Many gift guides for men lament the difficulty of shopping for men in general, concluding with the sage advice of giving the guys in your life something known as an ‘elevated luxury’; namely, a product that is both functional and stylish. It’s basically just an upgrade of what he already has or needs — “Oh, he needs a new suitcase? Have you considered…this expensive suitcase? How about a leather luggage tag to go with it??” And that’s fine. Welcome, even.
However, the recipe to a really good Christmas gift for men should contain three key ingredients: flair, whimsy, and a hint of the unexpected. Deliver a form of escapism by neglecting necessity and not only getting him something he wouldn’t buy himself, but something he wouldn’t have even thought to buy himself. Of course, the caveat here is it shouldn’t be bigger than a suitcase or a sentient being; don’t give him the gift of surprise by getting him a greyhound.
A bottle of champagne? Lovely, thanks. A sterling silver compass? Getting there. A gold-gilded chess set with a malachite base? Now we’re talking. The thought would have never crossed Jeff’s mind — his idea of “letting loose” is donning a paisley tie.
These carefully selected luxury Christmas gifts will be appreciated by the men in your life — and all the more so because they’re something he wouldn’t think to buy himself.
1. Dennison ALD Dual Time
Twice as nice.
2. 818 Reserve Tequila
He probably already has George’s tequila. He won’t be expecting Kendall’s. An elegant combination of one-, three-, and eight-year añejos aged in French and American barrels, it boasts notes of agave, vanilla, cinnamon, dried berries, and praline, and comes in a sculptural hand-crafted ceramic decanter.
3. L’Objet + Haas Brothers Stone Chess Set
Mate, you’ve been checked.
4. Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami
A taste of what life would look like without you 😢.
5. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
…but we also don’t trust men who don’t read books by women. Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo’s sprawling love letter to Black Britain, wittily told through the eyes of twelve people over a century, is a good place to start.
6. Apostle St John Mango, Turmeric & Ginger Hot Sauce
This somewhat falls under the ‘elevated luxury’ umbrella, but it makes for an unexpected stocking stuffer.
7. L’Epée 1839 Time Fast
Honestly, who doesn’t need a hand-wound gold-plated desk clock reimagined as a miniature race car?
8. The Dalmore 18-Year-Old Scotch Whisky
We’re cheating here, because this release from one of our favourite Scotch whisky brands is kinda necessary. Aged in American white oak bourbon and Matusalem Oloroso sherry oak casks, it’s defined by rich notes of vanilla, dark chocolate, sweet liquorice, and spices.
9. The Folio Society Wuthering Heights
The book is better. Trust us.
10. Reflections Copenhagen Soho Crystal Bookend
Keep his literary collection in place with these multi-coloured hand-cut crystal bookends.
11. Mecca Cosmetica x Flamingo Estate Set
He wants to have a tomato girl summer too. He just doesn’t know it yet.
12. Odaje André Low-top Trainers
He’s probably has Sambas on his list. Throw him a sartorial curveball with these.
13. Audemars Piguet The Watch – Stories and Savoir Faire
A visually rich depiction of the world of fine watchmaking and the stories behind some of the most iconic timepieces of all time.
14. Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum-Coated Fountain Pen
It’s not a pen, it’s a writing instrument. Write on.
15. Fourth Street Puddle Sculpture Polished Brass
Because sometimes life (or at least one’s desk) feels incomplete without an oversized brass egg.
16. Domaine de la Croix Le Cap
Every time a covert rosé-loving man is gifted another bottle of whisk(e)y, a grape loses its skin 😢. This year, don’t deprive the men in your life of the delicate pink drink they so desperately crave — the Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Champagne Rosé is our pick of the bunch. Crafted from the fruit of over a dozen family vineyard holdings in the villages of Cumières, Damery, Hautvillers, and Verneuil, it has soft berry and floral notes on the palate and proves the ideal pairing for savoury summer meals.
17. Wolf Earth Double Watch Winder
The best place to store a watch is on one’s wrist. This is the second best place. Crafted from apple leather, the Wolf Earth Double Watch Winder has capacity to keep two watches wound and ready for wear, with storage space for an additional three watches.
18. Marvis Cinnamon Mint Mouthwash
So he can swish and spit in style.
19. Frank Green Chrome Rainbow Ceramic Reusable Cup
Shiny.
20. Dolce & Gabbana Porcelain Ashtray
Even the non-smokers will appreciate this one.
21. IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40
Set to be his next daily driver.
22. Georg Jensen Indulgence Champagne Sabre
For the true Renaissance man.
23. Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne
Plus, something to practice on.
24. Yiayia And Friends Olive Oil Gift Box
Greek extra virgin olive oil. But cuter than it needs to be.
25. Hermès Rocabar III Dog Collar
For man’s best friend (or the kink-inclined).
26. Æquo Waxed Armchair
For the man who wants to sit down without being humble.
27. Binu Binu Box Set
A polite way to tell him to clean up his act.
28. L’Objet Spirale Serving Set
This is how we imagine Salvador Dalí ate his mains.
29. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Only if you really love him.
30. CDLP Home Suit
For sleeping and lounging in style.
31. Dave Zackin Big Sexy Vase Face Whom I Am Going To Marry
You can trust him with your flowers.
33. Tiffany & Co. Makers Sterling Silver Compass
It’s a bit practical.
34. Tsubota Pearl Bolbo Stripe Gold Lighter
Got a light? You do now.
35. Ortigia Jungle Pocket Square
An immensely underrated accessory.
36. Studio Story Cement Apple Set
Eve hates this one trick!
Words by AR Staff
Feature image courtesy of P.Johnson
