Many of you have written and asked for bag recommendations as a gift to either yourself or loved ones. We notice that we had been answering pretty much similar questions for a few times so we have decided to post some of the Questions and the recommended solutions from now on. Hopefully more than one person benefit from it. Email us here!

Hi Purseholic

Great job with the site! I just hope you updated the manbag section more frequently as guys visit your site frequently too. Today, i need a gift suggestion for my mom’s 60th birthday.

My mom is a working mom and has been using her trusted black Hermes Kelly as long as i could recall. To her, the bag works with any outfit and she prefers spending her money on shoes and jewelries. My dad and I are thinking of surprising her on her 60th birthday (in May) with a new handbag and we want it to be in white but not too different from her Kelly so she would definitely love it!

We thought of getting a Birkin in white but were told by the SA that the waiting list is at least 2 years and the price is more than HK$60,000. We tried some other shops such as Milan Stations in Hong Kong but the prices are almost double.

Our budget is around HK$30,000 – HK$ 35,000. What would you recommend for a white bag in the price range, preferably from a big name such as Gucci or LV and my mom? Help appreciated.

Tony in Hong Kong

Hello Tony

Thanks for the input, we will update the manbag more frequently. Just stay tune!

Let me just say that it is very thoughtful of you and your dad to go through the process of finding the right bag for your mom. She is one lucky lady and i am sure, she would love whatever you guys got her eventually.

Your budget is indeed pretty generous. I will say forget Birkin as everyone in Hong Kong who could afford it already has at least one. Besides, your mom already owns an Hermes so a change would be nice.

Louis Vuitton Suhali is the classiest and subtle collection of the brand and i think the L’Ingénieux PM (32cm x 20cm x 15cm) would suit you mom. The bag is classic, structured like Kelly and the goat skin of Suhali is very durable and scratch proof. I think your mom would love these attributes as she seems to be the type who keeps her bag for long. The price is USD3,660 (around HKD28,400) in US or €2,380 (around HKD24,000) in France.  I think the price in HK will be around the same as in US, if not slightly higher.

Another option is the classic Chanel Cerf tote (35cm x 24cm x 15cm). The classic tote is simple yet classy and is much roomier than any Kelly. The Caviar leather is scratch proof and durable so it fits the bill. Another great point about this bag is its price which is around USD2,600 (around HKD20,200) and you could use the spare of your budget to buy more shoes for your mom.

Both are great options but your thought is priceless and i am sure whatever you guys decide on, she would really love it. Good luck and keep us posted!

J Purseholic

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For luxury brands, balancing between brand prestige and revenue is a delicate effort. Is it only me or it is real that Burberry’s strategy is to launch one cheaper bag annually? Remember the canvas fold-up tote last year that almost everyone i know have at least one? This year is this drawstring nylon that is available in many colors (at least 5 or 6). The bag is plain on the outside which is not bad and it opens to the Burberry signature Nova check most of us buy into the brand for. This bag is perfect for daily use or as a gift too. Get one from your nearest Burberry store or at saks for USD195.

Images are courtesy of saks.com

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Buying a gift for a man is supposed to be simple but could be tricky if you do not know the basic rules. First, unless you make decisions on his wardrobe and know his sizes by heart - shirts, belts or shoes are risky choices. Second, unless specifically requested or needed, avoid electronic gadgets such as ipod or mouse as they are just too easy. Third, stick to his basic needs such as work bag, town bag and wallet. Last, set a reasonable budget and pick the category accordingly before looking into options within for the item. The last one is far more important for men gifts as the options for each category are more limited and prices start higher. 

From top rown, left to right:

Work Bags: Cole Haan Leather Briefcase (USD225), Prada Saffiano Leather Top Handle (USD1,160), Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Briefcase (USD1,760)

Town Bags: Coach Quilted Nylon Messenger (USD358), Prada Nylon-Suede Tote (USD995), Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Sac Bosphore (USD1,230)

Wallets: Coach Embossed Leather(USD148), Giorgio Armani Croc Pattern (USD275), Gucci Leather (USD350)

Images are courtesy of coach.com, saks.com, eluxury.com, bluefly.com and barneys.com

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The Holiday season is around the corner and one of the problems most people face annually is to find the perfect gifts under budget. Especially in harder times like now, each of our Dollar must stretch more than ever, don’t you agree? Besides budget, always remember that you will never go wrong to go with a nice handbag or wrislet or bag charm for a lady as there is no worry about wrong size. Here are 9 great picks (all under USD 500) to suit your different budgets. Nevertheless, never forget that the best gift comes from the heart. Taking time to write a note accompanying the gift, for example, makes it more special to the recipient.

From top, left to right:

Bags: Coach Carrie Satchel (USD298), Burberry Shimmer Tote (USD395), Furla Elizabeth Hobo (USD495)

Wrislets: Coach Signature Tote-Capacity (USD98), Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q (USD198), Prada Bow (USD310)

Bag Charms: Coach Satin Pouch (USD58), Fendi Squirrel (USD165), Louis Vuitton Mini Lin (USD470) 

Images are courtesy of coach.com, eluxury.com and saks.com

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