“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”, so they say. But in reality, it’s a nightmare of parties, events (with social distancing), travel (with safety precautions), and of course, the obligatory presents.
But this year will be different. This year Esquire has your back. And we’re going to be updating this page with all the best holiday gift ideas we reckon you should pick up for the lady/man/dog/goldfish in your life. Or you could just buy yourself something too.
Yes, the festive season is about giving not receiving. But if everyone is true to their word of ‘oh, don’t bother getting me anything’, then a card will suffice. And, better yet, you’ll be in receipt of some of the most glorious wares on offer – of which we’ve curated below. Merry Christmas. To you, chiefly.
So wallets at the ready; here’s are the best holiday gift ideas we can think of:
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DESIGN
Tait Alarm Clock
A good first step to less screentime is to banish your phone outside the bedroom. This retro maple and metal clock is both portable and battery operated. It’s portable enough to go on even the smallest of bedside table.
AED275
Montblanc Fine Stationary Notebook #146
This handsome leather notebook is perfect for jotting down notes, and making lists of things to do. You can also have it personalized via any Montblanc boutique.
AED280
Jabra Elite 85H headphones
These headphones have been styled to both look good and sound good. The 85Hs are the smallest over-ear noice-cancelling headphones on the market, too. Active
AED1,099
Shinola Leather Portfolio
Shinola’s leather case is for the man who needs to carry around gadgets, but doesn’t want the mess. Inside lies clever pockets that will organize and hold everything from tablets to smartphones, and all the relevant chargers.
AED1,450
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GROOMING
Bambusi Bamboo Bathtub Tray
For those who enjoy a longer and more luxurious soak in the tub, this bathtub tray will provide you ample room to bathtime supplies (such as a glass of bubbly) along with a built-in bookrest.
AED220
Santa Maria Novella Bag
This grooming bag hails from one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, and whose products are entirely handmade by Florentine artisans.
AED660
Brooklinen Super Plush Robe
After a soak in the tub there’s nothing more important than protecting yourself against freezing cold AC. This plush robe should do the trick.
AED365
Kelsen Signature Pomade
The Kelsen brand was created by four pro surfers and skaters. It’s produced from all natural ingredients that should provide a solid texture without getting too greasy.
AED110
Tiffany & Love for him
Tiffany & Love for Him is the first men’s fragrance under the creative direction of the brand’s chief artistic officer. It heroes main ingredient Blue Sequoia balanced with wood-infused base notes.
AED450
Brickell Restoring Eye Cream
Everyone is walking around with heavy bags under their eyes, and while there’s no shame in that caffeine really isn’t the answer. Instead, Brickell’s eye cream will sooth and restore those saggy eyes.
AED150
Sukin for Men facial scrub
Men’s skin is often overlooked, and far be it from growing old gracefully – a good skincare routine can keep your face looking healthy for a long time to come. A facial scrub is one of the most important element, and this one from one of Australia’s top skin brands is packed full of all natural ingredients
AED100
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KITCHEN
Masamoto Shiro-ko Hongsami Knives
Just like a Samurai sword, a Japanese kitchen knife will never let you down. This one is forged from ultra hady white carbon steel, and soft iron steel (which aids in sharpening). Bonus: the handles – made from quince wood and water buffalo – will probably attract as much attention as the food
AED2,160
Ember Smart Mug
This temperature-regulating mug might seem a tad overkill, but it will make every cup of coffee taste that much better, and for that much longer.
AED350
A Cook’s Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines
Part recipe book, party memoir, this book charts some of the late Anthony Bourdain’s most spectacular dishes and food memories.
AED35
Bentley Flying B Bottle Stopper
For the Bentley-owner in your life (or just an aficionado of the brand) this polished chrome bottle stop includes the brand’s iconic ‘Flying B’ mascot (it’s basically an expensive hood ornament for your drinks).
AED305
Darth Vader Apron
Because you already think you could rule the galaxy, so why not become lord of the grill, as well.
AED100
Iconics Kitchen Set
For the person in your life who’s just getting in to cooking – or someone whose kitchen could use a refresh – it provides you will all the high-quality kitchen stapes you need.
AED900
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STYLE
Carrera for Dubai sunglasses
These Dubai-specific glasses are based off the iconic Champion models worn by local Emiratis back in the 1980s. The new model features hypoallgergenic lenses, are incredibly lightweight and feature the retro-drastic drop shape that’s favoured by some of today’s most famous athletes.
AED800
Visvim Voyager Moc
The celebrated Japanese shoebrand has inspired near cultish devotion all around the world. They produce shoes that are impeccably designed, but also destined to last the agest.
AED3,150
Bode Tropical Flower Shirt
Because prints are very much in style this year, and it’s never too early to put on a Hawaiian shirt in the Middle East.
