Struggling to buy for a discerning guy? We're here to help
Buying for someone who prides themselves on having excellent taste is a nerve wracking experience. A simple Christmas shopping trip can quickly become a full-blown identity crisis as you ponder your own sense of aesthetic judgement in the aisle of a trendy homeware boutique. But it's not impossible to come up with gift ideas for design lovers. In fact, here are 20 right now to get the ball rolling.
Some Japanese stationery
There’s an odd reverence to Japanese stationery. Pens glide like figure skaters, and paper feels more luxurious than it has any right to. It’s the sort of thing that inspires people to write a shopping list not out of necessity, but because it’s a shame not to. This gift is for someone who appreciates the finer points of existence, or at least wants to look like they do. It’s an invitation to turn the simple act of writing into a ritual. Scribbling down ‘bread, eggs, milk,’ never felt so poetic.
Mid-century desk clock
A Bauhaus-inspired desk clock is one of our favourite gift ideas for design lovers. It manages to be minimalist and intense all at once. Its geometric shapes and bold colours make it look like it belongs on a plinth in the Tate Modern, but there it sits on a desk, quietly judging how well you’re using your time. This is for someone who craves order but doesn’t always achieve it. The clock won’t help with productivity, but it will look stunning while they procrastinate. And really, isn’t that enough?
Leather folio
This one is for the man who dreams of being the kind of person whose life fits neatly into compartments. It holds tablets, notebooks, and cables in neatly organised perfection. The leather smells faintly of ambition, and even unzipping it feels like an act of indulgence. This gift is ideal for someone who wants their external life to suggest calm efficiency, even if their inbox is currently out of control. It’s both practical and aspirational, which is exactly the balance they’ll appreciate.
A bag for life
A high-quality duffel bag suggests a lifestyle far more glamorous than reality. It’s the kind of bag that looks like it’s destined for chic city breaks and spontaneous escapes to the countryside, even if in reality it’s nothing more than a vessel for transporting sweaty gym gear and snacks. But the potential it carries – both literally and metaphorically – is irresistible.
Architecture coffee-table book
A coffee table book on modern architecture is essentially a window into another universe. The photos are stunning, almost intimidating, showcasing homes that look like sculptures and seem completely uninhabitable. It’s a gift for someone who finds beauty in the impossible – or who likes to imagine what life might be like if their flat wasn’t held together by Blu-Tack. It’s aspirational, impractical, and deeply satisfying, the way all good coffee table books should be.
Leather driving gloves
Driving gloves are inherently ridiculous and completely wonderful. No one needs them. Cars don’t demand them. And yet, wearing them turns the mundane act of gripping a steering wheel into a scene from an old heist movie. This is for someone who romanticises the open road, even if they mostly sit in traffic. These gloves are absurdly elegant, slightly unnecessary, and, in (or should that be on?) the right hands, completely transformative.
Bespoke fragrance experience
There’s something faintly absurd about crafting a bespoke fragrance. The recipient will sit with a perfumer who says things like, “Do you lean more toward vetiver or bergamot?” and they’ll nod as if they know what either of those things actually are. It’s a gift for someone who values uniqueness and craft. They’ll leave with a custom scent and likely a sense of being a bit special. A win-win in our book.
Artisanal leather wallet
An artisanal leather wallet is deceptively simple. It’s soft, understated, and designed to age beautifully, much like a good bottle of wine. Buy it for someone who takes pleasure in small, carefully crafted objects. They’ll put it in their pocket and instantly feel more sophisticated, even if it’s mostly used to hold expired coffee-shop loyalty cards. It’s a daily reminder that not everything in life needs to be digital.
Minimalist table lamp
A minimalist table lamp isn’t just a source of light; it’s a quiet act of rebellion against clutter. Its clean lines and subtle glow make a statement without shouting. As such, it makes an excellent gift for someone who believes in the transformative power of good design. It’s the kind of gift that transforms a space without dominating it. This, in our humble opinion, makes it one of the best gift ideas for design lovers.
