Impress them with beautiful, unique gifts
Your first Christmas together? Or your fiftieth? Are you attending the wedding of a couple who already have the toaster, waffle iron, and 5-setting electric juicer?
Perhaps you have an important client you need to impress, or a special someone who doesn't yet realise your feelings. Nothing charms as much as a gift that is unexpected in its elegance and uniqueness.
With the holidays nearly upon us, time is running out to find the perfect present. Try some of these ideas on for size.
Pictured is a set of jewelled globe winebottle stoppers from JewelBasket.
What does your gift say about you?
A gift reflects on both the giver and the recipient. Think carefully about the type of person you're buying for. Take their tastes and personality into consideration. But don't be afraid to give a gift that stretches just outside their comfort zone - the most memorable gifts are those that open us up to new ideas.
Spending too much on a gift is almost as inconsiderate as spending too little. The gift should be a comfortable experience, not one that invites guilt or obligation, or causes resentment.
Spending too much on a gift is almost as inconsiderate as spending too little. The gift should be a comfortable experience, not one that invites guilt or obligation, or causes resentment.
My feelings for you are as strong as titanium
The titanium jewellery made by Wes Waddell of Titanium Concepts is handcrafted from a solid bar of quality 6AL-4V U.S. manufactured titanium. Titanium jewellery is light, strong, durable, highly corrosion resistant, and non magnetic. It will not cause any allergic reactions.
Divinity Ring
The Divinity Ring from Titanium Concepts features a blue anodized groove and is available in widths from 3mm to 14mm.
Titanium Earrings
These titanium earrings are approximately 5mm in diameter and can be made longer or shorter for no extra charge. Earrings have 3 equally spaced accent grooves.
View the full catalogue.
Divinity RingThe Divinity Ring from Titanium Concepts features a blue anodized groove and is available in widths from 3mm to 14mm.
Titanium Earrings
These titanium earrings are approximately 5mm in diameter and can be made longer or shorter for no extra charge. Earrings have 3 equally spaced accent grooves.
View the full catalogue.
What is elegance?
Elegance celebrates value over wealth and quality over excess. Elegance is understated; not advertised. It is apparent in the closer inspection, the detail of the gift, the craftsmanship, and the quality of materials.
Elegance never embarrasses. It's never inappropriate, though it might touch the boundaries enough to stimulate new conversations and new experiences. Elegance is understanding and respectful, courteous and charming, classy and charismatic.
Elegance never embarrasses. It's never inappropriate, though it might touch the boundaries enough to stimulate new conversations and new experiences. Elegance is understanding and respectful, courteous and charming, classy and charismatic.
You mean the world to me
This selection of Grade A Gemstone globes, maps, and inlays from JewelBasket make a stunning gift idea for a loved one.
Or a great idea as a corporate gift from a company wishing to drive home its message of "Global Positioning" or "Multi-Cultural Approach", or "Let us carry the weight of the world, so you don't have to".
Gemstone Globe Paperweight Onyx & Mother of Pearl Swirl
Hand cut semi-precious gemstones and black onyx & mother of pearl swirl oceans are hand finished in this fabulous Gemstone Globe Paperweight. 3 inches in diameter.
Arc Opalite Marine Blue Globe
The Arc Opalite Marine Blue Globe is three inches in diameter. Crushed oyster shell is swirled with lapis for a distinctive colour and look to the ocean detail. Meridian lines are crafted in gold and silver ribbon.
Round Crystal Globe
100 mm diameter round Crystal Globe, etched with the continents.
Gemstone Globe World Pen
Onyx Gemstone Globe Pen in Rosewood Case.
Gemstone Globe World Pen & Pen Stand
Two inch Gemstone Globe World Pen and Pen Stand (Lapiz)
Or a great idea as a corporate gift from a company wishing to drive home its message of "Global Positioning" or "Multi-Cultural Approach", or "Let us carry the weight of the world, so you don't have to".
