Delight and surprise with a personalised present

Published: 12:00am, 10 Dec 2008

As Christmas approaches, the dilemma starts - what to get the man or woman who has everything. You can turn to the weird, the wacky, or something that's really personal and fun.

And, while it might not always be something to unwrap, it will probably be so unique that it will be remembered for many more years than that pair of reindeer socks or the book on steam trains that was never opened.

So how about hiring a butler for a meal, getting an executive chef to turn on the cordon bleu, or organising a flying lesson? Or try personalised watches, wines and books.

BrandHK provides cases of personalised wine, with a minimum order of 48 bottles for companies and individuals. 'The order can be red or white wine from Argentina, Chile and other areas,' a BrandHK spokeswoman said. 'We take the labels off and replace them with personalised ones for company events, weddings, birthdays and Christmas presents.'

Quintessentially Hong Kong specialises in making requests from its members come true. One Christmas request that a Quintessentially branch organised in Norway involved three reindeer replete with sleigh and Santa.

Shevaun Leach, managing director - Asia-Pacific for Quintessentially Communications, said: 'We're often asked by a customer to help with sourcing gifts. These might include bespoke items from around the world, including a handbag from a specific Italian collection.'

Popular and affordable items for children are personalised books. A children's book such as Barbie the Princess or Dora the Explorer can be reprinted incorporating a child's name so the child becomes part of the story. It is available at www.myadventurebooks.co.uk.

Quintessentially worldwide (www.quintessentiallygroup.com) also organises an annual expedition to the North Pole involving about 10 members who have the opportunity to undertake an unusual experience and know that they are among the relatively few people who have been to this remote part of the world.

Another unique gift is a meal provided by a head chef. Uwe Opocensky, executive chef at the Mandarin Oriental, provides his menus for parties in The Krug Room. Ms Leach said this was a popular option for something a bit different because Opocensky provides a unique menu and involves himself personally with the guests for the evening.

The head chef at the Kee Club provides a similar service.

Quintessentially has also organised watches to be engraved with three hours' notice, providing a highly personalised gift for a loved one.

The Hong Kong Aviation Club (www.hkaviationclub.com.hk/) offers an hour's flying lesson. The learner goes up in tandem with the pilot and also has a hand on the controls. You can sit in the back as you soar over Hong Kong as the recipient of your largesse gets a chance to take the controls.

There are also plenty of outward bound options, such as those run by outdoors expert Paul Etherington in Sai Kung. Buy a friend or relative a day of kayaking and hiking - they'll thank you for the fresh air, exercise and getting them out of the office. (www.kayak-and-hike.com).

The reindeer and sleigh option might be more challenging in Hong Kong than in Norway for Quintessentially to organise, said Ms Leach. 'We would probably have to use inflatable ones,' she laughed. 'But you never know what we can pull off.'

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