The best gifting ideas from 2014
A list of objects that you could consider buying for your near and dear for Christmas
It is just before Christmas. You are probably in the throes of figuring out what to buy for family, friends and co-workers. Here is a list of objects that you could consider buying for your near and dear. The logic of choosing these objects was simply this:
I saw them during the course of this past year and they stuck in my head—because they are unique, innovatively designed, and beautiful.
Perrin Paris: Glove Clutch Eiffel
How many of us wrap our hands around a clutch? Now imagine if we could slip our hands into a glove-clutch. I saw this on Instagram and wanted it instantly. The Perrin Paris glove clutch has turned the hand into an ornament. Prices start at $1,850 (around ₹ 1.17 lakh).
Sophie Hulme box tote in raspberry
Because it has cute animal eyes on it. At $700 a bag, it is reasonably priced compared to what you have to shell out for, say, Dior’s stunning Be Dior Flap bag, which costs about $4,400; or LVMH’s Capucines bag, without the littered logo thankfully, that costs $5,600.
Dibbern China, Black Forest pattern, designed by Bodo Sperlein
Lee Broom’s light bulbs
I don’t own anything by Akris. I don’t know anyone who wears Akris. Actually, not true. I know of a Baltimore, US, based CEO of an Indian pharma company who wears Akris. But I wish I lived in colder climes so I could wear their winter coats. Their summer line doesn’t bust my cockles, but fittingly for a Swiss company, they know their wool. Just buy one of their wool coats and you can very well wear rags inside. You won’t take off the coat and nobody will have eyes for anything else.
Fountain pens
I love fountain pens. I own a Ratnam pen, a Lamy and a Parker Sonnet, all gifts. Were I to buy one, I would buy the Monteverde, because it is black, sleek and costs ₹ 5,600 at William Penn—a far cry from the ₹ 100 Camlin pen I used to write with but cheaper than the cult retractable Pilot fountain pen which retails at around ₹ 12,000 on eBay.in.
Champ de Rêves pinot noir 2011
F Pettinaroli, Milano
If I lived in Europe I would be writing these words on Pettinaroli’s papers. I tried ordering their Mignon organizers online and had a devil of a time. I satisfied myself with a Moleskine and our own Rubberband Paint Box series notebooks instead.
www.fpettinaroli.it/ and www.rubberbandproducts.com
Javadhu-scented powder
I bought this powder at the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan in Kumbakonam. It is made in a small town called Mukkudal in Tamil Nadu. It retails in colourfully packaged 5g bottles for the magnificent sum of ₹ 55 each. If you are done with khus, vetiver and rose, try javadhu.
Coloured gems and jewellery
Happy shopping!
Shoba Narayan plans to buy a lovely teapot this Christmas season. Suggestions are welcome. Write to her at thegoodlife@livemint.com
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