Picking out Christmas gifts for those who already seem to have everything can be challenging. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with your present purchases, and when they say, “oh, you don’t need to get me a gift…” you know they don’t really mean it. So, here’s an eclectic handful of ideas for something a little different that we hope might inspire you to give the perfect gift this Christmas.
STAUB 16cm Fondue Set
Popular in the 1960s and 70s, fondue must be due for another comeback. What could be more fun than a huge pot of hot, melted cheese or chocolate and lots of lovely foods to dip into it and enjoy? A few glasses of wine and some friends, and you’ve got a great party right there. Alternatively, light some candles and set the mood for a wonderfully intimate romantic dinner for two.
This cherry red fondue set
from Staub is the perfect addition to your Christmas list this year, starting at £169 for the 16cm version. It’s a great size without being too bulky and can be used to cook small pieces of meat, cheese or chocolate fondue — whichever takes your fancy. It has a one-litre capacity so that no one will go hungry.
It features an ergonomic double handle and four forks, each with a different colour tip, so you know which is yours. Easy to clean and scratch-resistant, the cast iron construction is excellent for heat retention. It can either be used on the hob — gas, electric or induction — or at the table, thanks to the burner that’s included. It’s also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning too. As for storage, it all sits rather neatly in the main pot, so it doesn’t dominate the cupboard it will be stored in — always a good trait.
Dualit 3 in 1 Coffee Machine
If you’re a coffee fan, then the Dualit 3 in 1 Coffee Machine is one to ask Santa for. Whether you love a cappuccino, latte or espresso, the coffee system can do it for you at the touch of a button or two. It has a built-in milk frother and a thermobloc heater for boiling water as you need it, and it heats from cold to ready to use in just 40 seconds.
The Dualit patented multi-brew system gives you the choice of using either ground coffee, Nespresso or Dualit coffee capsules, mess-free ESE Pods or Dualit’s Fine Tea capsules.
It’s straightforward to set up and use — the instructions are clear and concise — and compact, too, so it isn’t overwhelming if you’ve got limited space. There are two colours to choose from, grey or polished silver. Bring out your inner barista this Christmas, with prices from £180.
Marloe Watch Company, Pacific Collection
What could be better to unwrap on Christmas morning than a classically styled timepiece? The Marloe Watch Company Pacific Collection was inspired by the dawn of the jet age, when luxurious living and broadened horizons were at the top of people’s wish lists.
There are four models to choose from — the Pacific 52, Pacific 55, Pacific 66 and Pacific 76 — each of which is limited to just 125 pieces priced at £975. They are all very different in style and looks, but all Swiss-made with a hand-wound, customised mechanical movement.
We looked at the Pacific 52, made in a classic 1950s style with a leather strap. The face is finished with Arabic-style numbers and a brushed aluminium outer ring. It has a fabulous weight to it, making it feel solid and durable. The finish is superb, too, with the first-ever tri-finish bespoke case produced by the Marloe Watch Company. It’s water resistant to 100 metres and has a five-year warranty, so it’s a watch designed to be worn, not just kept for special occasions.
Amiga A500 Mini
If you’re reading CALIBRE, there’s a good chance you remember the home computer boom of the 80s and 90s. Before consoles like the Sega Megadrive took over, the pinnacle for gaming was the Commodore Amiga. Launched in 1985, as the Amiga 1000, it was 1987’s A500 that captured the imagination of parents and children alike, blending gameplay with work, education and creative programs.
The A500 Mini replicates the design of the classic computer, shrunk down to a third of the size. It’s got a full keyboard, but it’s for display only — everything is controlled using the included USB mouse (a perfect facsimile of the computer’s original) or a gamepad. It’s possible to plug in a USB keyboard if you need to tap away.
Some classic games are included — there’s Another World, Kick Off 2, Pinball Dreams, Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe and The Chaos Engine, amongst 20 others — and it’s possible to download almost every Amiga game imaginable via a web portal. Don’t think you’re limited to the basic games of the 80s, though, as the A500 Mini (available from Amazon for £105) is more powerful than it looks, able to emulate 1992’s advanced Amiga A1200.
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