It is a daunting task to find a gift for the man or woman who has everything. The wealthy can buy anything they want when they want it. Even in less exalted circles, there are people for whom an ordinary gift just will not suffice. But the stress of gift-giving has been eased by companies offering personalised or custom-made gift-box concepts. Part concierge, part girl Friday and part savvy social director, these companies take the legwork out of organising, or shopping, for that something special. This Christmas Luxe City Guides have rolled out a new bespoke package of their snappy, extra-slim directories, covering 31 cities. From fashion hotspots, such as Milan, to exotic gems such, as Sri Lanka, these guides have been lauded. The made-to-order collection allows you to choose your own handcrafted boxed sets in different designs, holding five, eight or 12 guides, and can be filled with cities of your choice. The company also gift wraps and ships worldwide. Even if you are on a budget 'the individual guides are fabulous, affordable gifts and great stocking fillers,' says Andrea Seifert, Luxe's e-business development and marketing manager. Prices range from US$55 to US$125 excluding wrapping services. You can order via www.luxecityguides.com Red Packet, another innovative gift concept brand, is promising to provide recipients with 'the ultimate gift experience'. This includes a range of activities - from pampering at an exclusive spa, dining at a chef's table through the night, dance courses, mahjong workshops, bungee jumping or driving a superbike on a racing circuit. Red Packet gifts are available online ( www.redpacket.hk ) and prices range from HK$888 to HK$4,888. VIPbox, another gift specialist company with a concierge service, is offering a 'Pamper, Refresh & Treats' promotion until the end of the year. Customers can choose from their multiple series of themed 'gift experience' (HK$500), which range from a hamper of French and Belgian gourmet goodies, to wines and beauty treats. For more information, visit www.vipbox.com.hk . Following the same track of providing experiential gift boxes is TaDa! 'The range of unusual gift experiences has something to excite everyone, from adventure travellers and adrenaline junkies, to fine food lovers and born romantics,' says Laurent Crouet, TaDa!'s general manager of marketing, IT and business development. Gift recipients can select from six themes and 25 packages, that cover more than 200 activities, venues and options including residing at a villa abroad, getting a personal photo shoot or a tailored vacation away in a six-star hotel. Prices range from HK$500 to HK$15,000, depending on the package chosen. Visit http://tada.mobi/HK/ to order. Quintessentially, the ultimate high-class fixer service which, for an annual membership fee, promises to provide the well-heeled with anything, anytime, anywhere, is set to make sure its members are looked after in the gift-giving frenzy. See www.quintessentially.com for information on how to become a member and to learn about the 24-hour concierge service which has 10 ideas to take the stress out of holiday gift shopping, from gourmet hampers to limited edition watches, while its wine and travel divisions are also on hand.