Minimalist watch
A minimalist watch does exactly what it promises – it makes a statement so quiet, you almost miss it. Its minimalist design and precise craftsmanship suggest a certain unbothered confidence, the kind worn by people who don’t need their accessories to shout. Buy it for someone who appreciates the art of understated style; someone who knows the power of a perfectly executed detail. It’s a gift that ticks (literally) all the right boxes.
A motoring miniature
Buying them a scaled-down version of their favourite automobile is a clever way to capture the beauty of the machine without having to worry about insurance premiums. These pieces turn iconic vehicles into subjects of artistic admiration, celebrating curves, chrome, and design. This is a gift for someone who sees cars as more than transport, who has probably referred to their favourite model as a work of art in casual conversation. Now, they’ll have the evidence to prove it.
Premium loungewear
Premium loungewear is a revelation. It’s so soft and elegant that it redefines the act of doing nothing. Perfect for someone who takes their relaxation seriously, or who secretly wants to. It’s the kind of clothing that transforms a lazy Sunday into an event worth showering for, and something few people will take the initiative to buy for themselves.
Magazine subscription
A magazine subscription is one of those gifts that keeps on giving. Each issue arrives like a little parcel of relevance, curated just for them. It’s perfect for someone who thrives on regular doses of inspiration, whether it’s in the form of groundbreaking photography, long-form journalism, or design so stunning they might never throw a single issue away. There’s also something nostalgic about it – like a nod to a time when print was king and mail was exciting. It’s not just a subscription; it’s a reminder that the world is full of stories waiting to be read.
Artisan coffee subscription
An artisan coffee subscription is more than just beans – it’s a gateway to a better morning. Each delivery comes with exotic names and tasting notes that make every cup feel like an experience. This is a gift for someone who takes coffee seriously, perhaps too seriously. They’ll spend their mornings measuring water to the gram and perfecting their pour-over technique, all while pretending they aren’t smug about it. They absolutely are.
Silk scarf
A silk scarf is a simple accessory that makes an outsized impression. Whether draped casually or tied with precision, it adds a layer of refinement to any outfit. This is for someone who appreciates the finer things in life but doesn’t like to overdo it. It’s a whisper of sophistication, and it needn't be anything more.
A bluetooth speaker (that’s actually good)
Every note, every beat, every whisper of sound is delivered with stunning clarity, as if the musicians are performing right there in the room. It’s a gift for someone who doesn’t just listen to music but feels compelled to hear it as it was meant to be heard. The design is sleek, the materials luxurious, and the sound – well, it’s almost unfair to call it ‘sound’. It’s for the person who insists on playing just one more track to prove how good it really is. And they’ll be right.
Some high-end headwear
The baseball cap has shaken off it's ne'er-do-well reputation and cemented itself as a cornerstone of modern menswear. This is partly thanks to the relaxing of men's fashion across the board, but it also has something to do with the fact that there are brands out there now dedicated to turning this sportswear piece into something a bit more special. A premium baseball cap uses luxurious materials and features rigorous attention to detail in its design and construction, making it the perfect gift for a man who appreciates the subtleties of his apparel.
The gift of sharp pencils
Swiss manufacturing company Caran d’Ache has been responsible for some of the most iconic stationary designs of the last century, including the world’s first watercolour pencil, various mechanical pens and other such writing gizmos. The brand’s rotary pencil sharpener is a cult accessory, used on desks, workshop benches and school tables for more than 80 years. For the man who loves good design, it’ll make a fitting addition to his office workspace.
Art museum membership
Gift ideas for design lovers don't necessarily have to be physical. An art museum membership is an invitation to step into a world where design and creativity take centre stage. It’s not just about free entry to exhibitions or exclusive previews, though those are certainly perks. It’s about access to spaces that inspire, challenge, and delight – a gift for someone who finds joy in pondering the precise shade of blue in a Rothko or admiring the lines of a mid-century sculpture. This is for the design lover who sees art not as an indulgence, but as a necessity.
A French press
Everyone knows the French press is the superior tool for brewing up your morning cuppa, even more so if its one that looks great on the counter. There are plenty of classic options out there, but why not go for something a bit more modern and vibrant that will add a splash of colour to his kitchen, as well as a splash of gloriously strong coffee.
Enough gift ideas for design lovers, how about a few for the athletic crowd?
