Luxury gifts for him - mastery, elegance

Two ways to pick a gift for a man

We know what it’s like to pick a gift for a man. It can be quite an ordeal and you might even start to believe that men view gifts differently than women. Perhaps there’s something to this opinion. Perhaps women are also more willing to recognise the effort that went into their gift.

Excluding practical gifts and simplifying, there are two ways of going about picking a gift for a man—consider his interests or choose something that blows him away.

The first way - consider his hobbies

Take care to focus on the men’s existing hobbies, not those you believe he might or should pursue. Then there are male hobbies you might not even want to know about. And regarding the rest, he likely already gets something from you each and every year.

The second way - a surprising gift

The goal here is to pick a gift that’s so amazing he won’t even think to voice any of the complaints he might have about other, similar presents. Of course, the point isn’t monetary value but the experience, the emotions ingrained in the gift, or any other benefit it brings. The category of amazing gifts includes just about anything, from presents which are highly personal, romantic, and emotional, to experiences and luxury gifts.

Luxury gifts for men

Luxury emerges organically and authentically from the process of doing something well. It’s not about words. Experiencing luxury means awe, the highest quality, great attention to detail, and the joy of immersing yourself in the beauty and singularity of an object that’s hard to imitate. And for men, luxury can also be a way of expressing their personal taste, which is pleasing in and of itself.

Finding such a special gift requires time, especially if you are to sift through the many opulent options and pick ones that are truly enriching. Choosing a luxury gift for a man can be a tough nut to crack when you’ve spent ten or even twenty years together and he already received cufflinks, luxury pens, watches, designer notepads, or briefcases several times over.

Must a luxury gift reflect the man’s hobbies, and are such gifts always appreciated?

A luxury experience doesn’t necessarily have to be related to his hobbies. There’s no need for you to limit yourself to giving him a golden golf ball, bottle of one-hundred-year old rum, or oil paintings of female nudes. The main concern is that the gift fits the context of his life and his openness.

Luxury gifts aren’t for everybody. They’re suitable for men who are open to discovering new things, are interested in experiencing things, appreciate quality or beauty, and are prepared to enjoy them. If he feels like his things serve a practical purpose only (not that we object to such preferences), a luxury gift isn’t likely to please him. Because luxury gifts aren’t about surviving, rather about supplementing one’s life with beauty and quality.

Here are a few carefully selected tips on such exceptional, luxury gifts.

Tips on luxury gifts for men

Gifts of elegance, mastery, luxury jewellery, experiences, and art

1. Luxury leather travelling bag - Brunello Cucinelli, Tusting, Foster & Son, Globe Trotter

ESTIMATED PRICE: FROM 70,000 CZK

Pick a leather travelling bag he can use on the weekends or for trips which require him to pack more things than usually. When choosing the bag, consider its size, the quality of leather, the type, and quality. Almost all luxury bags are made from leather but there are differences in its quality and purpose. Your goal is to look both for an impressive design and longevity. Avoid split and bonded leather. Instead, make sure to find a product made from actual, “full grain” or “top grain leather”.

Then decide if you’re going to purchase a bag “off the rack”, or commission a bespoke one. Whatever you choose, be sure to find a reputed manufacturer known for the best-quality products.

Tips: Bags from the British company Tusting or the Italian brand Brunello Cucinelli; bespoke travelling bags from the British manufacturer Foster & Son, Globe Trotter, or the Paris-based brand Atelier Renard.

2. Antique books as a thoughtful gift - 1stdibis, Antikavion, Peter Harrington, Loveantiques

ESTIMATED PRICE: FROM 20,000 CZK

Although antique books aren’t for everybody, some men might find them meaningful. If you decide to go this route, you need to think the gift through and spend a lot of time looking for it. You might discover a topic that’s significant to him or relates to his particular interests. In that case, learn which important books were written on the topic in the past, and try to find such a book in an antique shop.

Fortunately, most antique books are now listed in online databases. When buying antique books, you need to pay attention to the book’s physical condition because it effects its value. Additionally, the first and early editions tend to be prized the most by collectors.

Tips on online antique book sellers: 1stdibis, Antikavion in Prague, Loveantiques, Peter Harrington, Bookfinder. 

3. Luxury jewellery for the man’s vase - masterful golden flowers from GIYOU’S Royal garden

ESTIMATED PRICE: FROM 400,000 CZK

Fresh flowers are popular mostly among women which isn’t the case with GIYOU golden flowers. The brand’s large golden bouquets are sought-after as a special gift for men as well, to decorate their study, office, desk, or bookcase. Moreover, the bouquet can have an additional personal meaning and symbolism (e.g. due to the chosen species or number of flowers, depending on the occasion, celebration, or the man’s personality, etc.). For example, a bouquet of 50 golden flowers can be an elegant, luxury gift for a man’s 50^th birthday.

GIYOU began with two people and soon turned into a small family business that sells its flowers all over the world. The very first substantial commission involved creating a bouquet of 118 flowers made from fine gold—likely the most valuable golden bouquet created in the modern world. Golden bouquets make for an elegant, timeless décor that exceeds the limits of conventional luxury when placed in a vase.

Tips: GIYOU flowers from out Royal garden, flowers of 24ct gold, and bespoke flowers

4. Long weekend in the Italian countryside - Castello di Reschio, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Palazzo Margherita

ESTIMATED PRICE: FROM 300,000 CZK

The picturesque countryside in the Italian Tuscany, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, and other regions, as well as their diversity, history, hospitality, and culinary art as embodied in a first-rate hotel can make for an unforgettable luxury gift.

