Stuck for what to buy that special someone this Christmas? Looking for an innovative, inspiring or exclusive gift? Here’s a few suggestions...

The Gift of Music

Love rock ‘n’ roll? Online rock photography specialist Rock Archive are amping it up this season in a bid to get our attention during the festive spending season. Their new music video, ‘No Music. No Life’, features music from the up and coming Hedonaics, functioning as a soundtrack for a compendium of striking images from Rock Archive’s current collection. And it's caught our attention. With everyone from Dizzee Rascal and Florence and The Machine to The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Bowie, the Rock Archive’s prints start from just £49.99 and are well worth it if your gift recipient would relish their own little piece of rock history. And who wouldn't? (image credit: Mick Rock)

Rock Archive, wwww.rockarchive.com, prices from £49.99.

Bun in the Oven

With homely hobbies taking over the world just now, what could be better this Christmas than the gift of knowing how to bake the perfect loaf of bread? Vicky’s Bread, based in Helston has long been a purveyor of perfect loaves, baked in the traditional French ‘levain’ style, and now Vicky is sharing her secrets. For £150 you can buy your special someone a full day’s coaching with Vicky, where they will learn the secrets of sourdough, find out how artisan bread is crafted and of course make plenty of their own to take away. Everything is included from the ingredients and special recipes to the delicious homemade lunch and snacks and what’s more you get a goody bag crammed full of treats including a sourdough starter to get baking at home, a willow basket for stylishly rustic presentation, a scraper, recipes and more. With just six people on each course, attendees will be sure to get lots of Vicky’s attention so they come away pumped full of bready knowledge and raring to go.

Vicky’s Bread, www.vickysbread.co.uk, £150 for a full day’s bread baking course. Courses run in January and February and places are limited.

Dig for History

If the person you’re purchasing for has a green finger or two, a set of heritage seeds could be a winner. Hen and Hammock has a selection of unusual seed gift packs which promise to make any salad more interesting and any gardener smile. Each set focuses on tomatoes, carrots or beetroot and colour is the name of the game. With promising names like‘Green Zebra tomatoes’, ‘Spanish Black carrots’ and ‘Detroit Beetroot’ these babies will make an stand out addition to any vegetable patch. Perfectly packaged and with instructions on how to plant and care for those veggies of yesteryear included, this colourful gift will set you back just £8 and could see you dining on Pink Brandywine tommies and Chioggia beats come summertime.

Hen and Hammock, www.henandhammock.com, 4 Coloured Seeds, £8 a set.

Write On

Nothing beats snuggling down with a great book while it’s wintry outside, but finding a spare five minutes during all the festivities can be tricky. Enter The Parabola Project, a beautifully put together collection of some of Cornwall’s most talented writers and the perfect stocking-filler gift. Featuring short stories and poetry from established wordsmiths and up and coming literary stars, it’s ideal if you’ve only got a small window between putting the turkey in the oven and playing yet another round of Trivial Pursuit with the relatives. At just £4 it’s a total bargain and what’s more, picking up a copy is for a good cause – every penny from every issue goes back into the pot to keep providing publishing opportunities for Cornwall’s burgeoning creative writing scene.

The Parabola Project, www.theparabolaproject.com, £4 online or from stockists across Cornwall. Available from 30 November. Check the website for details.

Knit it

It’s been big news with those in the know for ages now, but if your other half is slow to cotton on why not introduce them to the joys of knitting? Café Knit has a range of starter knit kits complete with everything you need to get cracking, with a choice of starter patterns including chunky scarves, classic beanies and babies’ booties. These sets, with needles, wool and patterns start from as little as £10 and the Café knit website is chocker block with advice, blogs, tips and guidance for the eager knitter to hone their craft. It’s therapeutic, creative and with everyone from Julia Roberts to Russell Crowe indulging in a good yarn on a regular basis, the recipient of your gift will be in good company.

Café Knit, www.cafeknit.com, Knit Starter Kits from £10

Totally Ramped

If you know any skaters you’ve got to buy for this Christmas, bespoke carpentry outfit XtraVert could have the perfect solution. The talented team of skate crazy craftsmen offers handmade, stylish ramps, grind boxes, kickers and more; ideal for perfecting skills and busting tricks in your own back yard. Each ramp is made to the highest standards out of ethically sourced wood and prices start from £100. What’s more, as a do-good social enterprise, all the profits from XtraVert’s ramps go back into helping young people not in education, employment or training get a foot on the career ladder and learn a trade.

XtraVert, www.realideas.org/xtravert, kickers from £100.

And don’t forget if you’re looking for a stylish set of Christmas cards to send out your seasonal greetings, our Stranger Collective Shelterbox cards are just the ticket. Featuring internationally renowned illustrators they're a snip at £3.99 for 12. Pick up your set from the Shelterbox online shop now.