THE JOURNAL
And just like that… the season of giving is upon us, once again. It came around as suddenly as summer left us, bringing with it a niggling feeling of anxiety. Do you already see yourself picking up last-minute gifts at rattling speed come December? You’re not alone.
Not to sound like a broken record, but if there’s anything you can do to make the weeks in the lead up to the big day just that bit more bearable, it’s to be prepped, wrapped and ready ahead of schedule. And if you manage to give yourself time to also put some thought into what to get, and for whom, you may even enjoy the process.
We’ve done our part and put together a comprehensive edit of gift ideas that any recipient would be happy to tick off their Wish List. We present you, then, with MR PORTER’s first gift guide – here, you’ll find everything from big-ticket timepieces from Cartier and IWC Schaffhausen and understated staples for the minimalist in your life, all the way to the best gym kits and little luxuries for the host with the most.
01. For the self-care devotee
There’s no better time to refresh our all-round approach to wellbeing and self-care than the New Year. Call them resolutions, if you will, or simply putting to good use what we’ve learnt over the past year – or just what we’ve found under the tree during the holidays, perhaps. Whether they’re into their journalling, are big on skincare or enjoy spending me-time at home, you’re sure to find something that tickles their fancy. For the former, Smythson’s 2025 leather diary or stationery by Montblanc are sure to do the trick. Brunello Cucinelli’s wash bag is a thoughtful gift for frequent travellers or grooming geeks, while cosy slippers from Mulo or a warming blanket from The Elder Statesman will impress any homebody.
02. For the accessories aficionado
If you’re looking for the kind of gift that you won’t have to keep a receipt for, then a little luxury in the accessories department may be your best bet. You don’t have to have their style down to a tee, nor their measurements – all you want is a backpack as timeless as SAINT LAURENT’s, ZEGNA’s neutral belt or endlessly wearable D-frame sunglasses from Jacques Marie Mage. Should you feel adventurous, don’t shy away from shoes – Gucci’s horsebit loafers and New Balance’s hype-worthy sneakers are some of our favourites. Lastly, the ultimate gift for any accessory enthusiast has to be Bottega Veneta’s coveted intrecciato messenger bag.
03. For the interiors connoisseur
We’re likely to spend most the festive period going from couch to bed (and back to couch), so anything that makes our holiday den that bit cosier, or more stylish, is guaranteed to come with the wow factor. Start with something that serves the very purpose of snuggling up in that in-between period, such as a soft cushion from The Conran Shop or Tom Dixon’s candleholder. Or opt for a gift that brings style and entertainment in equal measure – you can’t go wrong with Métier’s chess set or a highly collectable BE@RBRICK figurine.
04. For the sun seeker
Is your recipient the kind of guy that would happily trade the best parts of winter – the mulled wine by the firepit, the jingles, the holiday parties – for a bit of winter sun? We don’t blame them. And, luckily, our gift guide has everything they need for their next balmy getaway. From a refined, day-to-night polo from Mr P., artfully Jacquard-woven in a checked pattern, to LOEWE’s stylish raffia beach bag and Frescobol Carioca’s Copacabana-inspired swim shorts, these presents are sure to transport them, literally or figuratively, to distant shores.
01. For the stylish minimalist
We all know one of them – and, unsurprisingly, they’re some of the hardest recipients to shop for. Their approach is less is more, so our advice is to look out for the kind of adaptable, well-made staples that can slot into their wardrobe with ease – and that they can keep for years to come. A sophisticated overcoat that can tie both casual and smart looks together, such as Mr P.’s herringbone design, or LOEWE’s as-classic-as-it-gets cable-knit sweater. If they’re into accessories, opt for something that’s just as fuss-free as their sartorial choices, such as a sleek Yvonne Léon signet ring or a timeless Jacques Marie Mage card holder.
02. For the watch collector
Gifting a watch can be a fraught and rather daunting task. It all lies in knowing your recipient’s taste – their lifestyle, how they dress, which metal they most often wear. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you whittle down the options. Those who favour gold and smarter dress codes, for instance, are sure to appreciate Vacheron Constantin’s 18-karat pink gold Overseas timepiece – which has matching luminescent markers and hands, and a handsome croc-effect leather strap – and Gerald Charles’ Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Automatic watch. For silver wearers and sporty types, opt for IWC Schaffhausen’s Ingenieur stainless-steel line or Piaget’s Polo automatic chronograph – we particularly like the exhibition case back, which allows you to admire the intricate movement.
03. For the sports enthusiast
Unwrapping sportswear can come as a bit of a surprise – but it can be the ultimate motivator to get yourself back into a routine after a lounging marathon over the holidays. There’s something for every sports lover at MR PORTER – from running essentials, such as Satisfy’s shorts or ON’s ultra-bouncy sneakers, to outdoors companions from Moncler, DISTRICT VISION and Fear of God and everything in between. And if their ideal pre-NYE plans don’t exactly comprise getting back into the gym, Amalgam Collection’s model car of Ferrari’s 1961 250 GT Berlinetta is sure to impress.
04. For the holidays host
One of the best things about the holidays are the get-togethers – parties, dinner parties, cocktails and the like. We all know that one person who finds joy in getting all their friends together. And we guarantee you that you’ll find just as much joy in turning them into the host with the most. (Plus, you’ll likely be invited to future parties.) L’atelier Du Vin’s sleek PVD-coated steel bottle opener set is a stylish way to get the party started, while Christofle’s Vertigo centrepiece, which they can fill with flowers, fruit or candles, will beautifully set the atmosphere. For the entertainers, you can’t go wrong with Smythson’s card set, which comes in the brand’s signature gross-grain leather case.
05. For the women in your life
If you’ve read this far, chances are that you’re still looking for a gift for her. Don’t fret – Team NET‑A‑PORTER has helpfully shared some suggestions to make the festive period as stress-free as possible. If you’re looking to make a grand gesture, consider By Pariah’s set of three gold and diamond rings, Cartier’s Panthère de Cartier watch or Bottega Veneta’s latest hit in the bag department, the Andiamo tote. Giving items of clothing to someone whose size or personal taste you may not know (read: in-laws) can feel a tad personal, but something as timeless as The Row’s Ophelia sweater, TOTEME’s bouclé coat or Lisa Yang’s uber-soft cashmere scarf are sure to hit the spot.