If you ask most men what they want for Christmas, you'll get the answer, ""To find the perfect present quickly and easily"". Enter The Handpicked Collection. This award-winning gift company was set up to help even the most reluctant shopper find something unusual and heartfelt. What makes the difference is the input of The Handpicked Collection's unique expert panel. Journalists, restaurateurs, designers and lifestyle gurus, and Original Travel's very own co-founder Tom Barber. Tom is particularly proud of having discovered the Bouffado Fire Starter and Poker, £14.95. As Tom points out, ""If, like me, you can't light a fire properly, this salvages the situation without getting you covered in soot!"" Unsurprisingly, Tom is also a whizz at finding gifts for frequent travellers. In a similarly helpful frame of mind, here are some other hot picks for the season ahead. And if you enter ORIGINALTRAVEL at checkout, you'll get 15% off*. Thank you Tom!
One for the frequent flyer...
Classic Hammamas Towel, £29.95. Super soft, absorbent and versatile (use as tablecloths, sarongs, picnic rugs and chair throws) these will see you through a lifetime of holidays.
One for the woman who deserves spoiling...
These Pure Silk Pyjamas £189.95 are very, very special. They're made in the highest grade of silk, and naturally smooth and soothe the skin.
One for the man with everything...
Normann Copenhagen Cognac Glasses, £34.95 are designed to be both beautiful and practical. Their shape fits snugly into the hand, helping the drinker swirl and warm the amber nectar and appreciate its bouquet.
One for the woman with everything...
ila Door Alarm Wedge, £16.95 is recognised as one of the Top Ten Gifts for Travellers by the Sunday Times. Wedge it under your hotel door and it will immediately emit a high-decibel alarm to let you know that someone is coming in. Better safe than sorry.
One to keep tucked away in case of emergencies...
The Natural Slate Cheeseboard, £14.95 is gift-boxed and very versatile. Write the names of the cheeses using the chalk provided, or use for canapés the next time you're entertaining. You'll look as though you've spent weeks searching for the perfect gift.
One for the girls...
Ribbon Watch with Interchangeable Straps, £13.95. Glamorous, versatile, great fun and a guaranteed tween girl hit.
For the travel enthusiast...
Original Travel gift vouchers are the perfect travel gift. Slick looking gift cards can be bought for the amount you'd like to give, and redeemed against any Original Travel holiday.
And a selection of unusual stocking fillers...
Whisky Rocks, £9.95 chill your drink without diluting it. See if he can keep a poker face once he's opened James Bond Playing Cards, £4.95, a full deck featuring Bond girls through the ages. *Expires at midnight 31 December 2012