I’ve been writing gift guides long enough that some former recommendations have gone out of business (or worse). If you’re dying for advice from yesteryear you can read vintage gift guides here or here or an indulgent one I did for the FT, where money was no object. This newsletter never set out to be a selling tool—we all could use fewer things not more. But there’s special pleasure in giving somebody you care about an enlightened gift that makes perfect sense for who they are.
There are world class gift givers, like my mom, who’s always on the lookout for something unique and special. She also has the discipline to keep the present safe in a drawer for months until Christmas—I can never wait that long! Another ideas is to visit Japan in November. You could fill a suitcase five times over with presents from Tokyo and Kyoto (and have them wrapped beautifully to boot).
The rest of us have to make do with what’s around us (which naturally includes the internet). The goal is to avoid the reluctant present. You know the one—bought at the last minute, when ideas are low and tension is high. This is the dreaded Default Gift. The sad Father’s Day tie, a sweater in an overly vivid color (“I thought it could brighten you up!”), or anything that ever came from The Sharper Image.
So here are some general giving principles and specific examples that hopefully make your life easier and somebody else’s life a little better.
For those new here, I just recommend things I like. There are no affiliate links.
SO WHAT MAKES A GOOD GIFT?
-A better version of what we use everyday. It can be hard to go all the way for yourself; it’s nicer to do it for somebody else. If they go on about coffee it might be time for your true love’s first Moccamaster. Yes they have a row of books by their favorite author—but what about a rare first edition?
-Something indulgent to eat or drink. Nobody ever said no to a bottle of Champagne. And they really never said no to a magnum of Champagne. (When in doubt go for Blanc de Blancs). They’re sober? Caviar and chocolate are great. So is olive oil that looks so nice they won’t want to use it. Have you been in Eataly lately? Get past the tourists and there are so many great things. If you get one of their white truffles you’ll be remembered forever!
-A cultural membership or subscription. Memberships are good! In New York cinema lovers have Film Forum and Metrograph, the rest of the world has Criterion so your friends can catch up on all the Renoir films they claimed to have seen. Art lovers would be happy to join the Met or the Frick or the Morgan Library (feels like MoMA has enough money). What about a year of the New York Review of Books or the London Review of Books? You can even give somebody a year of a newsletter (shocker!).
-An annual tradition. If you give somebody a Smythson diary every year that’s great. Something to look forward to and a celebration of continuity.
DESTINATIONS: These are places I return to for gifts, ideas and inspiration.
-Chiarastella Cattana. My favorite store in Venice and home to some of the best textiles anywhere. From towels to pillows—everything here is an absolute delight. These placemats are terrific and these napkins just make me happy.
-Tortoise General Store. For Hasami porcelain, for children’s toys and clothes, for Japanese kitchen goods, this is the place. These bamboo bowls are lovely and these clippers should be destined for the gardener in your life.
-John Derian. John Derian is great year-round but they go all-in for Christmas. There’s a line out the store for goodness sake. This vase is great and you can go to town on any of these cutting boards.
-Plain Goods. The tremendous store in New Preston, CT, that has plenty of home goods (reasonable) to wild antiques and vintage furniture (off the charts). This stoneware pitcher is charming and this cashmere throw is lovely.
-Wms&Co. Great site for design-lovers that’s not cold and withholding (the way some design people can be!). These ceramic bookends are great. If you’re going to have a tape dispenser might as well make it good.
CLOTHING. Good things for men and women close to you—and some ideas for yourself further down the road.
-The Iconic Mackintosh Raincoat. When a storm rolls in then be ready for the elements in style.
-Crockett & Jones Velvet Slippers. Wear them inside wear them with a tuxedo. Once somebody has these (sizing is a bit tricky) they’ll be very happy.
-Drake’s Unicorn Wool Scarf. Any Drake’s scarf will be wildly appreciated by a stylish man or woman.
-Massimo Alba Cashmere Turtleneck. It’s hard to buy clothes for your girlfriend or wife. So keep it simple and keep it cashmere.
-J. Mueser Polo Coat. Get in the double-breasted overcoat game and don’t look back.
-Tom Beckbe Piedmont Jacket. This waxed cotton jacket is near and dear to all who wear it.
-Sid Mashburn Sports Shirt. One of the easiest gifts you can get for any man in your life. They are so good, so many styles, great customer service.
-Campbell’s of Beauly Cashmere Scarf. A bulletproof gift for any person of any age. If you want to step into the deep end then try this cashmere throw.
-Wythe Barn Jacket. Easy does it.
-Gitman Oxford Shirt. Have been wearing this great shirt (made in USA) non-stop since I got it.
THE DANGER ZONE. Grandiose ideas you probably shouldn’t have.
-North Fork Ironworks Asado Grill. My friend Brendan McCarthy makes Argentinian style grills and they are incredible. Why go to Patagonia when you can grill an entire lamb right in your backyard?
-Spinoza. I hesitate to send any anglers here—these are wild bamboo rods, archival reels and things you literally can’t get anywhere else. Priced accordingly.
-Berkel Meat Slicer. I recommended this last year in the FT and still want somebody to buy it. Now on sale—under $6500. Think of it as a piece of art that also slices ham!
FRIENDS & FAMILY. From Emilie and the Coggins.
-A Clementina Suit. For your better half (which is the tailoring company of my better half. Also winning shirts, safari jackets and overcoats. Book an appointment and it’s a lovely surprise.
-Paris in Winter. The new edition of my dad’s book (with additional artwork and an updated introduction) is out now, (you can DM him for signed copies).
-The Believer or The Optimist. My books for the angler or travel lover in your life. You can order nicely wrapped copies from Three Lives (where you can get any book you need sent beautifully).
OTHER IDEAS: Brass candlesticks / Vintage Ghurka bag / Visit to Crowley Vintage / White Filson tote / LL Bean boots of any era / Old Ginori ashtrays / Ceramic sake bottle / Tramp art frame / An Audubon print / A mixed case of wine from Kermit Lynch.
Hopefully we all make it through another hectic holiday season. In the end, after the presents are opened and the feast is over, you can sit by the fire with people you care about and think about simpler things and vow that next year you’ll just go to Venice.
Last year I cut out your list from the FT, so that when my wife says "I never know what to get you, you're so difficult" I can just wave it around. I think if I had the meat slicing machine for example I'd be more likely to always have jambon iberico on hand.
What usually happens is that days before Christmas we go to our excellent local antiques shop and pick things out like the brass candle sticks which come in ever so handy when the electricity goes out. Or the Peugeot coffee grinder, or the Femoka espresso maker or champagne cups (sp?).
I've enjoyed looking at the rare book sellers website on this years list and I like the napkins and place mats from Venice and the lagoon pillows. Not to mention the safari suit for my wife and the Coggins books (pere et fils) I'm sure I'll find lots of other things besides. Thank you. There is such a lot to sift through that one is really grateful for The Contender. Also I can see that tangentially ( if that is the word) the small company I work for made it on the list which I find pleasing to no end.
You just made it easy for me to find things for the hard to please. Bless you.