Majolica (often confused with tin-enamelled Maiolica) is a scrumptious and affordable lead-glazed earthenware that took off in the mid-19th century and is still potted and prized in Europe and the US.

The real gift of giving is to have a big slab of fun finding the thing, and for me, that means something vintage or an affordable antique, but only if my pal has been very, very good.