Your stay may be for the purposes of relaxing, adventure, sport, or culture; the Italian countryside will serve as a charming background regardless.

Tips: Tips on remarkable hotels in the Italian countryside:Hotel Castello di Reschio, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Palazzo Margherita (Bernalda).  

5. Elegant gifts for gentlemen - luxury tailor-made suits from Savile Row

ESTIMATED PRICE (BESPOKE/FULL CANVAS): FROM 150,000 CZK

Every man should own at least one tailor-made suit. If he doesn’t, the better for you—it’s an opportunity for a perfect gift! Plan a trip to London and make an appointment at Savile Row in Mayfair, the Mecca of traditional custom men’s tailoring. Now he can look forward to receiving a gift of masterful tailoring informed by a long history.

You can have a suit “made to measure” or “bespoke” which allows you to have a say in every detail (from the cufflinks, pockets, lapels, lining, or buttons) and the overall appearance. You also need to consider the construction—either “full canvas”, or “half canvas”. Full canvas is used for the highest-quality suits and retains the shape the best. Finally, you’ll be picking the fabric and cut.

Is such a special gift worth it to the man? Tailor-made suits are complicated. Some swear by them, others see them as pointless. So where’s the truth? Tailoring involves creating a well-fitting suit and paying attention to every single detail. Those owning such suits often say the difference might not be visible but they definitely can feel it in the comfort and freedom of movement provided by a perfect suit. You can watch others to see how well their suits or jackets fit them and whether they suit their bodies.

Tips: Tips on tailor’s shops at Savile Row: Richard Anderson, Huntsman, Gieves and Hawkes, Anderson & Sheppard

6. Archive wine as a special gift - Château de Pommard, Château Cadet Bon, San Lorenzo

ESTIMATED PRICE: --

Life is too short for average wine. Pick a special gift from a famous winery and drink a bottle of rare wine together or with the party gusts. French and Italian wines tend to be appreciated the most. Purchasing very expensive wine has its specifics and we recommend seeking out a professional. You can buy archive wine at a winery, from some online sellers, or at an auction.

Visiting a winery is a nice experience in and of itself, for the man and the both of you. And if you buy directly from the source, you might get a good price. Purchasing online is comfortable but shipping the delicate wine may be an issue.

Tips: Tips on French vineyards: Château de Pommard, Château Cadet Bon, Grand Cru Classé, La Grande Cave de Vougeot
Tips on Italian vineyards:San Lorenzo, Campochiarenti, Tenuta San Leonardo, Tenuta Ornellaia
Online vendors of archive wines: Sodivin Millesima, wine.com

7. Luxury jewellery for men— bracelets from Luis Morais, John Hardy, Damiani, David Yurman, Buccellati

ESTIMATED PRICE: FROM 15,000 CZK

Last but not least, men have gotten into the habit of wearing bracelets as well as wristwatches. A men’s bracelet can make for a luxury gift, provided it fits his style. Men wear them to look better, sophisticated, and to express their personality. Browse men’s bracelets which conform to his taste.

Tips: Tips on men’s bracelets: Luis Morais, John Hardy, Damiani, David Yurman, Buccellati.

8. Personal invitation for a prestigious event - Monaco Grand Prix, WTO, Met Gala, Cannes

ESTIMATED PRICE: Ticket to Wimbledon, from 70 thou. CZK; to Met Gala, from 1.8 mill. CZK, VIP terrace tickets to Monaco Grand Prix, from 100 thou. CZK; Super Bowl, from 200 thou. CZK, etc.

Present him with a personal invitation to an interesting prestigious, global event. There are many to choose from, held annually, concerning the world of cinema, sport, culture, fashion, business, etc. These make for an excellent luxury gift, depending on the man’s style and interests. Some events are almost impossible to get into (e.g. the Academy Awards ceremony) but most of them are accessible.

The most prestigious annual events are the Cannes Film Festival, The Oscars, The Golden Globe Awards, The World Economic Forum, The Tony Awards, Elite & VIP Sports Events, The Monaco Grand Prix, The Super Bowl, The Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, The Met Gala, The Grammy Awards, Art Basel, etc. There are numerous others. Pick one that’s the most likely to be received well.

9.  Unique style of antique art - Adrian Alan, Antiquaires Drouot, Malett, Hôtel Drouot, Timothy Corrigan

ESTIMATED PRICE: --

Antiques can be a great gift for a man who’s hard to please. This is an opportunity for you to share something truly unique which inspires him and gives him joy for years to come. Opulent, fascinating historic art can offer unprecedented luxury and style.

Browset antique stores, auction halls, or online auctions. Antique sellers tend to be members of national trade associations, many of which belong in CINOA (Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Œuvres d’Art).

Tips: Tips on selected antique stores and auction halls: Adrian Alan Antiquaires Drouot, Malett, Hôtel Drouot, Timothy Corrigan,Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler 

10. Subtle luxury of a cashmere sweater

ESTIMATED PRICE: FROM 70,000 CZK

Cashmere is the best material for the cold seasons. It has unique properties—it’s the finest, softest, warmest, highly resistant yarn available. It’s made from the fibres of the undefur of cashmere goats which live mostly in Mongolia, India, Nepal, or China. The fibres are obtained by brushing the fur in the spring when the animals moult. Their quality is effected primarily by the environment the goats inhabit.

There are three categories of cashmere - A, B, and C, the fibres’ average size being the determining factor. Choose a men’s sweater containing quality A cashmere as its fibres are the softest.

Tips: Tips on cashmere sweaters:Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, The Row .