An Editors' Guide to Crowd-Pleasing Christmas Gifts
With the Esquire stamp of approval
Everyone has them: the person who, no matter how well you know them, leaves you stumped when it comes to buying their Christmas gift. The friend, relative or lover whose tastes are so refined, they verge on inscrutable.
You could torture yourself right up until the inevitable, disappointing last-minute dash to the shops. Or you could leave it to the experts – which in this case would be us and Harvey Nichols.
We've scoured the Harvey Nichols gift guide and chosen a few items that are guaranteed to please. Don't worry, we don't expect anything in return.
This gift guide has been created for Harvey Nichols but all products are chosen by Esquire
“What’s the best way of injecting colour into your winter wardrobe? A colourful knit, and this mohair number from Marni balances cosy with cool via its shaggy exterior and warming composition. A cracking gift to throw on for a lazy Boxing Day.”
- Carmen Bellot, style editor
Harvey Nichols X Byredo Bal d’Afrique hamper
Harvey Nichols X Byredo Bal d’Afrique hamper
“Byredo’s Bal d’Afrique is a universal crowd pleaser, loved by even the fussiest of fragrance cognoscente due to its bergamot, violet and cedarwood notes. Naturally then, a hamper, packed with the perfume, body wash and body lotion will have the gift receiver (and those in their presence after they first use it) smiling.”
- Carmen Bellot, style editor
“To call your skincare product ‘The Cream’ – to adopt the definite article – takes confidence. But Augustinus Bader’s celebrity-approved formulation boasts TFC8, a cocktail of ‘natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and synthesized molecules’ that I won’t pretend to understand on any level beyond the fact that it has a visibly positive impact on your skin.”
- Nick Pope, site director
“When in doubt, just go with jewellery, guys. My favourite type of gift is something that I would feel a little bit guilty about splurging on myself. Running the girl math, it's much easier to justify in my head the purchase of new running tights (for my health!) or a new pair of boots (what, am I meant to go barefoot?) than it is for me to rationalise what is essentially an impractical *yet* utterly covet-worthy piece of jewellery. Understated, elegant and just a little bit fancy, this beautiful wear-everywhere (so maybe it is practical after all?) tennis bracelet is a foolproof option for just about any woman in your life.”
- Isabel Frederix, luxury content lead
“The adidas Samba was already the shoe of the year. And then came the latest Wales Bonner x adidas collab, which renders this already-perfect old school silhouette in rich, 70s-inspired brown suede. The fold-over tongue and contrast opening are delicious additions. Buy them for your brother, your boyfriend, your dad – hell, get yourself a pair while you're at it.”
- Reiss Smith, branded content editor
“Have we reached peak Le Labo Santal 33? The fact that it was used as a punchline in the recent romcom ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ demonstrates just how popular this once-niche unisex fragrance has become. Here at Esquire, we’ve run the numbers, read all the olfactory notes and submerged ourselves in the stuff, all in a bid to understand its appeal. Our conclusion? It smells really, really nice.”
- Nick Pope, site director
“Cardigans are definitely a thing again. We’re wearing them in a more refined way than the last time they were a thing, back when indie was life and a pint cost £3. Now, it’s all about statement knits, lux finishes and a slouchy fit. This Nudie Jeans number, knitted from a soft, cosy alpaca blend, fits the brief perfectly.”
- Reiss Smith, branded content editor
“We’re all for morning snowfall, mulled wine, and mince pies, but there’s something to be said about receiving a gift that will immediately whisk you away to sunnier shores. Harvey Nichols’ Greetings from Italy Hamper brings a bit of la dolce vita to your table this December, with pillow-soft panettone studded with cranberries and candied orange and zesty limoncello to pair with prosecco for a citrussy festive spritz. The keepsake hamper and luxurious pantry staples – including authentic Italian olive oil and balsamic vinegar – add real gift appeal and ensure the lucky recipient can savour its spoils long into the New Year.”
- Millie West, food, wine and spirits writer
“Another fancy thing that my head says ‘really?’ to but my heart says ‘yes, definitely’ to – which in my book, is a sign that it’s the ultimate gift. Rendered in chic cream in a cocooning mohair/wool blend, this gorgeous Loewe scarf is the epitome of quiet luxury, while the pastel blue and purple iterations bring sunny optimism to a winter wardrobe of neutrals. Whichever colour you choose, you can’t go wrong - there is not a woman in the world who won’t appreciate this beautiful, practical(ish) scarf in their Christmas stocking.”
- Isabel Frederix, luxury content lead
The Dining Experience Knightsbridge
The Dining Experience Knightsbridge
“Apparently, I’m difficult to buy for. I have very specific tastes when it comes to material goods, but one thing I’m absolutely open-minded about is food. One of my favourite gifts last Christmas was a voucher for a restaurant I'd wanted to try for a while, but hadn't got round to. I’ve already dropped hints about how much I'd love something similar this year, and I’d be thrilled if Santa saw fit to stuff a Harvey Nichols Dining Experience Voucher in my stocking. Madhu’s Brasserie, on the fifth floor of Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, is calling my name.”
- Reiss Smith, branded content editor
For even more winning Christmas present ideas, head to the Harvey Nichols gift guide
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