The Port Christmas 2019 Gift Guide

Whilst a white Christmas would provide a pleasing backdrop to our seasonal frivolity, can we honestly say that that’s all we’re dreaming about this festive season? If, like us, you’re hoping for something a little more splendid than a sprinkling of the cold stuff, then you’ve come to the right place. After all, amongst all the other merriment there is to look forward to - gathering around the table with family, leisurely countryside walks and TOTP2 reruns - it is still the season for giving (and receiving). This is a time of year to spoil others rotten, and make a few choice requests of your own. 

When it comes to handpicking a wish-list of luxury gifts to buy and receive, we at Port always turn to Harvey Nichols first. Why waste time aimlessly schlepping from one stop to the next if Harvey Nichols has everything we could hope for and more? And this year, their Christmas gifting hall is more extravagant than ever before, brimming with everything from fragrances to food hampers; designer handbags to the latest streetwear drops. Forget about bringing along a nice but terribly vague bottle of Chablis - you can do better with original presents perfectly tailored to their personality and style. It’s the only way to truly impress. And if you find something you long for yourself along the way, we’d be happy to turn a blind eye as you slip it in with the rest.

For a little gifting inspiration to help you on your way, the team at Port have curated their favourite gifts according to the most common categories they have to buy for this season. Beauty-obsessed sisters and mirror-hogging partners top the list for this season, but we’ve also seen a significant rise in trainer requests - whether for practical use or simply for show. Discover our top recommendations for everyone on your buy-list below.

For The Woman In Charge

Whether shopping for a mother who knows her own mind, a sister who is excelling or a partner or friend who likes the finer things in life, our advice is to aim high with luxury treats that everyone is guaranteed to love. Designer handbags offer mass appeal, whilst quality everyday jewellery and chic new work shoes will always be well received.

For The Man Who Has Everything

You could do worse than gift them a men’s wardrobe essential - those universal style stalwarts that unite us all. A pair of brown leather work loafers, for example, or some black Ray-Ban Wayfarers. However, as dependably stylish as they are, to achieve gifting superiority you need to think outside the box. The newest edition Gucci accessory is an unexpected delight whilst a casual Cottweiler sweat will delight when it lands on their lap on Christmas morning.

For The Party Girl

More glamour, more sparkle, more everything. For the girl about town with soirees to spare, it’s all about decking her out with appropriate plus 1s such as sequin accessories, frou-frou dresses and blouses in Studio 54 fabrics. All dressed up with nowhere to go? Gift them a high impact party shoe and they’ll find somewhere to take them for a spin - who wouldn’t?

For The Hype Beast

If he’s the type of gent who’s been desperately trying to cop one of Virgil Abloh’s Off-White sensations or would light up if he unwrapped the latest Balenciaga knit, these streetwear essentials are a safe bet. 

For The Beauty Addict

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t receive a shiny, new beauty surprise - ourselves included. Christmas lists are a great way of stocking up on your daily essentials - a Caudalie Gel Cleanser or an Elemis Pro-Collagen marine cream, perhaps - but it’s also an opportunity to pamper without purpose. Jewel tone eye palettes from Stila, lip kits from Charlotte Tilbury and an extravagant candle they’ll keep on display when it’s done are serious smile-on-their-face stuff.

For The Well Groomed

When you’re impatiently waiting to get in the shower at 7.15am or are forced to squeeze by them in order to wash your hands at the sink, you may wonder if you should really be buying gifts that encourage any further time spent in front of the mirror. But he does love that Creed fragrance you got him last time and, quite frankly, so do you.

For The Always Active

Come January, we all give the whole fitness affair a good stab - providing there isn’t a 3 man deep queue for the treadmill. However, there are energetic types amongst us who live their life in top gear the rest of the year too. For them, gift activewear that matches their pursuits - from running trainers to statement Vaara tights - or a new smart accessory to accompany them on their quest for a new PB.