This Christmas, a new sweet treat trend is emerging as a perfect, budget-friendly gift that is sure to delight both children and adults. Moving beyond traditional selection boxes, a savvy shopper named Verity Kentish, known as ‘The Gift Oracle’ on TikTok, has unveiled an ingenious and aesthetically pleasing present idea: a hot chocolate station assembled in a gingerbread house jar.

Verity, from Hertfordshire, showcased how to create this iconic gift that caters to those with a sweet tooth without breaking the bank. The core of the gift is a glass gingerbread house, purchased from B&M for just £3.50. Instead of using it merely as a cookie jar, she transformed it into a charming hot chocolate station. Complementing the gingerbread house, Verity also picked up a pack of hot chocolate stirrers for £5, also from B&M. To complete the set, she added mini shortbread biscuits from M&S, costing £1.85.

In total, the components for this delightful gift cost a mere £10.35, making it an excellent option for those on a tight budget. The assembly involves placing the hot chocolate stirrers and the repackaged biscuits into the gingerbread house jar. The final touch, and a favorite part for Verity, is adding a big red bow, which significantly enhances the gift’s presentation and makes it appear more expensive than its actual cost.

The versatility of this gift idea makes it suitable for various recipients, including friends, teachers, caregivers, and Christmas hosts. It’s also highlighted as an ideal choice for Secret Santa exchanges and a guaranteed way to make little ones smile. The concept quickly gained traction on social media, with Verity’s TikTok clip (@the.gift.oracle) accumulating 224,400 views in just 16 hours.

Social media users were quick to praise the simple yet effective gift, with many expressing their intent to 'steal' the idea. Comments flooded in, noting its perfection for Secret Santa, its appeal as a kitchen item, and its suitability for colleagues and teachers. Some users even suggested personalizing it further, such as adding battery tealights to make it glow. The widespread positive reception underscores the gift's appeal as an affordable, impressive, and thoughtful present for the festive season.