Members consult us about gift shopping because:
- Few people have the knack of knowing what someone might like, but our retail specialists do (a brief description of a person and a member's relationship to them is enough to get the ideas flowing).
- They haven't got the time to buy a properly thoughtful present (or, in fact, any kind of present) and would like us to do it for them
- Our retail specialists shop all the time, so have great radars for what's out there, what's new and what's different.
- We have great contacts when it comes to sourcing unusual and bespoke gifts.
Retail specialist Hannah Rech says: 'Finding that special something isn't always easy, especially when it's being squeezed into an already busy diary. Buying presents is actually one of my favourite jobs; I like thinking of what someone - whether partner, friend, new parent or boss - will like and I shop so much I have a great idea of what's out there.
'I talk to members about what the recipient is like and then send them a list with ideas. Most members want to make someone happy, and that's not always achieved by buying socks or flowers. Sometimes we take over the whole task, from coming up with ideas to gift-wrapping and sending the present.
'When a member wanted to give his mother a beginner's beehive kit for Christmas, we sourced a UK supplier, priced a beekeeper suit and starter-kit, summarised information on keeping bees and made sure it all got there before the big day.
'We can also help with specific and long-distance gift ideas. One member wanted to give his wife a photo of a particular beach in St Lucia for their anniversary. Within two weeks, we arranged for a professional photographer to take the picture from a specific angle, and had it framed, wrapped and delivered in time.'
Insider tips
- To find a really great gift, think about the recipient. Our team will ask you detailed questions about who the gift is for - their interests, lifestyle, likes and dislikes - as well as practical questions, such as location and budget.
- Don't buy something just because you'd like to have it.
- When you see a great present, but it's not the right time to buy it, note it in your phone or diary. Keeping a list can help when you're stuck for ideas.
- Don't scorn the benefits of a birthday book - it will help you keep tabs on what happens when.
- If you have young children, it can often seem like there's a never-ending list of birthday presents to be bought for their friends. Ease the pressure by stocking up on suitable ‘boy' and ‘girl' presents whenever you see them and putting them into a birthday present box. You'll never be caught out again.
