In this hyper-consumerist age, where choice is at its peak thanks to the internet and purchasing more immediate thanks to using credit cards online, it's easy to forget the reason why a gift can be so meaningful. For many, it's everything to know of the effort made to find that one special item that seems made for its recipient. Such a gift is more personal than a woollen scarf and more valuable than the price tag its cover would suggest. This is where taking the time to find alternative gifts, those less obvious than the normal types, pays off so well.

Shopping for a gift that differs from the ordinary isn't a difficult task, though choosing the item that perfectly matches the recipient's interest and personality can still be. The internet has made access to reputable sources of such gifts much easier, removing the need to traipse the pavement of numerous towns or boroughs before finding what you are looking for. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to consider the available options carefully before coming to a final decision.

When considering a gift to give to a family member, loved one or even work colleague, the unusual option is guaranteed to generate greater appreciation. Imagine, for example, the reaction when an old-world map is given to a lover of history; or perhaps a calligraphy set is presented to a wordsmith or artist: such gifts suggest the giver thought carefully about the persons interests before deciding. For the business man or woman then, amongst the most popular items to consider are personal organisers, which provide not just quality but an added sense of practicality.

Of course, they are not the only options available, and not everyone has a hectic work schedule that needs organising. Journals are a good idea in such cases, with leather journals sporting authentic leather covers offering a greater sense of worth to pages that will (mostly likely) be filled with the thoughts and opinions of the owner. Journals come in a variety of sizes to suit just as many purposes, whether it be small and discreet in which to keep simple notes, or larger and hard-covered in which more significant jottings can be kept.

There is a difference between organisers and journals, with the latter offering no calendar, diary or additional useful information, as would be expected from an organiser. Also, its pages are not always ruled, and can be used as a sketch pad for the amateur artist in us all. A personal organiser, on the other hand, usually accommodates refills and is designed to note and inform, rather than offer space to jot ideas.

As an item for the professional, personal organisers are expected to have a host of features, such as credit card and business card holders, a diary section, daily rulers, a schedule section, notes and finance pages, a monthly/yearly planner, and a A-Z contacts section. Document pockets are also keenly sought after as they are particularly useful to the professional who prefers to conduct meetings discreetly outside the boardroom.

Designs can vary too, with leather covers that can be securely closed by either a simple metal stud clip or a magnetic stud clip. Their genuine leather covers are usually made of cowhide, but can be of soft Italian padded leather or leather protected by high-gloss urethane. This helps to keep the leather safe from damage caused by everyday wear and tear, bumps and scratches. An array from colours, from brown to burgundy, and different finishing touches, such as edge stitching creates a sense of the individual.

There are also a variety of different types of leather journals, with the most obvious being the hard or soft cover option. However, because of the more personal nature that a journal boasts, there is more than just the smooth soft Italian leather kind to choose. Beautifully coloured rustic leather journals are available or even suede leather journals in colours as exotic as aubergine, fuchsia and chocolate.

For extra-special alternative gifts, one can choose hard-backed leather journals with a cover that is embossed with a Fleur D'Lys motif for example. Or, perhaps for the more intrepid chronicler, a soft calf-hide leather journal with leather straps to tie it closed before slipping it in a pocket and moving on. Whether it's journals or stylish personal organisers that you're looking for a search online is more likely to find you what you want.