8th April 2020

30th birthdays, anniversaries, octogenarian celebrations, things may be a little upside down at the moment, but these occasions keep rolling on, so wouldn’t it be nice to give your friends and family a little treat? While you may not be able to pop over and see them, throw a surprise party, or take them out for dinner, you can still show them you care with our roundup of gifts. From gift cards to be redeemed later, to things that can be put in the post, take a look and find something to brighten their day. Or alternatively, why not buy yourself a little something from our list? After all, we all need a treat right now.

Call the Midwife

With the most recent series coming to a finish in February, Call the Midwife is one of the most recognisable period dramas on television, and much of it is shot in Kent! If you, a family member or a friend is a fan of the show then a voucher can be purchased to tour the locations including the cobbled streets of ‘Poplar’ and ‘Chummy’s Hill’. Vouchers that are purchased online can be printed at home and redeemed for tours right up until 30th April 2021, so there’s plenty of time to redeem it.

Kent & East Sussex Railway

If someone you know dreams of going through the Kentish countryside in a Pullman carriage or trying their hand at standing on a steam train’s footplate at the controls, the Kent and East Sussex Railway has the perfect option for you. This gift card has a two year redemption period, so that special someone can look forward to indulging their childhood dream and taking a step back to a bygone era.

Simpsons Wine Estate

One thing the birthday boy or girl can do from home is raise a toast, so why not treat them to a bottle of bubbly from the Wine Garden of England? Simpsons is offering free home delivery on all wine purchases from their website until the end of April, so you can get a bottle or two sent straight to their door. Not quite sure what their tipple is? Well, with Simpsons gift cards valid for a year, they’re the perfect choice for the wine connoisseur.

Brogdale Collections

Home to the National Fruit Collections and plenty of food and drink, and outdoor events throughout the year, a Brogdale pass might be just the thing for the outdoor enthusiast in your life. Choose from a whole host of passes, from the All Events Pass, that entitles the holder to entry to all of Brogdale’s events (we recommend the cherry blossom festival), to the Orchard Pass, which offers year-round access to acres of orchards. And don’t worry about the redemption date as Brogdale has confirmed all passes are valid for one year after they reopen, so your giftee will have plenty of time to enjoy it.

Hever Castle

While big anniversary celebrations may have been put on hold for now, we have to say a stay at Hever Castle is the ultimate romantic staycation to look forward to. Buy a gift voucher for the 5* luxury bed and breakfast and you can book up that short break for a future stay. Add in optional extras of a picnic, flowers and a bottle of wine and you’ll have the ultimate anniversary treat.

Romney Marsh Wools

When you’ve got nothing to do but snuggle up indoors, it’s only right you indulge in the best soft furnishings to keep you warm and comfortable. Choose from throws, cushions and even moccasins from Romney Marsh Wools (all made using the family’s own flock of Romney ewes) and you’ve got the perfect gift for that someone who needs a little help achieving JOMO. Better still, keep them busy with knitting kits and yarn – great for when that “are you still watching” message pops up on Netflix.

The Isle of Thanet

Out friends from Visit Thanet have lots of gift ideas for the people in your life. If anyone we know is reading this, we love the idea of a gift voucher for the Ambrette, Margate, be it for their tasting menus or cookery classes. Got an art enthusiast in your life? For those culture vultures, we recommend checking out Turner Contemporary’s online shop. While Shell Grotto, Margate Caves and Ctrl Alt Esc all offer gift vouchers or memberships for the experience-lovers in your life.

Denys and Fielding

For a Kent made gift, we love Denys and Fielding for a touch of luxury. With scented candles, garden furniture and plenty of gifts for the green-fingered ones in your life, you can't go wrong with a peruse of their website. Plus, they do free delivery on orders over £50. 

The Kitesurf Centre

When it comes to finding the perfect gift for outdoorsy folk it can be hard, but not to worry we think we’ve hit the nail on the head! The Kitesurf Centre in Greatstone Kent is offering gift cards, which are valid for a year, for an array of lessons including Kitebuggying, Landboarding, Kitesurfing, Hydrofoiling, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding. This is the perfect present, for the thrill-seeker or anyone looking for a new experience.