Holiday Gift Guide 2017: 7 Gifts That Last a Lifetime

Here’s an idea: this Christmas, instead of buying the man in your life something flashy, seek out an heirloom that’ll get use over many years – even a lifetime. Each piece is crafted intentionally by artisans preserving tradition. And while the prices reflect the old world craftsmanship and quality, remember: these are timeless investments with sentimental value.

And with that, here are 7 tokens deserving a look.

Moore and GIles Attache

Moore & Giles Standard Attaché

Globetrotters and businessmen on the go will delight in Moore & Giles’ Standard Attaché, a smooth leather briefcase made from titan-milled leather that combines chrome and vegetable tanning for a vibrant, burnished surface similar to that of high-end dress shoes.

But don’t let its sleek exterior fool you – the briefcase boasts serious substance, with functional design elements like a small padded computer compartment and a large compartment with an expandable gusset for document storage. Classic styling means the briefcase pairs well with any outfit, regardless of season.

SHOP: Moore & Giles Standard Attaché, $860

Junghans

Junghans Meister Handaufzug 38mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch

A exemplum of masterly German watch-making, Junghans Meister Handaufzug is based on a design first built in the 1930s. This handwinding watch combines vintage aesthetic with contemporary technology (including a 42-hour power reserve). A luminous navy dial, slender calf leather strap, and lightweight design make the timepiece a staple suitable for daily wear. The stainless steel case and plexiglass dome ensure durability.

SHOP: Junghans Meister Handaufzug 38mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch, $1280

Sandro Wool Blend Overcoat

Sandro Wool-Blend Overcoat

Add a bit of Parisian cool to his wardrobe with Sandro’s Wool-Blend Overcoat. Crisp tailoring and a streamlined fit – signatures of the Parisian fashion house – make the camel overcoat flattering no matter the occasion. He can dress it up with a shirt and slacks, or throw it over a sweater for weekend errands.

SHOP: Sandro Wool-Blend Overcoat, $645

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Terre Étoilée Ceramic Cocotte

This Christmas, give him – and your family – the gift of a lifetime of great meals.

Terre Étoilée cookware has been made by artisans in France since 1830. The cook in your life will appreciate the heavy ceramic of this cocotte, which maintains temperature to cook food evenly, and the bosses on the interior of the lid, which capture and redistribute moisture and flavor evenly. This cocotte is a mealtime lifesaver with a simple yet charming design.

SHOP: Terre Étoilée Ceramic Cocotte, $189

liliput

Kaweco Liliput Copper Fountain Pen, Medium Nib

The Kaweco Liliput Copper Fountain Pen (Medium Nib) is for the gentleman who appreciates the art of physically writing down thoughts and notations. The Liliput pen originally debuted in 1910 in Germany, and was re-released over a century later, in 2011. A smaller version of Kaweco’s Sport Fountain Pen, the Liliput Copper Fountain Pen transforms into full-size length once the cap is screwed on to the end of the barrel.

The raw copper body, which has an elegant silhouette, transforms beautifully over time. Frequent use will give the penny red pen a reddish brown patina that will protect it from daily wear.

SHOP: Kaweco Liliput Copper Fountain Pen, Medium Nib, $109


cashmere scarf

Johnstons of Elgin Fringed Cashmere Scarf

Treat your loved one to a luxurious cashmere scarf from a company that holds a Royal Warrant.

Johnstons of Elgin crafts time-honored knitwear he’ll treasure for a lifetime. Founded by Mr. Alexander Johnston over two centuries ago on the banks of the river Lossie in Scotland, the company continues to create knitwear in the same factory where it was founded, using traditional methods. Each scarf goes through 30 painstaking processes before it is delivered to stores.

This understated cashmere does a good job of keeping him warm while looking masculine.

SHOP: Johnstons of Elgin Fringed Cashmere Scarf, $175

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Muhle Purist Double Edge Safety Razor, Briarwood

Does he appreciate fine craftsmanship in his grooming tools? Then Feather As-D2 Stainless Steel Safety Razor is a gift he’ll treasure for years to come. A collector’s piece with sinkside appeal, Muhle Purist Double Edge Safety Razor in Briarwood features a stunning briarwood handle, with reddish graining unique to each razor. Briarwood is prized for its aesthetic appeal and durability – it’s the same type of wood used to make high-end tobacco pipes.

This is a gift that keeps on giving day in and day out, as he’ll enjoy smooth, non-irritating shaves from the closed comb construction.

