We started Handpicked to give people a trusted source of unusual and inspiring gift ideas. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a present well received and it’s our mission to make that simple. Our Expert Panel make sure we stay on track but we hope, with our blog, we’ll hear more from you too. Comment away!

Our buying team have trying to track down all the loveliest souvenirs with which to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. Our favourite so far is this gorgeous jug by Jan Constantine. See all our ideas here.

What we’re doing this weekend

There are a couple of things we’re looking forward to doing this weekend.

I think that next year, one of the big trends will be from Japan. There have been a few clues; a big one was Takashi Murakami’s Britney on the cover of the biannual Pop Magazine:

Now the exhibitions are starting. The Future Beauty Exhibition at the Barbican Centre shows Japan’s signature originality in the fashion industry over the last 30 years.

Another exhibition that I’m really excited about is The Museum of Everything. It’s on its third go in as many years. Sir Peter Blake is curating his pretty bloomin impressive collection of random curios and marvels of Victorian England. Sounds like a good day out.

If you’re not feeling to arted out by now, Battersea Park’s Affordable Art Fair is a good way to spend an hour or two. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s just like a really big, outdoor art exhibition. Sort of like a drive-in movie. Except with no driving. Or films.