20 Last-Minute Gifts That Can Still Win The Big Day

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20 Last-Minute Gifts That Can Still Win The Big Day

Words by The MR PORTER Team

15 December 2023

You’ve made a list. You’ve checked it twice. You’ve found out who’s naughty, who’s nice. But wait, this sheet of paper is double sided? Oh. And because you don’t want those with names that you’re yet cross off to get cross, it’s back to the department store you traipse. Only, don’t go anywhere, MR PORTER has you covered. Below, 20 last-minute items sure to win the day – the big day. And when we say last minute, in some places we’re talking tomorrow, although be sure to check delivery times. Consider this, then, our gift to you.

01. The timeless Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watch

Conceived in colonial India under the last days of the British Empire, manufactured in Switzerland on the shore of the Vallée de Joux, in the heart of the Jura mountains, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso now celebrates the skyline of Los Angeles with this exclusive limited edition. Commissioned by MR PORTER as a continuation of our “iconic cities” series, the watch’s fold-over caseback has been hand-engraved with a view of the city’s palm trees, skyscrapers and the Hollywood hills. Based on the stainless-steel Reverso Large Automatic, the watch’s business side boasts a guilloché dial and blued steel hands.

02. The sublime Loro Piana cashmere and silk blanket

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Craving comfort at this most hibernatory time of year? Cocoon yourself in this Loro Piana cashmere-silk blend blanket, a herringbone hymn to hygge living. Oh, yes, we know this is meant to be a gift guide, but there is very little chance you’re going to want to part with this hand-stitched, chinchilla-soft swathe of snugness. At a push, we might suggest giving it to your significant other, if you think you might be able to share. Just keep it away from the mulled wine.

03. The vulpine Pineider fountain pen

Think not of the popular 2000s web browser, but the Himalayan mammal – often, perhaps usually, known as the red panda – with distinctive orange and black fur. The natural gradient of its lustrous fur is evoked in the barrel of this Pineider Arco Firefox fountain pen thanks to layers of semi-transparent celluloid, which are stacked together before being precision-turned to create the ergonomic shape and colour effect of the finished pen. The palladium clip and cap trimmings bring a perfect contrast while a magnetic closure to the lid ensures it will be safely attached at all times.

04. The on-the-money Berluti billfold wallet

We all have that one friend whose wallet has taken on a life of its own. It’s hoarding paper like the British Library and families of moths have raised generations between its fraying, pocket-worn sides. Rumour has it there’s still a Blockbuster Video rental card somewhere inside. Treat them to a financial intervention courtesy of this Berluti billfold wallet in a deep emerald leather. Carrying the Italian brand’s signature Scritto motif, a cursive debossing taken from an 18th-century French letter once acquired by Ms Olga Berluti at auction, it has 10 individual card slots and space for notes. If they insist on still having a jangling pocket of loose change, that’s on them.

05. The comfy Mulo shearling slippers

Help keep their little piggies toasty and warm with these leather-trimmed, shearling-lined slippers from Mulo. Perfect for the man who loves to lounge, but hates looking sloppy. Or for the guy who just redid his kitchen floors in cold hard marble. Either way, the wearer of these soft somethings will likely never leave the house after the holidays.

06. The SAINT LAURENT mini bag

Elegant, excellently crafted and oh so cute, this teeny messenger bag from SAINT LAURENT is just buzzing to be toted around. Sure, it’s small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in style thanks to glossy black leather and heritage logo clasp. This is not an entry-level bag, it’s for a guy who knows what he likes and pulls it off with aplomb, so choose wisely.

07. The toasty Mr P. cashmere beanie

Beanies are about as utilitarian as you can get when it comes to winter-season gifts. Therefore, they are always appreciated, especially when they’re knitted in luxurious cashmere. Our in-house brand Mr P. hasn’t reinvented the wheel here, but that’s the beauty of this rib-knit cashmere hat. It’s perfectly simple and perfectly warm and perfect for anyone on your list.

08. The out-of-this-world Sonic Editions Moon print

Here’s a moon shot: get an arty gift for someone who appreciates historical moments – the Moon landing is commemorated in this Sonic Editions print – and cool pics. A piece of art may seem too personal to buy for someone else, but the appeal of this image is that it will likely go in any home thanks to the minimalist framing and tendency to evoke “Oh, cool” responses.

