Welcome, dear reader, to our annual festive exercise in what one might politely consider ‘gracious generosity’, but what other people call ‘desperately trying not to shrug and give socks’. As carollers roar outside and social calendars clog like last year’s recycling, we at Team Arb have conjured up a handful of gifts that might actually bring you (or your hapless giftee) a moment of calm, comfort, even genuine gratitude – or at least spare you the embarrassment of yet another novelty tie.
Whether you’re shopping for the meditator, the wool-loathe, the caffeine-averse, or the video-call casualty, consider this your polite invitation to shop with purpose – and a smirk…
When scarves feel old hat, you haven’t seen Alba Amicorum
If you’re considering giving yet another generic winter scarf, pause for a moment. Alba Amicorum exists, and suddenly everything else looks like an afterthought from a department-store bargain bin. Founded by artist-designer Darshana Shilpi Rouget, this Belgravia atelier collaborates with international artists to create limited-edition cashmere, wool and silk pieces that are less ‘accessory and more ‘portable gallery exhibit’.
Produced by artisans in Como and finished by hand, each scarf carries its own narrative – nature, memory, quiet introspection – rendered through photography, painting or text. Presented in sustainable, exquisitely crafted packaging, it’s the kind of gift that feels personal, cultured and quietly extravagant. A true heirloom, disguised as winter wear. Indulge in the range at albaamicorum.com.
Brew contemplation with JING Tea’s Dragon Well Gift Set
For the gentleman who believes tea is a philosophy rather than a beverage, JING’s Dragon Well Gift Set will elicit a near-religious reverence. The elegant glass Tea-iere, sand timer and scoop transform the humble brew into an act of contemplation – no builders’ tea energy here.
The Dragon Well leaves, sourced from Yong’an Garden, carry notes of hazelnut and spring greenery; you may even see him close his eyes and sigh. At £75, it’s far more interesting than yet another bottle of supermarket Scotch, and offers just as much of a contemplative sip. Steep yourself in quality at jingtea.com.
Slice differently with Fragrant Knives’ Chinese Chef’s Knife
For the cook who has already bored you senseless about their Japanese santoku, present them with something genuinely conversation-stopping: Fragrant Knives’ modern take on the classic Chinese chef’s knife. And no, it’s most definitely not a meat cleaver. Designed in Hong Kong and crafted in Yangjiang – a blade-making hub since the Tang dynasty, no less – it’s a do-it-all caidao (or ‘kitchen knife’) that chops, slices, smashes and scrapes with improbable elegance.
The high-carbon stainless steel blade is sharp enough to remind them to focus, while the hand-carved rosewood handle brings a touch of organic beauty to the chopping board. At £88, it’s the rare kitchen upgrade that feels both exotic and entirely practical. Better yet, with a stylish leather sheath accessory, they’d almost want to hang it from their belt and go on parade. Draw your blade at www.fragrantknives.com.
If it must be socks, make them Gandys
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones chaps won’t buy themselves – like properly decent winter warmers. Gandys’ new wool collection combines function with conscience: the Skye beanies (£35) feature pure wool in marled and plain finishes across six colourways, while the Clayton socks (£18, or three pairs for two) use twisted yarns for rich marled effects with chunky ribs. Both ranges are knitted in small batches in England’s West Yorkshire to reduce waste.
The real appeal? Gandys contributes 10% of every sale to children’s education globally via trusted charity partners, and they’ve recently secured B Corp certification. So your man gains quality British-made wool accessories, and someone else’s child gets educational support. That’s considerably better than another novelty tie gathering dust at the back of his wardrobe. Wrap up responsibly at www.gandysinternational.com.
Upgrade video calls with Logitech’s Brio webcam
Okay, this may sound a bit too practical for a gift, but if your better half still appears on Teams looking like they’re broadcasting from a Cold War bunker, the Logitech Brio 305 is an act of mercy. Its 1080p resolution and auto-light correction ensure they finally resembles an actual human, while the noise-reducing mic spares colleagues the soundtrack of the washing machine, and the privacy shutter avoids, err, ‘incidents’. USB-C means you can plug it in without phoning you in a panic. Made with recycled plastics, it’s almost saintly. Frame yourself properly at logitech.com.
Savour the slowdown with INOUMI’s Matcha Gift Set
We never thought we’d get on the matcha train, but this one’s worth a look. For the person who speaks earnestly about “slowing down” but never actually does, INOUMI’s Matcha Gift Set may finally force the issue. Inside its satisfyingly weighty box lies a whisk, bowl and two hand-thrown Palm Cups – each crafted in Kent and almost spiritually calming to hold.
