INDULGENCE THE KEY TO GIVING

Some women may be delighted to get a new Hoover or the latest line in oven gloves as a present - but not many. Presents, for whatever occasion, should be treats, luxuries that the recipient is unlikely to buy for her or himself. And that is what we have here in these indulgences.

For parties, weddings or a quiet dinner a deux in some romantic setting, a feather or faux fur stole, cape or bolero is this season's choice that will be suitable for any female who likes being female.

There are plenty in the major department stores but the online site of girls-love-pearls.co.uk provides a full flock of feathered creations that are reasonably price - and size is not a problem here.

This one, in ostrich feathers mixed with maribou, lined with satin and with a satin tie, comes in ivory or black, and costs £189.95.

Jewellery is ever a welcome gift, for men and women. But it is also seen as a safe investment, especially in the present climate. Bonhams report huge interest at recent jewellery auctions, with greatly increased prices achieved. One necklace, with a pre-sale estimae of £15,000 to £20,000, went for £216,000, and a range of other pieces fetched prices that wildly exceeded expectations.

The alternative effect of the prevailing climate is for more limited expenditure, and jewellers are catering for those looking for treasures at less meteoric prices.

Jeweller David Marshall chose now to launch his first collection after 25 years of working in top jewellers in Bond Street, and opted for the current fashion for feathers as his inspiration. These 18ct white gold, three tier feather earrings are set with diamonds weighing 1.53 carats and priced at £7,500.

For men, plain gold links may be the traditional complement to a Savile Row suit but Marshall is offering beautifully crafted designs that have rather more original appeal.

The pair below feature dragons heads that are hand carved out of Burma jade, resting upon coiled dragons' tail in 18ct gold set with 0.56ct of diamonds. Price £6,585. See website www.davidmarshalllondon.com

Though resigned to the fact that many customers may opt for a belt, a Savile Row tailors will always advise that trousers hang better from braces.

And when they come in such stunning colours as these, who could prefer a plain old belt? Younger men have got over the aversion to braces that lasted for some years but are not always aware that they are available in all sorts of designs, mostly produced by that king of the braces, Albert Thurston. This company, which has been making braces since 1820, supplies most of the tailors. Their extensive collection may be seen on www.albertthurston.co, along with belts for the obdurant, sock suspenders, arm bands and clip-on buttons for braces.

These wonderful pink and blue braces are exclusive to Huntsman , with hand finished brass details.

Men may love buying lingerie for their wives and girlfriends but size particulars, shopping embarassment and styling taste have made the purchase of such a gift fraught with problems. But a wide range of websites now makes it easy to indulge fantasies, safe in the knowledge that the item can be exchanged should it not meet with approval.

The baby doll set here has frou frou padded cups and matching G-string and is by Sielei, price £39, and available on the www.becheeky.com site.

Likely to be a popular fun gift for men is a nifty idea from Jermyn Street shirt house, Thomas Pink, and one that confounds those critics of the tie, who say it is useless.

This one has a cunningly concealed pocket that will take a slim phone or an mp3 player. Its positioned on the reverse of the tie, where there are also fabric loops to keep headphone wires tucked neatly away.

In plain silk, the tie comes in a range of eight colours, retailing at the Thomas Pink stores on online at www.thomaspink.com at £55.

And for bespoke jewellery at a reasonable price, Sym Jewellers will create this ring in 18ct or white gold, in whatever stones preferred. This one is in rhodium plated silver with a 8ct blue topaz and four diamonds, priced at £200. Gold version may go up to £3,000, depending upon stones chosen.

:: GIFTS OF TASTE ::