GIFTS WITH A TWIST

Festive season is well and truly upon us, and the same names on your gift list that seem to warrant an annual retail exploration of blood, sweat and tears are vying for your attention once again. How does one meet sky-high sartorial standards or compete with a rapidly growing penchant for designer sacs, for example? Start with something unexpected: a piece that elicits surprise, excitement or transcends expectations altogether.

Where the wardrobe is deeply personal, the home provides myriad opportunity for creative gifting. We unwrap some of the most covetable and unconventional lifestyle goodies to suit every taste.

For: the detail-oriented

When every little thing matters, never compromise on craftsmanship. Impeccable stitching, ornate detailing or thoughtful construction is not only easy on the eye — it can elevate and completely transform a piece. Take Quill London, whose modern stationery and calligraphy tools are a labour of love made from the highest quality materials, or MAD et LEN, whose heavenly artisanal perfumes, candles and home scents combine natural ingredients and handmade packaging.

For: the eclectic

If more is more, there’s no better reason to push the boundaries on gifting, and when it comes to those who take their design cues from a multitude of places, ideas, people and concepts (and often throw them together in perfect harmony), trend-averse gifts are the way forward. Avery’s avant-garde ceramic pooches or X+Q’s hand-painted fibreglass sculptures depicting Chinese characters are examples of conversation-starting objet that inject character and charm into a space.

For: the pragmatist

There’s always one who prioritises practicality, and while it may not conjure up the most exciting or inspiring gifting ideas, that doesn’t need to be the case. Tech is one way to treat the pragmatist in your life, with an ever-changing carousel of gadgets designed to enhance lifestyle and home. One of our favourite innovators is simplehuman, whose stylish products like nifty sensor mirrors are designed with efficiency in mind. Alternatively, why not make a luxurious update to your special someone’s travel kit? OYUNA’s lightweight Mongolian cashmere blankets, eye masks, socks and sweaters double as carry-on and lounging essentials.