Christmas Gifts: For Him & For Her
Our selection of the most original and quirky gifts to be found online
Friday 2nd December, 2011
FOR HIM
Far be it for us to stereotype, but we can think of quite a few men who would go weak at the knees at the thought of owning all the signatures of the triumphant 1966 England World Cup team on this autographed menu (£4,950).
If he prefers his sports on snow rather than grass, our vast collection of vintage ski posters make a thoughtful present that will enliven your walls all year round. The dynamic black and white graphics on this 80s poster for Crans Montana, Switzerland (£560) captures the speed and thrill of skiing. Another stand-out poster is this original US release advertisement for The Godfather (£200), the innovative puppetry motif and bold typography making a striking symbol for Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic 1972 film.
Aspiring James Bond types are sure to enjoy a set of 20s Asprey Poker Chips (£1,850) or, indeed, a first edition of Ian Fleming’s 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' (£600), which was the tenth novel in the James Bond series.
The warming butterscotch aroma and honeyed palate of a 1967 Sigognac Armagnac (£170) will be a welcome gift for chilly winter nights. This specialist brandy is aged in oak barrels, which lends the spirit its distinctive rich amber colour and rich, toasted flavour.
For the style-conscious and jetset, this Brown Leather Gladstone Holdall (£450) from 1920 remains desirable and functional as an overnight bag or carry-on luggage.
Finally, vintage watches never fail to enthrall the gadget-loving tendencies of most of the men we know. In the elegant yet sporty 1972 Omega Constellation Day Date (£750) the Swiss brand has harnessed more than 160 years worth of experience to create a sleek stainless steel bracelet integrated with a high precision chronometer.
The Fantasy Gift: 1926 DKW Model E206 Motorbike (£6,000)
FOR HER
Starring the inspirationally chic Audrey Hepburn against the iconic backdrop of early 60s Manhattan, it's easy to see why so many of the fairer sex adore Breakfast at Tiffany's. An original US poster (£3,750) for the 1961 film. Meanwhile, select a rare print by fashion photographer Ronald Falloon and you’ll show off your art historical nous – Fallon was a lesser-known contemporary of David Bailey and Terence Donvan who worked with all the iconic stars and fashion brands of the 60s, including this evocative shot of a Model in Nina Ricci Dress (£1,200) from 1965.
For girls who prefer gastronomic rather than sartorial delights, you can’t go wrong with a special champagne for Christmas; with its delicate bouquet, citrusy zest and red fruit notes, this Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose NV (£324) is one of the greatest. Coming in a case of six bottles, there will be enough to see you both through the Christmas season and, if you have enough self-restraint, lay one bottle down to pop open on Valentine's Day since the smooth mousse and rose hue of this champagne makes it eminently romantic.
Fashionistas will lust after the luxury coffee table tome Impossible Collection of Fashion (£410) in which director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (MFIT) curates the 100 most iconic dresses of the 20th century into one fantasy wardrobe. We defy any girl not to want some Chanel in her wardrobe (or jewellery box, in this case). The iconic interlocking ‘C’s make this pair of 1960s Black and Gold Chanel Logo Clip Earrings (£375) a timeless staement accessory. The same qualities are to be found in a classic Rolex watch – we think that this 1987 Lady Datejust 69178 (£4,600) with its yellow gold President bracelet has just the right mix of glamour and chunkiness to look effortlessly contemporary.
And for something truly unique, Peter Layton's sculptural glass vessels are all hand-blown in his London studio, a process that guarantees no two pieces are ever the same. This Yellow Paradiso Small Oval Form (£390), displaying painterly strokes of rich amber and copper, is just one of the range offered by Vintage Seekers from Britain’s leading glass designer. Be sure to mention that the Duchess of Kent and Elton John are also owners of Layton's highly collectible contemporary glassware.
The Fantasy Gift: A 30s Bailey Banks & Biddle Diamond Ring (£8,000)
