A Mastermind Christmas Gift Guide

Consider this a shortcut to thoughtful gifting. The Mastermind team has gathered their most reliable, well-tested recommendations for the familiar characters in your orbit, from the perpetually unprepared coworker to the friend who loves cancelling plans.

For the gourmand who has everything

Don’t be daunted by the prospect of buying a gift for someone who has it all. They don’t need another scented candle or ceramic mug. What they will always love to receive is a box of gourmet chocolates. Who wouldn’t? For Paris shoppers, I recommend a box from Alain Ducasse or À la Mère de Famille. Or both!

– Marie-Amélie Sauvé, Founder

For the colleague who’s always in need

I’m sure that, wherever you work, you have a colleague who’s perpetually asking for your help. In my experience, one plea rings loudest of all: “Do you have a phone charger?” These flimsy cords never last long. They’re prone to stop working or go missing altogether. So I recommend doing away with them altogether and gifting your needy coworker a wireless charger. I recommend this Anker model, which is convenient, efficient and inexpensive.

– Jeremy Olds, Editor-in-Chief 

For the person on a never-ending hair care journey 

It seems that now that everyone has perfected their skincare routine, their focus has shifted north to hair. After testing what feels like 100 different shampoos, I finally found one that hits the rare trifecta: lightweight, made with clean ingredients and makes your hair impossibly shiny. Developed by hairdresser Adrien Coelho, the range simplifies haircare to a shampoo, a conditioning mask and the choice of an extra care serum.

– Caity Hennessy, Deputy Editor 

For someone who loves cancelling plans and staying at home

For the homebody, few gifts are more satisfying than a truly luxurious bathrobe. It lets even the busiest adult treat getting dressed before noon as optional. While there are countless chic, monastic and customizable options, the striped Tekla version is my favorite.

– Laura Rodrigo, Editorial Assistant 

For the friend who loves to collect timeless pieces 

The Bone Elsa Peretti cuff is the perfect gift for a friend who is looking to expand or start their jewellery collection. I would recommend the medium size as it’s ideal for both day and nighttime elegance. 

– Noor Alali, Fashion Editor 

For the blue-loving guy in your life 

Why not embrace the blue of the winter season? An August Barron Triple Hoodie in navy, black and grey cotton for the daytime and some Charvet suede blue slippers to slide into for the nighttime. 

– Conor Manning, Fashion Director 

For the culturally literate and curious reader

If your close one’s ideal gift is something that shifts how they think, give them Mastermind 18. From Keira Knightley and Jude Law to Colombian design, from quantum physics to the complexities of translation, the latest issue gathers voices that don’t usually appear in the same room. We might be biased, but the magazine is a thoughtful read for the friend who is endlessly curious.

– The Mastermind team