Come the end of December, one would hope that most people already have some form of warm winter coat. But a really good, luxurious, timelessly stylish wool or cashmere coat? Not so likely. This is a gift to really impress – and which will have the recipient easily winning the prize for the best-dressed man on the big day. For a seriously smart look, try this wool and cashmere longline camel coat by LOEWE. Or, for a still-classic but slightly more casual cut, we love this double-breasted dusky green number from Lemaire. Shopping for someone whose style is a little more outré? Go for Burberry’s bold blue checks, complete with shoulder detailing.

Sorry novelty jumper fans, but at MR PORTER, we do not condone this festive tradition. Santa and Rudolph should be kept off clothing items after the age of 10. What we do go in for, however, is a fabulous, fun knit. Cosy, cheerful and great for cuddling in by the fire after a few too many Baileys or buck’s fizz, a knitted sweater is sure to please almost any recipient. Fall on the knitwear masters: PIACENZA 1733, as the name suggests, has been crafting fine knitwear for almost 300 years, but are still ahead of the crowd with its Ikat pattern sweater. The Elder Statesman, on the other hand, has quickly become a byword for statement luxury knits since launching in 2007, thanks to its sublime cashmere items. Or, try this space-dyed sweater, hand-knitted by Uruguayan artisans for Gabriela Hearst.

While it’s easy to focus on the snug stay-at-homers over the festive period, our outdoor-loving friends and family need gifts, too. They’ll be the ones rousing everyone from turkey-induced stupor to stomp through the woods or along the seafront – and you know you’ll feel the better for it. For this man, pop a pair of stylish and hard-wearing boots under the tree. We’ve picked three pairs from Moncler, Diemme and Canada Goose that upgrade the classic hiker style with top-quality materials and detailed craftsmanship. These are boots that will still be on rotation next December.

So, what are they going to cart all their presents home in? A holdall is not only helpful for stashing the stocking contents, leftover booze and five tubs of unused cream in (which is very helpful indeed), but will ensure your giftee looks sharp (and thinks about you) on every trip they take in the new year. For the traveller, wanderer or businessman in your life, we’d choose one of these smart bags from TOM FORD (understated and incredibly suave), Brunello Cucinelli (traditional and ultra-refined) or The Row (sleek and contemporary).

A scarf is a sure-fire hit when choosing gifts. No need to know the measurements of the person receiving it, it need only be attractive, well-made and, perhaps most importantly, beautifully soft. This is something that will be sitting around their neck, after all. A scarf will also last for years if well cared for (and not left in the back of a cab). Wonderfully tactile cashmere in a versatile shade is always a good choice, such as this one from Loro Piana. Or, if you can’t choose one colour, go for two-tone – LOEWE give you two accents in one, finished with the brand’s iconic anagram logo. This oversized Gucci example is also reversible, but features a houndstooth pattern and large logo, making it a top pick for those who want to make a statement.

To top it all off, a beanie. A particularly good choice for those who might be a little follically challenged, a well-chosen woolly hat has the ability to take any outfit up a notch. Our top tip here is to pick a bold and slightly unexpected colour – don’t be tempted to stick to greys and black at this time of year. Shades inspired by the natural world (think blues and greens)are a good bet, such as these from ZEGNA x The Elder Statesman, Stone Island and Auralee. Wrap a super-soft hat this season and watch your loved one’s face light up.