Five fashion-focused gift ideas that’ll please everyone
Fashion is subjective, which means different people often hold opposing views on what they consider fashionable. An outfit that looks excellent to one person may be the last thing another would choose to wear, and vice versa. This is rarely an issue until the time comes to buy someone a gift.
Avoiding fashion-related presents altogether is one option, but that becomes less practical when fashion is a known interest. Buying a fashion-focused gift without it being returned or passed on can feel like an impossible task. However, there are a few ideas that can help when the time is right.
Gift cards
When in doubt, a gift card is a reliable choice. Many brands offer them, and companies such as Eden Ashram provide digital gift vouchers to reduce paper use, delivery fees and fuel consumption. The benefit of choosing a gift card is that there is no need to guess personal style. If a particular brand is already a favourite, a gift card allows freedom of choice.
It also carries more meaning than giving cash. Selecting a gift card shows some thought has gone into understanding preferred brands rather than opting for a generic alternative. From a practical perspective, it also ensures the money is used for something tangible rather than spent elsewhere. As fashion-focused gifts go, this option is difficult to beat.
As far as fashion-focused gifts go, this one is hard to top.
The wardrobe essentials
Unless someone is particularly well known, buying specific items of clothing or attempting to choose a full outfit is rarely advisable. There are countless pieces that could be added to a wardrobe, but most people rely on a small selection of essentials that remain indispensable.
We’re talking about:
- Underwear
- Socks
- Gloves
- Loungewear
- Simple hoodys
Socks and underwear are especially practical gifts for men, as these items often develop holes or wear over time. Encountering someone whose socks are entirely hole-free or whose underwear shows no wear around the waistband would be unusual enough to merit a mention in the Guinness Book of Records.
These essentials are also appreciated by women and people of other genders, as they are practical items that are needed but rarely enjoyed to purchase. Few people take pleasure in spending money on new socks, yet they are almost guaranteed to be worn when received as a gift. Keeping things simple is advisable, avoiding overly bold styles in favour of designs that are easy to wear and unlikely to prompt complaints.
Fashion books
This may seem like a left-field idea, but fashion-related books are an excellent option when searching for gift ideas. There is a wide range of fascinating titles available that appeal to fashion-conscious readers. A few worth considering include the following:
- A Dictionary of Colour Combinations – This is a Japanese book that looks at all the various colour combinations that can be used in fashion or interior design. An absolute beauty of a book for the fashion-focused friends because it offers great tips and inspiration for combining different colours across outfits.
- Vivienne Westwood Catwalk: The Complete Collection – An awesome book for fans of Vivienne Westwood, or high fashion in general. It collects some iconic runway books that inspire and educate. A fantastic coffee table book for a friend or family member to show off.
- A Man & His Watch – One for the men in everyone’s life, this book talks about loads of amazing watches and provides stories behind them, taken from famous people. Brilliant for any watch enthusiast.
A small amount of research will uncover many other book ideas worth exploring. One of the strengths of this option is the flexibility it offers, as different types of books can be chosen depending on the individual. For someone deeply interested in fashion and keen to experiment with style, titles focused on inspiration, guidance and creative ideas are well suited. For those with a broader interest in fashion, a well-curated coffee table book can be an equally strong choice.
Shoe cleaning sets
A shoe cleaning set is a highly practical gift that tends to be widely appreciated. Available in many varieties, these sets serve the same purpose by providing a range of tools and products designed to care for footwear. Options exist for dress shoes, trainers and other styles. At its core, this is a gift that can be used regularly to get more life out of their shoes.
It works well for friends or family members, particularly those with a varied footwear collection. It is also a strong option for people who are traditionally difficult to buy for. Someone who regularly wears formal shoes for work, for example, is likely to find this both useful and thoughtful.
This type of gift also aligns well with sustainable fashion values, as it supports the idea of maintaining and extending the life of existing items. By helping reduce the need for frequent replacement, it offers a practical benefit that sustainability-minded recipients are likely to appreciate.
Travel-focused fashion accessories
A wide range of fashion accessories are designed for travel. Options include foldable tote bags that fit easily into a handbag or backpack, as well as travel jewellery organisers that help keep accessories safe and organised while on the move. Items such as microfibre beach towels that fold up really small are also worth considering.
Exploring this category opens up a surprising number of possibilities. Travel-focused fashion gifts are practical, easy to buy and genuinely useful for the recipient. It is a category that is difficult to get wrong, making it a strong addition to any gift shortlist.
There’s a running theme with all of the fashion-themed gifts on this list: don’t buy people specific items of clothing. Getting them pants and socks is okay, but stay well away from any t-shirts, jeans, jumpers, or anything like that – unless they’ve specifically asked for it. Don’t try to guess what someone likes to wear; pick these gift ideas instead.
The editorial unit
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS