Friends, the holidays are full of tradition, and what’s more traditional than the idea of the gentleman? The Oxford dictionary defines a gentleman as a chivalrous, honorable or courteous man; although I think of the concept of the gentleman as increasingly gender-nonconforming, as well as extending to a sense of personal style that leans heavily on vintage-inspired and luxury pieces with a fancy feel.
The Guide To Buying For Gentlemen: 20+ Luxe, Vintage-Inspired Gift Ideas
Personally, I’m a fan of fictional gentlemen like James Bond and Sherlock Holmes (most especially those characters as played by Daniel Craig and Benedict Cumberbatch) and real gentlemen like the late Cary Grant and Sir Michael Caine, whose gracious manners and classic style are matched only by their wits and talents. So, if you or someone in your life loves the time-honored look of the gentleman, here are 20+ gift ideas that are sure to delight.
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Classic Style
The tried-and-true, classic staples — the “basics” that are anything but.
1. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Quarter-Zip Sweater
Every aspiring gentleman needs a cashmere sweater. A gentleman should look comfortable, commanding and, importantly, inviting to snuggle. Hence, the Quince Mongolian-cashmere quarter-zip sweater.
2. Magee Liffey Donegal Tweed Jacket
For warmth and tradition, this Magee Liffey Donegal Tweed Jacket in Brown Check will layer over the cashmere sweater. Nothing more than the blazer should top the cashmere, even in subzero weather, because a gentleman is their own heat source.
3. & 4. Hermés Pocket Square & ETON Pocket Square
And, of course, a true gentleman should show just a hint of personality in their selection of a pocket square. The ETON Reversible Medallion-Print Wool Pocket Square and Hermés’ Luck Pocket Square are both gorgeous.
Leather Accessories
Nothing speaks to traditional style better than natural leather pieces.
5. Leather Apple Watch Band
Important documents have to be handled in a timely manner, so your gentleman probably needs a watch to match his shoes and briefcase. It’s 2022, so digital watches are in, but the Portland Leather Apple Watch Band keeps the look classic. (It’s sold out right now, but Shinola makes a nice — slightly fancy — one too).
6. Time Resistance Leather Briefcase
The gentleman should have important documents that require transportation. The Time Resistance Leather Briefcase is a classic option.
7. Beckett Simonon Cohen Loafers
Transporting said important documents requires striding confidently down untold numbers of jet bridges and corporate hallways. Hence, the Beckett Simonon Cohen Loafers.
Cashmere Accessories For Winter
The gentleman never admits to a chill, but they do don cashmere winter accessories because they convey class and luxury and enhance their overall look.
8. Burberry Giant Icon Check Scarf
With soft cashmere, the signature check pattern and slim fringe, the most classic of classics is the Burberry Giant Icon Check Scarf.
9. Naadam Cashmere Solid Scarf
This simple and luxe Naadam solid-colored cashmere scarf is also a wonderful option.
10. J.Crew Cashmere-lined Leather Gloves
I’m hoping that a gentle person in my life may someday need to whisk me around in a Porsche, and I’d like to see them wearing these cashmere-lined leather gloves from J.Crew as we speed along the winding hills of the French Riviera.
Luxe Grooming
Masculine fragrances, barber-inspired shaving sets…the things that gentlemen should have when it comes to personal, luxurious grooming.
11. Vilhelm Parfumerie To My Father
A true gentleman should have a signature scent, and it should not be easily recognizable. For a niche scent that reads masculine, try Vilhelm Parfumerie’s To My Father.
12. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir
Or if your gentleman wants to convey great security in their masculinity, go for a unisex and slightly sweet scent like Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir.
13. BEY-BERK Chrome 4-Piece Shaving Kit
For facial hair, the gentleman requires a shaving set that harkens back to the days of badger brushes and the necessity of lathering one’s soap at length while discussing the news of the day with an actual barber. For that, gift them the BEY-BERK Chrome Fusion Razor & Brush Four-Piece Shave Set.
An Update to the Bar Cart
Any gentleman worth their salt will have a home-bar setup. How else would one entertain other gentlemen? Even if one is not a drinker, one must have high-quality spirits and glasses on hand to offer others.
14. Cask Cartel Japanese Whisky Tasting Set
Your gentle person will undoubtedly appreciate receiving the Cask Cartel Japanese Whiskey Tasting Set.
15. Benromach Scotch Gift Pack
OR the Benromach Scotch Gift Pack, so they can pick out a new favorite liquor to keep on hand.
16. Waterford Marquis Markham Double Old-Fashioned Glasses & A Square Decanter
The classic Waterford Marquis Markham 11-ounce double old-fashioned glasses and a square decanter will look just right in a gentleman’s library.
For Their Library
Gentlemen must be prepared to remark on the important issues of the day whenever engaged in conversation, and an education in the classics is also desired.
17. ‘The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire‘
To make sure your gentle person is well-read and also to add a beautiful classic to their library, get them the hardcover Everyman’s Library Edition of “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” by Edward Gibbon.
18. Kindle Scribe
To keep your gifting modern, buy them the new Kindle Scribe pre-loaded with a gift subscription to The Economist. The Scribe is a combination e-reader and notebook that preserves the charm of pencil-and-paper note taking with a basically unlimited library that travels easily.
Leisure Pursuits
Gentlemen must be both competitive and gracious sportsmen.
19. House Of Staunton Savano Series Chess Set
If you’re feeling truly generous with your gentleman this holiday season, gift them a House of Staunton Savano Series chess set. This is for the serious chess player, and you’ll know your gentle person might want this if their Elo rating is 1,900+.
20. Unistellar Telescope
The gentleman is always a frontiers person and adventurer at heart, and some of the best adventures of the next century will be in space, so gift them the Unistellar Telescope, and you can gaze at the stars together for hours.
21. Scrabble Luxe Edition Game
For another board game you can play as a couple, invest in the Scrabble Luxe Edition Game.
Globe-Trotting
Gentlemen are on the go. They’re investing in new businesses, starting new creative projects, and vacationing with their family and friends. Therefore, they’ll need the highest quality travel accessories…
22. Shinola Utility Passport Wallet
…like this leather Shinola Utility Passport Wallet. It’s sleek, it’s subtle, it’s distinguished.
23. & 24. Leather Notebook & Moleskine x Kaweco Fountain-Pen Set
Additionally, the gentleman will likely want to take notes on their adventures. Gift them a Traveler’s Company leather notebook with the Moleskine x Kaweco Fountain-Pen Set so they can preserve their precious travel memories.
leather notebook (similar one from Amazon) | Moleskine pens
The concept of what a gentleman is and who can be a gentleman needs a modern update, and I’ve tried to reflect that in the gift guide. The gift guide is tongue-in-cheek, but these gifts are rad, and I’d love to receive any of them (except maybe the shaving set). Many of these “gifts for men” would be amazing for the women and nonbinary baes in your life. I have a keen eye on the Kindle Scribe myself, and the luxe Scrabble set for me and my husband to enjoy together. My husband is considering the chess set. Which gift catches your eye?
Need more gift ideas? We have a bunch. Check out our Gift Ideas hub here, or go straight to Gifts For Kids, Gifts For Him, Gifts For Her and/or Gifts For Everyone.
Cheers and happy holidays,
Anne
Pinners! You don’t want to miss this!
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