Make It Personal: Best Bespoke Gifts for the Festive Season
By Amira Hashish
On the hunt for a festive gift that feels extra special? Whether you are keen to splash out on a statement piece or are seeking something more low key with a unique stamp, it is all in the detail. From playful pyjamas to a diamond encrusted pendant and a bespoke wine collection, these luxury items can all be personalised for that thoughtful touch…
The Coveted Fragrance
Since its inception in New York City in 2006 Le Labo has garnered a major following of scent lovers who are obsessed with its potent fragrances. The Noir 29, fusing fig and bay leaves with the depth of cedar wood, vetiver and musk, is a signature. Splash out on a 500ml bottle for the superfan in your life who will have it on proud display on their dressing table. The label and box can be stamped with a name in Le Labo’s distinctive font.
£720 for 500ml, lelabofragrances.com.
The Travel Companion
The Walton is a colourful new weekend bag designed for effortless travel by Anya Hindmarch Bespoke. Crafted from lightweight canvas and beautifully finished with contrasting leather trims, it can be carried by hand, over the shoulder or with the detachable crossbody strap when you are running for your flight. It can be personalised on the front with initials. Alternatively, emboss a name on the top and include a handwritten message on the key cover.
£995, anyahindmarch.com.
The Smoky Spirit
The Lost Explorer has been making waves since its UK launch in October 2020. On a mission to become one of the most sustainable Mezcal brands in the world with various environmental initiatives in place to help combat climate change, it is also delicious. Personalisation of the full range of Mezcal bottles is on offer and it makes for a fun gift. The last date for ordering is December 18.
From £62.50 for 70cl + £7 for personalisation, thelostexplorermezcal.com.
The Wine Journey
The Bespoke Wine Collection will tailor 12 fine wines uniquely to you and your partner for its A Year of Romance Collection. As part of the package, you will be invited to meet founder Ksenia Karpenko to discuss preferences and share your story. You will then be sent 12 wines across 12 months with a bespoke bound book featuring the history of the estate, tasting notes, gastronomic pairing, serving suggestions and love letters, photos and clues about your future adventures together. The wooden cases can be personalised too.
£1,950, bespokewinecollection.com. Contact the BBB team for a referral.
The Special Scented Candle
Engrave a classic Diptyque candle with a personalised message, initials, a name or a date. The service is only available in the Spitalfields store but boy will it be worth the trek. The Amber, a heady fragrance of balms and spices, is a perfect winter scent.
£49, diptyqueparis.com.
The Bling Bag
With embossing and engraving services as an option for most of Aspinal London’s leather accessories and sterling silver gifts, you are spoilt for choice. Our pick would be the Mayfair bag, hand-crafted from full-grain leather, with a shield lock that opens to unveil a luxurious grosgrain lining.
£520, aspinaloflondon.com.
The Wow Factor Wallet
If you are in search of something iconic, practical and pretty look no further than the Louis Vuitton Zippy wallet. Select a stripe or style, along with two exterior colours, interior colour and initials for a unique twist on a classic.
£720, louisvuitton.com.
The Colourful Clutch
Will Bees Bespoke makes its beautiful bags and accessories with love in Salcombe, Devon. Each item is able to be embossed, embroidered or vinyl printed with a name or initials. Make a beeline for the Diana 2 in 1 clutch from The Bee Garden collection; a new collaboration with former Head of Design at Liberty Art Fabrics Emma Mawston.
£99.95, willbeesbespoke.com.
The Playful PJs
Desmond & Dempsey is the go to brand for playful and stylish pyjamas. The Sansindo Tiger Print in black and orange is a fun lounge look. Initials can be embroidered onto pockets or onto hems for the kids’ range. Click ‘add monogram’ for a little preview.
£175, desmondanddempsey.com.
The Winter Warmer
Burberry’s Classic Cashmere Scarf in check is made at a 200-year-old mill in the Scottish countryside. It is super soft and instantly recognisable but you can make it all the more special by choosing an array of colours with up to three initials.
£370, burberry.com.
The Dreamy Diary
There are few more chic stationery options than Smythson’s Mara Diary with a glossy, crocodile print finish. Artisans print and dye the leather to create the signature look. Put your stamp on it with a choice of font, text, colour and motif.
£225, smythson.com.
The Bespoke Guestbook
Sloane Stationery Guest Books are handmade in England by classically trained craftsmen. The cream paper with gilt edges and lizard embossed card feels sumptuous. You can add a name or initials or get creative with a quote, saying or line from a song. Email info@sloanestationery.com if you would like more ideas.
£59 + £3 per character for embossing, sloanestationery.com. Contact the BBB team for an exclusive referral.
The Perfect Pendant
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and there are few more treasured than Tiffany. The diamond and turquoise circle pendant in 18k white gold has been sparkling for more than a century. Some things never go out of fashion and engraving can be added for that extra special touch.
£1,840, tiffany.com.
The Timeless Watch
Cartier’s Santos watch has a smart navy blue face and steel bracelet for a classic style. Opening the famous red box to reveal this number will be quite the moment. Opt for engraving for the man in your life who deserves a truly luxurious festive treat.
£6,250, cartier.com.
The Power Pen
After purchasing the Extra Bespoke fountain pen at Montegrappa, why not make it your own with the brand’s complimentary engraving service at Harrods? A limited edition design, it is fitted with a stainless steel clip for easy carrying inside or outside a suit jacket.
£1,345, harrods.com.
Amira Hashish is the founder and director of content, creative and events agency Rapport. Previously, executive editor of the Evening Standard, she writes columns for leading newspapers and magazines about design, travel and lifestyle. Follow @thedesigneditor and visit www.clubrapport.com for more.
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