A Kim Kardashian-esque figure vase protruding with pampas? Too
basic. Eschewing every teeny bopper YouTube star’s Christmas
wishlist, we’re reaching for this showstopping piece handmade by
Italian designer Marcantonio. After all, what says “I love you”
more than an artery-filled, cardiovascular ceramic.

Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend, especially when
they’re lab-grown, sustainable and set in recycled gold. Proving
that bling can be planet-friendly as well as plush is Kimaï’s
selection of edgy, eco-chic ear wear. If your significant other
isn’t quite ready to commit, convince them to put a diamond
(ear)ring on it instead.

We all have one. That plate you reach for; the mug that makes
your cuppa taste that bit better. Crafted in a small, Brighton
pottery, this set – featuring three plates, a mug and coaster – is
decorated with a tactile lino-cutting technique that means no two
items are the same. Mix and match from the range of patterns to
curate your own collection (we love the South Downs-inspired
Wanderlust). Lunch al-desko just got an upgrade.

There are two types of travellers: those who are constantly
bemoaning their lack of sleep and inability to acclimate to new
time zones, and those with eye masks. This pineapple-print number
from Desmond & Dempsey is made with factory offcuts. It’s a
low-waste, ultra-chic essential for any traveller, whether flying
long-haul or taking the sleeper train cross-country.

Chances are, a bunch of your pals are now fully established
remote workers. Give their home office an aromatic upgrade by
sending them an Earl of East candle. Each of its scent profiles is
inspired by the founders’ past travels, whether it’s a dusky village
in rural Greece or the gardens of the Grand Trianon in Versailles.
Soothing balms for WFH burnout (pardon the pun).

Not familiar with Arlo Skye? Get to know it. Over the past few
years it has bagged an impressive cabinet of design awards and
become the go-to source for stylish luggage that lasts. Floating on
whisper-quiet wheels, with clasp locks, compartmentalised interior
pockets and a super-fast, in-built charger, this next-level
suitcase is our must-have item for 2021.

A luxe pyjama set is 2020’s answer to the sequin mini dress.
Drawing inspiration from 1920s Parisian watercolours, this
100-per-cent silk set is too chic to keep hidden under a tatty
dressing gown. Pair the top with your jeans and saunter down
supermarket aisles, or slip on the pyjama bottoms with a slinky
bodysuit, oversized leather jacket and a barely-there heel for
drinks with friends. Sure, you can also sleep in the set too.

Secure that spot as favourite off-spring/ sibling/ colleague
with this slick collection of travel games made in collaboration
with Istanbul-based brand Misela. As good for on-the-road as it is
around the fireplace, this old-school set featuring a portable
backgammon scroll, playing cards and a puzzle set comes in
handcrafted cases trimmed with lambskin leather. Have the set
personalised over on misela.com

Compiled by THESP founder and former SUITCASE editor, Gilly
Hopper, this pair of books features meditations from some of the
UK’s most renowned actors and directors on what happens when the
stage falls silent – be that mid-speech, during an interval, or a
pandemic (how novel). Packed with essays, stories, poems and more,
it’s a celebration of British theatre that will leave readers
inspired and hopeful for the future. Better still, proceeds will go
to Acting for Others, which provides financial and emotional
support to all theatre workers in times of need.

A piece of kit for those who never scrimp on good coffee. Slot
ground beans into the metal basket, fill with water and turn the
top to exert pressure; in less than two minutes you have a perfect
cup o’Joe. This device is a great addition to any camper’s knapsack
and ideal for that friend with an unhealthy addiction to splurging
on pricey artisan brews.

Naff keyrings and tacky fridge magnets? No thanks. We like to
fill our (and our friends’) homes with trinkets, treasures and the
odd cashmere (or lambswool) throw from our favourite place to
hunker down in the Highlands. Created by designer
Araminta Campbell exclusively for The Fife Arms, it’s as
gorgeous thrown over the sofa as it is stuffed into our carry
on.

