Nothing gets the festive adrenaline going quite like shopping for other people. Even the most decisive online shopper can crumble when it comes to gift giving, and the paradox of choice means that while there’s a veritable bounty to select from, finding something that will be liked – or better, loved – without having a mild crisis of confidence (and a hundred tabs open) is no mean feat.

With all the pressure of choosing “the perfect gift”, it’s easy to lose sight of what we’re all looking for in the first place: something that will be appreciated. Whether that’s an artisanal candle, a pair of high-end headphones, or even simply a shampoo that’s a pleasure to use, is all beside the point. What matters is the reaction it will elicit when it’s unwrapped. Nobody wants to be on the receiving end of the classic fake smile-grimace, and a strained, “oh, but you shouldn’t have”, after all. And, not to gush, but nothing feels better than the look on a loved one’s face when a gift goes down well. Indeed, what else do we do it all for?

Luckily for you, you’ve come to the right place. Here at MR PORTER, we like to keep it simple and straightforward. And so, to help you out, we’ve put together a selection of gifts from 10 of our favourite brands that – because of their quality, longevity and charm – you simply can’t go wrong with.

Wireless headphones have been around for more than a decade now, but it’s only in recent years that the results have been truly impressive. (As if two tiny pieces of technology that sit in our ears and transmit soundwaves over Bluetooth wasn’t impressive enough already.) Master & Dynamic is a leader in the field and has created a truly brilliant product with the MW07 PLUS True Wireless headphones. With a noise-cancellation setting ideal for WFH as well as one that also allows you to hear your surrounds when you’re out and about, they’re the headphones of the future. The soft silicone means they fit comfortably into the ears, they’ll play for a whopping 40 hours, and also come with a slick stainless-steel carrier and charging case. Top marks from us.

Founded just over a decade ago by Messrs Igor Duc and John Brunner, two men who bonded over effortless design and superior quality, Native Union makes some of the best-looking home tech in the business. Which in 2020 is particularly useful, because if we’re not using our phones, we’re probably charging them. To keep the whole process as fuss free as possible (and for a gift that everyone with a phone will surely appreciate), see the brand’s home-user bundle. Including a wireless charger, adaptor and USB wire, it provides a stylish way to keep everything functional and organised, as well as acting as a phone stand. Which – and you didn’t hear it from us – is great for watching Netflix on your phone.

Originally painted in 1983, Mr Jean Michel Basquiat’s “Horn Players” is a tribute to the Jazz era, and depicts musicians Mr Charlie Parker, playing the alto saxophone, and Mr Dizzy Gillespie on the trumpet. Featuring jazz terminology and colourful musical notes in Mr Basquiat’s instantly recognisable neo-expressionist style, the triptych has been repurposed here to great effect by The Skateroom, a collective which aims to create social change through art. Reproduced across three maple wood skateboards, it comes with a home mounting kit, and will bring some jazz age cool to a creative office or home space.

While MONTROI is perhaps best known for its leather goods business, it also excels at creating fragrance. The very international brand bases its ethos on nomadism, celebrating what it calls the craftsmanship across the modern Silk Route and the joys of globe-trotting. So it’s easy to see where the inspiration for its set of travel candles came from. Hand crafted in Grasse, the de facto capital of perfume, the trio of votives makes for a delightfully sophisticated gift for the home, with the scents of rosemary, orange blossom or tropical citronella gently filling a room without being overpowering. Eminently stylish, too, they’ll look (and smell) the part on any mantelpiece or coffee table, or even in the bathroom.

The result of unprecedented expertise in acoustics, Devialet’s speakers are noted for their unparalleled sound quality (up to 1,000 times better than rivals, they say). For the music lover in your life, one of Devialet’s Phantom Speakers is the next best thing to a live performance, such is the crispness of the sound. Extra points for its sleek, sci-fi-esque design, not to mention the promise of no distortion, saturation and background noise whatsoever. Made in the distant future. Well, France.

A gift from L’Objet isn’t just a gift – it’s a talking point. The label’s unusually designed candles, incense burners and homeware feature creatures and curiosities that seem to have been snatched straight from a fairy tale. Delightfully named Lynda, this particular character is crafted from porcelain, finished in gold, and filled with four matching plates. For the person who takes pleasure in entertaining, this gift will make for an excellent centrepiece at a dinner party.

Since Mr Frank Smythson designed the first Panama crossgrain leather diary in 1908, his brand has become a byword for old-world quality. Indeed, Smythson’s nine-piece skittle set is housed in a case made from the very same leather as the diaries, while the skittles and balls were crafted in the UK. A throwback to more analogue times, the keepsake set is ideal for a spot of wholesome fun with family or friends. It even includes one of the stationer’s signature notebooks for keeping score.

If there is a man in your life who is obsessed with watches (or you are indeed that man), it’s high time you were acquainted with Rapport London. The British heritage brand has been around for over 120 years, making a name for itself by engineering some of the finest horological accessories in existence, from automatic watch winders to jewellery boxes. This watch box, clad in croc-effect leather and lined inside with suede, has adjustable cushions to fit any watch size, allowing the owner to keep all his collection organised in one place.

Any man who takes care of himself would do well to have Saunders & Long on his bathroom shelf. The grooming brand’s offering of sophisticated, masculine products make for clever gifts that look good and smell good. Two of our favourites from the brand are the detox shampoo and conditioner – they’re both packed with nourishing ingredients to keep hair of all types in great shape, and the architectural bottles are something to behold. Who knew shampoo could look so stylish?

Board games have enjoyed a somewhat unsurprising resurgence this year. And, to be honest, we hope it stays that way, especially when some of the examples on the market are so impressively designed. The detail that goes into Métier’s products is mind-blowing, and this portable backgammon set is, frankly, an artisanal marvel. The board is made up of different colours of laser-cut leather, which are then carefully assembled to make the classic playing pattern. The edges are then painstakingly painted, and even the dice and checkers are made by hand. There are magnets at the end of each cup to hold it securely in place too, making it especially great for on-the-go guys.