The holiday season is nearly upon us…
And with the parties, the summer wardrobe update and (fingers crossed) the sunshine, comes the gifting – which brings a lot of joy but also a heck of a lot of pressure to the gift-giver!
To get you in the zone, we spoke to two pros who know where it’s at when it comes to gifting: Alyce Tran, the founder of The Daily Edited (whose products make for some of the best pressies out), and Vicki Taylor, the owner of Ponsonby concept store, The Shelter.
There’s never been a better day to start sorting your holiday gifting! To get you started, we asked both Alyce and Vicki for their top tips:
ALYCE TRAN, FOUNDER OF THE DAILY EDITED
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
Last year I received two photographs by Bart Celestino. They’re so special and they’re predominately pink, so totally up my alley.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever given?
I remember giving my first ever TDE products to my friends and personalising them myself for them – who knew so many others would be keen too!
What are three things people should consider when trying to choose the perfect gift for someone?
I love fun, unique and useful gifts; and I always think: “Is this something I’d also like for myself?”
What are your tips for being organized in terms of procuring gifts for everyone ahead of the holiday season?
Shop online if you can. But if you need to get into a store, go early before the crowds come in! Parking is so much easier at 8.30am at shopping centres and the like and most stores run extended trading hours!
How can someone ensure they don’t give a gift that the recipient will want to return?
By personalising it? Haha – that is just my take, but it’s true right?
What are the most popular gifts people purchase from TDE?
Our smaller items make the perfect little stocking-fillers at Christmas – our keyrings, notebooks and phone cases are also at a really great price point.
Gifts should come from the heart and feel like you’ve thought about the person you’re giving it to – what is your secret to making sure the gift and the way its presented, is representative of this?
At TDE we make it really easy to make sure your gift is perfectly presented with our pink boxes. This Christmas we also have a range of pastel-coloured festive stickers in a range of sizes and designs for our customers to further customize their boxes.
What are your plans for the holiday season?
I work myself to the bone until December 25 and then I’m flying out on Christmas Day to Singapore to catch up with our Singapore team. I don’t really take holidays!
When you’re hosting, how do you ensure you are the ultimate hostess and your event runs smoothly?
Checklist after checklist after checklist. And more is more, I love to go overboard with refreshments and gifts.
VICKI TAYLOR, OWNER OF PONSONBY BOUTIQUE THE SHELTER
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
An incredible Ann Demeulemeester ring from my husband… I consistently get comments about it and it’s one of my favourite objects.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever given?
I guess watching my kids rip the wrapping paper off Christmas presents – and seeing that pure joy no matter the contents – is my favourite memory of gifting.
What are three things people should consider when trying to choose the perfect gift for someone?
I like to always consider ethical manufacture, local design and try to make it something practical they could use in their lives.
What are your tips for being organised in terms of procuring gifts for everyone ahead of the holiday season?
I normally buy throughout the year, when I see something that I think would be appreciated or speaks of a particular person. I also love a list… I research online, make my list and then I love heading into the store, as often things just look and feel more special when they are selected and wrapped in store packaging rather than the random brown box that arrives through the post.
How can someone ensure they don’t give a gift that the recipient will want to return?
If you know the person, you generally get a feel for their likes, so hopefully if you put some time, research and thought into the gift you will be fine. If you do not know them so well… again do some research through their friends. If you buy a desired product or brand you really can’t go wrong.
What are the most popular gifts people purchase from The Shelter?
Our jewellery is always a great seller at this time of year. There is such a unique selection of contemporary designers, local, and international makers and we cover many price points so this always seems to attract attention. Our scented candles, rooms fragrances and handmade ceramics are also great gifts… often the best pieces are the ones you would love to get yourself but feel they are a treat so you never do – until someone gets it for you!
Gifts should come from the heart and feel like you’ve thought about the person you’re giving it to – what is your secret to making sure the gift and the way its presented, is representative of this?
The process is important, choose the gift that resonates the most with you and then I am a great believer in presenting it beautifully. A beautifully wrapped gift finishes the process. Maybe it is my creative side showing through – but wrapping the gifts is almost as much fun as selecting them. I try to make them almost too beautiful to unwrap.
What are your plans for the holiday season?
This season we are road tripping to the top of the South Island and enjoying the many activities and amazing scenery on offer thorough Marlborough and Abel Tasman National Park.
How do you ensure you are the ultimate hostess and everything runs smoothly when you’re hosting an event?
Having all the elements prepared and ready to assemble is essential, so I can enjoy time with family and friends. A beautiful table is also a must for me – that, coupled with good music, delicious food and great wine – and from there everything tends to flow.
