If you need help buying the perfect present for any occasion, you’ve come to the right place. Our Knowledge Hub contains advice and information on the art of gift-giving, helping you put a smile on your loved ones’ faces. Read now.
Lockdown restrictions are easing. In a bid to reopen the economy and help families and friends see more of each other, the UK has set out changes to the measures. People are, however, still advised to follow the social distancing rule of two metres. Where it's impossible to keep to that rule, staying one metre apart would do.
There are also changes in the guidelines on social contact starting on 4 July. Two households of any size should be free to meet in any indoor or outdoor setting. People from several households may spend time together outdoors as long as they gather in groups of up to six. Despite these changes in virus-related restrictions, the British public is urged to be aware of all risks and to be more vigilant than ever.
You now have freedom to visit family and friends on special occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries. If you're still uncertain about attending events, you can still show people you care by sending the finest bottle of champagne as celebratory tipple.
Gifting Champagne: How Do You Find the Perfect Bottle?
The crisp popping of the cork, the bubbles fizzing in delicate champagne flutes, the hum of appreciation for their drink and the overall merriment of the occasion ?— you may not be there to witness these things when you send someone a bottle of champagne. Your gift, however, will contribute to the celebration.
A thoughtfully selected bottle of champagne will instantly lift the mood of your recipient. But how do you know that your chosen gift is the right one?
Here are some factors to consider:
A champagne connoisseur can easily identify quality champagne from Grand Marques or elite brands, such as Bollinger, Lanson, Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët and Veuve Clicquot. Bottles from these brands are always a good choice, but when you really want to impress a recipient who knows their bubbly, go for the Tete de Cuvée of Maisons de Champagne.
Tete de Cuvée champagnes are the top tier goods from the French region’s biggest champagne houses. These vintage champagne bottles are made from the most outstanding grapes, making them the most expensive champagne in the market. If you’re celebrating a momentous occasion or you simply want to let the person know how special they are to you, select one of these bottles.
Another way to impress a champagne connoisseur is by gifting them with a bottle of Growers Champagne. These are wine products that are produced by the same farm that grew and harvested at least 95 per cent of the grapes used.
Some people tend to loosely use the term ‘champagne’. They use it interchangeably with other types of sparkling wine that are not produced in the Champagne region in France. This is understandable for people who just want to let loose with any bottle of bubbles.
If your recipient isn’t particularly picky about their choice of drink, or if you can’t find the bottle of champagne you initially wanted, consider this selection of sparkling wines from other French regions and European countries:
This is a type of sparkling wine traditionally produced in other French regions, including Crémant d'Alsace, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Die, Jura, Limoux, Loire and Savoie.
This is a Spanish sparkling wine that can either be white or pink. It is produced via méthode traditionelle, the same labour-intensive process for making champagne.
This Portuguese sparkling wine has a DOC designation that emphasises the geographical source and variety of the grapes used for it. It’s a refreshing take on vintage champagne.
Franciacorta is produced in the Province of Brescia in Lombardy using the traditional method. Given its DOCG status, it is easily considered as Italy’s finest sparkling wine.
This sparkling wine is produced from Prosecco or Glera grapes that are found in Friuli Venezia and Veneto. You can choose between fizzy and fully sparkling bottles.
These sparkling wines are delightful alternatives to champagne. So if the recipient isn’t a champagne devotee, these other types of wine are also excellent for gifting.
Another thing you must consider when choosing a bottle of wine for gifting is the recipient’s taste preferences. Do they prefer sweet champagne, or do they appreciate dry champagne more?
Take note of champagne labels with the term “Brut’. This term refers to the level of sweetness in champagne, which comes from 'liqueur d'expedition'. It's a process whereby the wine maker adds a bit of sweetness before corking the bubbly.
There are seven levels of champagne sweetness:
Brut Nature, also called Brut Zero, has no added sugar. Along with the other Brut varieties, it’s the most suitable type of champagne for people who like to keep it on the dry side. On the other end of the spectrum, Doux is a delightfully sweet variant of champagne.
Wine flavour, texture and aroma are the deciding factors of how much the recipient will love the carefully chosen bottle of champagne that you send their way. Nevertheless, you have to pay attention to the bottle's packaging. The small details matter to creating a show-stopping presentation.
Match the gift presentation with the occasion. Whether the gift marks a milestone or is sent as a posh welcome, the person getting it will have a greater appreciation for your token if it’s packaged well.
Turn a simple present into a gift bundle that includes other items that the recipient may appreciate.
Personalising Presents: How Do You Choose the Best Gift Items?
Take your champagne gift to the next level by pairing it with suitable gift items. But before you can select other items to pair with the bottle of fizz, you have to make sure the champagne matches the occasion.
Here’s how you can narrow down your choices:
Younger people appreciate well-loved brands, like Lanson and the ever-popular Moët & Chandon. Connoisseurs may prefer to celebrate their special day with a flute of Veuve Cliqout.
These moments mark a new beginning for two special people in your life. Send your best wishes through a bottle of Bollinger. Choose a gift set that comes with flutes they can keep as a memento.
Send your loved ones a nice surprise to ease the stress of moving to a new home or having a new baby. Choose a gift set that includes snacks or scented candles for ultimate relaxation.
Regardless of the occasion, your recipient will feel more delighted when your champagne gift comes with extras, like a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. The sweetness of chocolate balances out the fizz and subtle bitterness of champagne. You’ll never go wrong with a box of chocolate truffles.
As for the bouquet of blooms, here’s an overview of which flowers are most suitable for the occasion:
You can never go wrong with red roses for your significant other, sunflowers for your best friend or an array of carnations and chrysanthemums for your mum on days when you want to show them how much you appreciate them.
Say congratulations on an engagement, graduation, a new job, a new home or other important milestones by sending a bouquet of vibrant flowers with your vibrant tipple. Springtime and summertime arrangements may come in a delicate bouquet whereas autumn and winter flowers are best sent in a vase.
People want different things for their birthday. But flowers are sure to make anyone smile on their special day. If you aren’t sure about your recipient’s favourite flowers, check out the traditional flowers associated with their birth month. The same goes for anniversary bouquets.
Gift sets may also become a sincere way to apologise. In addition to actions that show how much you mean it, try expressing regret through a bouquet of flowers. White flowers symbolise peace. Pair them with yellow flowers that symbolise friendship or red roses that symbolise love.
Who says you have to be physically present to celebrate milestones and special occasions with loved ones? Families and friends will still feel your love through a meticulously picked champagne gift set you've sent.
Celebrate Special Occasions at a Safe Distance
Britain’s national hibernation is slowly coming to an end. The coronavirus cases are steadily decreasing. There are many reasons to celebrate. In lieu of a personal visit, send them a bottle of champagne instead, to let them know you’re celebrating with them in spirit.
Here at Gifts International, we want you to celebrate special occasions and personal victories without compromising health and safety. You don’t have to be with your loved ones to let them know you care.
We prepare the perfect champagne gift for you, then deliver it anywhere in the UK or worldwide. We stock bottles from the world’s most famous champagne houses. We can also pair them with chocolates, flute sets and ice buckets.
Browse our inventory and place your order today.
