The best gifts are often those given for no reason. Free from the shackles of obligation, a pressie received out of the blue has a peculiar charm. It says, casually but tenderly, “Hey, I was just thinking about you”. And don’t we all want to hear that.

This kind of gift is at least as much fun to give as to receive. In fact it can be hard to sit tight while you’re waiting for the postie to deliver something you’re sure will raise a smile.