The ceremonial-grade matcha contains no fillers or frivolity, just pure, verdant goodness. It’s a gift that elevates teatime from “kettle on, existential dread simmering” to a small, intentional pleasure. At £99, it’s cheaper than a spa day and considerably more likely to be repeated. Find it at inoumi.co.
The ultimate stocking filler: Russell & Atwell’s fresh chocolates
If stockings must be filled – and tradition insists they must – one might as well do it properly. And when it comes to chocolate, there’s chocolate, and then there’s Russell & Atwell. No, really. The name comes from two chaps who know chocolate; one is a former product innovator at Cadbury’s (he’s one of a handful of people who know the recipe for Dairy Milk), the other a third-generation chocolatier and marketing guru for the world’s leading chocolate brands.
Russell & Atwell’s fresh chocolates are chocolate as it should be, completely natural. Their hand-finished beauties with that addictive “double crack” shell-then-centre effect, are made with Fino de Aroma Colombian cocoa, organic British cream and butter, wildflower honey, and absolutely no palm oil. As such, they’re intentionally designed to go in the fridge. I know, right?
They typically come in pouches (forget the costly gimmicky packaging) but, for gifting, they have glass jars with flavours ranging from Creamy Milk to award-winning Seville Orange and Christmas Cream of Brandy Butter and Winter Spices. The jars are refillable via their eco-pouches, supporting Buglife’s pollinator-saving work — meaning you can claim, with some confidence, that spoiling yourself is also helping the bees. Fill your boots at russellandatwell.com.
When homeware gifts feel predictable…enter the Gymkhana x Burleigh Signature Collection
Before you buy another well-meaning but deeply uninspired piece of serveware, consider this far more triumphant alternative. The Gymkhana x Burleigh Signature Collection marries Michelin-starred flavour with 19th-century English craftsmanship — a combination guaranteed to impress even the most jaded dinner-party host.
The set includes four of Gymkhana’s famed sauces (Butter Masala, Goan Curry, Rogan Josh and Vindaloo), each slow-cooked and restaurant-ready, alongside a limited-edition Burleigh serving bowl handcrafted at Middleport Pottery, where over 30 artisans still shape, print and finish every piece. The result is both culinary and aesthetic theatre: a gift that elevates a simple midweek curry into a festive centrepiece, and a bowl that becomes part of the story long after the last naan is gone. Spice up your dinner party at gymkhanafinefoods.com.
For a hamper with a difference: Salcombe Gin’s ‘Start Point’ Gift Hamper
For those weary of wicker baskets stuffed with chutneys no one remembers buying, Salcombe Gin’s ‘Start Point’ hamper offers a far more spirited alternative. Presented in a reusable wicker case, it includes a 70cl bottle of the award-winning ‘Start Point’ London Dry Gin, two engraved glasses, a generous supply of Fever-Tree tonic and even a jute bag for future coastal escapades.
The gin itself is a beautifully bright, citrus-led blend inspired by Salcombe’s historic fruit schooners and distilled using 13 botanicals — red grapefruit, green cardamom and Macedonian juniper among them. Plastic-free packaging and the brand’s ‘1% for the Ocean’ initiative add a guilt-free glow. At £99, it’s the hamper that finally earns its place under the tree — and in the drinks cabinet.
When vouchers are boring – except when they absolutely aren’t…
Hotel vouchers are usually the last resort of the panicked gifter: a beige envelope, a forced smile, and the faint whiff of “I forgot.” But Hotel & Spa Resorts has upended the genre with what may be the world’s most flexible luxury hotel voucher — redeemable at over 10,000 five-star hotels worldwide.
Purchase takes under a minute, delivery is instant (ideal for serial procrastinators), and bespoke packaging is available if you wish to pretend you planned ahead. A 24/7 AI concierge helps recipients navigate everything from remote island escapes to iconic city stays. It’s the rare voucher that inspires genuine delight — and actual travel daydreaming. Start planning that stay at hotelandsparesorts.com.
The definitive thrill for classic petrol heads: Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace
If your Christmas shopping has you staring bleakly at bath sets and novelty socks for Dad, allow Salon Privé 2026 to rescue you. Held on the lawns of Blenheim Palace — arguably the only place grand enough to host such automotive theatre — this five-day celebration of motoring excellence is the gift equivalent of handing him the keys to happiness.
Day tickets start at £55, granting access to classics, hypercars and the sort of polished chrome that induces misty eyes. For extravagant offspring, hospitality packages run to £645 and include gourmet dining, white-glove service and entry to the new Salon Privé Gallery. With Concours d’Élégance highlights, Supercar weekend showcases and even a MotorAvia display for aviation buffs, it’s the rare father-friendly gift that guarantees genuine excitement rather than polite gratitude. To purchase (or enter a car, for that matter), visit www.salonpriveconcours.com.
Header photo by Cris DiNoto courtesy of Unsplash