AED530
Herschel Supply Co. Duffel Bag
There’s no better bag for hitting the gym or packing for a weekend way than the humble duffle. This from Herschel is lightweight, but can survive a kicking.
AED300
AMI Heart Logo beanie
A good quality woolen hat is useful, especially if you regularly travel to colder climes. AMI is a great place to start, as the French label is very good at making wardrobe basics, well… a little less basic.
AED300
Hugo Boss cardholder and wallet set
A reliable new billfold to replace the dilapidated excuse of a wallet, as well as a fancy Hugo Boss cardholder for when you want to travel light.
AED650
No.One Delta Sneakers
Getting into the world of Sneakers can be a bit daunting. These Deltas will give your kicks a touch of class, and the brand is celebrated by sneaker-heads the world around. Plus, they aren’t so garish that you can’t still wear them with a suit.
AED2,755
Wellen Stretch Chore Coat
This coat is one of the most versatile of the year. Built to go with just about every outfit, the fabric is both tough and breathable.
AED450
Cashmere Blackwatch Plaid Scarf
A cashmere scarf is a style classic that every man should probably own. This one from Joshua Ellis comes in blackwatch plaid pattern, and will never go out of style.
AED550
Dryden Briefcase
Definitely not your dad’s briefcase – this is a stylish but low key-way for you to transport your laptop and whatever else your work might need from meeting to meeting.
AED650
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SPORT & FITNESS
Cubii Jr. Elliptical
Forget standing desks – this is a mini elliptical that fits under your work desk, and lets you burn off the calories from last-night’s festive dinner while you make phone calls. It has eight levels of resistance, and a whisper-quiet design – and you only require 23-inches of clearance.
AED920
Fliteboard eFoil
If you are considering spending the holidays on a yacht, then a make-your-own-surf surfboard might be just the ticket. This one has an electric motor that will propel you effortlessly above the water for a whopping 90-minutes before you need a charge.
AED47,380
Beats by Dre PowerBeats Pro
These are the most comfortable and responsive wireless earbuds ever produced, and while some might be put off by the ‘round-the-ear’ design, that makes them extra snug when you’re pounding the pavement. They are also lightweight, and sweat-resistant.
AED920
Hyperice Hypervolt Plus
Recovery is the name of the game, especially for those who might be jumping in to the gym after a long break away from it all. This strange looking gadget is actually more like a jackhammer, giving your tired muscles a massage when sore.
AED1,600
Smart Yoga Mat
This Yoga mat won’t communicate with your phone, but it is rather clever. There are snaps on the top and the bottom that lock the mat in place (no more curling edges) and when you’re done using it just click the snaps and it quickly rolls up all by itself.
AED300
Wilson Clash 100 Tennis Racket
To fuel those ‘new year, new you’ ambitions, Wilson’s Clash 100 matches flexibility with stability that makes this perfect for mid-level to advanced players.
AED915
Withings Sleep Tracking Pad
This smart device lays under the mattress and sense movement and breathing, then provide you with cold, hard data on how better to get some rest. It is also Alexa-enabled, and can work with your lights and smart thermostat to get the room ready for ideal sleeping conditions.
AED350
Garmin Forerunner
This GPS-watch has become the go-to for sports enthusiasts looking to track their workouts outside. It not only gives you performance stats like V02 Max and different anaerobic training effects, but will also flash up warnings when it thinks you’re pushing yourself too hard.
AED1,285
Aptive Gift Membership
For those who love to stay fit but are constantly on the move, perhaps a gym that lives in your phone is the way forward. This membership gives you unlimited access to workout classes and personal trainers via smartphone.
AED350
CDLP Aperitivo Swimming Trunks
Not all swimwear is designed alike. Some go for performance, while others style. This pair balance both: the midlength swim trunks come with a custom rubber drying hook, a back pocket – built for securing credit cards – and two side pockets.
AED640
Technogym Cross Personal
This year the Italian fitness stalwart partnered up with Technogym, to create workout stations that aren’t an eyesore. This cross trainer also comes with a built-in entertainment console, that will pair up with your favourite streaming services.
AED55,000
RPM Speed Rope 3.0
One of the quickest and easiest workouts around, jumping rope can also be one of the most intense – combining workouts of cardio with heavy footwork. RPM makes a near perfect tope, that will make you feel like a boxer in training.
AED180
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TECH
Bulova Computron Watch
An luxury upgrade from the classic Casio calculator, the Computron provides you with a vintage timepiece with modern elements. You get a red LED display, dual time zone capabilities and it’s even water resistant.
AED1,450
Massdrop x Sennheiser PC37x Gaming Headset
Sennheiser teamed up with the enthusiast community at Massdrop to produce these limited-edition cans. You get better sound than the pair that come bundled in the box, as well as a quality mic for barking orders at your teammates.
