The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
Whoever you’re shopping for this festive season, our comprehensive gift guide has perfectly packaged presents to suit all styles
What to buy for the self-care queen
Is the person you’re shopping for a homebody whose idea of self-care involves cozy nights in and a pamper session? Do they love creating a calming ambiance with soft furnishings and their signature scent? Luckily, the options for gorgeously spoiling feel-good gifts are endless. Unsure where to begin? Fear not because Loewe has you covered – the brand’s impossibly soft wool-jacquard blanket and matching cushion are a chic addition to any living space. Let the hygge vibes continue with Skims’ ‘Soft Lounge Rib Sleep Set’ pajamas in Frost, Lisa Yang’s sumptuous cashmere socks and Ancient Greek Sandals’ fluffy shearing ‘Vasilitsa’ mules. Elsewhere, Christofle’s ‘Gigogne’ coffee pot – inspired by an archival design from 1926 – offers the perfect start to slow mornings, especially when gifted alongside Mud Australia’s set of two porcelain mugs from our NET SUSTAIN edit.
What to buy for the accessories aficionado
Are you shopping for a style maven who understands the value a great accessory can bring to an outfit? Are they a shoe collector or an expert in the latest and greatest bags? Then you’re guaranteed to impress them with Gucci’s ‘Blondie’ bag – inspired by an archival style from the ’70s, it’s crafted from leather-trimmed canvas in a unique saddle shape that brand fans will love. Alternatively, for someone whose taste is more classic, you can’t go wrong with Saint Laurent’s ‘Le 5 à 7’ shoulder bag, which is a firm favorite of cool girls Zoë Kravitz and Hailey Bieber. Finally, if your loved one is hoping to find a pair of forever shoes under the tree this year, look no further than Manolo Blahnik – the brand’s chic ‘Callamu’ mules come in a suitably festive shade of red.
What to buy for the style minimalist
Impossibly chic, always put together, proud outfit repeater – sound familiar? Finding the perfect gift for the person who eschews passing trends can be a challenge, but we have you covered with these perfect pieces from our carefully curated edit. The trick is to focus on elevated wardrobe staples and foundational building blocks that stand the test of time, such as Toteme’s chic scarf coat in plush wool-blend bouclé or Arch4’s classic cashmere ‘Janelle’ cardigan from our NET SUSTAIN edit. As for shoes, few footwear styles are as timeless as ballet flats, and Le Monde Béryl’s black leather Mary Janes are best in class. Remember, flashy logos are out, but markers of heritage are in. The slinky bracelet strap and square face of Cartier’s ‘Panthère de Cartier’ watch, for example, or the signature intrecciato weave of Bottega Veneta’s ‘Andiamo’ tote are the epitome of pared-back luxury. Minimalism is not just a look, but a lifestyle, so consider fragrance and elegant home additions, too. Scented with notes of myrrh, mastic and opoponax, Astier de Villatte’s ‘Le Dieu Bleu’ eau de parfum not only smells amazing but will look beautiful displayed on a dressing table or bathroom vanity.
What to buy for the sun seeker
If you know someone who’s always consumed by wanderlust, support them in their quest for an endless summer with paradise-worthy gifts. Eres’ ‘Polaris’ bikini top and the matching ‘Galilee’ bikini briefs are cut from their signature Peau Douce fabric that’s sculpting, quick-drying and woven with plenty of stretch, so they flatter the body. They pair perfectly with Matteau’s elegant silk-georgette pareo – printed with a pretty floral motif – and Isabel Marant’s studded leather ‘Lennyo’ slides, should you wish to gift a full look. For the perfect beachy accessories, take a cue from the late Jane Birkin and choose a woven design, such as Loewe’s raffia tote, or gift a pair of Bottega Veneta Eyewear’s sunglasses. If jewelry is more their thing, choose Lié Studio’s ‘The Mary’ necklace – the smooth, blue-dyed jade beads roll effortlessly over sun-kissed skin.
