Style and accessories gifts

Accessories beat clothing when you are unsure

Clothing is the riskiest style gift. You need the right size, the right fit and the right taste, and you can miss on any of them. Accessories remove most of that. A toque, a wallet, sunglasses, a cardholder or a pair of studs fits almost everyone, and you only have to judge taste.

The trick is to replace something they already use with a better version. Look at what they carry. A bulging leather wallet suggests the Ridge wallet or the Tanner Goods cardholder. A passport stuffed in a coat pocket suggests the Monos cover or the Status Anxiety travel wallet. A toque that has seen ten winters suggests the tentree or Finisterre beanie.

If you do want to buy clothing, stick to forgiving shapes. A hooded jacket like the Arc'teryx Atom or a loose knit has more room for error than fitted trousers. Check the size chart on the shop page, and keep the receipt.

Jewellery without the guesswork

Small, plain pieces are safest. Studs, a fine chain and a small pendant are easier to get right than statement earrings or rings. Ring sizes are hard to guess, so leave rings to people who know the size.

Pay attention to metals. Sterling silver and titanium posts, like the Lovisa studs and the Olive & Piper Walker studs, are kinder to sensitive or newly pierced ears than plated base metal. Plated pieces look good for the price but the finish can wear. Brass, like the Tom Pigeon fish, darkens over time; some people like that, others want it polished.

Earrings often cannot be returned once opened, for hygiene reasons. If you are not sure, a necklace is the safer pick.

For a teen, cheerful and inexpensive works better than fine jewellery they might lose. The Lovisa moon and star studs are small and sterling silver, which suits a tween with new piercings. For an adult who already wears a lot of jewellery, buy something that holds it instead: a travel case or a ring dish is easier to get right than another piece.

Budgets that make sense

Under $25 covers socks, a bucket hat, a pair of sterling studs and a novelty sock card. Good socks are one of the most reliably used gifts there are, and the Province of Canada and Corgi pairs are a clear step up from a multipack.

Between $25 and $100 is where most of the best accessories sit: toques, sunglasses, a cardholder, a passport cover, the Trakke sling and the Elvis & Kresse cufflinks. This range buys something well made that they would probably not buy for themselves.

Above that, buy one thing that lasts. The Johnstons of Elgin stole, an Arc'teryx jacket or an automatic watch like the ERROYL Regent are milestone gifts. Watches in particular depend on wrist size and taste, so they are best for someone you know well.

Common mistakes and timing

The usual mistakes are buying to your own taste rather than theirs, guessing a clothing size, and choosing a loud print for someone who dresses plainly. Look at what they wear on an ordinary day and match its colours and level of fuss.

Wrapping matters more for accessories than for most gifts, because small items can look slight in a big box. Several picks arrive gift-ready: the Tom Pigeon necklace comes in a sliding box, and the Bamboozld socks are the card. For the rest, a small box and tissue paper does the job. Add a note on care where it helps, such as re-waxing the Trakke sling or letting the Tanner Goods leather darken.

Several of these shops ship mainly within their own country, and popular sizes and colours sell out in December. Order by early December, and earlier for anything crossing a border, which can add duties. If you run out of time, the Dinosaur Designs e-gift card arrives by email and lets them choose their own colours.

Questions people ask

What is a good accessory gift for a man?

Replace something he already carries with a better version. A slim wallet or cardholder suits someone with a bulging wallet, a good toque suits someone who is outside all winter, and polarized sunglasses suit someone who keeps losing cheap ones. Cufflinks only make sense if he owns French-cuff shirts, which many men do not.

Is it safe to buy clothes as a gift?

Only if you know the size and their style. Loose pieces like a hoodie, an insulated jacket or a knit have more room for error than fitted items. Check the shop's size chart, read the fit notes on the page and keep the receipt. If you are unsure, a toque, scarf or socks avoids the problem.

What jewellery is good for sensitive ears?

Look for sterling silver, titanium or solid gold posts and avoid plated base metal for daily wear. The Olive & Piper Walker studs use titanium posts and the Lovisa moon and star studs are sterling silver. Keep in mind that most shops will not accept returns on earrings once they are opened.

How much should I spend on a style gift?

Under $25 buys good socks or a small pair of studs, which works for coworkers and stocking fillers. Between $25 and $100 covers a strong accessory such as a cardholder, toque or passport wallet. Save bigger spends, like cashmere or a watch, for milestones and for people whose taste you know well.