December, advent, mince pies, baubles, tinsel, Christmas. For some, these words bring tears of joy, for others, tears of sheer exasperation. Christmas can only mean one thing – purchasing presents. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here as your Christmas present guru. Some sort of sparkly Jesus, if you will, covered in tinsel and fairy lights, here to guide you through the festive season.
For the BIG KID:
My first gift, perfect for a younger sibling, cousin or just a hopeless nostalgic stems from arguably some of the greatest news I’ve heard during 2012. Yes, that’s right. It’s the return of our fuzzy friend Furby! After years of Furbyless childhoods they’re back, and this time better than ever. It seems we have passed from the Furby ice age into a new dawn. Gone are the Neanderthal Furbies of the past speaking only Furbish. Here (and hopefully to stay) are the new generation of Furbies, capable not only of showing emotion, but also learning English from their owner. Personality, love and fuzziness – it’s just like having a cheaper puppy. But remember, a Furby is for life, not just for Christmas.
www.johnlewis.com/peterjones - £54.97
My first gift, perfect for a younger sibling, cousin or just a hopeless nostalgic stems from arguably some of the greatest news I’ve heard during 2012. Yes, that’s right. It’s the return of our fuzzy friend Furby! After years of Furbyless childhoods they’re back, and this time better than ever. It seems we have passed from the Furby ice age into a new dawn. Gone are the Neanderthal Furbies of the past speaking only Furbish. Here (and hopefully to stay) are the new generation of Furbies, capable not only of showing emotion, but also learning English from their owner. Personality, love and fuzziness – it’s just like having a cheaper puppy. But remember, a Furby is for life, not just for Christmas.
www.johnlewis.com/peterjones - £54.97
The Secret Santa Alternative:
Ah, the good old days. When everything was cheaper, Tetris and Pacman were popular and playing with a Rubik’s Cube on the train wasn’t seen as socially unacceptable. Sadly we also left ‘Back to the Future’ in the 80s so I am here to offer you the next best thing – mugs. Yes, that’s right I can offer you a cheap option, I can offer you Tetris and a Rubik’s Cube in the form of everyone’s favourite beverage holder. Sadly, I do not hold the power to eliminate any dodgy looks you may receive sat drinking tea on the tube.
www.iwoot.com - £8.99 each or 2 for £12
Ah, the good old days. When everything was cheaper, Tetris and Pacman were popular and playing with a Rubik’s Cube on the train wasn’t seen as socially unacceptable. Sadly we also left ‘Back to the Future’ in the 80s so I am here to offer you the next best thing – mugs. Yes, that’s right I can offer you a cheap option, I can offer you Tetris and a Rubik’s Cube in the form of everyone’s favourite beverage holder. Sadly, I do not hold the power to eliminate any dodgy looks you may receive sat drinking tea on the tube.
www.iwoot.com - £8.99 each or 2 for £12
For the FASHIONISTA:
Fancy making spring come early for someone special this year? Well, you can with Alex Monroe’s signature bumblebee necklace. People are already buzzing about this piece of jewellery on a 16” chain, coated with a 22K Gold Plate. Some men worry about what to buy their queen – Will it go? Is it her thing? With this stunning accessory, the answer is clearly yes. What woman doesn’t love a bit of sparkle, and it’s perfect for all occasions, so why not treat your honey this Christmas?
www.kjslaundry.com - £135
Fancy making spring come early for someone special this year? Well, you can with Alex Monroe’s signature bumblebee necklace. People are already buzzing about this piece of jewellery on a 16” chain, coated with a 22K Gold Plate. Some men worry about what to buy their queen – Will it go? Is it her thing? With this stunning accessory, the answer is clearly yes. What woman doesn’t love a bit of sparkle, and it’s perfect for all occasions, so why not treat your honey this Christmas?
www.kjslaundry.com - £135
The Secret Santa Alternative:
You’ve picked a female colleague from the office for this year’s Secret Santa, and have no idea what to get her. You don’t want to go down the generic box of chocolates route, so what do you do? Jewellery. Ladies love jewellery, and no doubt your colleague will be severely impressed by your ability to pick such a beautiful gift. It’s emerald green, it’s gold plated and it’s affordable. Some might say that cheap jewellery is never chic. Trust me. She won't know and she won't care.
www.iwoot.com - £13.99
You’ve picked a female colleague from the office for this year’s Secret Santa, and have no idea what to get her. You don’t want to go down the generic box of chocolates route, so what do you do? Jewellery. Ladies love jewellery, and no doubt your colleague will be severely impressed by your ability to pick such a beautiful gift. It’s emerald green, it’s gold plated and it’s affordable. Some might say that cheap jewellery is never chic. Trust me. She won't know and she won't care.
