On presents, presence and Present

I’m still umming and ahhing about the whole online shopping thing. I get that it’s convenient and quick but how can you beat the fun of discovering hidden gems like My Two Front Teeth? I’ve just been alerted to this wee Christmas emporium which has just opened at 72 Rivington Street, EC2 (until 23rd Dec). I have my eye on Riitta Ikonen’s Christmas stocking made of stamps (proceeds go to charity), Dominic Wilcox’s multi-coloured thread cane and Toby Pennington’s too-good-to-tear illustrated wrapping paper. And you can also choose from hundreds of one-off Christmas cards by international artists and creatives.


While ambling down Shoreditch way, be sure to pass by Present. An irrisistable haven of all things casual for the gentlegent-about-town, it’s brought to you by Eddie Prendergast and Steve Davies (the original brains behind Duffer of St George). There are tote bags by Want Les Essentiels De La Vie, exclusive Trickers shoes, Happy socks, own-label cashmere and you can even enjoy a coffee frothed by world barista champ, Gwylim Davies while mulling over your sartorial choices.