Shopping: Out With The Old In With The New

A FAVOURITE standby gift for many an uninspired gift-giver, the tie is arguably the classiest of classic gifts - if perhaps the least surprising. Snooty gift receivers will not be disappointed with a tie, however, if it comes with a neat Paul Smith label. Fit for a dedicated style king, the striped tie shown here costs pounds 39. For stockists, call 0171-379 7133 ...

... or, if the prospect of buying a tie is just too horribly predictable to contemplate, get someone all tied up instead with a leather-bound tie-strap notebook from Papyrus. Available in either tan or chocolate, the notebooks come in three sizes, cost between pounds 9.50 and pounds 17.50 and are available by mail order or direct from Papyrus, 48 Fulham Road, London SW3 (0171-584 8022).