As the festive season approaches, the more organised among us will be putting together our Christmas gift lists.  Are you finding it harder each year to search for thoughtful, original and personalised gifts for the special people in your life?  The House Directory has six unique gift ideas from our members to help you on your way.

1. Personalised Books by Prometheus Bound Books

A hand-bound edition of a favourite book embossed with initials and if you require, a personal message, is the perfect gift for any age or occasion. Prometheus Bound Books are English binders who can bind any book obtainable in a wide range of bindings (including leather) and colours. Their craftsmen bind each book individually using traditional methods and materials, producing heirlooms to be treasured. Binding prices start at £95 with the cost of the book, delivery and personal messaging (£20 per line) extra. Books, presented in a black gift box, are usually dispatched to anywhere in the world within three weeks of order.  www.prometheusboundbooks.com

2. Engraved Wooden Toy Boxes by Make Me Something Special

The perfect personalised gifts for Christmas for children, beautiful handmade and engraved wooden toy boxes fit for a Prince or Princess, as made for Prince George for his first Christmas. Prices start from £495 including engraving and child-safe soft-close safety hinges. Hand-crafted in the UK to order. Please contact sales@makemesomethingspecial.com or call 01252 703196 for details. www.makemesomethingspecial.com

3. Name Pictures and Correspondence Cards by Julia Boston Kids

Name pictures and correspondence cards from Julia Boston’s own, original drawings; no two name pictures are the same!

Name pictures come framed in standard plain white solid wood frames, ready to hang on the wall, hand-printed from original designs by Julia Boston on 225g 100% cotton acid-free watercolour paper. All pictures are glazed with an acrylic sheet rather than glass.

All name pictures are priced by size.

SMALL FRAME 13″ x 9½ ” (33 x 24.5 cm) Up to 7 Letters: £96.00

MEDIUM FRAME 21¾” x 15¾” (55 x 40 cm) Up to 12 Letters: £159.00

LARGE FRAME 26″ x 19¼” (66 x 49 cm) Up to 12 Letters: £305.00

Correspondence Cards have faint lines which make it easy for children to write their first letters. Printed in England from exclusive designs by Julia Boston, they are sold in beautiful pale blue boxes of ten cards with ten envelopes. Card size: 14.8 x 10.5 cm £15.00.   www.juliaboston.com

4. Monogrammed Linen by Volga Linen

Volga Linen have a free monogram offer on a selection of items  to add a touch of luxury and something unique to Christmas gift giving.

Items included in the offer are their small pillowcase with frill edge, small hem-stitch pillowcase, diamond-stitch hand towel, damask hand towel, hem-stitch tablecloth, hem-stitch napkin, sauna towel and sauna robe.

Personalised gifts in linen, with one free letter per item from a choice of embroidery styles Volga Monogramming. Offer ends 18 December 2018.  www.volgalinen.co.uk

5. Engraved Chopping Board by The Oak Chopping Board Company and Oak and Personal

Hand-crafted in West Sussex, The Oak Chopping Board Company makes a range of solid oak kitchen and serving boards: cheese boards, cutting boards, carving boards, bread boards, ‘Lazy Susan’ platters and more. All can be engraved with a personalised message to ensure the Christmas gift you purchase is as individual as the recipient. Prices from £35 – £185. Their affiliated company, Oak & Personal, also offers a range of engraved wooden gifts including doors stops, clocks, wine racks, boot jacks, wall plaques and coasters.

www.theoakchoppingboardco.co.uk

6. Embossed Leather Apron by Borough Kitchen

The Whitloft Apron comes in a variety of sizes and also in a ladies design and a child size, so that all the family can have one.

The aprons are hand made in beautiful leather which improves with age and they are heat resistant and hardwearing.

Each apron can be finished with a complimentary embossing of name or initials. Add up to 10 characters (including spaces) free of charge.

www.boroughkitchen.com

Mens Premium Range available in: Cognac, Chocolate Brown, Forest Green, Oxblood, Large £ 139.75 Extra Large £149.75,

Mens Craft Range available in: Black, Army,  £99.76

Ladies available in : Pink, Cognac, Mint, chocolate. £139.75

Children available in: Black, Cognac. £39.76