Last-minute gifts

Members consult us about last-minute presents because:

• We're good at thinking up gift ideas and our experience of buying presents means we can quickly come up with solutions.
• We have a network of reliable runners who we regularly use to deliver gifts in London.
• We have great relationships with our suppliers, so they'll often do things (such as express delivery) for us that they might not do for others.

Retail specialist Hannah Rech says: 'Most of us have had that horrible heart-stopping moment when we realise we've forgotten a birthday. We certainly get lots of last-minute requests from members (and when we say ‘last minute', we mean it) for occasions of all kinds.

'We have great relationships with florists in most major cities (at home and abroad), so members who want flowers and champagne can have it sent easily and quickly. If members want to send something different, we can arrange for gourmet hampers and luxury bespoke gift boxes, filled with anything from jewellery to hand-made soaps and leather journals.

'We use certain companies a lot, so they'll often go the extra mile for us. Some of our suppliers have been known to go to the post office personally, which they might not do for someone they don't know.

'We can be very persuasive when there's a problem too. One member needed a last-minute gift for his niece's 21st birthday, but she was in a holiday house in Cornwall. Because none of our usual suppliers were based in the area, we contacted the local off-licence and persuaded them to gift wrap a bottle of Moët and put the charge for the taxi delivery on the card payment. His niece received her surprise celebration bottle, and it was all arranged and delivered in two hours.'

Insider tips:

• Think about the budget you want to spend. Express delivery can often be expensive so build this into the cost.
• If you don't want to send champagne and flowers, you can give us a short description of the type of present you're after and the person it's for, and we'll come up with the ideas.
• Give us as much time as you can. We can come up with presents in two hours, but extra time is always preferable.