GIFTS

THE 100 BEST CHRISTMAS GIFTS OF ALL TIME

Here's what to lavish on those you love this season.

  • 1106
  • Peony & Blush Suede and English Pear & Freesia Jo Malone candles, $88, www.jomalone.com.au
    2106
  • Ostrich Feather Lamp with Bronze Dipped Base, Becker Minty, $11950, www.beckerminty.com
    3106
  • Bamboo Display Cabiinet, HK Living, $1299, www.houseoforange.com.au
    4106
  • Luxury Velvet Quilt Cover in Fig, Aura Home, $299, www.aurahome.com.au
    5106
  • GG Marmont Quilted Credit Card Holder, Gucci, $300, www.netaporter.com
    6106
  • Harrison two-Tier Stand, Pottery Barn, $125.30, www.potterybarn.com.au
    7106
  • Alphabet Mug, Royal Copenhagen, $99, www.royalcopenhagen.com.au
    8106
  • Extra Large Fierball White Baroque Pearl Earrings, Adry Vincenzi, $360, www.adryvincenzi.com
    9106
  • Korres Chamomile Soap, MECCA, $9, www.mecca.com.au
    10106
  • 100BON Fleur D'oranger And Lilas Délicieux Liquid Soap, MECCA, $27, www.mecca.com.au
    11106
  • Gucci Web grosgrain bow brooch, $610, www.gucci.com.au
    12106
  • Animal Print Blouse with bow, Zara, $99, www.zara.com.au
    13106
  • AERIN Light Rattan Plate Caddy, Williams-Sonoma $64, www.williams-sonoma.com.au
    14106
  • Italian Leather Backgammon Set, Restoration Hardware, approx. $813, www.restorationhardware.com
    15106
  • Metal Double G brooch with crystals, Gucci, $400, www.gucci.com.au
    16106
  • Bronze Rectangular Candle Lantern, Orient House, $195, www.orienthouse.com.au
    17106
  • Copper Ladle, Williams Sonoma, $24, www.williams-sonoma.com.au
    18106
  • Luxury Plush Long Robe, Restoration Hardware, $66.50, www.restorationhardware.com
    19106
  • Vera Wang Infinity Cake, Knife & Server Set, Wedgwood, $99.95, www.wedgwood.com.au
    20106
  • L’Artisan Parfumeur Natura Fabularis Venenum 75m,l $299, www.libertineparfumerie.com.au
    21106
  • Shell Hat - Cote de Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Orient House, $380, www.orienthouse.com.au
    22106
  • Macbook in Silver Grey, starting from $1899, www.apple.com.au
    23106
  • 'A Star Fluted Christmas' Bowl, Royal Copenhagen, $99.95, www.royalcopenhagen.com.au
    24106
  • Marble Round Large Cake Stand, Williams Sonoma, $70, www.williams-sonoma.com.au
    25106
  • 2019 Leather Pocket Diary in Natural Gold Wash Python, Every Other Way, $90, www.everyotherway.com
    26106
  • Jo Malone cologne, $198, www.jomalone.com.au
    27106
  • Huge 18th Century Italian Sunburst Mirror, 1stdibs, $9193, www.1stdibs.com
    28106
  • Antler Serving Utensils, Pottery Barn, set of two, $30.80, www.potterybarn.com.au
    29106
  • Penhaligon’s The Tragedy of Lord George 75ml, $379, www.libertineparfumerie.com.au
    30106
  • Anders Bar Stool in Noir Black, Living By Design, $429, Faux leather, www.livingbydesign.net.au
    31106
  • Crystal Double G brooch, Gucci, $610, www.gucci.com.au
    32106
  • 'Steven Gambrel: Perspectives' by Steven Gambrel, Rizzoli, $80.50, www.amazon.com.au
    33106
  • Byredo Bal D'Afrique Eau De Parfume, $184, www.mecca.com.au
    34106
  • Gold-Plated Earrings from Ellery, $395, www.netaporter.com
    35106
  • Santos De Cartier Steel Watch, $8750, www.cartier.com.au
    36106
  • Debutante Ivory Cutlery 24-Piece, Laguiole, $206, www.petersofkensington.com.au
    37106
