In the hierarchy of presents, the artfully personalised gift ranks high in the charts of desire. It might be a name on a perfume bottle; a flamboyant set of stickers on a wrapped gift or a handwritten poem on a card. It might take the shape of an exquisite pair of earrings with initials dangling from each ear or a hot stamped leather wallet. That significant extra turns a present from everyday thoughtfulness into something with long lasting meaning.
In my box, I have series of initialed goodies that are very dear to me. Lined up, they serve as a treasure ‘biography’. There’s a tiny silver heart engraved ‘with love’ - a bridesmaid’s gift from my uncle and aunt. Just a glimpse of it and I remember the pink seersucker dress and my shy eight year old smile on the wedding day. Alongside there are charms, beads, coins, and talismans to hang from necklaces, bracelets and key rings gifted by relatives, friends and loved ones over many years. Hand painted Christmas cards from my niece and nephew also take pride of place, as does a tiny ‘H’ that dangles from a seed pearl bracelet. Messages written for the eye of the beholder on the inside of rings and cuffs are extra special. What’s close to the heart will bring solace, laughter and warmth on stormy as well as brilliant days long after the festive cheer has mellowed.