What to buy for the interiors expert
The right interior additions make a house a home, and for the minimalist in your life, the word ‘right’ is likely to mean unique, organic forms, high-shine finishes and a muted palette. Loro Piana’s suede-trimmed cashmere ‘Gobi’ throw is on the money for anyone who dresses their home following the same less-is-more philosophy as their closet. Carefully curated accents are the key to bold yet purposeful design, and lifestyle brands Fourth Street, Louise Roe and Christofle nail it with glossy, organic sculptures and big, ballooning vases. Elsewhere, Brunello Cucinelli’s handcrafted stone carafe, cups and tray set will make a beautiful addition to any breakfast table, while glassware by La DoubleJ or Completedworks is an easy way to incorporate color. Lastly, a crisp home scent, such as Loewe Perfumes’ Cypress Balls fragrance, helps to create that all-important sense of balance and harmony.
What to buy for the sustainably minded
When buying for the conscious shoppers in your life, it’s doubly important to ensure your gift is mindfully crafted. Whether you’re looking for items that are locally made, cut from lower-impact materials or designed with circularity in mind, our NET SUSTAIN edit offers a considered array of presents that will be treasured for years to come. A beloved friend or sister will adore Laura Lombardi’s ‘Moneta’ rhodium- and gold-plated necklace, which has been handmade in New York using a mix of new and recycled metals, or Sophie Buhai’s ‘Metzner’ cuff. Meanwhile, &Daughter’s striped ‘Edith’ polo sweater – hand-linked and finished in Scotland from locally sourced wool – is perfect for cozying up in post-festivities. If you’re looking for something you know they’ll wear every day, Toteme’s belted leather tote is an inspired (not to mention chic) choice. Alternatively, homeware aficionados will love Jia Jia’s beautiful lapis lazuli bowl – the deep blue stone is prized for its calming energy, making it a thoughtful addition to any home.
What to buy for your holiday host
While it can be easy to select a gift for some, others often prove trickier – whether it’s the friend who buys everything they want, when they want it, or the holiday host you’ve not met before. Luckily, there’s a plethora of timeless, treasurable pieces guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. The Elder Statesman’s cozy ‘Watchman’ beanie or Brunello Cucinelli’s cable-knit cashmere sweater will enhance any winter wardrobe, while Aeyde’s ‘Uma’ Mary Janes (a NET-A-PORTER exclusive) will be such a treat to unwrap. Even the person who has everything can’t have too many pairs of pajamas, and Olivia von Halle’s ‘Yves’ silk-satin set feels exceptionally soft against bare skin. For hosts with a magpie eye, surprise them with Lié Studio’s ‘The Vera’ earrings in gleaming gold vermeil. Homeware can also make a gorgeous gift – try La DoubleJ’s set of eight ‘Perfetto’ Murano wine glasses, which will add color and personality to a festive tablescape, or one of Louise Roe’s curvaceous vases. If in doubt, opt for a divine-smelling room spray from Diptyque, or a beautiful Smythson diary to drum up excitement for the year ahead.
What to buy for the jewelry collector
The old adage is true: the best things really do come in small packages. Micro diamonds will be at the top of every magpie’s wish list this year – look to brands like Anita Ko, Stone and Strand and Spinelli Kilcollin for timeless styles with contemporary appeal. To render someone speechless, seek out one of Suzanne Kalan’s jaw-dropping scattered-diamond bracelets or a classic timepiece by Jaeger LeCoultre. For something a touch more personal, consider one of David Yurman’s ‘Initial’ pinky rings in gleaming 18-karat gold or a meaningful talisman – Foundrae’s pendants each represent different tenets through an array of spiritual and mythological symbols. Few gifts will feel more thoughtful.
What to buy for the men in your life
When trying to tick your dad, brother or partner off your list, a fool-proof gift can seem hard to come by. Guaranteed to please are the accessories in MR PORTER’s edit; Jacques Marie Mage’s ‘Theodore’ cardholder and Brunello Cucinelli’s suede weekend bag (both exclusive to MR PORTER) or Anderson’s leather belt will go down a treat. If it’s a gap in their wardrobe you’re hoping to fill, choose a piece with personality, such as Paul Smith’s striped merino wool beanie, or keep things classic with Mr P.’s charcoal wool-and-cashmere-blend flannel coat. For someone special, give the gift of time with a forever watch by Cartier, or opt for for Suzanne Kalan’s 18-karat white gold ring – the top is set with a single princess-cut diamond while the wide band can be engraved with their initials.