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Christmas 2014: 19 best menswear gifts
From Ralph Lauren knitwear to Comme des Garcons Converse, Lee Holmes has the pick of the gifts for the well-heeled man in your life.
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Whether he's well-dressed and hard to please or a trackies kind of guy in need of a sharpen up, there's a menswear gift for that.
1. Scarf: £115, whistles.com
This eye-catching shocking pink scarf is the ultimate in festive neck wrapping. Made from a luxurious Italian alpaca yarn the vibrant hue will ensure you stand out in a sea of traditional grey scarves.
2. Hip Flask: £95, uk.coach.com
Keeping the cold at bay isn’t only about dressing the part and wrapping up warm. Occasionally a wee dram of whiskey is the only thing that will help keep winter chills at bay. For any such emergencies keep the whiskey in this leather bound flask from Coach.
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3. Diary: £180, smythson.com
Start 2015 as you mean to go on with this fancy gross grain leather bound diary from Smythson’s. With a week to view page layout there’s plenty of blank pages at the back for industrious note taking.
4. Bag: £1,095, alexandermcqueen.com
The current vogue for metallics isn’t one of the easiest of trends to pull off — there’s always the fear you’ll end up looking like the Christmas turkey. Instead keep any metallics to an accent; this gold geometric print weekend bag from Alexander McQueen is a master class in how to do it.
5. Candle: £60, selfridges.com
A candle whose fragrance is inspired by one of our greatest poets – Byron – is an ideal Christmas gift for any aspiring writer. Black pepper, vetiver and brandy combine to create a sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for dashing off your own epic prose.
6. Hat: £45, orlebarbrown.co.uk
Orlebar Brown are obviously the go to brand for swimwear. But the label now also do a nice sideline in clothing for those of us that live in colder climates. This lambswool reversible beanie hat in bright green adds a pop of colour to a Christmas stocking.
7. Converse: £100, shop.doverstreetmarket.com
The Comme des Garcons collaboration with Converse is a textbook example of designer fashion meets street style. Such well-heeled feet will work with both a pair of jeans or a smart trouser.
8. Tote: £150, cosstores.com
This leather tote from Cos has everything you will ever need in a day to day bag. Having multiple compartments and a padded area for laptops, it even has a hook for your house keys ensuring you’ll never misplace them again.
9. Socks: £20, folkclothing.com
Socks given at Christmas are usually left at the bottom of a draw for the rest of time. Not so with this quirky pair from Folk. The graphic print and chunky knitted wool will make them a firm favourite.
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10. Primary Hands Watch: £190, jackspade.com
This black coloured watch from American brand Jack Spade is given a 1980’s style twist with primary coloured watch hands. It also shows the date and is water resistant to 5 metres.
11. Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallet: £85, mrporter.com
If you’re looking for a wallet that can store a little of everything – coins, cards and notes – this half zip wallet from Marc By Marc Jacobs does it all. The jazzy zigzag print makes it easy on the eye too.
12. Jumper: £1,125, ralphlauren.co.uk
Faire Isle knits are two a penny at this time of year, so add a burst of colour to yours with this neon hand-knitted jumper from Polo Ralph Lauren. This merino wool crew neck is a bold way to dress for the festive season.
13. Underwear: £45, acnestudios.com
Don’t waste your money on novelty underwear this year and instead invest in a pair that’s going to last. Swedish brand Acne have recently launched a men’s underwear range with a selection of colours from white, black, military green to putty.
14. Cuff links: £160, thecorner.com
Add a touch of insider fashion knowledge to your party tuxedo with this pair of cuff links from Belgian designer Raf Simons.
15. Gloves: £80, allycapellino.co.uk
Leather gloves are a fail-safe Christmas gift option. So push the boat out this year with this pair from Alley Capellino in the softest brown leather.
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16. Shoes: £499, mrhare.com
Every gentleman worth his salt should own at least one pair of Derby style shoes. This black leather pair from Mr Hare are made from Italian leather and have a snug toe shape so they’ll work well with skinny trousers.
17. Key ring: £325, fendi.com
This gun metal brass key fob from Italian label Fendi is the ultimate Christmas gift for the man that has everything.
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18. Snowdon by Anthony Armstrong-Jones: £38.25, amazon.co.uk
After a career photographing fashion, theatre and royalty, this book by Anthony Armstrong-Jones is a thing of visual wonder. It also includes previously unpublished pictures and letter.
19. Bike Helmet: £1,778, versace.com
This is the ultimate in flash when it comes to biking it around town — a helmet by Versace. Be safe and be seen!
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