Gemstone Globe Paperweight Onyx & Mother of Pearl SwirlHand cut semi-precious gemstones and black onyx & mother of pearl swirl oceans are hand finished in this fabulous Gemstone Globe Paperweight. 3 inches in diameter.
Arc Opalite Marine Blue GlobeThe Arc Opalite Marine Blue Globe is three inches in diameter. Crushed oyster shell is swirled with lapis for a distinctive colour and look to the ocean detail. Meridian lines are crafted in gold and silver ribbon.
Round Crystal Globe100 mm diameter round Crystal Globe, etched with the continents.
Gemstone Globe World PenOnyx Gemstone Globe Pen in Rosewood Case.
Gemstone Globe World Pen & Pen StandTwo inch Gemstone Globe World Pen and Pen Stand (Lapiz)
Keep it under wraps
Unusual storage boxes and organisers
6 tips to ensure your gift is perfect
1. Make your purchase with plenty of time to spare. Allow for the eventuality of having to return the gift and reorder.
2. If you are able to hand delivering your gift yourself, have it sent to you.
3. Check the gift carefully for any damage.
4. Wrap the gift yourself. See below for a variety of boxes, bags, and other easy gift wrapping options.
5. If you cannot give the gift on the day itself, make the delivery early rather than late.
6. Write the card from your heart. Mention why you chose the gift you did.
2. If you are able to hand delivering your gift yourself, have it sent to you.
3. Check the gift carefully for any damage.
4. Wrap the gift yourself. See below for a variety of boxes, bags, and other easy gift wrapping options.
5. If you cannot give the gift on the day itself, make the delivery early rather than late.
6. Write the card from your heart. Mention why you chose the gift you did.
The wind beneath my wings
Elegant decor pieces
4 tips to ensure your gift is remembered
There is nothing more disappointing than putting a lot of thought and energy into a gift only to have it mislaid or the card lost.
- Choose a convenient time to deliver your gift. Make sure there will be enough time for the recipient to accept the gift and acknowledge it with their full attention.
A gift is less likely to be remembered if it is the one shoved into already full arms when the person is distracted by something else. - Don't insist that the gift be opened immediately in front of you. Some people are uncomfortable doing so. Respect this, no matter how excited you are.
- Wrap the card inside the gift wrap, especially for wedding gifts. Cards can so easily become detached.
- Mention the details of the gift when you next meet. Catching out someone who has a bad memory for who gave them which gift does nothing to promote the abundant feeling the gift was intended to evoke. If they did forget, their gratitude at your subtle reminder will ensure it sticks in their memory after all.
Unique and unusual gifts
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
In a different light
I adore you for your mind
For something a little unusual when it comes to games of skill, try an variation on the trusty chess set, such as this Cat and Dog Chess Set (pictured right). Mind games
Chaturanga is the oldest known form of chess, originating in 7th century India.
Chaturanga can be played with two to four players. It is played on a fabric playing board, and the playing pieces are made of clay and presented in velvet bags. The pieces include the Raja (elephant), horse, ship, and four infantrymen.
Chaturanga can be played with two to four players. It is played on a fabric playing board, and the playing pieces are made of clay and presented in velvet bags. The pieces include the Raja (elephant), horse, ship, and four infantrymen.
Chaturanga Bookshelf Edition™
Amazon Price: $29.67 (as of 11/21/2008) 
I want to wine and dine you
Red wine is a particular elegant drink. Champagne is best reserved for New Year and very special occasions like engagements. There is nothing elegant about your intentions being misconstrued because you brought out a bottle of bubbly followed by what looked like a ring box...Try something a little different this year. Elegant wine glasses and decanters make a beautiful gift and are always welcomed by wine lovers. They are also ideal wedding or engagement gifts, or for a house-warming party. You can never have too many good sets of wine glasses. And a decent ice-bucket always comes in handy.
Wining away the days
Lens content copyright © Elsa Neal, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.
Daoine has been a Top 100 Giant Squid since July 2008, and was chosen to be part of the first group of Squid Angels, blessing lenses from May 2007 to April 2008.
