In my family we celebrate the winter solstice festival – well I do – and the others in my family just roll their eyes and get on with Christmas. For me it is about celebrating the shortest day of the year and the days starting to get longer again. I am not so happy that it has turned into a festival of consumption, but am a sucker for a well-filled stocking at the end of my bed. So here’s my list.
1. Brompton bike
From £765, brompton.com
If you have a small flat with nowhere to put a bike, or you want a nippy commute bike, or want to go on holiday with one in the back of the car, or you just want to own a great classic piece of British engineering, or or or… You get the idea, you just need an excuse to have one, they are marvellous.
2. Sweet Protection Rooster carbon ski helmet
£249, sweetprotection.com
There are few better ways to celebrate the festival than skiing in the mountains. A good helmet is essential, and this one keeps you warm, safe and is super sleek thanks to its carbon-fibre construction.
3. Otto Cyclng Cape
£88, ottolondon.com
The ultimate cape for cyclists. The handlebar straps deploy the cape into a tent shape, protecting not just your upper body, but your legs and feet too, from the rain. You’ll never consider wearing waterproof trousers again. Clever, elegant, simple – all the elements of great design.
4. Toto Washlet GL
£1,889 plus VAT, gb.toto.com
Its the 21st century and we have the technology to clean our bums in a much more hygienic way, and this is one of the best on the market. I predict this will replace the iPad as a must-have item this year. It is time to make the toilet as sophisticated as the kitchen; after all, their functions are two sides of the same coin.
5. iRobot Roomba 880
£599.99, irobot.co.uk
We all have busy lives, and could not do without our washing machines and dishwashers. Vacuuming is equally time-consuming and boring, and I long to find a very capable robot that wants to take on the job. The Roomba could be it. I assume it will basically be like having a pet cat, but one that actually helps around the flat.
6. ROK Coffee Machine
£129, rokkitchentools.com
At least half the pleasure of drinking coffee is the making of it, so why would you deprive yourself of the olfactory and sensual pleasures it affords by making it from granules or a ghastly capsule?
7. Ettrick Penknife
£23.50, sheffield-made.com
OK, it looks as if I’m obsessed with knives. But I do think everyone needs a decent pocket knife and they come no better than those made in Sheffield. I’m one of those people you see at airport control pleading with the security officials not to destroy my beloved penknife just because it happens to a have a blade one millimetre longer than the 6cm official limit. You will not have this problem with the Ettrick.
8. Brazo table light by Pablo Designs
£451, Haworth, Clerkenwell
Electric lighting is going through a quiet revolution at the moment. Christmas tree lights are now made from light-emitting diodes. They are not just energy efficient but have a lifespan of 30 years, so you won’t be constantly replacing bulbs. This lamp uses the same technology to provide a bit of modernist chic year round.
9. Thermapen Digital Cooking Thermometer
£57.60, thermapen.co.uk
If you like to cook and don’t already use a digital thermometer then you are mad. It allows you to know the exact temperature inside your roasts, chocolate and other delicious things that need care and attention to get just right.
10. Global knives
£299 for three knife anniversary set, globalknives.uk.com
Cooking is a big part of the winter solstice festival, and for that you need a good set of kitchen knives. Global knives have a great balance in the hand, with blade and handle made from the same material in one piece, giving them a visua l elegance. If you are wondering why they cost a lot, it’s because they use a stainless steel containing chromium, molybdenum and vanadium. Why? Because this alloy retains its sharp edge for longer and will last you a lifetime.
