Highsnobiety’s Holiday Gift Guides are updated weekly in order to take delivery times, new products, and quantities into account. Click here to check out the rest of our guides.
The holiday season has officially hit, which means it's that special time of year where we financially put as much effort into thinking about others as we do ourselves. It's gift-giving (and receiving) time, so depending on how prepared you are, it'll either be an enjoyable experience, or a total nightmare.
Despite our best intentions, we all lead busy lives that make it hard to dedicate the time we would like to finding the perfect present. But don’t panic, there‘s always a way to hide those super last-minute selections. Something timeless, unique, and well-made goes a long way for example.
In order to provide you with some inspiration, two of our Berlin-based editors — Adam Barnard and Louis Almond — sat down to talk the gifts they're (possibly) giving this holiday season, but most certainly hoping to receive.
So, without further ado, shop the best gifts we're giving, and hopefully receiving this holiday season.
UNDERCOVER JohnUNDERCOVER Striped Knit Jumper
Adam: “Ever since starting at Highsnobiety, my love for mohair’s many forms has become so well known that I have come to earn a few -- but fantastic -- cardigan-related nicknames. Mohair is both the literal (Angora) and metaphorical goat (greatest of all time), and few work with it better than Japanese brands like UNDERCOVER. Case and point above.”
Louis: “Adam, formerly known as “Adam from Editorial,” was recently christened Cardi G by me. And for good reason — his mohair rotation is off the charts. You buy, and I'll borrow?”
Needles Track Pant Poly Smooth (Shop Special)
Adam: “Louis is definitely sick of hearing me talk about these track pants, but the noise of me thinking about how good I (and you) will look in these is enough to drown that out.”
Louis: "Of course! Another Cardi G special. But granted, you can't go wrong with the Needles Track Pants, and they seem to match up nicely with pretty much anything. I have seen some wild combos around the office that somehow still work."
Stone Island Padded Logo Patch Hat
Adam: “This is a solid, slightly menacing bit of kit, and a great gift for the person who has everything. The design’s detachable face cover lends it a more accessible character, transforming it into a piece you can wear around the office without scaring everyone half to death.”
Louis: “Stone Island pieces continue to get a bad rep from those that don't know. Probably best not to try and convince them otherwise with this full-face cover up.”
Hender Scheme Leather Derby Shoes
Adam: “These are the leather shoes your current leather shoes told you not to worry about. The off-set lacing system, moccasin-esque build, rich leather finish, and lug sole are a symphony of details, perfectly composed by undisputed footwear master, Hender Scheme.”
Louis: “Formal footwear is something that I don't wear too much, but I'm looking to change that in 2020. With the price tag, though, these might not be the best entry point. Better get saving.”
California Clock Company Classic Kit-Cat Clock
Adam: “If the above has been a little too frivolous for you, here is an iconic homewares piece sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. California Clock Company’s Classic Kit-Cat Clock is not only a great gift for under $100, but a much-needed hit of holiday nostalgia.”
Louis: “Does that tail move? Copping immediately if so.”
Rombaut Ridged Sole Sneakers
Louis: “I already know Adam’s, and much of our office's opinion on these — but I ain’t listening. Though the silhouette has been around for a while, I haven’t seen many people with them on. And whether that’s a hint I should take or not, the all-black colorway has been on my wishlist for a while. Possibly shoe of the year. @ me by all means!”
Adam: “I’ll admit, Rombaut is a fantastic brand, with a great business model, but there is something about these that I just cannot get behind. Maybe a hands-on with the product will be enough to change my mind... Louis, I call dibs on raiding the box when you finally cop.”
AFFIX Technical Bomber Jacket
Louis: “Similar to the Rombaut sneaker above, people I know are probably going to roll their eyes at this, but I had to get at least one AFFIX piece in. And this particular piece mostly because I swear I saw a dark grey version in Dover Street Market New York that I now can't find anywhere... to be fair, I’d been on the Aperol all day, and I’m starting to doubt myself. I’ll settle for this.”
Adam: “Knowing Louis, and seeing him more often than I’d perhaps like, I can say with certainty that this jacket is 100, if not 1000 percent him.”
Our Legacy Straight-Leg Organza Trousers
Louis: “Our Leg’ for our legs forever, please! The brand is constantly pushing the layering game in my opinion, and this is the transparent next step. Pants over pants might just end up being the big trouser look for the new year. Now to find a fitting pair to go under them.”
Adam: “As a concept, over-pant pants is so bizarre that it deserves to work. This is exactly why I admire Our Legacy; its pieces may not make sense the first time around, but always grow on you with the progression of each new season.”
Patricks FW1 Anti-Aging Cell Regenerating Foaming Face Wash
Louis: “Only recently got put onto Patricks, and damn am I glad I did. A lot of its products, like the Cognac Scented Body Wash, are quite intense (in a good way), but this foaming face wash does its thing with subtlety. At $50, this velvety anti-aging potion is a little pricey for everyday use, but it’s fine if someone else spends their hard-earned dollar on it. Adam will tell you how good my skin looks at the moment.”
Adam: “He is literally glowing. He is the vision of skincare perfection I can only hope to one day be.”
Taschen Japanese Woodblock Prints
Louis: “A coffee table book is probably my ultimate go-to gift, as there’s something for every family member, or friend. They also make a great memento, especially if you scribble a little message inside. This one from Taschen -- master of coffee table material -- looks so sick. I might have to pick up a few.”
Adam: “I always thought you’d give socks as gifts. Anyway, I digress. I’m a huge book nerd, and I am obsessed with all things Japanese. So this little gem is literally the apex of all my obsessions. Great find, and a great gift for someone this holiday.”
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