Gift Guide for Him

It’s a problem we all share every year, but the difficulty of knowing how to begin your Christmas shopping never seems to go away. Want an easy answer? Head to Bond Street. This historic part of London has everything you’ll ever need, from the world’s finest department stores to independent jewellers, iconic American fashion brands and Swiss watchmakers. When buying for the men in your life, it’s a one-stop destination for clothes, homeware, drinks, leather goods and art. So you can guarantee there’ll be something, even for the man who has everything. Whether you’ve got a few ideas already or you just need inspiration, the following selection of curated goods from the street’s most renowned proprietors will set you on your way. By Charlie Thomas

A well-chosen vase can help transform a space, whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen or bedroom. This vase, handcrafted by Belgian brand Serax, has a distinctive brown smoked-glass finish and comes with two clear handles for a subtle contrast. Its versatile colour and sleek, minimal design will complement dark wood and neutral walls just as well as brighter, statement interiors.

Serax vase, £120; Browns, 39 Brook Street, W1K 4JE

It’s hard to go wrong with a Fenwick hamper. This one, designed for the food lovers in the room, comes with a wide range of delicious, high-quality goods that are perfect for cooking up a storm or snacking on during cold winter evenings. Highlights include Cartwright & Butler chocolate biscuits, Bridisa picante olives, a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Fenwick’s house piccalilli and Tahi manuka honey.

Fenwick hamper, £250; Fenwick, 63 New Bond Street, W1S 1RQ

Almost an entire shoe category of its own, the classic Gucci loafer is as stylish now as it was when first introduced in the 1950s. Its low-profile silhouette combines with the signature gold buckle and beautiful black calf leather to create a shoe that works just as well with a soft, unstructured suit as it does denim jeans and a T-shirt.

Men’s Horsebit 1953 loafer, £675; Gucci, 144-146 New Bond Street, W1S 2PF

This Hermès leather notebook cover is about as stylish as note-taking gets, thanks to its grained Togo calfskin finish and palladium-plated snap closure. Whether used as a journal, a diary or just to jot down ideas or sketches, it makes for an excellent companion either at home or on the road, while it can be endlessly refilled with the house’s matching mini lined notepad.

Ulysse mini notebook, £185; Hermès, 155 New Bond Street, W1S 2UA

When it comes to hardy, practical outerwear, this RRL parka takes some beating due to its classic, expedition-inspired design. Its waterproof waxed cotton comes from an English mill that has specialised in the fabric since the 1880s, while the high-pile fleece lining and multitude of pockets offer all the versatility you’ll ever need.

Oilcloth parka, £1,125; Ralph Lauren, 1 New Bond Street, W1S 3RL

Claridge’s has entrusted legendary shoemaker Gaziano & Girling with the production of its house slippers. As such, they have been meticulously made by hand from soft jade velvet and come with the hotel’s crest intricately embroidered on the vamp.

Men’s slippers, £295; Claridge’s, Brook Street, W1K 4HR

For the ultimate in both protection and style, there is really only one suitcase that’ll do the job. Rimowa’s Classic Cabin bag has long been appreciated for its durable aluminium alloy casing and luxurious detailing. Note the handmade leather handles and distinctive high-gloss, riveted corners.

Classic Cabin, £1,130; Rimowa, 153A New Bond Street, W1S 2TZ

A vintage exhibition poster is an excellent way to inject a bit of colour into a room. Savile Row’s Hauser & Wirth gallery has a wide range of classic options, including this ocean-scene print advertising Mary Heilmann's 2012 show. Printed on museum-quality etching paper, its subtle colouring and abstract shapes will appeal to design lovers and art aficionados alike.

Mary Heilmann poster, £65; Hauser & Wirth, 23 Savile Row, W1S 2ET

IWC’s Pilot’s watches are among the finest military designs available for your wrist, but the Spitfire might just be the best of the lot. A smaller case size of 39mm makes it incredibly discreet, while its classic field-watch dial and pop of red at 6 o’clock adds subtle flair.

Pilot’s watch, £4,600; IWC, 138 New Bond Street, W1S 2TJ

Made from a silver-coloured pewter alloy, Purdey’s concave flask is the ideal companion for long walks in the depths of winter. Slim enough to sit in a jacket pocket, it comes with an engraved cap and Purdey touch marks etched into the body, hinting at its handmade finish.

Pewter flask, £75; Purdey, 57-58 South Audley Street, W1K 2ED

Charlie Thomas is a UK-based writer, journalist and photographer. His work focuses on culture, style, motoring and travel and has appeared in Financial Times How To Spend It, GQ, The Times and Sunday Times, Robb Report and The Independent