What do you get the person that seemingly has it all? A SUITCASE
Discovery bundle. Packed with our 10 latest issues, this
coffee-table collection will suit insatiable wayfarers, cultural
connoisseurs and armchair adventures. Whisking you to the icy
wilderness of Svalbard, on road trips through Palm Springs and in
the literary neighbourhoods of Paris, it’s essential reading for
the modern traveller.

Who doesn’t love slotting a new skincare product into their
(okay, already quite over-stuffed) washbag? This “home facial” is
made with PHAs, a clever exfoliating acid proven to work wonders on
acne scars and damaged skin. We’re sending this bottle of face food
to the homebound spa-breakers. Here’s to many a facial next
year.

Nailing the perfect airport attire is an artform. Although our
co-ords might have seen more couch action than air miles this year,
we’re still hankering for the perfect in-flight set. Step forward
this Olivia Von Halle two piece spun from a silk-cashmere blend so
buttery-soft that you’ll feel like you’ve been enveloped in a hug.
Remember those?

These boots are destined to be loved deeply and worn excessively
by whomever is lucky enough to receive them. Dare we say it, we
think these are the perfect city-to-country shoes – handmade,
Goodyear welted and strong enough to withstand many a
mud-splattered woodland ramble. If you rate presents on their cost
per use, this pair of kickers is a surefire winner.

At last, a stylish alternative to the bulky sunglasses case. Hat
tilt to Finlay for designing a range of “suncovers”, nifty wallets
that can be clipped onto one’s bag strap for ease of access at a
moment’s notice. Finlay knows its customers have discerning taste,
and have released these cases in a kaleidoscope of gorgeous
colourways and designs. Our favourite? This love-struck number. How
apt.

So you shacked up with your current beau during lockdown and
have only interacted with their parents over Zoom… meaning your
knowledge of their likes and dislikes is largely based on the
colour of their wallpaper. Yikes. Socks may be the safest stocking
filler out there, but this snazzy pair inspired by the ogene, a
musical instrument from Nigeria, will brighten up any foot.

Our bathroom cabinets may be stacked with enough lotions and
potions to fill an apothecary, but we regularly reach for the same,
fail-safe products in our skincare routine. That is, until we tried
Holy Grail’s 5-in-1 Rejuvenating Facial Serum. Packed with all our
favourite ingredients – vitamin C, tick; hyaluronic acid, tick;
wrinkle-busting argireline, tick – the serum plumps, polishes and
protects from sun damage and pollution. A must-have hero product
for the beauty gurus gift bags.

Security-compliant clear plastic bags may be practical but
they’re not exactly flying down the runaway. This vanity case that
pays homage to the golden age of travel is just the ticket for
giving your next journey an upgrade. Inside, you’ll find nifty
features such as a jewellery tray, a detachable mirror and a cover
to protect from any spillages in transit.

Give the gift of year-round travel inspiration by hooking up
your nearest and dearest with a SUITCASE subscription. Over the
course of the next year, they’ll receive each new issue the day it
comes out – it truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Reading this
on Christmas Eve? Don’t sweat it. The second you subscribe, we’ll
send a thank-you email. Pop it in a festive card and you’re good to
go.

When it comes to speakers, they simply don’t get more
travel-perfect than this. Designed by Paris-based Manuela Simonelli
and Andrea Quaglio for Lexon, the Mino L might look cute but it
packs a mighty punch. We suggest getting a couple of these little
dudes; they sync up so you can create a multi-room sound system
wherever you happen to lay your head.

Let 2020 be remembered as the year that safety became sexy.
Upgrade your loved one’s pandemic paraphernalia by giving them a
deliciously scented bottle of hand sanitiser from Grown Alchemist,
the fuss-free, Australian skincare experts. This time last year,
we’d have scoffed in the faces of those who considered this
gift-worthy. Now, we’re lusting after the stuff.

Anyone who’s been to the alternative enclave of District Five in
Zurich will know about Freitag – its multi-storey tower of shipping
containers is not only the brand’s head office, but offers one of
the best viewpoints over the city. We digress. Its bags, wallets
and laptop cases are made from sturdy stuff – recycled truck
tarpaulin, that is – and are completely unique.