Insider's Picks: Extravagant Christmas Gifts 2012

Published: Tuesday, 11 December 2012

By Ashok Soman and Eugene Quek

We at Luxury-Insider.com ask virtually everyone we meet if luxury is best shared or hoarded. As the year winds down and we take stock of our blessings, the answer is clear. As chanteuses warble on about Christmas magic, we think the cockles of our hearts deserve some warming too—and the best way to do that is to see the faces of our loved ones light up as they unravel crisp packaging to reveal one or more of the gifts we have listed here. It is not an indulgence if it is for someone you love so go on and shut out the cynical Grinch stalking your porch. It is high time for hugs and hijinks, for carousing and clinking. Happy holidays, readers.

Paul Smith and John Lobb oxfords

Purpura maximus. A sole-survivor from the 19th century, this venerated Parisian shoemaker goes fashionable with some help from Sir Paul Smith.

Nespresso Christmas Variations

For the morning after, when a buzz of an entirely different nature is required. Just make sure your recipient has a Nespresso machine of his own!

Chopard Backgammon set

Game theory. A cerebral pursuit for the overly competitive gets a dash of nobility courtesy of Chopard.

Chanel Beige Wool Cuff with Mademoiselle lock

Wild sheep chase. Lock yourself into fashionable woolen comfort this winter with the interlocking double Cs.

Hermès "8" Tie

Tangled up in huit. In Hermès' cheery orange, to match your pumpkin pie...and for the techie, a neat secret. Look closer at the print: it's made of countless computer power button icons.

Montegrappa Brain Fountain Pen

Cerebral craft. Let the stream of consciousness flow from the "spinal cord" of the nib to the crisp flesh of your paper.

Salvatore Ferragamo python boot

Pumped up kicks. These rigorous babies can take a beating - and dish it out too. Pair with the Chanel cuff for a truly domineering effect

Rolex Sky-Dweller

One watch to rule them all. No master of the universe worth his Porsche 911 should have to do without this timepiece.

Martell Centenary Gift Box

A Bleu Christmas. Cordon Bleu is Extra Old for sure but it is the kind of gift that keeps on giving. Also, it is blue. How cool is that.

Metropolitan by COMO

One night in Bangkok. To be fair, you'll need more than one night to take advantage of the hotel's fantastic holiday offer right now. COMO is proposing a two-night stay in a Penthouse Suite, with 24-hour bultler service. Check out the details here.

Bally Sunglasses

Because the future's so bright... This handsome aviator's bridge and temples are lined in plush red calf for maximum festive flair.

Roger Vivier Ladies’ Boots

Most certainly made for walking. Try not to leave the floor of your party's pad awash with rainbow-colored scales...

Piaget Rose ring

By any other name... Piaget stands the idea of the brilliant-cut (also called the rose cut) diamond on its head by carving a ring into the shape of a rose and setting it with brilliant-cut diamonds.

Prada iPad Case and Wallet

Sprezzatura. If Apple alone cannot make you swoon in delight with its contempo designs, let Prada bring some insouciance to the party. Wallet sold separately...

Alfred Dunhill Endeavour 24 Hour Bag

Never fear the airport scanner again. With its many different purpose-specific (including laptop) compartments, this bag will be your new best friend in 2013. It even has a concealed outer pocket for whatever smartphone is your poison.

Brioni X Mr Porter Tuxedo

Bring on the swank: This midnight blue tuxe is full-on Bond. Jaunty bow-tie and spiffy pocket square non-optional.

Zweisel 1872 Homage

Cocktail hour. With an entire set of cocktail ware by Zweisel, your home bar will receive an enlightening touch for those all-important home parties.

Dom Pérignon & David Lynch Giftbox

Towards a wonderfully weird Christmas. A favorite of the editor, who doesn't drink champagne but will make an exception for David Lynch.

Cartier Jewelry Clutch

When the sun goes down, the heel goes up—but your bag sizes down. This minaudière in gold goatskin and a lacquered clasp is the ultimate after-eight treat.

Christofle Haute Orfèvrerie

Paper plates for a dinner party? Nay. Serve up the fruits of your labor on a spectacular silver platter.

Shanghai Tang x Moleskine 2013 Organizer

Hold your forked tongue and jot your thoughts down in this nifty python-embossed organizer instead and you'll be ushering in 2013 in classy serpentine style!

Tiffany Yellow Diamond Ring

Twinkle, twinkle. Tiffany & Co.'s famed fancy yellow diamonds are in a sparkling constellation of their own.

Patek Philippe Ref. 7071

Ladies first. Women have long cast acquisitive glances at men's watches. This might be the first watch to elicit the same reaction from men

La Mer The Concentrate

Away, Father Time! Buoyed up by the sea, keep your face plump like Baby New Year's.

Givenchy Men's Nose Ring

For the high fashion rebel with a nose for high drama.

Mulberry Del Rey

Arm candy. We're not sure what to make of Lana Del Rey's music but the bag named for her is pretty fine. Seek out the limited editions in boutiques, including the Club 21 edition in Asia.

Montblanc Infiniment Votre Earrings

Love is forever, like a neutron star collision. The stylized symbol will whisper your message of boundless love.

a.testoni Monk Shoes

Give 2013 a rub of the green with these gleaming monk straps.

Chivas Brothers' Blend

Who says guys can't do purple? It's buddy bonding time with this bold hue, the regal accent to Chivas' gutsy flavors.

Restoration Hardware Foosball Table

For the dog days just ahead. State-of-the-art levelers keeping things balanced on bumpy terrain, haul this boy's toy outdoors for games on your lawn.

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