If you know someone who loves to play chess, give them the ultimate chess set!

This Chess Set from Barney’s New York is entirely handcrafted. It’s made from both smooth & embossed crocodile pattern calfskin leather. It includes 1 set (16 pieces each color) of wood chessmen and 1 set (15 pieces each color) of wood checkers. All pieces are finished with a calfskin bottom. A definite collector’s item that will be passed down for generations. $875 at Barneys
Photo Credit: Barneys

My mum always told me, “Whenever you’re invited to someone’s home ALWAYS bring a gift for the host/hostess“. It’s a nice way to say ‘Thank You‘. Instead of the typical bottle of wine, why not give them a beautiful floral arrangement?  This gorgeous ‘Deck the Halls‘ centerpiece by Ovando NY would be a beautiful focal point for their table or coffee table. It features red roses, carnations, shiny and satin finish ornaments on a dark wood base. $125 at Ovando NY
Photo Credit: Ovando NY

These books are sure to please the fashion-lover in your family and what’s more, they’d be perfect conversation starters and coffee table books.

The Barbie, Fashion & Beauty books are three hardcover, limited edition books. The first book, Barbie, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic Barbie doll. The 2nd is the sequel to last year’s ‘American Fashion‘ book; American Fashion Accessories which takes you through the history of accessories by famous American designers. And the third book is The Allure of Beauty, features legendary Hollywood actresses from the 1930s to now. It’s a fabulous set of books for anyone with …read more

These awesome boxed sets would be a great gift for the young (or young at heart) reader in your family. What’s good about boxed sets are, they’re often hardcover and/or limited edition so they make great collector’s items as well. Books are a great investment and gift as they can be enjoyed over and over again.

Of course I had to start with the the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. This series has swept up more than a few of my friends and now all four hardcover books are available in one boxed set. $59 at Barnes & Noble
More fabulous boxed …read more

I know what you’re thinking – ‘Candles? Pfft, how boring!‘. Yes it’s true, candles aren’t very… original BUT these are Diptyque candles, which are some of the best scented candles available. This Diptyque Black Box Mini Candle Set from eLuxury, combines the aromas of a cool, crisp winter morning. The all natural scents included in the signature gift box are Pomander (orange-cinnamon), Feu de Bois (woodsy blend akin to a wood burning fireplace) and Epicea (pine trees, leaves and moss). Each candle has a 30-hour burn time; enough to last many romantic sessions hehe. $98 at eLuxury