AED440
Ricoh GR III
Don’t underestimate its sizes – this Ricoh is a powerhouse of both speed and resolution. It’s one of the best point-and-shoto cameras around, and for someone who looks to dabble in photography – without carting around a DSLR – this one slips easily into a shirt pocket.
AED3,300
Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses
These frames hide a pair of Bluetooth headphones, which will let you block out the sun while simultaneousy listening to music – wire-free – via the built-in speakers.
AED850
Sonus Faber SF16
This speaker was inspired by cars of the 1960s and 1970s, with moveable satellite arms. The speakers are hidden beneath the wooden frame, which looks party Italian yacht and party spacecraft.
AED36,500
Apple Watch Series 5
It’s the best smartwatch on the market, and not just because it is the smartest. Apple lets you customize everything from the dial to the strap with ease, and the newest version comes with loads of health-friendly apps and functions (as well as an always-on display).
AED1,600
NES Classic Edition
Semi-permanently out of stock, Nintendo has said they are bringing back more pint-sized retro consoles in time for the holidays. This comes with an HDMI chord – so it fits any moder-day TV – and is pre-loaded with the best video games, including Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros, Zelda and more.
AED360
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TRAVEL
Lemontec Travel Garment Steamer
It won’t matter if you leave your clothes rumpled on the floor if you have this handheld steamer packed away. Because sometimes, the most practical gifts make the most impact.
AED100
Hermes Bolide 1923 Chimeres Dragon Travel Bag
Hermes holiday collection includes dreamlike creates from Greek mythology. Instead of printing on the bag, Hermes has produced it by a new tufting techniques, made by creating embroidery on leather.
AED58,000
Special Edition World Map Globe
This six-inch globe looks like something that could have been made back in the 1500s (right down to the mythical sea monsters spread throughout the oceans).
AED1,965
Aurola White Noise Machine
Give the gift of sleep on the road. This Aurola noise machine may be small, but it is mightly: there are seven recordings that can loop or break after a certain amount of time. You can choose from ocean waves and rainforests, to howling winds and thunderstorms.
AED90
Casper Sleep Nap Pillow
This mini travel pillow is aimed at those who need a quick kip on-the go. It’s built to last and even comes with a travel-friendly case to keep it in.
AED130
Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella
Blunt’s travel umbrella folds down into a briefcase-friendly size, and is both wind-proof and rip-resistant.
AED220
Apple AirPods Pro
Ever on the cutting-edge of headphone tech, Apple has release a new pair of wireless buds that make a fantastic airline upgrade. Bleeding-edge noise-cancelling tech will drown out the whir of the engine, as well as the snores of your seat-mate.
AED1,000
Away Bigger Carry-On
Carry-on is no longer a preference, it’s a lifestyle. Away’s bigger carry on is just that – plus it comes with a built-in battery (don’t worry, but it is removable for security lines) for charging up your tech.
AED900
Aesop Travel Kit
This little kit of carry-on friendly items has everything you need to stay moisturized and sanitased on any plane, train, bike or boat.
AED185
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WATCHES & JEWELLERY
Carl F. Bucherer Heritage BiCompax Watch
This watch is a ‘bicompax’ model, which means its has two complications: a chronograph timekeeper and a calendar. The watch was inspired by mid-century watch designs, and comes in two models limited to just 888 pieces each.
AED37,450
Hublot Bing Bang Sang Blue II
The Big Bang Sang Blue II is an update of the brand’s collaboration with tattoo artist Maxime Buschi. It features a decorative dial with 3D elements, and Hublot’s patented quick strap change technology.
AED173,700
IWC Picot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire
With a dial featuring both dark green and bronze elements, this striking chronograph was so named after the Silver Spitfire that is currently circumnavigating the globe. It’s guaranteed to be a collectible in the future.
AED22,955
Timex + Todd Snider Marlin Blackout
A classic-inspired timepiece designed by none other than Todd Snider. It looks the business and won’t cost a bundle.
AED700
Saracino Bracelets
Made of semi-precious malachite and pure silver, this bracelet is supposed to denote good luck. It rests on your wrist – near your pulse – and is supposed to promote a calm and cool mindset (but we also think it looks rather good, to boot).
AED1,200
Alex Orso Hex Signet Ring
Jewellery is no longer just for women. If you’re not year ready for a giant knuckleduster from the likes of Versace, Alex Orso offers simpler and more subtle options.
AED735
The Watch Roll
Something to protect all the timeless timepieces in your collection, this leather watch roll is handmade, waterproof, durable and very nice looking.
AED2,850
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Now keep in mind, we’re going to be updating this list all through the holiday season.
Be sure to head back regularly for even more holiday gift guide ideas, as well as – potentially – some all-star experiences guaranteed to impress those special people in your life.
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