This is always fun. Each year the gift guide is an opportunity for me to mention non-menswear, or at least menswear-adjacent, products and brands. And given PS readers are fussy (perhaps we should we say discerning?), it also necessitates unusual or at least mildly surprising choices.
This year those choices seem to be rather expensive; perhaps the eye has been a little too greedy. But they are all beautiful and special, worthy of attention and a place in that discerning home. Next time we’ll err more towards the affordable. Probably.
By the way, the nature of classic menswear means that most of the things listed in previous gift guides are still available – so do browse those if you haven’t before. Search for ‘Christmas gift’.
$550
Le Combray is a small vintage shop in Hong Kong, known for the very high-end pieces they have from French makers, such as Arnys and Charvet. But while the supply of those has slowed down, it’s still worth keeping an eye on. Following them on Instagram is probably the best way.
This keyring, from the legendary Parisian house Sulka, looks ingenious, simple and beautiful. If I didn’t already have a keyring, I’d buy it. In fact I’m going to guess there’s a good chance it will have sold by the time you read this, given the enthusiasm of readers for such things. But you never know.
The Real McCoy’s deerskin gloves
£180
We’ve covered makers of fine, smart gloves fairly extensively, but little that’s heavy duty. And just like I don’t wear my flannel trousers to the park at the weekend, I don’t put on hand-sewn peccary to take my daughter to the playground. There’s too great a chance I’ll be given a pile of wet leaves to hold as part of some inscrutable game.
These Real McCoy’s ones are what I wear, because they’re still high quality but made to be tougher than dress gloves. They’re described as motorcycle gear but they don’t really look it, and anyone that knows leathers will appreciate how nice deerskin could be on the skin.
€525
Lorenzi is probably be the perfect place to source luxurious presents for a PS reader. Everything is beautiful, responsibly sourced, made in Milan, and the sheer size of the range means there will be something they don’t already have. That shaving kit shown at top is one of theirs.
My eye is on one of these trays though, as we need one for taking food or drinks into the living room or bedroom. You can go for a simple shaving brush though, or something weird and just plain evil-looking, like the oryx shoehorn.
£590
We’re going to be covering Métier in detail soon, but the thing that I like about them is the combination of quality and functionality, in what could appear to be a pure fashion brand.
This wine-bottle carrier has all those qualities – top-quality materials (calf leather, alcantara, water-resistant linen) in a functional design, designed to meet a particular need. One for the guy that already has everything (probably a fair few PS readers).
£395
The Royal Mint – the actual company that makes coins in the UK – has shifted focus since people largely stopped using coins. Now it sells collectibles and has a jewellery company, 886 (the year the Mint was founded). There’s a shop in the Burlington Arcade.
This all feels rather weird – like the Prime Minister selling you earrings – but one advantage the Mint has is its machinery, which allows it to forge silver rather than casting it, as most companies would. This makes the metal 30% denser and harder wearing (like a coin). If the jewellery appeals, that’s a nice point of difference. If not, this pen they did with Yad-O-Led is something I have and also a nice gift.
Johnston’s cashmere hot-water bottle
£225
I don’t really use hot-water bottles, but everyone else in my household does, and a good cover is apparently crucial. They’d never buy a cashmere one like this, but if I can afford it maybe I’ll get one for them. Something you’d never buy yourself is always a nice reason for a present.
Johnston’s has just opened a new shop in the Burlington Arcade too by the way, which is welcome, as the previous one was way up at the top of Bond Street.
£190
Something else I can imagine a reader not buying for themselves is a really good bow tie. After all, they’re unlikely to wear black tie that often, and everyone else will be making do with a cheap ready-tied one.
I’d argue a one-piece, well-tied bow tie really makes an outfit, however, given its prominence. A good one would be from La Bowtique, particularly if the style is picked to suit the face of the receiver (perhaps include a gift receipt so they can swap for another size or style if they want to).
Edwardian diamond and enamel cufflinks
£1,650
One way to get really precious, unique and often good value jewellery is to buy it vintage. My favourite place in central London for this is Gray’s Antiques Market, just by Bond Street station. It feels incredible that this kind of place still exists so centrally – that it hasn’t been developed already into anonymous flats or an LVMH brand.
This is a lot of money to spend on cufflinks of course, but surely cufflinks these days are special-event jewellery, no day-to-day accessories. If so, they should be this special. Most men won’t wear more jewellery than a watch, cufflinks and a wedding ring, so they can be special.
