The 10 Best stationery sets

Writing your Christmas thank-you cards? Pop them in the post in style with these wonderful writing sets

1. Bunting Cards

Nothing says "festivities" quite like a bit of bunting, as even Pippa Middleton will tell you for nothing. This pack of 10 White Wove watermarked cards from the Bond Street shop is a luxurious yet fun way to pass on your wishes of goodwill.

£40, smythson.com

2. Ted Baker Floral Note cards

A luxurious set of rich flower-pattern note cards from fashion designer Ted Baker. The 12 note cards come in three designs, with floral lining, wrapped in a gold band and presented in an embossed keepsake box.

£16, selfridges.co.uk

3. Crown Mill Small Correspondence Cards

These absolutely top-notch cards are made by the Original Crown Mill in Belgium. Each piece of high-quality, heavyweight paper is watermarked, acid-free and suitable for writing on with fountain pens. The set includes 15 cards and envelopes.

£4.95, thepaperie.co.uk

4. Doctor Who School Set

Set up a lucky child at school with this stationery-set tribute to the Time Lord. Of course, there's probably a large number of adults who would also happily receive this pack, which includes a pencil case, pencil, ballpoint pen, ruler, sharpener and eraser. The only thing missing is a long, striped scarf. Oh, and a Tardis.

£3.99, whsmith.co.uk

5. Riviera Correspondence Cards

A boxed note set that includes 12 cards, all bearing the vibrant Riviera pattern from the collection of Christian Lacroix, reflecting his love of opulent and theatrical design. Also included are ivory envelopes and a set of embossed foil stickers to seal them.

£14.40, amara.co.uk

6. Museums & Galleries Writing Set

Featuring beautiful artwork taken from Oxford University's botanical studies, this writing set is elegant and refined. Other sets in the collection, which all contain 10 sheets and envelopes, include butterfly designs by Wedgwood, illustrated birds and floral patterns.

£4.75, johnlewis.com

7. Grey Linear Cards

A simple yet stylish writing set from Paperchase. An excellent choice for those who would otherwise turn their noses up at kitsch designs or scented envelopes, but do like to write a letter now and again.

£4.50, paperchase.co.uk

8. My Dear Note Cards

These hand-cut cards by Marby & Elm feature a fluorescent-orange letterpress stamp on each one. Packaged with a blue ribbon and tag, this is the perfect gift for anyone drawn to delicate, simple designs.

£14.95, liberty.co.uk

9. San-X Letter Set: Rilakkuma

There's really only one word to describe this little letter set, and that's cute. In fact, cute cartoon characters are this Japanese company's speciality – it's been at it since the 1930s. Included in the set are 40 letter sheets and 20 envelopes, which come in four designs.

£4.80, artbox.co.uk

10. Home Letter Set

It may be too late for Christmas cards, but there's always time to write a love letter, and this romantic letter set should do just the trick. It features a sweet little poem about – you guessed it – love, and features a nostalgic drawing of a farmyard. It includes only four letter papers and two envelopes – so make them count.

£1.50, artbox.co.uk