The Most Stylish Gifts For Every Occasion
No matter who you’re shopping for – from arbiters of style to beauty fanatics and interior-design obsessives – our comprehensive gift guide contains the perfect present for any and every occasion
What to buy for… the sun seeker
Indulge your loved one’s wanderlust with must-have suitcase staples they’ll want to pack for seasons to come. Our top tip? Opt for anything with a pop of color and a modern silhouette. Bottega Veneta’s one-shouldered swimsuit and Missoni’s technicolor stripy bikini will prove worthy poolside staples, while day-to-dusk midi dresses will look chic and won’t take up too much space in her suitcase. Lovers of the sand and sea will naturally gravitate towards tactile textures, too: from raffia and knits to woven leathers and artisanal crochet detailing, such summer-ready pieces are sure to hit the spot. Meanwhile, statement sunglasses from Loewe, silk scarves from Chloé and SPF-infused haircare from Sachajuan are fail-safe choices for any keen jet-setter.
What to buy for… the accessory aficionado
The accessory aficionado understands that while Gucci’s crystal-embellished slingbacks or Chloé’s elevated basket bag may be last-minute additions to an outfit, they nevertheless set the tone for the entire look. Over the past few years, the rise of clickbait accessories such as Saint Laurent’s ‘Manhattan’ shoulder bag and Bottega Veneta’s signature intrecciato leather must-haves has grown, solidifying their status as investment pieces – and dream gifts. With wedding, festival and vacation season on the horizon, the accessory aficionado is no doubt eager to add playful pieces such as Valentino Garavani’s stacked ‘Rockstud’ sandals, Loewe’s leather bucket hat and Amina Muaddi’s ladylike pumps to her collection.
What to buy for… the aesthete
Thanks to a multitude of factors – predominantly the amount of time we have all spent confined to our homes over the past couple of years – the popularity of all things interiors has skyrocketed. As a result, the importance of creating thoughtfully designed spaces to live in – and the impact they can have on our mood and wellbeing – is front of mind for many. There has therefore never been a better time to show your loved ones how much you care by gifting them beautiful objects and curios to adorn their home. No matter the occasion, the aesthete in your life will be overjoyed to receive a cozy cashmere blanket by New York label Khaite, a cult piece of pottery by jeweler and homeware designer Anissa Kermiche, or exquisite glassware from the likes of Helle Mardahl and Luisa Beccaria.
What to buy for… the jewelry lover
The beauty of buying fine jewelry lies in its longevity: you can rest assured that this is a gift that will keep on giving – for months, years, or maybe even generations. When buying for others, sticking to a neutral color palette is the safest strategy – varying gold tones with accents of black or earthen-hued gemstones make for a sophisticated choice that should complement most existing jewelry lovers’ collections. Contemporary designers Melissa Kaye and Jade Trau reinvent classic stalwarts such as the hoop earring or a fine gold chain, while Fred Leighton and Emily P. Wheeler offer dramatic ring designs that will surprise and delight in equal measure. Watches are, fittingly, best selected for their timelessness – opt for iconic designs from behemoth maisons such as Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre, where sleek silhouettes and precious details abound.
What to buy for… the beauty obsessive
It may be a challenge to shop for someone who favors particular beauty products, but introducing them to one of these wish-list must-haves is sure to delight. Skincare enthusiast? BeautyStat Cosmetics’ Vitamin C Serum is a cult product now turned skin staple for good reason – the percentage of vitamin C is high (20 percent), but, more importantly, it is also stable, meaning it doesn’t break down and become less effective. What it does do is deliver better texture, brighter skin and a softening of lines.
Skin so good they don’t need much makeup? Rose Inc Skin Resolution Toner, Nigma Talib ND x Kind.est The Serum, and Dr. Barbara Sturm Neck and Décolleté Cream make the perfect glowing-skin trifecta. But even for those ‘not-so-good’ skin days, there are plenty of options. Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin Foundation comes with high praise – and it’s warranted: skin looks fresh and flawless, without being too heavy. Final flourishes could be a pop of color from Victoria Beckham Beauty (this hot tomato lipstick is guaranteed to liven up any look), bolder, brushed-up brows that frame the face courtesy of Refy, and dewy bronze accents with this easy stick bronzer from Elaluz. Great hair starts with better condition, which is why Augustinus Bader’s Leave-In Hair Treatment is a great partner for those self-care moments. And to turn heads? One spritz of Maya Njie Tobak, a smoky, heady scent, is undeniably hypnotic.
What to buy for… the classicist
There are a handful of enduring and iconic designs that have become bona fide forever pieces. Allude’s cashmere knits, Rails’ silk pajamas or Hermès Timepieces’ stunning wristwatches might appear somewhat minimal, but their appeal is outsized. After all, what could be more alluring than a piece that, given the proper care, will be just as covetable 10 years from now as it is today? The classicist appreciates craft, quality and timeless design above all else, which is why The Row’s butter-soft leather tote bag, Loro Piana’s shearling slippers or Totême’s tortoiseshell sunglasses make the perfect present for her.
What to buy for… the trend-setter
We all have that one friend who seems innately in tune with fashion; who wears the biggest trends and next cult pieces right before they blow up. By nature, the trend-setter is always one step ahead, meaning there’s no better way to surprise and delight her than with an exciting gift from an emerging designer she’s yet to hear of, such as an amorphous gold ring from London-based brand By Pariah. Of course, presenting her with whatever big-ticket item is currently at the top of her wish list (be it Manolo Blahnik’s embellished pumps, Valentino’s fringed poncho or a monogrammed bag by Italian powerhouse Gucci) is also a sure-fire way to impress this discerning fashion fan – which is no mean feat.
What to buy for… him
When it comes to gifting, there are really only two routes to take. On the one hand, there’s the practical approach – namely, investing in classic pieces you know will slot effortlessly into his closet or upgrade the essentials he uses every day. Brunello Cucinelli’s shawl-collar cashmere cardigan is sure to be cherished for years to come, while Tom Ford’s black leather backpack and Valextra’s khaki-green cardholder are luxe accessories that will no doubt be used on repeat. Then again, you could try another tactic and opt for unexpected pieces: Lorenzi Milano’s exquisite wine set is the perfect gift for wannabe sommeliers, while Burberry’s checked umbrella will put a stylish spin on a rainy day. Of course, if all else fails, a heady scent makes the ideal gift for anyone. With a distinctive floral-meets-musk fragrance, Byredo’s Bibliothèque is so good, you might be tempted to keep it for yourself.