Giuseppe Aquila is the CEO of Montegrappa, a fine writing instrument maker in Italy that turned 100 years old this year. Based out of the city of Bassano del Grappa, Montegrappa is one of the leading luxury pen makers worldwide. In 2009, the firm become an independent company once again after Aquila’s family bought it back from luxury conglomerate the Richemont Group. It was a rare move that proved lucky for Aquila and his family.

Richemont courted Montegrappa for several years before making the family a generous offer. After agreeing to sell control of the company, Aquila remained on board at the company for a short while. He explains that his new role was to offer knowledge, but not to play a part in planning the future of the company. Richemont’s oversight of Montegrappa likely made business sense, but was changing a lot of what made the brand distinct. Unsure about his role in brand’s future, Aquila eventually left.

While it's true that every present says, 'I was thinking of you,' it's also unavoidable that every particular type of gift delivers its own implicit message. A kitchen gadget, for example, says, 'I want you to cook us something.' An item of clothing says, 'I want you to wear this,' and a set of tools says, 'I want you to fix stuff.' But a game? That says, 'I want to spend time with you.' Taking the 'aww' factor to an even higher level is the gift of a bespoke game board – personalised specifically for the receiver – which really says, 'See? I have been listening to you all along.'

Designer Alexandra Llewellyn, whose line of exclusive handcrafted backgammon boards has earned her game-world acclaim, is now taking individualised commissions for one-off pieces that convey just that message.

With January behind us – and with that pesky habit of writing '2011' behind the date almost broken – it's about time to get comfortable in 2012. One great way to live the year is to participate, spectate and enjoy one (or more) of the events happening around the globe this month.

Why not try underwater arm wrestling in Russia, or buy a plane at Dubai's 'Big Boys Toys' show? Find out about the most important music festival in South America, or the most anticipated horse race in India, here in the Global Village.