2012 has been a stunning year for London; from the London Olympics, to the Queen’s Jubilee – rounded off with the news Kate Middleton is expecting her first baby. It’s no wonder there are so many good London-themed presents available this Christmas. Here’s our guide to the best.
Burberry Crystal Baccarat Edition
This Christmas, Burberry is introducing its Body Crystal Baccarat Edition (£1760), the ultimate elegant embodiment of the sensual and feminine fragrance. Boasting a rich, feminine, sensual appeal, the perfume is presented in a crystal bottle designed by Burberry Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey and handcrafted by skilled craftsmen at Baccarat. This is an incredibly special gift, with a limited-edition series of 156 individually numbered bottles, each celebrating a year of Burberry history since its foundation in 1856. UK.Burberry.com.
Wrq.e.d Scarves
For beautiful accessories which are elegant and stylish, look no further than London-based wrq.e.d. Exquisitely made from wool and silk, these designs have been produced by award-winning Ekaterina Demidova, who worked for Alexander McQueen and Giles before setting up the company. Our favourite (and it was a difficult decision as all the products are lovely) is Pigs On The Wings (£145). This semi-sheer scarf design features watercolour illustrations, photographs and collages. Pigs, Battersea Power station, plectrum, intricate music notes was inspired by Pink Floyd and a poem by Joseph Brodsky, creating a psychedelic combination. See WRGED.com for the range of scarves, which boast intricate drawings and collages merging together to form a new artwork, with each scarf having a signature poetry border.
David Morris Jewelry
This simply stunning design is courtesy of iconic London jeweler David Morris. Set in a beautiful 18ct white gold, this double flower ring boasts a 1.31ct natural fancy vivid yellow diamond flower centre and pink, blue and yellow diamond petals. At a total diamond weight of 6.37cts, this amazing piece is sure to add a sparkle at Christmas. DavidMorris.com.
Ethan K. Minaudiere
A gift from luggage designer Ethan Koh is perfect for the traveler in your life. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, his fabulous designs fit the bill – and it’s no surprise, considering they’re one of Harrods’ best-selling brands. The highly sought-after ETHAN K minaudiere is in a medium size and is a new addition to the young designer’s A/W collection, priced at £2,170. It also comes with a jewelled Rainforest Topaz stone and gold snake clasp. Ethan-K.com .
National Gallery 3D Puzzle
Looking for London stocking-fillers? We’ve got those covered, too…The perfect gift for the London-lover, this 3D Big Ben puzzle (£30) from the National Gallery will keep enthusiasts quiet for hours. With 216 high-quality plastic pieces, it measures 41cm tall, and comes with a base so you can give it a place of pride on living room shelves. The brand new Ravensburger jigsaw has been making puzzles since 1891. And you don’t need to be a whiz – each piece is printed with a number on the reverse side, so you can follow by numbers! NationalGallery.co.uk .
National Gallery London Umbrella
First things first – if you’re visiting London, you’ll need an umbrella. So you may as well buy one that will act as a souvenir of your time in the capital as well. With an automatic open and close, this black, white and grey design features a scene from London, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It opens out nice and wide (spanning 100cm), so you can comfortably fit your friend underneath, too. What’s more, this is a folding umbrella, which means you can pop it in your handbag once the rain finally subsides (£25). NationalGallery.co.uk .
Vintage Olympus Trip 35 Camera
Vintage is all the rage in London, whether it’s dresses from the fifties, music from the sixties, or cameras from the seventies. This Christmas, budding photographers will be delighted with this Olympus Trip 35 (£80), on sale at London’s National Gallery. They’ve all been serviced and are in full working order. This one – made with a faux snakeskin effect—is our favorite and will make the perfect accessory on a night out, while capturing those not-to-be-forgotten moments. NationalGallery.co.uk .
Wahl London Theme Clipper
Get your man looking trim for those festive parties with Wahl’s gifts for a stylish winter. The latest addition to the range is the revolutionary new Wahl Lithium Ion range. Lithium Ion Triple Play Grooming Station (£89.99) is a three-in-one grooming kit which offers shaving, trimming and detailing. For London-lovers Wahl London Theme Clipper and Trimmer Gift Set (£35) is the perfect gift for a stylish home groomer. This kit has a capital city themed design, expertly engineered clipper and trimmer, all packaged in a luxury vanity case. See Wahl.com.
Vintage London iPad & iPhone Covers
Take a piece of vintage London wherever you go with these unique and exclusive National Gallery iPad or iPhone covers (from £8.95). Choose from scenes depicting a postcard print of Trafalgar Square in the fifties, or Monet’s The Thames Below Westminster for an individual and classy look. At less than 1mm thick, the iPhone cover boasts durable anti-scratch and anti-UV coating, so your phone will be protected in style. NationalGallery.co.uk
Live From Downing Street By Nick Robinson
With his finger on the pulse of politics in London, Nick Robinson’s Live From Downing Street is a must for anyone interested in current affairs. Published in hardback by Bantam Press at £20, it’s been hailed as “Sharp-witted, full of surprises and with a great sense of history.” Andrew Marr says, “Nick Robinson pulls back the curtain on an essential part of the democratic story. For everyone who wants to know more about the long, and sometimes hilarious, mud-wrestle between power and the media – and the man behind the glasses – this is a must.” See Transworld-Publishers.co.uk .