09. The TOM FORD everyday backpack

Once they’re back to the daily grind, there’s nothing they’ll appreciate more than a stylish commute companion – particularly one that’s as practical and versatile as this TOM FORD backpack. The croc effect on the tactile nubuck gives it a refined touch that complements suits and dress-down Friday attires in equal measure.

10. The Elder Statesman’s plush cashmere socks

When it comes to solid (and cosy) staples for winter, we can’t help but think of The Elder Stateman. These Yosemite socks, for instance, are far from ordinary – the extra plush cashmere yarn and light ribbing at the cuff set them apart from any other pair they’ll receive in their stocking.

11. The handcrafted Brunello Cucinelli mahjong set

If you’re anything like us, you’re likely to spend most of your time between Christmas and New Year hibernating. Which is why Brunello Cucinelli’s mahjong set makes such a handy gift. Crafted in the brand’s Solomeo workshop from walnut wood and Krion using time-honoured techniques, it’s sure to liven up dinner parties and lazy Sundays alike.

12. The earthy L’Objet scented candle

They may have amassed their fair share of candles over the past holiday seasons, but don’t for a second assume that L’Objet’s earthy candle is just “yet another candle”. It’s made in collaboration with Lito and scented with green vetiver. Look closely, and you’ll spot the evil eye, an ancient symbol that’s believed to bring good luck and positivity, while protecting from harm and negative energy.

13. The miniature Amalgam Collection car model

For those gearing up to the holidays without a plan, this Aston Martin DB5 model by Amalgam Collection is the perfect thought-out gift for that car-obsessed loved one you’d like to splurge on. This limited-edition miniature of the ultimate James Bond car has been thoroughly researched and handcrafted by skilled artisans using official specs supplied by Aston Martin. Every tiny detail has been replicated, from the leather interior to the polished silver bodywork.

14. The cute Burberry bear keychain

An adorable and compact charm, this Thomas keychain by Burberry is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Named after the brand’s founder, Mr Thomas Burberry, the little blue teddy bear is cosied up in the snuggest signature blue-and-white blanket made from a wool and cashmere blend. It’s small details like this that remind us that everyone’s keys need a bit of TLC.

15. The timely Smythson 2024 diary

Now we all have Google Calendar, who uses a diary? Well, if it’s a thoughtful gift from you, they might. And it’s about time we go back to the good ol’ paper days. Especially if it’s with this cross-grain leather-bound Panama diary by Smythson with a practical week-to-view layout and chic look, which is, er, bound to be a trusted companion for the new year ahead. It’s classic and handy, and your recipient will be thinking of you every time they write something down.

16. The snug Gucci wool scarf

Speaking on behalf of everyone out there currently suffering from a cold: protecting your neck is the first line of defence against yet another cough. At least that’s what the doctors (and Italian nonnas) say. This chic and oversized scarf by Gucci has been assembled in Italy from 100 per cent wool to keep you snug and cosy all winter long. Plus, it’s reversible, so it can pair well with practically any outfit. A stellar candidate to fill a stocking – or keep for yourself.

17. The problem-solving LOEWE Puzzle bag

What’s the puzzle we’d most like to find under the tree? Forget the 1,000-piece jigsaw – we’ll go for Mr Jonathan Anderson’s signature messenger bag for LOEWE, if it’s all the same. Speaking of all the same, its geometric lines and cuboid shape make it far more distinctive than all those nebulous segments of sky we always get stuck with, no matter which tab we stick into which blank.

18. The classic Buccellati leather backgammon set

Backgammon has come a long way, from the tables of Mesopotamia some 5,000 years ago in proto-form, to the gaming parlours of 17th-century England via Ireland. But doubtless it has rarely looked as rarefied in its travels as in this cross-grain leather-bound Icona set by Buccellati. It certainly has more longevity than, say, Buckaroo.

19. The Impossible Collection art book by Assouline

They’ve got every coffee-table book going, even the one about coffee tables? Lay this Impossible Collection Of Art one on them (figuratively). Compiled by art dealers Messrs Philippe Ségalot and Franck Giraud, it features 111 pieces from the 20th century, spanning the modern, post-modern, minimalist and surrealist art movements. They’ll never have seen anything like it, at least not in one place.

20. The sculptural Tom Dixon wine set

Never canter with a decanter. Sound advice when handling this Tank set by London-based product designer Tom Dixon, comprising two low-ball vessels and a mouth-blown glass decanter with a stopper. Perfect for when they’ve cracked open a bottle of something special (again, careful with the glassware).