Christmas presents are a joy to give and a joy to receive. However, it’s not always that easy to figure out what to give, or even what you’d like to receive. Here, we list 10 unique gifts and what to think about when choosing them.
Text: Mikael Vallin
ILLUSTRATION: Sofie Paulsson
Published
2021-11-30
When it comes to finding the perfect Christmas present, most of us will have drawn a blank at least once or twice. The most important thing is to learn what the receiver really enjoys, so pay attention to their tastes and make a couple of discreet inquiries well ahead of time. In the same vein, remember to casually mention things that you yourself might like to receive!
It almost goes without saying that the best gifts are not necessarily those with the highest price tag, but rather those with a personal connection to the receiver. Of course, this may well be something that they would
like but don’t consider strictly
necessary. Below, we list a selection of 10 potential gifts, each of which will add a touch of luxury to their day.
The Dressing Gown
Right off the bat, we’d like to note that we are not talking about a ‘bath robe’ here, though given the scarcity of dressing gowns in the contemporary male wardrobe, it is perhaps not surprising that the distinction has become somewhat blurred. A true dressing gown can be worn as a warm, protective and, above all, decadent extra layer atop your normal clothes, especially when combined with a pair of exquisite slippers harmonising with the darker tones of the gown – a gift guaranteed to be appreciated by the man of particularly sophisticated taste.
The Wristwatch
A high-calibre wristwatch is more than a practical tool for indicating the time – it is also an indicator of the wearer’s style and personality. Of all the items on this list, though, it is a watch that requires the most meticulous research into the wearer’s tastes.
The Cashmere Sweater
You can never have enough cashmere sweaters, and it is this kind of luxury that many people don’t allow themselves. Make sure to find out the recipient’s favourite colour before making your purchase, but note that grey, navy-blue, and camel are particularly good alternatives.
The Model Car
This may be one of the more niche gifts on our list, but for the discerning petrolhead in your life, this scale model Ferrari 250 GTO has a given place on the bookshelf. This replica from Britain’s Amalgam meticulously recreates all design details of Ralph Lauren’s own Ferrari, but on a 1:18 scale.
The Cashmere Scarf
Given its luxurious feel, it is no surprise that cashmere appears more than once on our list, and a high-quality cashmere scarf can be both a stylish accessory and a practical way to keep warm. Choose the shade based on the colours of the recipient’s outerwear.
The Scented Candle
The discreet olfactory luxury of the right scented candle hangs in the air long after the flame has been extinguished, and more upscale variants also tend to make a beautiful addition to the recipient’s home décor. To ensure the candle burns evenly, it is important to keep it lit for a longer period. Otherwise, a small crater may form in the centre, detracting from its pleasing aesthetic.
The Pen
As with many of the items on this list, a well-crafted pen from a specialist manufacturer is not only a joy to use, but also something that can be passed down through generations. Signing your name or filling in your diary will feel that extra bit special with one of these beautiful creations in hand.
The Handmade Shoe
It’s astounding how many men walk around in shoes of questionable quality. With the right pair of shoes, you can get away with a lot more in terms of style. Take good care of them, and they will endure far longer than most.
The Crystal Carafe
Serving a drink from a beautiful crystal carafe provides a moment of timeless elegance, and the carafe itself can be an attractive decorative detail. Make sure not to leave it on the shelf forever though, as it is first and foremost designed to be used.
The Leather Belt
For the man who already has excellent footwear, you can’t go wrong with a matching belt. Brown belts should, of course, be worn with brown shoes, as the true connoisseur knows that the leather of the belt should always match his shoes. Dark brown suede is particularly sophisticated choice.