When the market spoils you for choice, our advisory on tips and gifts goes a long way in helping you select what’s most extraordinary.
This is one time of the year when Uncle Scrooge isn’t invited to the party, especially since this festive season has swooped down to catch us (almost) unaware of the change in the weather but conscious that the gloom of economic recession is fast fading. Last Diwali was a downer, but this time round, thankfully, things are looking up.
Which is why, when we went window shopping, we couldn’t control our excitement. The goods are spilling out of the stores, silver is gleaming on tables, the tea-lights are incandescent, and the footpaths are brimming with eager shoppers. It’s Diwali, it’s wedding season, it’s the time of year when we swipe away our fortunes looking for that elusive gift that means more than just the value of money. No wonder the joy is in tracking the most perfect present: Will it be as ephemeral as a cruise or a holiday, as enduring as a work of art, or something as tangible (and heart-stopping) as a car or bike? Or perhaps a little more conventional: Jewellery, maybe, or home accessories, a case of your favourite tipple, or the watch you’ve set your heart on? It may be the thought that counts, but plan your budget anyway: It counts for a little more!
Sail lavishly, please
BESPOKE YACHT HOLIDAYS Rs 35 lakh
Gift a tailor-made, week-long exotic holiday on a chartered yacht. Pick one of the five-star yachts from OceanStyle, the international yacht charter service provider, available from Mumbai. You could head to Alaska, Australia or the Mediterranean. Italian beauty Ability can carry nine guests in four cabins and has a crew of five. OceanBay, a Pune-based company does customised holidays too.
On the drive
PORSCHE’S PANAMERA Rs 1 crore onwards
The sedan club of motown has just got its snazziest and luxurious member: Porsche’s Panamera. The super luxury car is available in three variants, (S, 4S and the Turbo) and while the price range begins at Rs 1.44 crore, the Turbo costs Rs 2 crore. If you wish to be more indulgent and invest in accessories, be prepared to shell out Rs 50 lakh over and above the basic price.
RS 10 LAKH TO RS 1 CRORE
The ultimate bull run
RAJESH KUMAR SHARMA’S TWENTYTWENTY SCULPTURE Rrs 18 LAKH
A 550-kilo gift isn’t exactly lightweight, but if you’re on the lookout for something beyond the ordinary, this bronze sculpture that epitomises the spirit of a young nation, could be perfect. It’s available at New Delhi’s Gallerie Nvya — but order the truck first!
No ordinary vroom
HARLEY-DAVIDSON Rs 35 lakh
Now that Harley-Davidson has an official presence in India, we would recommend its Electra Glide version. This comes with an awesome 110 cubic inch V-twin engine and what’s built into the bike is a radio, passenger backrest, heated handgrips, custom paintjob and ample storage space.
Luxury in writing
MONTBLANC’S GANDHI EDITION Rs 11.39 lakh
Montblanc’s new range of limited edition pens are an ode to Mahatma Gandhi. These have 18k gold, rhodium-plated nibs that display intricate, hand-engraved depictions of Gandhi. Only 3,000 such pens are available and boast of mother-of-pearl finish, white gold and fine embellishing.
Worth watching
JAQUET DROZ’S LE HEURE CELESTE Rs 15.30 lakh
This timepiece is handcrafted in white gold and a generous sprinkling of diamonds and comes with a gold watchcase . It’s haute couture in jewellery watches, but for the women in yur life, don’t forget Burberry, Armani, Breguet, Omega and Longines too.
RS 1 LAKH TO RS 10 LAKH
Staying in luxury
SUITES AT AMAN, NEW DELHI Rs 1 LAKH
Aman celebrates luxury like no other hotel does. The limited suites (each have a private pool) have terraces which open onto small private gardens featuring a daybed and a 32 sq m private pool. The three bedroom Lodhi pool suites offer double-height terrace, private pools, guest bedroom, master bedroom and a third guest bedroom too.
Timeless treasures
JAY STRONGWATER Rs 4.75 LAKH
This treasure box is handcrafted out of pewter and studded with crystals and precious stones. The limited edition of 200 pieces makes use of oxidised brass, hand polishing, hand-applied enamel and is set with 1,850 Swarovski crystals and cut stones including emerald and pear cuts in amethyst, topaz, and sapphire.
Tea in silver
FRAZER AND HAWS TEA SETS Rs 1.69 lakh
Masters of sterling silver, Frazer & Haws have introduced, for season 2009-10, tea sets, bowls, platters and traditional Ganesha pieces and more. This year’s highlight has been an emphasis on oblong shapes and the “rooster tea set” is just that. With a gold-gilded rooster perched on top, the uniquely styled handles add a quirky touch to the set.
Splurging on notes
ELECTRIC GUITAR BY GIBSON Rs 3.96 lakh
Jeff Beck, according to Rolling Stone magazine, is one of the greatest guitarists of all time. This is a “recreation” modelled exactly on Beck’s own Les Paul. The first 50 guitars come aged, signed, numbered and actually played by Beck. Only 150 will be made in all, and each comes with a case and certificate of authenticity.