  • Bezier Parquet Round Coffee Table, 100cm x 40cm, $899, www.livingbydesign.net.au
    38106
  • Airpods from Apple, $229, www.apple.com.au
    39106
  • Delphine Brabant Bronze Block, Abstract Bronze Sculpture, 1stdibs, $2643, www.1stdibs.com
    40106
  • Bezier Parquet Console Table, 140cm x 77cm x 41cm, $849, www.livingbydesign.net.au
    41106
  • Cire Trudon Six Limited Edition Candle, 270g, $135 Stockist inquiries, Agence de Parfum (02) 8002 4488, agencedeparfum.com.au
    42106
  • Swimsuit with Metal Hook, Zara, $59.95, www.zara.com.au
    43106
  • 'Carolyne Roehem: Design & Style: A Constant Thread' (Rizzoli), $73, www.amazon.com.au
    44106
  • Burnished Gold Cheese Knives, Pottery Barn, set of three, $37.80, www.potterybarn.com.au
    45106
  • Oran Sandals in Gold Piqures Ecrues, Hermes, $915, www.hermes.com.au
    46106
  • Leather Trimmed Bakset Tote, Lowe, $445, www.mytheresa.com
    47106
  • HK Pitcher 1.9L Stainless Steel, George Jensen, $625, www.georgejenson.com.au
    48106
  • Love Ring in Yellow Gold, Cartier, $1490, www.cartier.com.au
    49106
  • Puzzle Small Leather Shoulder Bag from Lowe, $2850, www.mytheresa.com
    50106
  • 'Pattern No.1' Assorted Plates and Bowls, Royal Copenhagen , www.royalcopenhagen.com.au
    51106
  • 'Dior by Christian Dior' book by Saillard Olivier, Assouline, $249, www.amazon.com.au
    52106
  • Luxury Soap Collection from Floris London (includes White Rose, Edwardian Bouquet, Stephanotis, Lily of the Valley, Cefiro, Rose Geranium) 6 x 100g RRP $99 Stockist: Agence de Parfum 02 8002 4488 or agencedeparfum.com.au
    53106
  • Manhattan Champagne Bowl in Stainless Steel, George Jenson $595, www.georgejenson.com.au
    54106
  • Hendricks Gin, $99.99, www.danmurphys.com.au
    55106
  • Gucci Crystal hair comb, $350, www,gucci.com.au
    56106
  • 2019 Weekly Leather Diary Black Plaid , Every Other Way, $185, www.everyotherway.com.au
    57106
  • L’Artisan Parfumeur La Boule d’Ambre, 100g $299; 50g $229, agencedeparfum.com.au
    58106
  • American Brass Brutalist Sunburst Mirror, 1stdibs, $4768.05, www.1stdibs.com
    59106
  • 'The Alchemy of Things' by Karen McCartney, $55.55, www.amazon.com.au
    60106
  • Marble Cheese Knives, Pottery Barn, set of four $37.80, www.potterybarn.com.au
    61106
  • Gucci Bee brooch with crystals and pearl, $955, www.gucci.com.au
    62106
  • 'The Book of Symbols. Reflections on Archetypal Images' (Taschen), $43.51 from www.bookdepositary.com
    63106
  • 'Newfield' Bentwood Dining Chair in Dark Elm, Living By Design, $149, www.livingbydesign.net.au
    64106
  • 'Amon' Trudon Candle, $130, www.trudon.com
    65106
  • 'Blue Fluted Mega' Deep Plate, Royal Copenhagen, $119, www.royalcopenhagen.com.au
    66106
  • Vera Wang Jardin Teacup & Saucer, Wedgwood, $39.95, www.wedgwood.com.au
    67106
  • 'American Originals' by William Abranowicz, (Vendome), $60.35, www.booktopia.com.au
    68106
  • 'Blue Fluted Plain' Cup with High Handle, Royal Copenhagen, $119, www.royalcopenhagen.com.au
    69106
  • Le Creuset Creme Mini Stoneware Casserole Dish, $23, www.petersofkensington.com.au
    70106
  • Finest Italian Sheet Sets, Hotel Luxury Collection starting from, $625, www.hotelluxurycollection.com
    71106
  • Silver-Tone Crystal Clip Earrings, Alessandra Rich, $564, www.netaporter.com
    72106
