February has a habit of arriving with the chorus of “how did that happen?” But as the New Year zips by, I’m most looking forward to February 29th, the leap year day when we all get to enjoy life with the gift of extra time. Those who believe that time is the best gift of all, I am on your side but still wonder how best to commemorate it. And that’s a question best answered by Anya Hindmarch, the fun-loving raconteur whose witty accessories are my go-to for their irresistible showmanship as well as their craftsmanship.
Hindmarch launched bespoke Keepsake boxes a few years ago: suede-lined leather cases which can be filled with photographs printed with a silk finish and inscribed with an embossed nameplate with a handwritten message or, for the dab-handed among us, a drawing. Taking it a step further for the gifting-challenged, Hindmarch has trumped her own ace by injecting some of her raucous attitude into ten new oversized styles released at the end of January.
Named Wow boxes, these beauties, which offer the same bespoke detailing as before, are brimming with cheeky and cheerful novelties themed for myriad occasions: everything from hen nights and weddings to the anticipation of a monumental, grey-hair-induced mid-life crisis. One box, dubbed the “Naughty Box”, is filled with all sorts of indulgent vices such as gin and vodka bottles, a shot glass, replica cigarettes, breath mints and a drinking game. For the young or young-at-heart, the “Child’s Box” is a treasure trove of amusing curiosities: whistles, pencils, rubber balls, stretchy figurines, sunglasses and crazy straws. In typical Hindmarch style, each item is a highly aestheticised treat for the eyes, inducing a “wow!” moment upon opening.
But, for me, the real clincher is that the box itself, void of its gifts, is a nice reminder to keep hold of the things that are fleeting – those concert ticket stubs, shells found on a beach or postcards you send yourself from trips abroad (yes, really). It’s quite satisfying to go to SnappySnaps nowadays and actually print those iPhone photos we hoard until we jam up our memory space, and these keepsake boxes are the perfect receptacle. To me, a great gift should balance three things: a sentimental back story, some humour and a large dash of luxury. Hindmarch’s Wows really do tick all boxes.
XL keepsake boxes £445, medium keepsake boxes £270
