, it could be that you’ve been given a present from someone unexpectedly, and have no idea what to get for them in return – with just a few days to decide.

What’s more, if you stick to the High Street, you may struggle to find something truly original. Last year, Time Out mentioned self-help books, statement mugs and photo frames among its list of “Awful Christmas presents no one wants to get”. To which you could probably add bath salts, socks or a new jumper.

Gifts from The Pack House

At The Packhouse, we’ve got Christmas all wrapped up, with an extensive line-up of delightful unique offerings, any one of which will earn you a heartfelt thank you rather than one forced through gritted teeth.

What’s more, our dozens of small independent traders are based in a centuries-old former hop kiln at Runfold near Farnham, Surrey. It’s a Grade II-listed building, and one which seriously enhances the pleasure of festive shopping as a destination venue. And we reckon it beats battling your way through the crowds in department stores and High Streets every time!

What’s in our festive shop?

There are so many fantastic gifts on offer in our online seasonal shop, including:

·       Celebratory hampers: We have a number of these amazing gift baskets all year round, but our Christmas hampers are something else! Costing just £95, they contain nothing but pure decadent indulgence, from pomegranate-scented candles and reed diffusers and hand cream to sweets and the dreamy treat of prosecco-flavoured milk chocolate. Not a sock or bath salt in sight! Equally crucially, there’s nothing ‘essential’ or ‘useful’ – the focus is on luxury and feeling pampered. Our hampers are not about things you ‘need’.

·       Hand-poured luxury candles: Again, this is all about thoroughly spoiling your recipient, with candles emitting delectable aromas from peony and pomegranate to lemongrass and verbena. Meanwhile, for more seasonal scents, our UK-made Christmas candle creates cosy Christmas moments, whether you’re just snuggling up at home or entertaining dinner guests.

·       Check out The Packhouse larder where, yet again, it’s all about decadence and not counting the calories – think luxury fudge, chocolate, biscuits, clotted-cream fudge and shortbread. Even our boiled sweets are a little bit cheeky, in flavours including gin-and-tonic, espresso martini and strawberry daiquiri.

Equally, we make web-based ordering very easy. But if you’re able to visit us in person, you’ll find ample free parking plus plentiful inspiration, whatever you’re looking for. The place is a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of goodies! Still not completed your festive decorations? Don’t worry; we can help, with beautiful baubles, table pieces, external décor and more – none of which you’ll find anywhere else.

Meanwhile, we’ve turned our space into a Christmas wonderland, creating an exquisite atmosphere that heightens the seasonal shopping experience. And each stall is a treasure trove, so anyone hunting that elusive perfect gift may well find it among the vintage homeware, furniture and more on offer here. There’s always soothing new to discover; plus we’re open seven days a week between 10am and 5.30pm.

Finally, combine with a visit to delightful our Palm House eatery for a complete festive experience. Contact us if you'd like to find out more about the gifts we have in-store.