Many of our previous gift guides have touted the importance of giving the men in your life gifts that are equal parts practical and luxurious, set to add both function and style to their lives. However, in a time when the news cycle is dominated by fraught international relations and cost of living woes, the pragmatic thinkers among us have steered their focus towards the necessities.
Don’t help them with that. Instead, provide a form of escapism by giving them something wildly unnecessary and wholly unexpected this Christmas. Make no mistake though, impractical doesn’t equate to thoughtless, nor does it mean useless. 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.
Need a gift for the woman in your life? Check out our luxury Christmas gift guide for women here.
1. Piaget Polo Skeleton
This isn’t a watch you own to tell the time. It’s one you have because it’s cool.
2. 818 Reserve Tequila
He probably already has George’s tequila. Get him Kendall’s too. 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. Skyline Chess Dubai Stainless Steel & Marble Chess Set
Chess, but adapted for the inner-city investment banker. Checkmate.
4. The GlenDronach Grandeur 12 29-Year-Old
A delectable symphony of raisin and dark plum laced with cocoa, treacle, and espresso. Or, you could just keep this one for yourself.
5. IKKARI The Body Protocol
Impossibly chic, botanically powered body care courtesy of IKKARI. This set comprises the Ikarian Body Wash, Three Milk Body Cleanser, and Apothecary Hand & Body Balm.
6. L’Epée 1839 Time Fast D8 Gold Chrome Edition Table Clock
Honestly, who doesn’t need a hand-wound gold-plated desk clock reimagined as a miniature race car?
7. 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 bourbon and sherry oak casks, it’s defined by rich notes of dark chocolate, raisins, coffee, and spices.
8. The Folio Society Anna Karenina
Gift him the full spectrum of the human experience this Christmas — in handbound and illustrated format.
9. Reflections Copenhagen Soho Crystal Bookend
Keep the aforementioned human experience in place with these multi-coloured hand-cut crystal bookends.
10. Mecca Cosmetica Great Protectors
Alas, sometimes necessary gifts are, well, necessary. Sunscreen is something that even those with the most perfunctory skincare routine should be using. Sort him out with this set; comprising elegantly formulated body and face SPF50+, they provide broad spectrum sun protection and sink into the skin without leaving a white cast behind.
11. Adidas Gazelles
He’s probably already considered Sambas. Get him Gazelles instead.
12. Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum-Coated Fountain Pen
It’s not a pen, it’s a writing instrument. Write on.
13. Fourth Street Puddle Sculpture Polished Brass
Because sometimes life (or at least one’s desk) feels incomplete without an oversized brass egg.
14. Penhaligon’s The Toy Chest
You’re never too old to experience the joys of an advent calendar. Combining sensory pleasure with aesthetic appeal, this one from British fragrance house Penhaligon’s is our favourite yet.
15. Alpha-H Liquid Gold To-Go
Powered by glycolic acid and enriched with liquorice root, this leave-on treatment is a fuss-free way to revive tired skin this holiday season.
16. Anya Hindmarch Eyes Watch Box
This suede-lined watch box provides the ideal place for the horology lover in your life to store his most precious timepieces.
17. Brooks Brothers Cotton Jacquard Paisley Pocket Square
An immensely underrated accessory.
18. kit: Your Unwind Kit
A tidy trio designed to soothe the skin and mind in equal measure.
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 Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Greek extra virgin olive oil. But cuter than it needs to be.
25. Hermès Rocabar Dog Collar
For man’s best friend (or the kink-inclined).
26. Brunello Cuccinelli Cashmere Chiné Rib Knit Socks
A polite way to tell him to put a (Brunello Cuccinelli) sock in it.
27. The Art Of Ping Pong Printed Wall-Mountable Ping Pong ArtTable
Play the right kind of games.
28. Miansai Fortuna Necklace
For good fortune and prosperity in the new year.
29. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Only if you really love him.
30. CDLP Home Shirt
For sleeping in style. Nab the matching trousers too.
31. Dave Zakin Handsome Planter That Could Use Some Plant Hair
Quick, put some plants in him so he doesn’t feel left out.
32. Master & Dynamic MW09 Active Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earphones
AirPods are so passé.
33. Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Tape Measure
It’s a bit practical.
34. Tsubota Pearl Green Marble Petrol Lighter
Got a light? You do now.
35. Buster + Punch x Travis Barker Skull Table Light
Omg dead 💀.
Words by AR Staff
Feature image courtesy of P.Johnson
