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The 2006 Christmas Gifts With A Twist List
The UK is fed up with the same old Christmas presents. More socks, another woolly jumper, CD vouchers.
Boring.
Some of the most uninspired gifts are often the most unwanted. Smellies and bubble bath top the list of most unwanted gifts (48%), closely followed by novelty themed Christmas presents (30%), ornaments (23%) and sweets and chocolates (18%).
“The answer isn’t always about finding a more inspired gift. Just give a gift a twist,” says professional gift consultant Lorraine Loughlin from The London Gift Consultancy.
To make it easier for everyone this Christmas, Lorraine has produced her top ten gifts with a twist.
The London Gift Consultancy strives to stay at the head of fashions, new products and the latest ‘must haves’. If a gift’s worth giving, whether it’s from Halfords or Harvey Nichols, it will be on The London Gift Consultancy’s comprehensive gift database.
1. Bottles of Booze
If you want to give a bottle of booze this Christmas, present it in this unusual puzzle.
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Don't Break The Bottle, £20 |
Lorraine says, “The ‘Don’t Break the Bottle’ puzzle at first sight it appears laughably simple to open, but first impressions are deceptive.”
“It's hugely entertaining watching the recipient go from cocky to puzzled to deeply frustrated. They'll feel they deserve every last drop if they do finally manage to crack it. Don’t worry, if they get too thirsty, there’ll be no need to bring out the power tools as release instructions are included.”
2. Novelty Mugs
Resist the “World’s greatest dad” mind-numbing mugs this Christmas.
Lorraine says, “Get one of these truly personalised mugs featuring the recipients name and drink preferences. They’re great for the office. Choose from tea, coffee or herbal, whether they have milk or not and how many sugars they take – none, 1, 2, 3 or lots of sugar for those with a sweet tooth.”
3. Tools
Tools are another common gift at Christmas, but give some style to screwdrivers.
Lorraine says, “These beautifully hand made tools look old fashioned but have a modern day capability. These unique screwdrivers have been made in a small London workshop. They are copies of two originals made by a cabinet maker who was unable to find a set of modern tipped screwdrivers that met his requirements for quality, comfort and simplicity. They’re the suavest screwdrivers around. ”
4. Cuddly Toys
Teddies can be tedious, but here’s a bear that isn’t boring. The Hot Polar Bear is a cute cuddly toy with a warm centre.
Lorraine says, “This bear is perfect for those cold winter nights. He melts more than hearts as he has a heatable wheat sack in his belly. Just heat up the bag in the microwave and you can take a warm bear to bed.”
5. Calendars
Cats and celebrities make up the most clichéd calendars. Get a calendar that’s one of a kind.
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Personalised Calendar, £15. |
Lorraine says, “These personalised calendars are perfect presents. Simply choose a name or names that you would like to appear, and then they are cleverly integrated into 12 amazing themed photographs. Pages include names written in snow on a car windscreen, spelt out in pebbles on a beach and displayed in garden hedges.”
6. Perfume
Perfume is another popular present, but often undistinguished. J-Lo, Posh ‘n Becks, Britney and Beyoncé are all doing it. Personalise your perfume.
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Personalised fragrance, £600 |
Lorraine says, "Buying off the rack has its problems. Getting clothes that fit is just the start. The perfect way to finish the perfect outfit is the perfect scent. Perfume is a traditional Christmas gift, but what about a fragrance that has been tailored to the individual. We can arrange for a perfume to be composed through personal appointments, where a selection of essences are introduced to choose from and eliminate to create the perfect fragrance."
7. Socks
If it has to be socks at least make them luxurious not lacklustre.
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Brora cashmere socks, £25 |
Lorraine says, “Push the boat out and purchase the best socks money can buy. Make someone’s feet feel a million dollars with a pair of Brora cashmere socks.”
8. Vouchers
Nothing says ‘I didn’t know what to buy you’ quite like vouchers. Avoid high-street store, CD and book vouchers like the plague.
Experience vouchers, £ Various
Lorraine says, “Give vouchers for somewhere or something the recipient wouldn't necessarily pick out themselves. A day’s pampering at a spa, a balloon ride or an experience they will always treasure. There is so much more to vouchers than just CDs and books. For example, we provide spa experiences that offer a haven of luxury for relaxation and pampering. A cleansing Dead Sea salt scrub is followed by a first class facial and eye treatment. Then a 90 minute aromatherapy massage follows a light lunch. The pampering doesn't end there. A chauffer driven limousine will ensure that you arrive home in style and completely relaxed. A unique treat after the stress of Christmas.”
9. Beauty Products
Smellies and bubble bath top the list of the most unwanted gifts. Treat your jet setting recipient to beauty products presented in a trendy travel bag.
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Jo Malone In Flight Travel bag, £72 |
“The Jo Malone In Flight Travel bag has style and purpose. An essential travel bag that is chic, compact and versatile, it contains every on-board essential including ginseng day moisturising cream, avocado cleansing milk and grapefruit cologne. The jet-setter will step off the plane looking great and feeling re-vitalised.”
10. iPods
iPods are likely to be one of the most common gifts this Christmas. Make your iPod present stand out.
Lorraine says, "iPod's are going to be a popular gift this Christmas. They're becoming a fashion accessory, but trends should be set, not followed. A custom made iPod is more special. It's the same technology that can hold thousands of songs, includes a full colour screen and has the iPod "Click Wheel" - it's just got a customised look. Music that's saved on an iPod says a lot about a person. Now the look of the iPod can say even more about an individual."
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For further editorial information, contact Parker, Wayne & Kent Public Relations on +44 20 7609 1900 or email giftconsultancy@pwkpr.com
For further information on The London Gift Consultancy visit www.thelondongiftconsultancy.com
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