Still struggling for ideas for those particularly picky friends or family members? Maybe your loved ones are the type to buy everything they want or need themselves. Or maybe you’re just window shopping for yourself (no judgement here – the holidays are tough). Worry not: Here are Elite Traveler‘s last-minute solutions for four of the most challenging characters – we’re sure you know at least one of them.
Aristocratic Matriach
Of course she loves the kids, and husband No. 2’s an upgrade but, secretly, she’s happiest out on the estate with the dogs and horses. She’s not afraid to get her Le Chameau wellington boots muddy in the field, yet come Christmas, she expects nothing but the best, most darling gifts wrapped under the tree, to be opened with a glass (read: bottle) of English sparkling wine. This is the gift guide for the fussiest, most fun woman you know, dripping in class and designer labels, with a glamorous guestbook roster to match. (Above)
See our gift guide for her here.
Clockwise from top Nyetimber 1086 2013, £150 (approx. $200); Hermès Les Chevaux Dechaines silk scarf, $620, grooming bag in bleu navy, $3,050; Le Chameau Vierzon Wellington boot, $300; Anya Hindmarch dog poo bag, $210, bespoke visitors book, $590; David Morris Triolette white diamond hexagon bangle, $20,000, white diamond oval bangle, $19,500, white diamond square bangle, $19,700; Claridge’s x Annoushka Life in Charms bracelet, £35,000 (approx. $46,650); Chanel Black square sunglasses, $1,020, Rouge Allure Luminous Intense lip color in pirate, $50, 1932 Les Exclusifs de Chanel Eau De Parfum, $350, Bamford Geranium hand and body lotion, $68; Seletti Hybrid tea cup Isidora, $102; Fortnum & Mason whole leaf tea bags, $14
Female Founder
Meeting. Yoga. Matcha. Meeting. Product testing. Seed round. Meeting. Gala. Skincare. Bed. The life of a female founder might look glamorous, but the reality is more arduous than Insta highlights imply. This line up features gifts that will not only delight but also genuinely improve quality of life for the busiest of women – from an Equinox membership and Dr Barbara Sturm skincare goodies to glittering Jessica McCormack diamonds.
See our beauty gift guide here.
Clockwise from right Bottega Veneta Andiamo bag, $4,700; Odacité Cryo-Tech facial tool, $75; Dr Barbara Sturm Calming serum, $260, Super anti-aging dual serum, $430; Yard O Led Viceroy Barley rollerball, $695; The Productivity Method Daily planner in linen, £26 (approx. $35); De Beers Arpeggia One Line bracelet, $19,000; Cartier Mini Tank Américaine watch, $45,800; Jessica McCormack Rush Hour ’Til Late earrings, $28,000; Forget Me Knot bangle, $49,000; Khaite Samuel jacket in navy and white stripe, $2,600; Alo yoga block, $34
Formula 1 Principal
At work, he has to deal with sassy drivers, fussy agents, demanding sponsors, and a busy-body Netflix team… and now the in-laws and all their baggage are coming out to Miami for the holiday season. Has our F1 principal got the drive to survive? A gift from this line-up might help – even if it’s just the Pure x McLaren e-scooter, best used for scooting away from family duties, or a bottle of Colgin 2014 to take the edge off. Best of luck.
See our wine and spirits gift guide here.
Clockwise from top Pure x McLaren Flex e-scooter £999 (approx. $1,330); Stefano Ricci Mother-of-pearl cigar cutter, $1,850, Mother-of-pearl dual flame lighter, $2,350; Anderson & Sheppard Lightweight merino polo shirt, taupe, £365 (approx. $486); Connolly Black/red Road Rage gloves, $445; Brunello Cucinelli Calf belt, $980; Loro Piana Icer sunglasses, $1,100; Richard Mille 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition, Fr. 210,000 (approx. $263,088); Brunello Cucinelli Fragrance pour homme, $280; Coravin Timeless Six, $379; Smythson Panama notebook in forest, $90; Métier Racer 40 bag in chocolate suede, $4,050; Colgin 2014, IX Estate, Napa Valley via Berry Bros. and Rudd, London, £596 (approx. $794)
Nepo Baby Entrepreneur
“Oh man, last night was insane. Being the next Big Thing’s a riot – but don’t tell dad I’m avoiding Sam’s calls. Honestly, the guy’s relentless… chill out, dude.” The crypto world’s next up-and-coming thing, backed, of course, by family money and a heavyweight last name, can be stressed-out, cranky, and, frankly, a bit annoying, but he still deserves gifts this festive season. Whether he’s looking for a bottle to get the party going, a pair of sunglasses and a post-rave recovery kit for the morning after, or perhaps a bit of bling to show off to his followers, we have you covered this Christmas.
See our for him gift guide here.
Clockwise from top Golden Goose Ball Star sneakers, $780; Nasomatto Black Afgano fragrance, €130 (approx. $152); Oura Ring 4, $349; Happy Tuesdays Post-rave wellness pack, $7.50; Jacques Marie Mage Fugue sunglasses in hickory, $1,185; Hermès Headphones in hunter cowhide, $15,000; Poubel Tax-optimizer bracelet, $600; Cartier Love Unlimited bracelet, $9,900; Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra bracelet, POA; Louis Vuitton Three-watch case in monogram canvas, $1,240; Clase Azul Tequila Gold, $300
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Photography: Gary Smith
Styling: Sophie Surridge