Billionaire Stocking Fillers: A Meaningful Gift Guide
Because we could all use a little effervescence this Christmas...
After this strange, stop-and-start year, what better way to put a spring in your step than conceiving the perfect present for a loved one. And maybe, while you’re looking, a little something for yourself.
Moving mountains
This beautiful tome Everest contains the account of five important expeditions to the summit of the world: from the first attempt on the summit in 1922; and the tragic 1924 expedition that claimed the lives of Mallory and Irvine; to the triumphant ascent of Hillary and Tenzing in 1953. The book, written by award-winning mountaineering writer Peter Gillman, collects 268 of the most remarkable mountain photographs ever taken. (Foliosociety.com, £199)
Wrapped up
Wearable art and luxury scarf studio Alba Amicorum has released a limited edition of scarves in collaboration with the Man Ray Trust based on original paintings and photographic works, including his signature art form, the ‘rayograph’, created by placing objects on light-sensitive paper. (Albaamicorum.com £480)
Jungle fever
From Luna moths, curious monkeys, leopard geckos and brightly coloured parrots, Alexandra Llewellyn’s latest luxury backgammon set takes you on a journey of jungle discovery. This richly detailed board is crafted using complex marquetry, natural woods and veneers in vibrant hues. (Alexandrallewellyn.com £16,000)
Flying without wings
One of the world’s lightest electric bikes, conceived by French designer Ora Ïto, Angell bikes combine smart-tech with futuristic design. Weighing less than 16kg and rechargeable in just two hours via a removable battery, smart in-built technology protects riders with the ability to send a ‘fall’ alert via text to a chosen contact. The bikes also have ‘theft-proof’ tech with geolocation and motion detectors, and a visual alarm system. (angell.bike £2,690)
Ruinart x David Shrigley
UK artist David Shrigley has created two reinterpretations of the classic Ruinart champagne label to feature an eco-designed second skin case of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Ruinart Rosé. Composed of 100% paper, each case reduces its carbon footprint by 60% and requires 90% fewer resources to produce than its previous generation of gift boxes. Best known for his distinctive drawing style; Shrigley's quick-witted drawings and hand-rendered texts are typically deadpan in their humour and sound like snippets of overheard conversations. (RRP £76, available exclusively from Clos19)
Vinyl vogue
Perhaps we’re all feeling a bit nostalgic, but vinyl now accounts for 18 per cent of album sales in the UK. Roksan, an award-winning designer and manufacturer of audio electronics, has launched this sleek grown-up turntable in black or white. (roksan.com £995)
Dram drama
Scottish Highlands whisky distillery The Dalmore is releasing 15 one-of-a-kind, collectible sets as its No.5 of the Dalmore Decades set, containing five whiskies through the years 1967, 1979, 1980, 1995 and 2000. Bottles are engraved with a set number and each have a different coloured bottle stopper, presenting a compelling opportunity for collectors. (Available from Harrods, Wally’s Wine & Spirits, Le Bon Marché, CDFG Hainan, £200,000)
Electric dreams
A Rolls-Royce with a lower carbon footprint sounds like an electrifying combination. The marque is now taking orders for its first fully electric car, named Spectre, which will come to market at the end of 2023. By 2030, all Rolls-Royce cars will be electric, so get ahead of the pack. (rollsroyce.com, price TBC)
Colour me happy
Re-awaken your joyful inner child with this set of 60 irresistible water-soluble colouring pencils, presented in a two-tier wooden box. (carandache.com £189.99)
