Some gifts might seem rather modest but, in fact, they can be the perfect choice if they are chosen for the right person. Though there can be any number of reasons for choosing a particular item as a gift, it is the personal aspect that makes it right or wrong. For example, in the modern world, writing paper can hardly be considered an extravagance but for those of us who still love the personal touch that comes with writing a letter, it is one of those alternative gifts that is greatly appreciated.

Writing letters does seem to be becoming an art form in its own right, practiced by a fast depleting number of people, with the modern modes of communication taking precedence over such a traditional method. However, there remains a wide range of writing paper sets made of the highest quality paper and sporting intricate watermarks that provide a special aesthetic quality to an otherwise ordinary item. As an ideal complement to them, wax stamps are also available, helping to create something different, something beautiful for the artistic traditionalist to enjoy.

Precisely why paper, which is such a common item, should retain such a special status is intriguing. There is something deeply satisfying about handwriting a letter to a family member or a friend. It is not simply a matter of the time taken to write the message, which in a world where to rush is to be efficient, can only be held in high regard, but it is linked to the personal aspect of the whole exercise.

The fact is that the writer has not taken the simplest and speediest option, a willingness to make a greater effort to communicate. Forming words and sentences, in essence is a form of creation, and it is this realisation that lends such value to the idea of receiving a letter from afar.

It is particularly true that a letter is more personal than an email, for example. It is widely known that paper has a very different effect on people. Family members are empowered to open their hearts on paper, inspired in a way that a computer keyboard and screen cannot inspire and are given a sense of intimacy from a letter open in the hand.

Even when it comes to writing official letters, the handwritten letter endorses a connection between officials that cannot be created elsewhere. In perhaps the same way that meeting in person can build a business relationship, a letter can bring the writer and the receiver, regardless of their respective executive positions, closer together.

Using quality paper makes a huge difference, with any desired impact supported and even enhanced. Luxury writing sets can accomplish just such a positive impression, with various styles and finishes to sheets that typically number 100 per set. Paper hues can range from warm pink to refreshing olive green, with even the traditional white sheet ranging from pearl to cream and everything in between.

But there are more than just letter writers amongst us that appreciate the value of quality paper. Paper of different textures and colours are used for a variety of craft by artists. Scrapbooking is a popular hobby, as well as a craft industry in its own right, with card design another area that makes use of paper of the highest quality. While many might dismiss such occupations as simple whims, there is a dedicated population of individuals that create some beautiful effects through their choice of paper and designs. The layered structure of a typical handmade scrapbook cover permits paper and cardboard materials of differing thicknesses and textures to be used together, aesthetically complementing each other to complete an impressive overall effect. From top quality paper, minute figures can be pressed, with even paper roses being created to make a Valentines Day card, for example.

There is no great secret to selecting alternative gifts that can bring a smile to the receiver. It is always a matter of finding the gift that suits them best, which perhaps reflects their own character and, certainly, their interests.

That is perhaps why paper remains an appreciated, and often much loved gift, with high quality writing paper sets impressing greatly those who love to write. Crafts people, meanwhile, appreciate the potential that a few sheets can have, with accessories like wax stamps serving to add even more possibilities.