www.iwoot.com - £13.99
For the YOUNG GENT:
Men are notoriously difficult to buy gifts for, be they fathers, brothers or uncles. Are you sick of buying them the same thing year in year out? Well, there’s no better way to end 2012, the year that saw the 23rd Bond film and the franchise’s 50th anniversary, than to buy the full box-set on blu-ray. I’d like to think that every man can associate with at least one of the Bonds of Christmas past; Connery, the classy man; Lazenby, the controversial man; Moore, the playboy; Dalton, the serious, moody man; Brosnan, the sensitive man; and Craig, tall, dark, handsome. So shake and stir things up this Christmas with Bond 50.
www.play.com £88.99
Men are notoriously difficult to buy gifts for, be they fathers, brothers or uncles. Are you sick of buying them the same thing year in year out? Well, there’s no better way to end 2012, the year that saw the 23rd Bond film and the franchise’s 50th anniversary, than to buy the full box-set on blu-ray. I’d like to think that every man can associate with at least one of the Bonds of Christmas past; Connery, the classy man; Lazenby, the controversial man; Moore, the playboy; Dalton, the serious, moody man; Brosnan, the sensitive man; and Craig, tall, dark, handsome. So shake and stir things up this Christmas with Bond 50.
www.play.com £88.99
The Secret Santa Alternative:
Sticking with the British theme, these Union Flag, vintage style cufflinks are the perfect gift for any British man. What a way to finish off a spectacularly British year, with the Olympics, golden jubilee and, of course, the almost non-stop rain! This gift serves not only as a reminder of a great year, but also as a great way to be the stylish envy of all work colleagues. These antique bronze style gifts are the ideal way to round off a fabulous year for any man.
www.notonthehighstreet.com - £15
Sticking with the British theme, these Union Flag, vintage style cufflinks are the perfect gift for any British man. What a way to finish off a spectacularly British year, with the Olympics, golden jubilee and, of course, the almost non-stop rain! This gift serves not only as a reminder of a great year, but also as a great way to be the stylish envy of all work colleagues. These antique bronze style gifts are the ideal way to round off a fabulous year for any man.
www.notonthehighstreet.com - £15
For the BOLD BUSINESSMAN:
Crafted from pure silk, this pocket handkerchief from Alexander McQueen is the ideal gift for your close businessman friend. It completes an outfit; it’s stylish and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to look cool whilst blowing their nose? Pure silk means pure class, and this handkerchief is perfect for adding a certain je-ne-sais-quoi to any formal attire.
www.harrods.com £64.95
Crafted from pure silk, this pocket handkerchief from Alexander McQueen is the ideal gift for your close businessman friend. It completes an outfit; it’s stylish and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to look cool whilst blowing their nose? Pure silk means pure class, and this handkerchief is perfect for adding a certain je-ne-sais-quoi to any formal attire.
www.harrods.com £64.95
The Secret Santa Alternative:
Who doesn’t love to be organised? Certainly not the businessman, and they won’t be (for 2013 at least) with a little helping hand from you. Harrods’ Gold jotter pads and mini pocket diaries come in a variety of colours, perfect for you to choose the one to suit your Secret Santa this year. Why not treat a colleague this Christmas, and who knows, maybe they’ll even pencil you in for a ‘thank you’ lunch next year!
www.harrods.com £7.95 - £11.95
Who doesn’t love to be organised? Certainly not the businessman, and they won’t be (for 2013 at least) with a little helping hand from you. Harrods’ Gold jotter pads and mini pocket diaries come in a variety of colours, perfect for you to choose the one to suit your Secret Santa this year. Why not treat a colleague this Christmas, and who knows, maybe they’ll even pencil you in for a ‘thank you’ lunch next year!
www.harrods.com £7.95 - £11.95
Hopefully, something here has caught your eye or at least given you a few ideas, and pulled you away from that breakdown over Christmas that seems to be edging ever closer. So if, by some Christmas miracle, you’re not completely put off by the giant sparkly marmite jars that seem to have invaded London this year, and can tear yourself away from Miracle on 34th Street or Home Alone for long enough, get yourself ready for the holiday season. If not, at least you’ve found something to put on your own Christmas list this year. Brace yourself, it’s here. Merry Christmas! Keep on jet-setting!
James Hart
James Hart
