From the desk of Penelope Alice, Britain’s most fabulous PA: Happy Box

Buying presents can be fraught with potential disaster at every turn. I’ll never forget that incident with the Gucci bag, when an acquaintance said he could get me one cheap for my sister-in-law’s birthday; well, how was I supposed to know he was referring to a plastic carrier, rather than the actual handbag?

It’s bad enough when the presents in question are for friends and family, but when Mr P asks me to come up with an innovative yet appropriate gift for his new contact in Shanghai, I really need to push the wow factor to the max.

How fortunate then to be invited by the delightful people at Happy Box to join them in the salubrious environs of Mayfair’s Hush bar. Founder Ali and her business partner Debbie, plus their impeccably attired sales director Craig, have put together a present-providing service that makes trawling for hours online seem oh-so-passé.

These clever clogs have scoured the four corners of the earth to bring together a veritable treasure trove of stylish, thoughtful and inspired gifts that are bound to impress even the most hard-hearted CEO. They’re beautifully presented in a box so devilishly attractive that apparently many of their clients use them as keepsakes for their own nick-nacks afterwards.

And if you just can’t muster the energy to choose the gifts for yourself, then the Happy Box team is on hand with a most astute solution: themed gift boxes. This season is all about the Ski Collection, which encompasses Après Ski with its organic pink grapefruit lip balm (pictured above right), Ski Lift, featuring Elderflower Vodka liqueur, and Ski Team, a winning box of goodies that includes a handmade, leather hunter’s flask resplendent with four drinking cups.

You can check out all the deets at happyboxlondon.com, just in case you’re in the frame of mind to reward your favourite PA blogger with a little gift of her own…

This blog originally appeared on the PA Life Club site. To read more of Penelope Alice’s blog entries and get access to a range of fantastic benefits, including discounts and special deals at dozens of selected retailers and venues, as well as exclusive monthly competitions, networking events and 50% off PA Life’s new training courses, click here: palife.co.uk/pa-life-club