  • 'Issy Miyake' by Koike Kazuko, (Taschen), $92.40, www.booktopia.com.au
    73106
  • The Super Elixir with Caddy by WELLECO, 300g, $145 from www.davidjones.com
    74106
  • 400 Thread Count Pearl Grey and White Sheet Set, Hotel Luxury Collection, $335, www.hotelluxurycollection.com.au
    75106
  • White Natural Baroque Freshwater Pearl Studs, Adry Vincenzi, $420, www.adryvincenzi.com
    76106
  • Ganni Printed Scarf, $100, www.tuchuzy.com
    77106
  • 'Cabana Anthology' book by Martina Mondadori Sartogo, (Vendome) $135 from www.dymocks.com.au
    78106
  • Ganni Printed Scarf, $100, www.tuchuzy.com
    79106
  • 3ply Stainless Steel Deep Casserole 24cm/6L Pot from Le Creuset, $201, www.petersofkensington.com.au
    80106
  • 'The Gardens of Bunny Mellon' by Linda Jane Holden, (Vendome), $63.75, www.booktopia.com.au
    81106
  • Cerise Red Mini Stoneware Casserole Dish, Le Creuset, $23, www.petersofkensington.com.au
    82106
  • Ballon Bleu De Cartier Watch, $9150, www.cartier.com.au
    83106
  • Marble Chess Set, Restoration Hardware, $454.24, www.restorationhardware.com.au
    84106
  • 'East Hamptons' Navy and White Sheets Sets, Hotel Luxury Collection, $295, www.hotelluxurycollection.com.au
    85106
  • 'Dior and His Decoraters' by Maureen Footer, (Vendome), $60.40 from www.booktopia.com.au
    86106
  • 'The Gift of Magic Skin Kit', Charlotte Tilbury, $95, www.netaporter.com
    87106
  • Limited edition Atomic Blonde Eye and Cheek Palette, Nars, $86, www.mecca.com.au
    88106
  • Vera Wang Cutlery Grosgrain three-piece serving set, Wedgwood, $119, www.wedgwood.com.au
    89106
  • Atta woven rectangular boxes with lid, Orient House, $135- $185, www.orienthouse.com.au
    90106
  • L-R: Niewmeyer Bowl $1444; Vase $2238; Gem Objet $588; Candle Holder, $881, Greg Natale, www.gregnatale.com
    91106
  • Chelsea Gold five-piece Flatware Set, Greg Natale, $76, www.gregnatale.com
    92106
  • L-R: Beehive Box $662; Rope Bowl $1303 and Niemeyer Bowl $1237, Greg Natale, www.gregnatale.com
    93106
  • King Size 800 Thread Count Amalfi Pillowcases and Shams, Hotel Luxury Collection starting from $155, www.hotelluxurycollection.com
    94106
  • Set of 4 Lulu White Pure Linen Napkins, Hotel Luxury Collection, www.hotelluxurycollection.com.au
    95106
  • Renaissance Gold five-piece place setting, Wedgwood, $299, www.wedgwood.com.au
    96106
  • Leather Dominos Set, Restoration Hardware, $242.72 approx, www.restorationhardware.com.au
    97106
  • Entree Plate Black Wash, Wonkiware, $33, www.wonkiware.com.au
    98106
  • Peugeot Paris Natural Pepper Mill, 27cm, $66, www.petersofkensington.com.au
    99106
  • Vera Wang Jardin four-piece place setting, Wedgwood, $129, www.wedgwood.com.au
    100106
  • Small Hanging Bronze Horse, Orient House, $200, www.orienthouse.com.au
    101106
  • Linen Napkins, Hotel Luxury Collection, set of six, $100, www.hotelluxurycollection.com.au
    102106
  • 'Hyatt Easy Care' 325 Thread Count Fitted Sheets, Hotel Luxury Collection starting from $66, www.hotelluxurycollection.com.au
    103106
  • Four Up, Restoration Hardware, $256 approx, www.restorationhardware.com.au
    104106
  • Smeg Dolce & Gabbana Sicily Is My Love Two Slice Toaster, $799, www.petersofkensington.com.au
    105106
  • Lady Dior Handbag, POA, www.dior.com_int
    106106
December 13, 2018

