Retail experts suggest shopping in a more targeted way this year, given the economic climate. Personal shopper Susan Tabak said: 'Avoid personal impulse purchases and the dreaded buyer's remorse,' or, to put it another way, coming home with more gifts for yourself than for your friends and family.
Before you hit the region's shopping malls, make a list of those you must buy for this year. There are millions of square feet of shopping area in Hong Kong and Macau, providing ample room for distraction from your mission, which is why ordering a bespoke, personalised gift for your loved one could be the ideal way to keep your spending down this year.
Alternatively, forego fancy paper and pretty ribbons altogether and make a donation to charity in their name.
Most women appreciate handbags. As with shoes, there seems to be something inside of us that is drawn to fine accessories. Top luxury labels Prada, Gucci and Fendi all offer bespoke services - Fendi even offers the chance to decorate your own Fendi Baguette. Simply ask the shops for details.
For an exclusive gift at a more affordable price, a limited-edition Hayden bag (HK$81,500) from Dooney & Bourke is a hot option. The bag is the It Bag in the United States, designed by Heroes star Hayden Panettiere, with 18-carat gold hardware. Available in Macau, at shop 2616, the Venetian Macao (85328828058).
Women often receive a gift of jewellery during the holidays. True bespoke jewellery means sitting down and working on the design with the jeweller and, in Hong Kong, no other jeweller has a local workshop working to the high European standards as Ronald Abram (Mezzanine Level, Mandarin Oriental, Central, 25251234). Alternatively, visit Jan Logan's new shop in IFC mall (29184212) for its new Snowflake collection and have a personal message engraved on the seasonal bracelet made of delicately set diamonds.