RS 10,000 TO RS 1 LAKH
Book it now
KAMASUTRA: THE INDIAN TREATISE ON LOVE AND LIVING Rs 12,500
This collectors edition from Roli Books boasts of detailed illustrations, rare miniatures, gouache and tantric paintings. The gold edged book comes in a handmade box made of pure silk. With lavish packaging, it’s a keepsake for the bedside.
Go for Ganesha
LLADRO’S GANESHA Rs 98,000
A series of “musical” Ganeshas have been introduced by Lladro, Spain’s contribution to premier collectibles in porcelain. Lladro’s previous outings with its limited edition series have proved great hits, and have proved to be viable investments. This flute playing Ganesha could well join their ranks.
Kilim meets Paris
VARYA’S PARIS TRUNK Rs 83,800
The trunk collection at home store Varya captures the charm and enduring beauty of a period of romance and grace. This Paris trunk in kilim is an example of amazing craftsmanship. Each piece has 400 finishing studs that are hand applied. The traditional sprung locks are of the finest quality. An average trunk typically requires 72 hours of labour to manufacture. And if kilim isn’t your thing, they also do them in leather.
Ring master
ALPANA GUJRAL’S COLLECTION Rs 50,000 onwards
Jeweller Alpana Gujral’s Dhoop Chaun collection is signified with emeralds, rubies and precious stones. Heirloom polkis shimmer in tones of champagne and cocoa. The collection showcases handcrafted earrings, necklaces, cuffs and cocktail rings. This year’s trend? Luminous pearls with yellow gold.
Glass design’s big break
VASES BY AME DE VERRE Rs 52,000
These vases in green crystal with intricate leaf pattern and a gold-plated base, are from Ame De Verre, an exquisite boutique of art decoratives at New Delhi’s DLF Emporio , which also houses luxury items in glass art and crystalware designed by Meenakshi Salve. The boutique has introduced collections from China, Germany and Hungary.
RS 1,000 TO RS 10,000
Smells so right
BRANDED PERFUMES Rs 2,200 onwards
Renowned brands like Ralph Lauren, Estee Lauder, Lancome, Armani, Oriflame, The Body Shop, have launched their new range of fragrances for the festive season. Select from fruity, spicy, subtle and minty cool flavours for that immensely fragrant and breezy feeling. Many brands have interesting offers too. On a Raplh Laurel fragrance, you get a duffel bag free.
Our Marilyn keeps ticking
CLOCK BY FCML Rs 4,500
A Marilyn Monroe clock — this one’s from the house of FCML, which also has other interesting gift options in bar accessories for those whose tastes remain young.
Seasonal dressing
ABRAHAM&THAKORE COLLECTION Rs 6,000 onwards
The Abraham &Thakore Autumn Winter ’09 collection has dresses in wild silk as the festive high point for this year. Delicately embroidered coats in charcoal merino wools or drapes in coffee georgette are among the style statements for the year. Another highlight is the merging of colours. So, crimson, pink and scarlet slowly darken into tones of coffee, nutmeg and chocolate and greens dissolve into shades of ink.
Tool mission with a cause
VICTORINOX’S NEW TOOL Rs 3,100
Victorinox unique rescue tool is primarily designed for emergency workers and car users. It features a knife-cum-screwdriver combination tool which helps trapped passengers in cars to break the toughened glass.
Spa splendor
SAMUDRA RITUAL Rs 9,000
Gift someone you love Park Hyatt Goa’s special offer for the festive season. A three-hour long luxurious rejuvenating spa ritual with uplifting properties of natural sea-based ingredients, it starts with micronised marine algae body wrap, a “marma” massage and a detox facial. A mineral bath salt soak, saffron-infused milk bath soak and, finally, a cup of organic tea in a private plunge pool. Stay at the resort is extra!
RS 100 TO RS 1,000
Getting the right look
COSMETIC SET BY COLORBAR Rs 1,000
This season’s cosmetic colours are bold and beautiful but our pick is an amazing “5-minute makeup kit” by Colorbar. We also recommend Estee Lauder for their range where you can have anyone’s name especially engraved with a special machine that is kept in their select stores . How’s that for personalisation?
For chocoholics only
HANDCRAFTED CHOCOLATES Rs 650 onwards
Cocoa World, The Chocolate World, Bagels&Brownies and many other brands of chocolates are gearing up for the festive season. Brand Amedei, in fact, is introducing chocolates from Tuscany. One of the world’s top chocolate brands, there are a lot of flavours to choose from. Made from the finest cocoa beans that have been imported from Africa, this festive season ditch the mithai for yummy chocolates instead.
On my writing table
DESK ACCESSORIES BY INDIAN BRANDS Rs 500 onwards
A great gifting option, especially if you’re looking at a limited budget, is desk and storage accessories. Homegrown brands like Anand’z Creation, Maspar, Fab India, Soma, to name just a few, have some incredible lineups for the festive season. Choose from a riot of colours and watch your loved ones smile at your choice.
C’mon, be a sport
PRODUCTS BY PLAY CLAN Rs 260 onwards
We simply love what Play Clan has to offer this festive season. While the whole world is busy getting traditional, this cult store is adding a fun twist to festivities and doing it in style. Our pick: those cute illustrations of Indian gods and goddesses that will be printed on notebooks, wall art, clipboards and bags. Coming up: Tees, too.
