The older I get, the more averse I become to amassing stuff - on both house and planet-clogging grounds. I feel similarly mindful about increasing anyone else’s stuff collection when I’m thinking about what to get someone as a gift.

When it comes to the big occasions like birthdays and Christmas, that’s easy to resolve by not attempting to second-guess what they’d like, rather, in the case of the former, asking what they want (duh). The latter has been tackled in our family by instigating a very successful Secret Santa where we give just one present to someone else (rather than all giving to everyone) and we each put what we hope to receive on an on-line gift list, so our Santa knows exactly what to buy, sorry, deliver from the North Pole.

The situations when it gets a bit tricker are the ones where you want to give a little gift to show your appreciation - like when you’re invited to someone’s home for a meal, or to thank a special colleague, or when someone has helped you out or done you a lovely favour. Of course there are the obvious fall-backs of wine or chocolates. But what if you want something that’s a bit different (or if, like me, the recipient doesn’t drink, or might not eat chocolates for whatever reason)? Something that will be enjoyed and used and won’t be immediately relegated to the regifting collection (I’m surely not the only person who has one of those?)

These are ten things that tick the not-just-more-stuff box on account of being either delightfully enjoyable or gratifyingly useful, sometimes both.

Something home made

Being given something someone has gone to the trouble to make themselves is a surefire way to double the joy - both of the giving and the receiving.

A wonderfully skilled friend - who by the way always gives hand made cards which are a fabulous a gift in themselves - gave me this gorgeous and oh-so-useful pair of crocheted? knitted? baskets,

which serve not only as a reminder of her impressive prowess, but also as an invaluable place to put all the bits of tut that would otherwise be inevitably gathering at the bottom of my drawers. (pic minus the tut for aesthetic purposes).

Something home cooked

I really enjoy baking, so I love giving a home baked cake as a thank you present, always being sure to check first if the recipient has any allergies, obviously. Ditto an offering of my scrumptious, though I do say so myself, granola, either in a jar (which can be reused) or a cellophane bag tied with a pretty ribbon.

Granola made by me. The jar originally had coffee in it.

Something (else) to drink

Just because you might not choose to give someone a bottle of wine doesn’t mean you can’t offer them another kind of enjoyable drink. I recently bought this fab tea selection collection from Whittard (they do this coffee one as well) , along with a pack of outrageously delicious biscuits for my friends to enjoy their cuppas with. Cordials or sophisticated fizzy drinks also make lovely gifts. And there’s a ever-growing selection of non-alcoholic drinks, including some very good beers (or so I’m told. I’m not a beer fan, alcoholic or otherwise)

Something fresh

By which I specifically mean fresh herbs. I was recently given a tub of basil as a thank you and thought it was the most brilliant gift idea. I’ve used it in all sorts of dishes since, and been reminded each time of my friend’s thoughtfulness and gift-giving originality. What could be better?

Basil and tag from my friend. Pot my own

Something planted

This is something I especially love to do - giving a plant that can be enjoyed either indoors or out. Another recent gift to me (I make it sound as if I get presents all the time. I really don’t!) was a little lavender plant which I’m currently enjoying on my kitchen window sill, and will in due course enjoy just as much watching flourish (fingers crossed) in my garden.

The lavender plant I was given, currently on my kitchen window sill. Soon to be planted in my garden

Something to grow

Whilst we’re on the subject of things growing, seeds are a fun thing to give as a gift. I think of them as little packets of promise. They could be flower seeds, seeds for vegetables or herbs. These ones from supermarket Morrisons come in an attractive jute bag and are for bee friendly flowers, making them a triple offering. And the recipient doesn’t even need to have any outdoor space, mung beans, alfalfa and sugar snaps are just some examples of things that can be grown from seed indoors.

Something you’d recommend

I’m always on the hunt for good books, so what better gift for a friend who enjoys reading than a book you’ve enjoyed? None, I’d say! It could either be a new copy, or the one you’ve read yourself. I have never minded being gifted a ‘used’ book.

Books I’m enjoying and have enjoyed. All of which would make great gifts

Either as a bonus to the book, or as a stand-alone gift for an avid reader, a personalised bookmark makes a lovely, useful gift (there are loads to choose from on Etsy)

Something personalised

And whilst we’re on the subject, pretty much anything you’ve gone to the trouble of personalising will always make a memorable present that’s bound to be appreciated. Whilst my lovely fella was recovering from his recent operation, friends sent him a mug with a picture of him and a hilarious message on it. He couldn’t love it more.

Something useful

These may sound prosaic, boring even, but I’ve been given all of them in the past and every one is still very much in use and very much appreciated. Mobile phone charger (this one is marvellously colourful and reduced at the time of writing), multi cable (this one, which is equally cheerily colourful, is also on sale at the time of writing), reusable shopping bag (there are SO many but I especially love this one because I’m such an avowed fan of Rosie Made A Thing), tea towel (I always pick up a couple on my travels to give as gifts later)

Something you can do for them

We all lead such hectic, demanding lives, so sometimes the gift of time is the best one of all. How about giving your recipient a voucher for some time together - having a meal, a walk or a cup of tea - to be redeemed at a time of their choosing. Or maybe the voucher could be for babysitting, or grocery shopping. Or something you’re particularly adept at which you know they aren’t, like DIY. There are loads of templates you can print off and fill in, just Google ‘voucher template”.

Have you received or given a brilliant little gift? I’d love to know what it was (and unashamedly steal the idea).