Dip In To Revival Christmas Bran Tub

This painting by Mary L. Gow dates back to 1894. That's almost three decades after our place was built in 1878. It's hard to believe that our beautiful showroom would've had folk looking just like this wandering around!

Anyway back to the bran tub.

We are always on the lookout for traditional ways to celebrate Christmas with our visiting customers. This year I came up with the idea of a bran tub, otherwise known as a lucky dip. The earliest known use of the term bran tub or lucky dip is in the 1870s. The term lucky dip these days is more likely to be associated with The National Lottery.

We have emersed small gifts in a metal dolly tub filled with wood shavings for customers who pay us a visit over the festive period. Originally bran hulls were used in the tubs which is from the powder exterior of grains, nowadays wood shavings are more likely to be used. The smell takes me back to the 1960s and early 70s when my sister and I would be giddy over this simple treat but I don't think it would keep today's youngsters amused for long. We always looked forward to a mystery lucky dip at a school fete, a local agricultural show or even at Santa's grotto. Even if the prizes were often disappointing. I think one time I pulled out a tea cosy, another a voucher for a chicken which pleased my mum no end but I was hoping for a writing set.

The content of the bran tub or bran pie surprises has also changed thankfully. Originally it concealed food items such as a meaty pie or trinkets that symbolised different fates such as a coin for wealth or a thimble for a spinster - not so lucky!

For our customers, we have wrapped and buried men's and women's vintage plus vintage-inspired gifts wrapped in his and her gift wrap for easy identification.

From Tuesday 26th November 2024 until we close on Christmas Eve, our Revival bran tub will be in our spectacular showroom for a bit of nostalgic fun and the chance to win a festive treat. We'll also have mince pies and mulled wine available for showroom visitors throughout December.

Everyone's a winner!

Come join us for a quick dip and see what you find.

Buying Christmas presents for other vintage lovers? Browse our men's gift ideas and women's gift ideas to find some inspiration.