THE JOURNAL
The festive season is here again. And it seems to come a little earlier every year, doesn’t it? The reindeer-shaped lights, the jingles, the mulled wine – November arrives and boom, the window displays appear as if by magic. It may seem like too much, too soon, but there are some real benefits to getting an early start on the holidays – particularly when it comes to buying gifts. Why drag your feet when you can get it all done now and then rest easy for the next month? To that end, you’ll be pleased to hear that we, too, have been doing the groundwork to get you ready for the main event.
Last week, we launched our annual holiday gift store (and listed eight very compelling reasons why you should do your holiday shopping in November) to ensure you have plenty of time to find the perfect gifts and impress your nearest and dearest. Now, we know this season is particularly heavy on the wallet, no matter your budget, so we’ve curated an edit of gift ideas that won’t break the bank. From plush winter warmers to By Japan’s sleek tableware and BE@RBRICK’s cult collectables, read on for our selection of the most covetable gifts under £150.
01.
The crafty By Japan coffee pot
With your social diary filling up and the profusion of dinner parties, gatherings and social events you’ll be invited to, you know full well that tableware is always welcome – particularly if it’s as refined as By Japan’s coffee pot, a collaborative design with Japanese hand-blown glass expert Koizumi Glass. Who doesn’t want to impress their guests, after all?
02.
The uber soft Soho Home robe
03.
The mint-hued Acne Studios cardholder
A cardholder may just be the most underrated accessory in a man’s sartorial arsenal, but it’s undoubtedly the most useful – call it a no-nonsense gift, if you will. This Acne Studios’ mint-coloured one, fitted with four card slots, is sure to make a welcome alternative to classic black styles.
04.
The BE@RBRICK cult figurine set
Fans of Japanese music will appreciate BE@RBRICK’s collectables. This leopard-print figurine set, designed in collaboration with music apparel manufacturer Amplifier, pays homage to Mr Kiyoshiro Imawano, dubbed Japan’s king of rock, and his stage alter ego, Zerry.
05.
The multicoloured Paul Smith scarf
Paul Smith’s scarf makes an excellent gift to unwrap – its multicoloured palette, a playful take on the brand’s “artist stripe” motif, is a fun way to inject a hint of personality into dark winter layers. Plus, the wool yarn it’s made from will ensure extra warmth when temperatures plummet.
06.
The checked The Elder Statesman socks
Socks may well be at the top of any fail-safe gift list. But finding a pair that’s different to any other they’ve been given is no easy task… until you see The Elder Statesman’s. Knitted with hints of silk and cashmere, they’re patterned with multicoloured checks that are sure to liven up any outfit.
07.
The Assouline pop art coffee table book
The design-conscious gentlemen in your life know that staying on top of their coffee-table book game is the number one rule to impress guests. And they’re not wrong. This Assouline hardcover book, which traces the pop art movement for the past 60 years through over 180 captivating photographs of art works, fashion, furniture and product design – is guaranteed to do just that.
08.
The JW Anderson logo baseball cap
As simple as it is versatile, JW Anderson’s baseball cap is sure to become a mainstay in any off-duty wardrobe. Made from lightweight nylon, it has a soft cotton lining and aerating eyelets that ensure breathability and comfort.