Smythson
www.smythson.com
For gifts of the very highest quality look no further than Smythsons. This simple elegant site, from a company revered for its luxury stationery (we'll have the fashion diary, in case you’re asking) is your one stop shop for that birthday, wedding or Valentine’s Day gift that requires a serious gesture. Browse the extensive collection of accessories, from key rings, right through to technology cases and weekender bags, you’ll be hard pushed not to find something for your paramour in this treasure trove of luxe.
Anya Hindmarch
www.anyahindmarch.com
No list would be complete without a nod to the queen of personalised gifts - the woman who brought the photo bag to the masses, let's hear it for Anya Hindmarsh! The designer has her luxury wares displayed on the most beautifully designed site in the stratosphere and while you might still have to trek to her bespoke store to actually place your order, there’s no harm in (salivating) sorry having a little look at the products online first…
Not On the Highstreet
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Top marks in this category also go to…. Not on the High Street, a unique site that has really captured the recent trend for products with a vintage, personally crafted feel. A portal for small independent retailers to stock their wares, the site is a dream to browse and features hundreds of exclusive brands carefully selected by founders Holly Tucker and Sophie Cornish. Amongst the extensive range of products, you’ll find a wealth of personalised gifts on offer at incredibly reasonable prices – be sure not to miss the kids range, it’s a real forte.
Scribbler
www.scribbler.com
2011 saw the launch of high street store Scribbler’s online site. With a host of incredible templates at your fingertips, this cornucopia of colour is a designer’s dream. Browse tons of eclectic designs, whether you’re celebrating the birth of a new baby, a birthday or a wedding, there really is a template to suit everyone. In mere minutes you can create an utterly unique (and often hilarious) card that your loved ones will stash in their memory boxes for years to come…
My First Years
www.my1styears.com
If you’ve reached that age where all around you friends and relatives are diving head first into parenthood, then you’ll be more than a little relieved to stumble across personalised baby gift site My First Years. Host to a whole range of elegant, tasteful designs, the site is perfect for the new addition to any family. Handily sectioned into gifts for boys and girls, the company also stocks christening gifts, blankets, teddy bears as well as a whole range of gorgeous gift boxes… Once that royal conception is announced, we’re sure this site will be inundated!
Jonny’s Sister
www.jonnyssister.co.uk
Whilst this site features a smaller selection of personalised products, it still merits a mention for the gorgeous shabby chic look of its buckets, napkins and special date tea towels. We simply love the personalised wedding sign (and bunting!) – hang one or other from a heavy set Oak tree for a real Four Weddings vibe.
Emma Bridgewater
www.emmabridgewater.co.uk
Ceramics and tableware designer Emma Bridgewater also earns her place in the list with her wonderfully simple personalised mugs, teapots, cups and bowls. Log onto the site, choose your pattern and letters and in minutes you’ll have a unique piece of kiln fired pottery winging its way to your front door. There are even dog and cat bowls, so Moggy won’t feel left out…
Ice London
www.ice.co.uk
For those of you after a bit of bling, look no further than Ice London. The luxe site, featuring a whole host of personalised gifts, offers Swarovski encrusted Ipad holders as well as an extensive range of accessories for men, women and children. The hand-selected products can be engraved with your chosen message as well as a personalised logo for that extra special touch. This site is just the ticket if you’re young female and like some sparkle, though the men’s cufflink section is great too. Oh and be sure not to miss the Swarovski encrusted dog leads, no self respecting Chelsea girl would be seen dead without one...
I Want One of Those
www.iwantoneofthose.com
And finally for a bit of novelty value, we couldn’t help but mention genius gift site I Want One of Those. Doing exactly what it says on the tin, the site sources the more outlandish novelty items that will have your friends giggling with glee. Be sure not to miss the personalised classic novel – are you Alice, Dorothy or Juliet Capulet – you decide!
January 2012