Last Christmas my mum bought me a great present: a forced Hyacinth. It was likely a last-minute, spontaneous purchase to add to the other presents she got me. But I loved it! There was something about the vibrant green foliage that filled me with good feeling, and the sight of it, as it began to bloom on my kitchen windowsill, got me through the after-Christmas slump no problem. It highlighted to me just how powerful the spring affect can be. Why sit around and wistfully wait for the turn of the seasons when there are ways of bringing spring into the now?
While I love Christmas smells and colours, and embrace them throughout November and December, as soon as December 25th is over, I am ready to move on, and spring-themed presents can definitely help with that. So this year I am determined to give gifts that resonate spring and hopefully spare my loved ones the January blues. Here is my little guide to simple spring-inspired gifts to lift the spirit:
Forced Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Honestly, this is such an easy way to put someone in a good mood and forced spring bulbs are widely available at this time of year. Hyacinths are a good bulb to go for as they stay quite compact and the scent of the flowers is one of the nicest in my opinion, although Paperwhite daffodils are also really pretty. Forced bulbs are generally cheap - so a good option if you want to make a gesture but don't want spend a lot of money - say for a neighbour or a work colleague. Keep it simple and pop them in a terracotta pot, or create something a bit more complicated and dress with moss, like my beloved mug planter above. Alternatively you could go really fancy and plant the bulbs in a glass container for a very stylish look.
Scented Candles
I always love to receive a scented candle, and I often give them as gifts. They are easy to use, atmospheric and the lingering perfume is always a great bonus. This year I will be giving spring-scented candles to Sam's mother and sister as Christmas presents. My favourite brand is Potters Crouch candles, https://www.potterscrouchcandles.co.uk - the quality is particularly high and the candles are very attractive. After much sniffing to test the candles available, I selected two, one called Green Jasmine and the other called Springtime (conveniently named). Both are floral and delicate. Narcissus, Gardenia or Rose scents are also good suggestions for scented candles that just sing spring.
Essential Oils:
Essential oils are a really nice alternative if your family and friends are not into candles. I hear they also have many uses. I am no essential oil expert, but I have recently treated myself to a few spring-scented oils - Lemongrass, Geranium and Grapefruit, and just giving them a sniff is very uplifting as they smell so powerful. I think combining a few essential oils with a traditional oil burner in a gift box would make a really thoughtful and unique present, especially for someone who is new to essential oils and has expressed an interest, or to anyone interested in natural medicine and aromatherapy.
Herbal Tea
As people drink tea everyday and it is such an ingrained part of British culture, I think giving tea as a Christmas present is a great idea. I did this last year and actually went to the trouble of buying loose-leaf tea and spooning it into teabags for my family to enjoy. I am going a little more low key this year, with ready-to-go teabags which I will stick into recycled glass jam jars to give more of a home-made spin. Plus you can decorate the jars with Christmas decorations to make them look festive. Alternative teas are becoming so popular now and there are so many companies that offer all kinds of interesting flavours. My suggestions for spring inspired tastes are rhubarb, citrus or traditional chamomile. Loose-leaf herbal and fruit teas look particularly decorative in a glass jar, and an infuser mug would make a thoughtful companion gift.
Scented soap
A gift that can be used and appreciated everyday - and why stop at soap? You could go for shower gel, bath bombs or loose bath salts and create a whole hamper of spring smellies for your loved one to enjoy. Both Grapefruit and Rose Geranium are popular scents for cosmetics and strike the right uplifting and floral notes associated with spring and new beginnings. I also like mint for its fresh and invigorating aroma.
Thank you for reading - I hope I have inspired you.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I hope you enjoy the holidays.
Happy New Year in advance!
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