THE JOURNAL
Do we detect the aroma of cinnamon and clove on the breeze? Is that the faint sound of bells jingling in the distance? It can only mean one thing: the festive season is upon us once again. And while you may feel that it’s too soon for tinsel and Ms Mariah Carey, it’s never too soon to get ahead of the gifting game.
Speaking of which, did you know that MR PORTER launched its holiday gift store last week? Yes, it’s early, we get it. But we wanted to give you ample opportunity to get your shopping out of the way as soon as possible so that you can relax and enjoy the festivities when they actually kick off in, er, about six weeks.
And to get you started, we’ve picked out eight fail-safe gifts from the guide that are sure to please – from scented candles and luxurious backgammon sets to the perfect scarf. Buy them, wrap them, and forget all about them until December.
01.
The big Acne Studios wool scarf
Any list of fail-safe festive gifts must of course include a scarf, and this one from Acne Studios is a barnstormer. The felted wool is soft and the pale army-green colour is on-point, but what really sets this scarf apart is its size. At nearly two metres long, it’s sure to keep your neck – and the rest of you – toasty this winter.
02.
The Assouline Moon Paradise hardcover book
A coffee-table book is more than a book; it’s a piece of interior design, too. We’ve used this opportunity to highlight just one book – a curation of images centring on the celestial body orbiting our own planet, the Moon – but Assouline publishes volumes on a wide range of subjects, from food and travel to the history of art, fashion and design, so you’re sure to find something he’ll love.
03.
The Sonic Editions Mercedes print
Art lovers with wall space to spare are sure to love Sonic Editions’ selection of limited-edition prints, which focus primarily on subjects from the worlds of music, sport and cars. It’s the latter in the frame here, specifically the 1956 Mercedes Benz 300 SL with its iconic “gullwing” doors. And if he’s not a car guy, don’t fret – there’s plenty more to choose from.
04.
The Tom Dixon scented candle
Nothing says festive merriment quite like gathering around an open fire, but if you don’t have a fireplace, then this fab scented candle will do in a pinch. From Tom Dixon, the British interior famous for introducing raw industrial materials to the home, Fire is a warm and smoky scented candle that’ll bring the holiday spirit into any room.
05.
The TOM FORD leather tote bag
You can’t go wrong with a gift from TOM FORD. Well, unless you buy the wrong size, that is. Happily, there’s little risk of that happening if you stick to accessories. This beautiful black leather tote bag – made from butter-soft leather and finished with the brand’s trademark heavy-duty gold-tone hardware – is sure to go down a storm with your intended.
06.
The TRANSPARENT SPEAKER transparent speaker
Blending audiophile sound quality with cool industrial looks, the TRANSPARENT SPEAKER – a kickstarter success story from Stockholm, Sweden – is guaranteed to be one of the most unique gifts they receive this year. And, in a challenge to throwaway consumer culture, it’s designed so that you can easily switch out and upgrade individual components.
07.
The Missoni Home Jacquard throw
A nice throw is never an unwelcome gift, and this one from Missoni Home has the distinction of being very nice indeed. It’s a fine example of the Italian knitwear and lifestyle brand’s signature style, which involves multicoloured yarns being woven together to achieve a psychedelic TV-static look.
08.
The Smythson leather backgammon set
Smythson, the historic London stationery and leather goods specialist, turns its craft here towards the humble backgammon set. Lined in the brand’s signature cross-grain duck-egg blue leather, it makes for a stylish way to pass the time over the festive period. It certainly beats falling out with your family over Monopoly or Risk, anyway.