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Unique Gift Ideas for the Person That Has Everything

It seems every family has one, that impossibly hard person to buy for that either has everything or wants for nothing. We scratch our heads and scour the internet in search of that special something but always somehow end up falling short. So, to save you the trouble this year, we’ve rounded up a delightfully unique selection of gift ideas for Christmas, birthday’s and beyond, that are guaranteed to go down a treat…

AMI Archive

Preserve the treasured photo memories of a loved one with a little help from AMI Archive. Following the journey of discovery, AMI will bring your family’s photographic archive to life through meticulous preservation, digitalisation and curation techniques that guarantee the enduring legacy of your cherished memories in a bespoke, handmade photo book.

AMI’s artisan bookbinders will gather and stitch the pages together by hand, followed by the handcrafted creation of each cover and slipcase using foil blocking techniques to produce a true labour of love. 

ami-creates.com

Kind Box

Give a gift that’s good for animals, people and planet. The Kind Box is an ethical gift box filled with unique and hand-picked products that have been tried and tested in-house. For an extra special touch, you can build a custom gift box using the bespoke build a box platform, choosing from hundreds of vegan, sustainable and cruelty-free beauty products. Each beautiful box is then wrapped with eco-friendly tissue paper, zig zag offcut paper from a UK paper mill and tied with an organic cotton ribbon.

thekindstoreonline.co.uk

Kensington Parker

Call on Kensington Parker for a piece of bespoke, made to order diamond jewellery; a gift that even the person that has everything would be hard-pressed to resist! As a private jeweller, Kensington Parker are not refined to the constrictions of a traditional high street jeweller. From a home appointment in the evening, to a visit at your office to overlook a handpicked selection of diamonds, this is the kind of service that makes Kensington Parker a private jeweller for the client.

kensingtonparker.com

Rome de Bellegarde

Treat that special someone in your life to a bottle of one of the world’s most expensive and exquisite cognacs. Rome de Bellegarde has garnered a reputation for the highest standard of excellence, specialising in a limited edition collection of modern Premium Crus harmoniously blended with rare-aged Eaux de vie.

BBB recommend a bottle of the XO Limited Edition. Characterised by its full and powerful fruity notes and extravagant spices, the XO distils the essence of Rome de Bellegarde’s iconic heritage while bringing to the fore a modern freshness of flavour, imbued with lingering hints of sweet vanilla.

romedebellegarde.com

Genealogica

What could be more special than gifting someone with their very own genealogical family portrait? A company like no other, Genealogica is the world’s best family history research and story-telling team. With proven expertise in unearthing unique and barely traceable documents, photographs and heirlooms, Genealogica bring the people and places of each family’s extraordinary odyssey to life, telling the story of their unique journey through the generations.

Genealogica will then design and deliver the family legacy in any way clients desire, from bespoke ancestral encyclopedias to physical journeys into the past.

genealogica.org

Belmond Gift Card

Give the gift of a Belmont gift card for something to look forward to when the time is right. The beauty of this particular gift card is that it can be redeemed for a range of experiences including a delightful afternoon tea, a relaxing massage a fascinating masterclass or towards the trip of a lifetime! From restaurants and hotels to trains, boats and safaris, nobody does luxury adventures quite like Belmond.

belmond.com

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.

Hampers & Champers – Your Festive Gift Guide

By Jenna Jones

When it comes to Christmas gifting, food and wine will never go out of style. It’s the universal gift that oozes Christmas spirit and is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of that special someone. Therefore, all that’s left to do is order in time for the big day and that’s where we come in. As our gift to you this season we’ve rounded up a classic selection of hampers and champers including all important order deadlines for a stress-free Christmas shopping experience…

Harrods

Allow Harrods to take the hard work out of gift giving this season with one of their delectable festive hampers. Filled to the brim with sweet treats, preserves and a bottle of their finest Champagne, the Knightsbridge Christmas Hamper is a failsafe festive feast just waiting to be shared. Or delight the little people in your life with the Winnie-The-Pooh Once There Was a Bear Hamper, a suitably sweet celebration of Britain’s best loved bear, complete with delicious gingerbread, hot chocolate and an iconic Edward teddy.

Order deadline: UK: 21ST December, international: 15th December, US & Hong Kong: 17th December. Plus, free UK delivery on orders of £100 or more.

The BIB Wine Company

Featured as ‘the first ever luxury Bag-in-Box wine’ by Adrian Smith of the Independent, the BIB Wine Company has put Bag-in-Box wine on the map for all the right reasons.  BIB are changing the face of quality wine in the UK, creating a sustainable future for the wine landscape, one recyclable box at a time. For the festive season we recommend their Château Couronneau ‘Cuvée Clair de Lune’ Bordeaux, a full-bodied, spicy merlot that pairs perfectly with roasted meats and cheese. Or opt for the Taster Box, complete with a recorded online tasting session as the perfect stocking filler. Bring people together this Christmas with BIB wines – a true tonic for the soul and a treat for the tastebuds.

Order deadline: UK: 23rd December (midday)

Fortnum & Mason

For the holy grail in hampers, it must be an iconic handwoven wicker delight from Fortnum & Mason. Head to their website and lift the lid on an unrivalled festive array of hampers to suit, well quite frankly, any Christmas occasion. The vegan-friendly, Yuletide Hamper, offers a delicious selection of luxurious free-from delights while the extravagant Christmas Feast Hamper is enough to keep a family full well into the new year!

Order deadline: UK: pre-order and choose a delivery slot up until 23rd December. F&M hampers sell out fast, so our advice is to get your order in asap to avoid disappointment!

Bespoke Wine Collection

As the name suggests, a gift from the Bespoke Wine Collection is a far cry from your generic bottle of vino. Give the ‘Perfect Gift of Experience’ this season with their beautifully presented, hand-picked selection of 3 fine wines. Each bespoke case of three includes a wine passport featuring the history of each estate, tasting notes, gastronomic pairing, serving suggestions and potential for further ageing. There’s also the option to tailor your case by specific wine, favourite region or to even celebrate a particular vintage year of significance. From treasured friends to trusted clients it’s the ultimate curated gift that’s guaranteed to impress.

Order deadline: UK: 10th December, international: 6th December

Selfridges

If a more personal touch is what you’re seeking this Christmas contact Selfridges where the team will be more than happy to build a unique hamper or gift box from their range of delectable gastronomic delights, complete with a personalised gift message. Choose from the finest yuletide festive favourites including Christmas spiced orange hot chocolate, indulgent cheese selections and a host of celebratory tipples.

Order deadline: UK: dependent on stock availability. Stock is reserved once payment has been made. Sell through is fast this year so order sooner rather than later.

The Magnum Company

Nothing says Christmas quite like a celebratory magnum shared with loved ones and no one does it quite like The Magnum Company. Firmly believing that quality and quantity should not be mutually exclusive concepts, The Magnum Company seeks to ensure that wine enthusiasts enjoy the latest and greatest the market has to offer on an extravagant scale! Champagne will always be first to mind with the mention of a magnum, but The Magnum Company offers so much more with Crémant, Port, Sherry, Rosé and Red all available in the impressive 1.5L offering.

Order deadline: UK: 21ST December