With only a week to go until Christmas, no doubt many of you are feeling under pressure to buy last-minute gifts. We all know someone who is impossible to buy for! So, this week, we thought we would take a look at some interesting festive gifts to give to family and friends:

1. For timekeepers and business leaders: watches

A watch can be a beautiful gift that can last a lifetime. Many people own a collection of high-quality watches including brands such as Omega, Tag Heuer and Hublot. A classic Breguet could set you back around £15,000! And, if you’ve got the budget, Leicester-based jewellery, Lumbers even has a watch made from pieces of the Titanic (valued at $250,000).

2. For someone special: bespoke jewellery and art

Thanks to the Internet, if you want to buy someone a really unique piece of jewellery, or a work of art, you can now access specialist makers from around the world. Etsy is an ‘artisan’ website where you can buy directly from the makers or artists themselves. You can also find unusual handmade gifts for the home, as well as clothing and accessories.

3. For those who have everything: gift experiences

If you have run out of ideas, then why not consider a gift experience? There are many companies that offer a range of adventures and activities including Red Letter Days, Buy A Gift, and Virgin. When it comes to choosing an experience, the world really is your oyster! For the more daring, why not buy a flying or supercar driving experience? If you want to spend time with someone special, then why not consider afternoon tea or a sightseeing experience?

4. For those who need a bit of pampering: spa days

This is a great gift for someone who’s stressed and overworked. As well as the more famous spa centres, such as Champneys or Ragdale Hall, many hotels now offer spa gift vouchers too. Twilight spa sessions are another option – usually, these sessions run from around 6 pm to 10 pm and offer full use of spa facilities and a meal. And, if you buy a voucher valid for two people, you can go along as well, so you can also enjoy a relaxing spa day!

5. For those who enjoy a tipple: whisky barrel

Buying a share of a whisky barrel is a more unusual gift that is growing in popularity. This is a great way for someone to nurture a single malt whisky over a period of time, and it can also be bought for a group of people to lower the cost. Once the whisky has matured, they can enjoy a bottle from their own barrel or potentially sell this back to the distillery. And, of course, if they choose an Islay single malt, they can even visit their whisky barrel and have a Scottish holiday at the same time!

6. For gourmet lovers: high-quality hampers

Choosing a hamper and its contents can be a fun way to give a gift to food-lovers. Although you can buy ready-made hampers from companies such as John Lewis and Fortnum and Mason, why not choose all the elements yourself from a local delicatessen? You could go for a festive theme, or you could choose all their favourite foods, such as a variety of cheeses or a sweet-hamper.

7. For those with a sweet tooth: designer chocolate

Chocolatiers are making a comeback! Asides from the more well-known chocolate brands, such as Hotel Chocolat, there are also a growing number of independent chocolatiers appearing around the country including companies like, who also offer chocolate and truffle making workshops. Handpicked chocolates made with flavours you know people will enjoy, can be a much better option than a standard high street box of chocolates.

Balance: Wealth Planning would like to wish all of our clients a very Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year!

If you would like to speak to one of our financial planners, please get in touch.