A Christmas present for my mum

November 18, 2008 by Annabella

Annabella is Buyagift’s own resident gift guru. Drawing on her own vast experience of giving and receiving presents she answers questions from readers on how to choose the perfect present for the right person, navigating the modern manners minefield that can make choosing gifts so difficult, and anything else under the sun.

Please send questions to annabella@buyagift.co.uk and indicate how you would like your letter to be signed, preferably including a location.

Dear Annabella

I really want to get my mum a Christmas present that she’ll love.

Could you help me choose a gift experience for two that we can share?

I live in London so something easily accessible would be great.

Thanks a lot,

Carla, North London

Dear Carla,

As the winter months close in I find myself constantly reaching for bigger and bigger mugs of tea. When once a bone china cup would suffice, now I am reliant on mugs twice as big as my hand for sustinance.

With this in mind I rather feel that your mother would benefit from a warming Afternoon Tea for two. Considering your location my personal choice would be a Tea at Harrods for Two, which I can warmly recommend for the delightful silver service and exceptional range of tea.

Our Orient Express journeys happen to be incredibly decadent day trips departing from London, making them ideal as a treat for you and your mother. I took Mr Annabella on a steam train trip last year, for a reminiscent voyage into the Shropshire hills. It all went extremely well until Mr Annabella discovered that he had left his camera at home and proceeded to sketch the passing countryside (very badly) on our luxury napkins.

If you’re looking to get your mum a traditional christmas gift you might consider a large box of Thorntons chocolates. They slip down nicely with the occasional glass of traditional Christmas cheer.

Finally, Name a Rose is a truly thoughtful personalised gift she will treasure for years to come.

And now my dear, I must get back to assisting the office with organising their secret santa, they really are disorganised. I am considering throwing their “efforts” into the bin and substituting them with my own, superior, secret santa gifts.

Best, Annabella