Getting Personal

                Knowing me, knowing you: personalised gifts for the likeminded
            
                Whenever anyone considers the line “knowing me, knowing you”, there may well be a desire to add “ah-haa” as a suffix. Irrespective of whether or not we actually like the music of Abba, it is impossible to ignore the impact they still have on our cultural landscape - despite splitting up more than 20 years ago – and that their songs perhaps exist as personalised gifts from the band to us all.

Indeed, if this was not the case, surely Mamma Mia! The Movie would not be such a resounding success? Based upon the 1999 West End musical of the same name – naturally, minus the 'The Movie' suffix – Mamma Mia! The Movie is a tale revolves around a number of Abba's greatest hits, with a few more amazing tracks by Benny Andersson of Abba fame, thrown in for good measure. 

Sadly though, the song Knowing Me, Knowing You doesn't feature fully in the film, which is a shame as it's packed full of sentiments that we can all learn from. Essentially, although the song is about a relationship breaking down - which is always a terrible thing - but there are many lyrics within the track which could be used to represent the importance of really making we know and understand those closest to us – something that can be aided by the giving of personalised gifts. However, even when two people are likeminded – and it doesn't matter whether they are friends, or something more - there can often be times when the “ah-haa” moment in the gift-giving process doesn't come without a little prior research.

Personalised gifts can come in many different shapes and sizes. In addition to calendars and mugs, personalised gifts can also be engraved, and they can also be of a more unusual variety. For example, chocoholics may wish to consider opting for a personalised calendar for her, or maybe even a gold engraved My Last Rolo – after all, what personalised gift represents such a great expression of love and commitment as a delicious chocolate? 

Lovers of fine tea may wish to consider a Bespoke Blend of Personalised Tea. Created by a master tea blender, this type of brew is crafted specifically to reflect the likes, dislikes and hobbies of the recipient; the correct combination of flavours crucially depends upon the giver really knowing the person they're buying for. A great personalised gift for truly likeminded people.

But, perhaps because Knowing Me, Knowing You is a song about a failed relationship, there may well be other Abba songs that can inspire us to purchase amazing personalised gifts for those to whom we are most alike? After all, like the song Under Attack, Knowing Me, Knowing You was relegated to an instrumental piece within the film. Indeed, Souper Trouper - one of Abba's most famous songs - speaks of reinvigoration and renewal because of a special person in the audience. Indeed, as the foursome so eloquently wrote in this song's lyrics: “But I won't feel blue … cause somewhere in the crowd there's you.”

Written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the song started life with the title Blinka Lilla Stjarna – the words translate as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – and marked the band's ninth and final spot at number one in the UK charts. The song was also popular in a number of other countries, including West Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Austria, but failed to achieve the same level of success in the US. In 1999, Souper Trouper was even covered by A*Teens, a pop group from Sweden; although this is not the first time the song has been covered.

However, perhaps because all of Abba's former members were together for the Swedish premiere of Mamma Mia! The Movie – for the first time since 1986 – perhaps more of the band's work can be considered as inspirational pieces for the emotions that lie behind likeminded people buying personalised gifts. After all, even the most heart-felt of purchases require Money, Money, Money, and those who eagerly anticipate getting their hands on their goodies – from their Honey Honey? - may well be thinking Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!