Christmas gift guide
The Sage's Christmas Table
Christmas dishes to treasure, gifts for the one who does all the baking, and a few cosy comforts for the person who never stops. Chosen with mothers, grandmothers and anyone who loves a pretty table in mind.
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A note from the Sage
The best Christmas gifts aren't the most expensive ones. They're the ones that get used every year: the teapot that comes out every December, the plate that holds the shortbread, the blanket that ends up on the same chair every evening. Choose one thing that will be loved for a long time rather than five things that will be forgotten by February.
Not sure what to get your mother? Look at what's already on her table. A matching piece for a pattern she loves, or the teapot she's always admired, means far more than something new and shiny.
On the Sage's own table
🌹 The Sage's pick
Portmeirion Botanic Garden Christmas Rose
This is the one on my own table. The deep red hellebore looks just as lovely in January as it does on Christmas Eve, so it never has to go back in the cupboard. It's also the kind of gift a mother remembers.
See it on Amazon →Christmas dishes to treasure
The patterns so many of us grew up with, and the ones that get passed down.
🎄 The Sage's pick
Spode Christmas Tree Dinner Plates
The classic. If your granny had Christmas dishes, there's a good chance they were these. Start with four plates and add a piece every year.
See it on Amazon →☕ The Sage's pick
Spode Christmas Tree Mugs
A little Christmas morning in your hands. A pair of these with a box of good tea is one of the nicest gifts under $60.
See it on Amazon →🫖 The Sage's pick
Spode Christmas Tree Teapot
For the person who still makes tea properly, in a pot, with a cosy.
See it on Amazon →🍪 The Sage's pick
Spode Christmas Tree Cookie Jar
Fill it before you wrap it. Shortbread works beautifully.
See it on Amazon →🌿 The Sage's pick
Portmeirion Holly & Ivy
A softer, cottage-style Christmas pattern for anyone who finds Spode a little busy.
See it on Amazon →🌸 The Sage's pick
Royal Albert Old Country Roses Teacups
Not strictly Christmas, but there's hardly a mother or grandmother who wouldn't smile opening one of these.
See it on Amazon →For the one who does the baking
Good tools make holiday baking feel less like a chore. These ones last for years.
🥘 The Sage's pick
Le Creuset Dutch Oven
An investment, yes, but it will outlive us all. Stews, soups and Christmas Eve chili, then handed down.
See it on Amazon →🧁 The Sage's pick
KitchenAid Stand Mixer
The big Christmas gift. If someone you love still creams butter and sugar by hand, this is the one.
See it on Amazon →🥧 The Sage's pick
Emile Henry Pie Dish
Bakes evenly and goes straight from the oven to the table. Your butter tarts deserve it.
See it on Amazon →🎂 The Sage's pick
Nordic Ware Bundt Pan
Makes even a simple pound cake look like you tried very hard. You don't have to tell anyone.
See it on Amazon →🍫 The Sage's pick
9 × 9 Square Baking Pan
The workhorse of Christmas squares. Every Sage recipe on this site fits in one.
See it on Amazon →Cosy little comforts
For the person who has everything, except an evening to themselves.
🧶 The Sage's pick
Wool Throw Blanket
Something warm for the chair by the window. Choose a soft heathered colour that goes with everything.
See it on Amazon →🕯️ The Sage's pick
A Lovely Christmas Candle
Pine, cinnamon or orange clove. A good candle makes a room feel like Christmas without any decorating.
See it on Amazon →🍵 The Sage's pick
Loose Leaf Tea Gift Set
Pair it with one of the mugs above and you have a gift that says, "Sit down. You've earned it."
See it on Amazon →From the Sage's bookshelf
Small, thoughtful gifts, and very easy to tuck into a stocking.
📖 The Sage's pick
A Calm and Simple Christmas
My guide to spending less, doing less and enjoying more this year, with festive recipes and a companion planner.
See it on Amazon →🍂 The Sage's pick
Seasons of Change Colouring Book
48 hand-drawn cottage scenes to colour slowly, one peaceful page at a time. Perfect with a set of good pencils.
See it on Amazon →🖍️ The Sage's pick
Coloured Pencils for Adults
A good set makes colouring feel like a treat instead of a chore. Add it to the colouring book and the gift is complete.
See it on Amazon →Want a calmer Christmas, too?
Gifts are only one part of the season. For recipes, gentle planning and permission to do a little less this year, see Ask the Sage or the Calm Christmas Planner.
Read the Sage's Christmas answers →