Daily read · Gift ideas
Unusual Christmas gifts UK: what do you get a parent, a grandparent and a cook?
Three unusual tech Christmas gifts with a clear recipient: a Bluetooth turntable for a parent, a preloadable photo frame for a grandparent, and an indoor herb garden for a cook.
Arun · Electronic Guru
Choose by the person: a wireless turntable for a parent who already has speakers, a photo frame you can fill before it arrives for a grandparent, and a counter-top herb garden for a cook.
Looking for unusual Christmas gifts in the UK that aren't another pair of headphones? A wireless turntable suits a parent who already has speakers, a digital photo frame suits a grandparent who would rather see family pictures appear than learn a new app, and an indoor herb garden suits a cook who wants fresh basil in winter.
Christmas gifts for a parent: a turntable that plays through speakers they already have
The useful part of the Sony PS-LX3BT · Black · PS-LX3 2026 is that it does not need a full hi-fi first. Sony says one button starts full-auto playback, so they do not have to cue or lift the arm, and Bluetooth lets them play records through wireless speakers they already own. It also has a built-in phono equaliser for a wired connection.
Christmas gifts for grandparents UK: a frame you can fill before it arrives
The unexpected part of the Aura Carver Mat 10" Digital Photo Frame · Clay with White Mat is that you can load it before they unwrap it. Aura says you can pre-load photos, videos and a message by scanning the QR code on the back of the box, or in the Aura app, and that there is no subscription fee. The frame needs WiFi, and Aura says the app is required for setup.
An indoor herb garden gift for a cook
The Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 · White is a three-pod indoor garden with a grow light. Click & Grow says it takes five minutes to set up and five minutes a month to maintain: you add the Plant Pods, add water and plug it in. The starter kit includes a three-pack of basil pods, and the maker lists the LED lighting as using 8W.
Before you wrap it
If you would rather buy from a shop near you, compare the online listing, then ask a local retailer through PriceHaggle whether they can offer something similar.
Quick questions
Does the turntable work without Bluetooth? Yes. Sony says it also has a built-in phono equaliser for a wired connection.
Can you fill the photo frame before Christmas Day? Yes. Aura says you can pre-load photos by scanning the QR code on the box or using its app.
Does the herb garden need a sunny windowsill? No. Click & Grow says the LED grow light lets plants grow indoors whatever the weather.
Save yourself a surprise
Your quick buying checklist
- For the turntable, check they have Bluetooth speakers or a socket for a wired connection.
- For the frame, confirm the house has WiFi and that you can set it up in the Aura app.
- For the herb garden, allow a little counter space; extra Plant Pods are sold separately after the starter basil.
References & editorial notes
This content is based on the sources listed below.
AI-generated information drawn from public sources. Not to be treated as any form of advice. Check details with the retailer before buying.