7 Christmas Gifts with a Personal Touch 

 

There's nothing better than getting a gift that seems like it was made just for you. We'd all like the gifts we give our loved ones to be extra special, but it can be difficult to find something truly unique. And when you're buying something for buying's sake, then that is helping no-one, let alone the environment. To help you out, we’ve pulled together a list of gift ideas with a personal touch that make you feel like you #nailedit. All are Guernsey-based, so you'll be shopping small and local too. It's a win-win. 

 

 

1. Commemorate The Year of The Bubble

You can customise this Bubbles Pendant from Catherine Best by adding the gemstones that mean the most to your loved one, such as their birthstones or diamonds? Or why not go all out and create a truly bespoke piece by setting a different cut and shape in the centre? The design is cleverly layered, so you can add to it over time… but was there ever a better year to start your “bubble” collection than 2020? If you’re wondering how best to share this gift idea so that you’re on the receiving end, why not use Catherine Best’s new Drop A Hint function, which allows you to suggest a gift idea to that someone looking to spoil you this Christmas.

 

2. Bespoke Skin Care

Everyone loves a skin care gift set, but let’s face it, there’s always that one product that just doesn’t get used. And when you’re buying for someone else, how do you choose the right brand for the right skin type at the right price? Well, let us tell you how: You pop in to allbeauty in Smith Street and ask the friendly consultants to do the hard work for you. They’re happy to provide you with gift advice, whether you are looking for teen beauty brands, male grooming gifts or luxury pampering products. Oh, and here’s the best bit - they also wrap the gifts for you. Plus, if you’re especially lucky, they might throw in a few samples for you too!

 

 

3. Gift a Little Spa Time

Why not give the gift of a spa treatment, and treat yourself at the same time? That's living life well. You can spend quality time with a friend, relaxing without your phones, kids, other halves, (insert as appropriate)... Most of the local hotel spas offer a variety of packages, combining beauty treatments with a light lunch, an afternoon tea, or even an overnight stay if you want to stretch the time out. Go on, make time for a proper catch up.

 

4. Stylish Accessories with a Twist

All of the Penelope Hope designs are exclusive to the local brand, so if you're looking for a special gift, pop in browse the range of colourful and fun designs at their studio. And when you find that perfect gift, you can personalise it by having your friend's initials added to it. But the personal service doesn’t stop there. If your know someone who would love a print design on a lamp or cushion, but the colour doesn’t match their interiors, just ask and the team will be happy to consider a bespoke request. The Christmas stockings are a great addition to the mantelpiece too.

 

 

5. Book In A Creative Get-Together

Here’s the thing… Iris and Dora is not just for kids! While it really is a great place to spend time with your little ones, did you know that they also run workshops for grown ups? They provide local artists, makers and artisans with studio space to run creative workshops and classes, which is a brilliant way to support creative local businesses on the island. Just up our street! Why not treat a friend to a pottery session, gift someone a knitting or crocheting course or plan to spend time together at a screen printing workshop where you can design and make your own hand printed lampshade? Seems like a great way to spend a day to us.

6. Add the Personal Touch... Literally.

Brown Paper Packages is the home of personalised gifts here on Guernsey. From chopping boards to laundry baskets to stationary and jewellery, they have a huge selection of options to add a name to. Our fave is the personalised water bottle - ideal for those looking to stay hydrated at this busy time of year! They are also known for their silver castings - a great gift for new parents of babies' feet - or add handwriting to a bracelet or necklace charm. That really is personal.

 

7. Commission a Pet Portrait

If you’re looking for a personal gift for an animal lover, why not commission a portrait of their furry friend from Hot Dogs Illustration. This enterprise is one amazing project that sprang out of lockdown, and it’s going from strength to strength because local artist Libby really does capture the character and emotion of her subjects. Send her your favourite photo, or a few different images, and Libby will work her magic. Oh, and don’t let the name fool you, it’s not just for dogs. Cats, guinea pigs and even crustacean commissions are very welcome too!  

Have you got any more recommendations for personal gifts? Get in touch here! We'd love to hear about them!