Gift Guide -- 3 hours ago
Find the ultimate last minute gift with Purdey.
A considered guide to choosing host gifts that reflect taste, tradition and an understanding of the world they’re given into.
- Words: Gentleman's Journal
At Christmas, gifting becomes an art. It is a season shaped by hospitality, lunches, weekends away, days in the field, and with that comes the familiar question of how best to show one’s appreciation. Among those accustomed to field sports, the answer has long been understood. A host gift is never obligatory, but it is part of the pleasure: a small gesture that acknowledges generosity and enhances the spirit of the occasion.
The most successful gifts reflect an understanding of the recipient’s world. Appropriateness is paramount. Something chosen with awareness of place, habits and interests will always feel more meaningful than anything overtly showy. A host known for his open-top motoring, for instance, might find particular pleasure in a well-cut car coat, elegant, practical and rooted in tradition.
Craftsmanship should take precedence over novelty. Christmas is not the moment for whimsy, but for pieces that endure. Items made with care, from fine materials, carry a sense of permanence that feels especially fitting at this time of year. Purdey’s Creative Director, Giles Deacon, captures this sentiment: “I’m drawn to pieces that hold warmth and story, objects crafted with a sense of place and memory, which become companions over time.”
Timelessness is equally important. A tailored corduroy jacket, a pair of well-made boots, or a beautifully finished knit speaks quietly of taste and consideration. These are gifts that earn their place, not just for the season, but for years to come.
A host gift should never feel self-expressive. The temptation to give something you would like yourself is understandable, but misses the point. The aim is always to reflect the recipient, their pursuits, their landscape, their way of life. Occasionally, a more sentimental gift may be appropriate, particularly where there is a shared history, but even then it should remain understated and well judged.
Where possible, elegance should be paired with usefulness. A gift that is both beautiful and practical feels entirely natural, gloves that offer warmth as well as refinement, or a scarf woven from exceptional fibres that will be reached for winter after winter.
Above all, Christmas gifting, especially to a host, is about thoughtfulness rather than display. It is not a competition, and it need not be extravagant. The finest gifts are those that combine utility, beauty and respect for craft and tradition. Chosen well, they say everything that needs to be said.
See below some of our top picks from Purdey:
For the Road and the Field
Purdey
Men’s Stratton Car Coat in Khaki
£1,500
A classic outer layer reinterpreted with Purdey’s eye for proportion and detail. Woven from rich wool and fully lined in Purdey check, this coat is as suited to open-top drives as it is to town strolls.
Purdey
Men’s Petersham Corduroy Jacket in Olive
£1,295
Tailored yet relaxed, this corduroy jacket pairs perfectly with country gatherings and evening firesides alike. Its understated tone and texture make it an ideal gift for someone who values both comfort and refinement.
For Warmth and Elegance
Purdey
Men’s Vigo Wool Fairisle Bird Sweater in Pebble
£695
A piece that marries seasonal warmth with heritage patterning. This fairisle knit evokes countryside pursuits and cosy evenings at home — a thoughtful gift for anyone who cherishes classic knitwear.
Purdey
Wool Cashmere Scarf in Chocolate
£225
Soft, luxurious and beautifully versatile, a scarf like this is the kind of gift that’s reached for again and again throughout the winter season.
For Practicality With Panache
Purdey
Men’s Grain Leather Derby Brogue Boot With Danite Sole
£725
These brogues are a study in balanced craftsmanship: smart enough for town, sturdy enough for field paths. A gift that combines elegant silhouette with dependable wear.
Purdey
Men’s Deerskin Gloves
£395
A perennial favourite for the season. Deerskin’s supple feel and cashmere lining make these gloves both a practical and distinguished choice for cold-weather gifting.
For a deeper look at how tradition continues to evolve, step inside the quiet revolution at Purdey.