Oh, the holidays are in sight and your diary is filling up fast, but this year, don’t leave all of your shopping until the last minute – you’ve got better things to do on Christmas Eve. In our ultimate gift guide, we’ve picked presents so perfect that you’ll be shooting straight to the top of everyone’s list next year. After all, nothing beats the feeling of giving someone a gift they’ll truly love – except for receiving one, of course…Here’s what to lavish on those you love this season – from family to friends, work pals, the magpie, the jet-setter, the beauty obsessive, the recently retired, even pets… 

Gift-giving is a love language:

And one that anyone can learn to speak. This guide will help you develop your fluency.

Just remember:

 The very thing that you think ‘just makes a gift’ is more likely to be the very thing that makes it all wrong.

Want your gift to impress? 

Buy something heavy. The secret is to bulk it up according to an Oxford professor in a recent article in The New York Times – If you hide a 30-gram weight in a box of chocolate, that weight translates to a significant increase in perceived quality of the chocolate. There are exceptions, but the association between weight and the perception of luxury applies to items including tableware, cutlery, perfume and wine.

Go black:

It is the colour most associated with luxury because it seems to be the colour that we perceive to be the heaviest.

A gift’s price matters:

More to the giver than the recipient. 

Gift giving can be a way of showing you care:

About someone, or reflecting the care someone has shown you.

When we open a present:

We want to see something we can use immediately, which will slot effortlessly into our lives, and boost our egos.

Give the best:

The best of anything is special, whether it’s a towel, a table or a pillowcase.

If you’re stuck:

Opt for classic gifts such as beautiful scents, a diary, stationery, or soaps. Perfect tea towels, a showstopping cakestand, the last saute pan they’ll need, heirloom-worthy cookware, servingware that shimmers, a handsome wood cutting board that will bring a lifetime of pleasure.  They are old faithfuls that always work.  

Give thing that add to a collection:

Whether it’s an artwork or a book. Make the internet your friend and go searching. Your family (or pal) will be touched at your thoughtfulness. And that is what present giving is all about.

Seek treats the recipient would never buy themselves. An indulgent perfume. Or a well-designed pepper grinder or a marble chopping board will give a lifetime of pleasure.

It’s not all about you:

Give things they would like, not things that you would like to own.

Don’t ask:

‘What do you want for Christmas?’ People either forget to mention the one thing they really want or, to avoid appearing avaricious, mention items they don’t need or particularly like.

Don’t keep reminding the recipient of your generosity:

Gifts should be given lightly.

Don’t give anything from the discount bin:

Buy gifts on sale only if they are in top notch shape. Any imperfection is magnified in a gift.

Don’t go on: about the expense and the trouble you went to.

Don’t give knick-knacks:

Everyone is fighting a war for uncluttered surfaces.

Don’t give cheap anything:

Cheap things make the recipient feel worthless.

Think about the things they might need:

Did they just move, adopt a pet or book an adventurous vacation? Gifting can be an opportunity to riff on the ways they’ve already spent their own money.

When someone says they want something, listen: There’s nothing quite like finally getting the thing you’ve been hinting at for months.

Don’t be overly practical:

The point is to delight, not to restock your significant other’s loo paper supply.

Consider the non-gift gift:

Experiences and perishables can be just as, and sometimes more, gratifying than a thing you have to keep forever, lest you insult an in-law.

Gift-giving can honour relationships:

In both obvious and subtle ways – the reasons you and your recipient are connected and how far your relationship has come. That said, if the primary facet of your relationship is humour, there’s nothing wrong with a gag gift.

No matter what the present:

Remember to wrap it nicely.

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MP

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