Easter is now just around the corner, but with many of us already finding that our clothes are fitting a little snugger than usual (thank you lockdown 2), we may have decided to avoid the chocolate this year. But fear not, even if you don’t want to eat your body weight in eggs this year, there are still plenty of lovely alternatives when it comes to gifting – whether you are looking for a treat for yourself, or one for other people.

This guide is another I will add to throughout the week with more shopping ideas, so make sure you bookmark it.

Golden Coin Maker From John Adams

I did say this was almost a chocolate free zone, but I think the Golden Coin Maker from John Adams is a gift for a child that offers the best of both worlds has it gives them something to do, and something to eat that they have created themselves.

The Golden Coin maker allows you to melt, mould and stamp your own chocolate coins. It’s fun, easy and safe to do and makes a perfect gift for family and friends… or a special treat just for you! With snow predicted in parts for Easter, this could be an enjoyable indoor activity that can while away a few hours. You just need to add chocolate as that is not included.

Gund Flora the Bunny

Easter just wouldn’t be Easter without a beautiful Easter bunny. If you are looking for a bunny that would suit a baby or a toddler, then you need to check out Flora the Bunny from Gund. This adorable bunny for children from 10 months will delight young and old with its interactive features. Press the left foot to play an interactive game of peek-a-boo, and the right to hear a song. Her ears also move and flap and she is made from a soft, huggable material that meets famous GUND quality standards.

Flora is adorable and just so soft and lovely. Sure to delight any child this Easter.

A Range of ‘Hoppy Brews’ From Round Corner Brewing

This is the perfect gift for the beer and ale connoisseur in your life. Round Corner Brewing, which is based in Melton Mowbray, has created an Easter gift set containing 6 of their beers, with two of each variety in the box, and this is available for delivery this Easter.

Each beer has a great background to its name, with four directly inspired by the brewery’s hometown: 

‘Hopping Spree’
After a particularly boisterous day at the horseraces in 1837, legendary rabble rouser the Marquess of Waterford and his party descended on Melton and quite literally painted the town red. Inspired by that notorious spree, this delicious West Coast IPA is a suitable riot of hops, crafted to quench a thirst and quicken the spirit. (Also, European champion IPA for the past two years). 6.6% abv. 

‘Steeplechase’
With a lovely orange hue, here’s a fruity pale ale inspired by a night of horseracing in 1890. Eleven riders took part in a race around Melton dressed in pyjamas – jumping fences and ditches they could barely see, cheered on by a crowd who couldn’t see anything! 4.4% abv. 

‘Drovers’
Drovers have been moving livestock in and out of Melton’s market since before the Domesday Book. To this day, on Tuesdays when business is done, you can still find them lingering here to talk heifers over a few pints of this smooth-sipping thirst-slaker of an IPA. 4.3% abv. 

‘Mackinaw’

Named after the heavy American workwear fabric that shares many similarities with Melton cloth (the basis of the classic donkey jacket) this is a classic stylish mid-Atlantic pairing. With nutty and chocolate notes, it’s an American brown ale that’s perfect for those chillier spring nights. 5.4% abv. 

‘Gunmetal’
An inspired take on classic German ‘schwarzbiers’, Gunmetal’s a clean and crisp British lager. Dark brown in colour with a crema-like foamy head, it’s also something of a modern classic, having won ‘Best Lager’ at the International Brewing Awards! 4.8% abv. 

‘10 Hours in LA’

Using very rare Kiwi ‘Riwaka’ hops, this Pacific IPA’s name is a nod to the notorious ten-hour stopover faced by everyone journeying from New Zealand to the UK. A fiesta of hops, this golden orange beer packs a fruity, tropical punch! 5.6% abv.

Mermaid Gin From The isle Of Wight Distillery

I have featured the Pink version of this before, it is totally one of my fave gins, as it avoids being overly sweet as some pinks can be. The original Mermaid Gin from The Isle of Wight Distillery, is also stunning, and not just because of the incredibly beautiful bottle.

It is described as:-

It’s a smooth yet complex blend that features the freshness of organic lemon zest, the peppery notes in grains of paradise and a hint of sea air from fragrant rock samphire. The latter, foraged from the Isle of Wight’s cliffs, is known locally as ‘Mermaid’s Kiss’, hence the gin’s name! 

For your friends and family who are trying to be as sustainable as possible, Mermaid Gin comes in a bottle which is plastic-free and uses entirely recyclable materials – including a plant-based seal around its sustainably sourced cork and wooden stopper.  

Bergamot and Geranium Reed Diffuser From Arran Sense Of Scotland

If you would rather gift fragrance than sugar and calories, then Arran Sense of Scotland could have the answer. ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s variety of invigorating home fragrance products make fantastic alternatives to chocolate eggs this year with fresh, spring-inspired products designed to brighten up April showers!

My key pick is the Bergamot and Geranium Reed Diffuser. This not only looks beautiful, but smells amazing too, zesty bergamot entwined with the enduring warmth of geranium to give a light scent that is both sweet and subtle, and can work in any home space.

Relish Gift Set From Rubies In The Rubble

If your idea of food heaven is savoury rather than sweet, a set of three delicious relishes from Rubies in the Rubble that can be enjoyed with salads,curries and the classic cheese and biscuits could be just the thing to give you a Happy Easter.

I love the idea behind Rubies in the Rubble. They take the fruit and veggies that are rejected due to their shape and size, and make them into delicious chutneys. The relish giftset (RRP £12) which is available to buy on rubiesintherubble.com features 3 of their best-selling chutneys, and every box saves 8 onions, 1 apple and 1 pear from going to waste.

 

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