Being gifted a voucher at Christmas may seem impersonal. But sometimes, being able to choose something you really want instead of getting another generic gift set is one of the best gifts you can receive.
The beauty of a gift voucher is that it allows the receiver to spend it how they want. They can put it towards a larger purchase, save it until they find something they like, or use it on everyday items instead of their own cash.
If you were one of the thousands (doubtless more) people who opened or were emailed an Amazon voucher this Christmas, and you are lacking inspiration on what to spend it on. Look no further, our crack team of shopping experts has plenty of inspiration.
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We asked five shopping experts who spend hours every day looking at the best deals, the latest releases, and review the newest in tech, beauty and homeware, what they would spend an Amazon gift voucher on this Christmas. This is how they would spend each amount.
What Ruth would buy with £10
If I were given a £10 voucher for Amazon, I know I'd be torn between spending it on something I can use daily I'd be glad not to spend my own money on, like a basic cleanser, NIVEA Daily Essentials Sensitive Cleansing Milk is £6.30 or something more fun. For £10, I could also buy a practical pair of socks ready for when the cold weather hits us in January.
These cute HEAT HOLDERS thermal socks are £9.99 and will keep my feet warm while walking the dog. They've been a hit with other shoppers as well with one review stating: "All my family member now own a pair of these heat holder socks.
"They are great to use as slippers, wellie socks and bed socks. They keep your feet so so warm. When you first put them on, you are in foot heaven!" However, having owned some in the past I do know to watch out for shedding - the downside of fluffy insides.
What Narin would buy with £25
I was given one of these for Christmas, and when I opened it, I was a bit underwhelmed - it does look like a pretty lacklustre gift. But this wireless charging station with clock, which is usually £33.99 but is currently 20% off with a voucher taking it to £27, has become one of my favourite gadgets of the year and regularly gets tucked in my bag when I travel away from home.
It charges my iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods wirelessly and at the same time and I love the small clock display, which can be dimmed at bedtime so it's not like a beacon in the bedroom. If you're not fussed by the clock, there's an even more bargain-friendly version in the Amazon sale, currently reduced to £15.19.
The stand has neatened up the heap of cables which inevitably turn my bedside table into a tangle and is one of those brilliantly simple inventions that just makes life a bit simpler and less of a faff.
What Tom would buy with £50
If there's one purchase I could recommend to anyone, it's a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. While they range from £20 all the way up to needing to re-mortgage your house, these mid-level Amazon noise-cancelling headphones are just the ticket: the Soundcore Q20i.
Costing £49.99, they are incredibly popular, being Amazon's best-selling set of headphones as well as racking up a 4.6 out of 20,580 reviews. The headphones boast three settings - noise cancelling, 'normal' and transparency - controlled via an easy-to-use app and fit very comfortably on your head thanks to two soft cushions. And with 40 hours of battery life, your fantasy of blocking out your entire family post-Christmas can be realised without issue.
What Rachel is splashing out on with a £100 voucher
When I was gifted a pair of these green Le Creuset mugs last Christmas, I was immediately struck by how well they hold the heat, and a decent-sized brew. They have thick walls to maintain the temperature of your drink.
Beyond looking stunning on the counter, these stoneware mugs feel lovely and cosy in your hands, so if I had a £100 Amazon gift card, I would look to build on the collection with this set of six for £63, to make sure we have plenty for guests.
They're easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and are backed by an impressive 10-year guarantee. With the change, I'd look to splurge on this gorgeous insulated Heemburg French Press Coffee Maker for just under £25, which promises to keep our coffee "piping hot for hours and warm for even more".
What Lucy would use a £150 voucher on
I'm a keen reader, and investing in a Kindle has been on my wish list for ages. A £150 Amazon gift card would be the perfect opportunity to snap up the new Amazon Kindle (16GB) in matcha green. You can get it without ads and with three months Kindle Unlimited for £104.99, which still leaves some budget left for accessories.
Described as the 'lightest and most compact Kindle', it will save me from carrying around heavy books, and the 25% brighter light setting means I can comfortably read in the evening. I'd also pick up a clear case to protect it from any damage - this one is on sale for £9.89 down from £29.99 and compatible with the new Kindle.
With the remaining money, I would buy a remote-controlled page turner for £24.99. This clever gadget allows you to read hands-free and charges the Kindle at the same time.
If you need some inspiration outside of Amazon, you can check out Dunelm and Dr Martens Boxing Day sale, as well as Currys.