SHOP: Feather As-D2 Stainless Steel Safety Razor 

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The Grooming Artist News Roundup: December 2016

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With your social calendar undoubtedly filling up, it’s prime time to ensure you’re looking your best as well as throwing jolly good holiday bashes, should you be hosting. Since proper presentation begins with a clean shave, we’ve included tips from Liverpool barber Ronaldo de Silva for a satisfying wet shave, as well as a quirky trick to try: supposedly, putting shaving cream on your mirror before you shower prevents the mirror from fogging up. If you’re in the habit of shaving after you shower, that means faster shaves, without the annoyance of not being able to see yourself. (We suggest doing this with old shaving cream foam from another life).

For those holiday parties, Bartender Tristan Willey of Brooklyn’s Long Island Bar creates a menu of 13 cocktails, all with a wintery twist (think vodka and cointreu mixed with cranberry juice and allspice). Meanwhile, MR PORTER enlists the help of jet setter Mark-Francis Vandelli for his best posh party tips.

Finally, we get to the bread and butter of the season with our picks for Christmas presents for the discerning gentleman.

Enjoy, and have a great holiday season!

Thinking about shaving off that Movember moustache you grew for charity? Liverpool barber Ronaldo de Silva offers tips for the perfect wet shave. (Liverpool ECHO)

Do you shave after a shower? Putting shaving cream on your mirror before you shower can stop it from fogging up. (The Star)

Bartender Tristan Willey of Brooklyn’s Long Island Bar shows you how to create 13 cocktails with a winter-friendly twist. (Esquire)

GQ’s favorite travel-sized grooming products list includes the lovely Marvis Toothpaste, which we carry on the site. (GQ)

Shopping for the man with a refined taste is daunting, to say the least. We help you out with 7 Gifts for the Well-Groomed Man. (Grooming Artist)

Dos and Don’ts for throwing a posh party from socialite Mark-Francis Vandelli. (MR PORTER Journal)

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Holiday Gift Guide 2016: 7 Gifts for the Well-Groomed Man

Finding the right gift for the well-appointed man with a refined taste can be a daunting task, to say the least. Here, we offer a little inspiration, whether you’re buying for someone else or taking notes for your own wish list. These following seven items are thoughtful, useful, and certainly better than defaulting to a gift card.

kingsman-tie

KINGSMAN by Drake’s London Striped Wool Tie $165

The perfect piece to complement winter tailoring, the KINGSMAN by Drake’s London Striped Wool Tie strikes a casual take on stripes. Midnight blue, brick, and white stripes run the length of this wool tie, crafted in England by esteemed accessories brand Drake’s.

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This is Ground Voyager Cognac $725

Is he always fumbling around for various cords, pens, plugs, and battery packs in his carry on when he travels? This is Ground Voyager in Cognac will make disorganized packing a thing of the past. The Voyager has enough space for a long weekend’s worth of stuff, but the real gem is its easily accessible front pocket, which contains a tech pod that neatly organizes tech and travel gear.

If he deserves something extra special this year, add on the WiFi option, which turns the weekender into a WiFi hotspot so he can stay connected anywhere in the U.S.

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SALT. OPTICS Alex Glasses $340

SALT. OPTICS Alex takes inspiration from the natural beauty of SALT. OPTICS’ home base in Southern California. Alex is crafted by third generation Japanese artisans.

This casual, no-fuss style suits all face shapes, and will add an air of sophistication to his look.

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Triumph & Disaster Stash Box $150

A good shave starts with good skin. Triumph & Disaster’s Stash Box contains the full skincare and shave prep regimen: Rock & Roll Suicide Face Scrub, Gameface Moisturizer, Badger Hair Shave Brush, and Old-Fashioned Shave Cream.

Made from natural ingredients (some of which are sourced from Triumph & Disaster’s native New Zealand), this gift set will be a delight for any wet shaver.

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Coronado Metropolitan Leather Dopp Kit, Black $125

This toiletry bag is one he’ll be proud to display on his sink, no matter where he’s travelling. The Coronado Metropolitan Leather Dopp Kit in Black is crafted from smooth Horween Leather for a streamlined, modern look.

razor-and-brush-set

Merkur 34C 3-Piece Safety Razor Set – Silvertip Badger

The Merkur 34C 3-Piece Safety Razor Set is a perfect gift for any shaving aficionado. Our brand new RoyalShave Chrome-Plated Razor and Brush Stand holds our premium Silvertip Badger Brush and Merkur’s famed 34C Safety Razor, a go-to for many a wet shaver for its easy maneuverability and two-piece construction.

quoddy-shoes

QUODDY Leather Derby Shoes

For the man who wants to look good without sacrificing comfort, QUODDY Leather Derby Shoes offer the best of both worlds. Hand crafted from high quality ‘Cavalier’ leather from Chicago’s Horween tannery, these derby shoes will wear beautifully with time. Cushioned insoles and Vibram rubber soles keep his feet supported for all-day wear.

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