The 4 gift rule is a new phenomenon sweeping the nation, intended to reduce waste at Christmas and focus on intentional gifting, the 4 gift rule also helps to save on Christmas cash too. Lots of parents use the 4 gift rule to reduce over-gifting their kids at Christmas time, but the rule doesn’t just apply to children, you can use the 4 gift rule when gifting adults too!

So, what is the 4 gift rule? (Adults edition) 

The 4 gift rule is simple.. you only have to get your recipient…

1. Something they want
2. Something they need
3. Something to do
4. Something to eat/drink

We’ll explain each gifting rule in detail below but remember the main purpose of the 4 gift rule is to give intentionally. If you think one of these rules doesn’t apply to your recipient feel free to bend the rules! Save the stress of needing to add ‘just one more gift’ to their never-ending bag of presents and help to eradicate unwanted waste at Christmas time.

Gift 1: Something they want

You have to be eagle-eyed and open-eared for this one! Take note of specific things they may have mentioned throughout the year, or products and trends they’re naturally drawn to or talk about a lot. 

Are they really into collecting record vinyls, crafting at-home or love making cocktails?

For some inspiration, we’ve highlighted a couple of gift ideas below…

Penguin Cocktail Shaker, £30

Espresso Martini Cocktail Kit, £40

Fish Stacking Glasses, £25

Cool Cats Ice Tray, £10

Gift 2: Something they need

When we say something they need, this does not have to be something dull like a set of bathroom towels! Gifts can be both practical and fun! Often, the best kind of practical gifts can be found in the kitchen. Think of food preparation gadgets, or wine gadgets for people who love a bit of vino, especially over Christmas time.

For some inspiration, we’ve highlighted a couple of gift ideas below…

Pizza Board & Cutter Gift Set, £25

Wine Aerator, £17

Wine Saver Vacuum Pump Set, £15

Vinnie Insulated Travel Wine Bottle, £23

Gift 3: Something to do

This category can be as broad as you like, sometimes this rule can be adapted to ‘something to wear’ or ‘somewhere to go’. Lots of people prefer to give experiences nowadays such as a relaxing spa day or fine dining experience. 

However, we like to think that giving the gift of ‘something to do’ is one of the best categories to gift, particularly over the holiday season. At a time when people actually have spare time on their hands, there’s nothing better than receiving a present that involves a bit of creativity and takes them away from their screens.

For some inspiration, we’ve highlighted a couple of gift ideas below…

(Make Your Own) Porn Star Martini Cocktail Mix, £20

Cocktail Master Gift Set, £40

Gift 4: Something to eat/drink

In the original 4-gift rule book, this rule is meant to be ‘something to read’, but let’s face it we’re doing an adult version here and we’d rather have a bottle of wine or a ready-made margarita than a big ol’ book. Favourite alcohol-based gifts at Christmas time often include a posh bottle of limoncello, sparkling wine or amaretto, or if you’re feeling fancy there are lots of unique hamper options available too! Go wild!

We’ve popped a few suggestions below (no affiliated or paid-for links here!)

M&S Ceramic Limoncello Liqueur - shop here

John Lewis Christmas Delights Hamper - shop here

Wine and Food Hampers from our favourite independents…

Denbies Wine Estate - ‘Surrey Tipple’ 3 Wines Gift Pack - shop here

Bailey’s Wine & Deli - Cheese Hamper - shop here

The Cheese Hamlet ‘The Classic’ Wine & Cheese Hamper - shop here

Keep an eye on our blog page for more gift guides throughout the year and be sure to follow us on Instagram to check out our latest products in action.

Check out our full Christmas collection here, all designed and dispatched in the UK, from our small independent business.