Member Article

What To Buy A Man Who Has Everything

Men are notoriously difficult to buy gifts for. It turns out that there’s a scientific reason behind their stress-inducing reticence when it comes to letting you know exactly what it is that they desire for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.

Avrum Weiss, a clinical psychologist, has previously explained that men simply don’t wait around for their loved ones to find them a thoughtful gift, but instead, they tend to just get it for themselves. This is a phenomenon that Weiss describes as a sort of social permission that men inherently have in society to go ahead and pursue whatever they desire to pursue. Men are also socialised to play the traditional role of protectors, ie, they tend to say they do not need anything for themselves.

But not to worry, as there is always hope. There are luxury items that even a man who thinks he has everything will not know he needs. Here is a carefully curated list of beautiful handmade items to delight even the fussiest of dads, uncles, partners, husbands and boyfriends this fast-approaching holiday season.

The London Umbrella by Bucklesbury

Using London umbrella-making techniques that date back to 1805, Bucklesbury’s London Umbrella captures the sartorial elegance that was once synonymous with London society. It is the only umbrella in the world that has the “Rain Tested in England” trademark, an ode to its heritage-filled provenance in a country world-famous for its rainy weather. The handle and shaft of this French navy piece are crafted from a single uncut piece of English chestnut wood sourced from FSC-accredited forests in England.

This carefully crafted beauty will surely delight the man in your life and can be used as a classy accessory in the city or a handy companion for long countryside walks.

Penhaligon’s Endymion Concentré

Penhaligon’s scents are known for sticking around (in a good way), but here’s one that is handy to have as a quick but luxurious spray ahead of a meeting. Meet the Endymion Concentré, an intensified version of the cologne, which boasts a rich, dry, leather accord. Named after Endymion, supposedly Zeus’s most handsome son, this bottle holds an enchanting fragrance which is a combination of bergamot, suede, coffee and geranium. It’s an eau de cologne for the ages, according to the fragrance brand.

Black Italian Leather Laptop Bag

There’s always room for another case in a man’s life, especially one as glisteningly handsome as this Bucklesbury. This leather case, also useful as a laptop bag, was handcrafted in Italy using artisan methods that have been passed down for generations.

Possessing an assuringly rigid body, this case can carry laptops and other electronic equipment which are sized up to 17”. It has a removable divider, multiple pockets and a suave interior LED light. This piece also features colour-coordinated pen and business card holders, a smartphone pocket, an exterior passport pocket with zip closure and an ergonomic leather-wrapped carry handle, complete with adjustable shoulder straps. A total flex.

Makers Cabinet Høvel Brass Pencil Sharpener

You read that right. At first glance, the man in your life might consider this to be a joke gift, but then you’d have to remind yourself that it is no joke that Makers Cabinet calls this the world’s best sharpener. “In our humble opinion…” was their only caveat.

This is a unique, handheld pencil sharpening tool particularly useful for the doodlers, artists and architects in your life. Made from 100% brass, a thumb screw attachment allows you to adjust the desired blade length. And it is designed to last a lifetime. Don’t buy it? There’s no harm in giving it a test.

Santos De Cartier Ballpoint Pen

This Cartier pen is ideal for your superyacht office, or so we heard. This is a large model, with body and cap enclosed with palladium-finish metal and gadroon motif. The signature finish lies in Cartier’s hallmark gold screw details, as this is a definite showpiece that embodies the elegance of Cartier’s jewellery.

As with most of Cartier’s products, there is an opportunity to personalise this pen to make the giftee’s heart skip a beat.

Handbound in England Leather Journal

Most people fight for the leatherbound journal, and the man in your life may be no exception. This beautifully handcrafted 380-page hardback journal and diary is printed and handbound in England using paper sustainably sourced from local mills and FSC-accredited sustainable English forests.

This quintessentially English diary reflects the commitment to artisan craftsmanship and traditional European luxury; values that Bucklesbury holds dear. Each book is made using traditional bookbinding techniques. Every part of this piece is conscientiously put together, from the metal corner protectors to the cushioned covers and luxury slipcase. This book comes with a matching handmade protective cover, making it a very well thought out gift.

Norlan Glassware Guardian Set

This dark and delightful set will delight any seasoned whisky enthusiast. Norlan’s Glassware Guardian Set features four Norlan whisky glasses held in a beautifully designed oak and leather case.

The case is handcrafted in Czechia and features a series of faceted edges which mirror those found on your favourite Norlan whisky glass. Inside the case is a custom die-cut leather container and it is covered by a removable lid attached with blackened rare-earth magnets.

Navy Blue Italian Leather Backpack

We saved the best for last. How about one of the world’s finest backpacks as a gift? Bucklesbury’s fine leather backpack was made in an independent couture house in Italy using artisanal methods that have been passed down from generation to generation.

This sturdy design is your perfect business and travel companion, and has been designed with aesthetics and practicality in mind. This bag is only 1.7 kg, and is able to fit laptops which are up to 17”. This Bucklesbury showcases finely-handmade curves which are complemented by solid brass fittings and the highest quality leather. The bag also has a top carry handle, adjustable shoulder straps, extra large padded charcoal-coloured leather lining and extra-wide straps that make it very comfortable to wear. This is a sure win.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jane Wang .