Gifts for Design Lovers: Not Another Bill

20-something me loved shopping for presents. I mean, it was like a hobby for me back then: I'd shop for gifts throughout the year, pausing when I found something interesting or unique in a museum gift shop and priding myself on the amount of thought I'd put into selecting the perfect gift for a friend or family member.

30-something me? Not so much. I have no time or energy for that now. Today, I'm more likely to shout an expletive at my desk at work when a friend's birthday alert pings on my phone, racing out of the office at lunchtime, before grabbing at a mediocre card and scrawling, "Happy belated!" inside and guiltily mailing it off three days later.

And - I don't know about you - but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to find those unique presents: gifts that won't be cast aside in a few months' time, but rather, beautiful objects that can be used and enjoyed for years to come.

Not Another Bill is my new, favorite destination for beautiful, design-led gifts for friends. It's actually a "gift subscription" service, which you can purchase for yourself or someone else. After filling out a short survey about your personal style and preferences, you'll receive one present a month for however long you'd like (there are different subscription plans) and, if you don't like something you've received, you can always exchange it for something else.

I was browsing Not Another Bill's site the other day and, well, I'd be hard pressed to find something I'd say no to. From gorgeous gold pens by Hay to this stunning marble tray, there are endless options for items that would be perfect for me - I mean, my friends.  Friends. I totally meant friends.

Recently, I received a box of surprises from Not Another Bill and, like a child, I couldn't wait to rush home to open it. Kicking aside the literal bills that had collected on my doormat at home while I'd been at work, I rushed upstairs to tear open the tissue paper and unwrapped this set of two pretty journals - personalized with my initials in a lovely pale blue and grey, with gold embossed lettering.

I tend to carry small journals like these in my handbags so I can jot down ideas for blog posts, do-lists, etc. and these slot perfectly into this season's tiny cross-body bags.

I think part of the joy of receiving a gift from Not Another Bill is the excitement of not knowing what's inside. How often do unexpected (and happy) surprises make their way into our lives these days? (The last unexpected surprise I had was when a bird pooped on me on my way to work and I gagged all the way home while trying to make sure it didn't drip down my jacket, so, yeah - that was not a happy surprise.)

The piece de resistance of my box, however, was this cactus vase, which made me actually giddy with joy. (Ask John - I danced around the house like Clara from the Nutcracker, holding it in my hands, while he shook his head disapprovingly at me.)

How fun is this?

It makes my shelves look less "serious" but, in general, it just brings a smile to my face, like most of the gifts featured on the Not Another Bill website.

I love browsing independent boutiques and design shops in London, but while I enjoy visiting these stores in person, I find that I don't have time to do this as much as I'd like in person. Not Another Bill takes the guesswork out of choosing gifts for me via its thoughtfully curated selection and multiple subscription options. I can't think of a single person who wouldn't enjoy receiving one of these joyful gifts in their mail - instead of, you know, another bill.

My gifts were generously provided by Not Another Bill. Click here for more information about their subscription plans and gifts. All opinions are my own.

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