If you're like me, you need a little help getting your loved ones gifts. Here are some suggestions for evaluating options based what I have at Old House Provisions. I hope they're useful even if you get your gifts elsewhere.
Unique
Finding something exquisite that the receiver has never seen before or perhaps even heard of adds a layer of interest to gifts because it is immediately apparent that they would not have bought it for themselves. We have some unique brands here at Old House Provisions. Yahae, Captain Santors, and Barnstormer are all brands that are extremely rare in the US. In fact, I might even be the only retailer for some of them. I know this is the case with Barnstormer.
Useful
While novelty is nice, if it involves too sharp a departure from the receiver's wardrobe, those items can languish in drawers waiting for an adventurous occasion. People have a tendency toward routine, so if you want to get them something you know they'll use, get them something inherently useful. Craighill has you covered there. My personal favorites are the Wilson Keyring and the Kepler Pen. I picked brass for the pen because I know it would patina over time, and we shoe/boot people sure do love a good patina. Craighill is also great because you can get people things that elevate some of their routine activities. For example, the Perch Bookmark would be great for the bookworm in your life.
Nakata Hanger...also nearly guaranteed to get used.
Books
Speaking of readers, we've got some great options for the sartorially inclined bibliophile that are both great reads and great decorations around the house. I'm biased as a shoemaker, but Gary Tok's Master Shoemakers is my favorite in this category.
Master Shoemakers by Gary Tok - My shoemaking maestri from Florence are featured in the opening pages
Luxurious
Sometimes it just makes sense to get someone the best thing in any given category. A couple of easy gifts that would qualify are Nakata Hangers or Tie Your Tie handmade ties. There's a reason Japan selected Nakata to outfit the closets of the State Guest House when Queen Elizabeth visited in 1975.
Clothing Hierarchy
Sizing can be a huge concern when getting others clothing. If you're working under limited information, I recommend looking in this order.
The logic here is that (1) tops are easier than pants (2) Jackets have a wide margin for error (3) casual shirts and sweaters generally use S, M, L, etc. so there are just fewer sizes to choose from, plus casual shirts aren't typically worn with ties so the neck measurement can be disregarded.
Gift Cards
If you know you'd like to get someone an item that has trickier sizing, Gift Cards are obviously a great option. They're also great for those extremely handsome Old House Provisions blog readers who are excited about the store opening (This Saturday December 14) but have some reason they want to hold out longer before making a purchase, whether it be sizing concerns or they're waiting for spring and summer seasonal inventory to arrive (including from the likes of J.Mueser, 100Hands, and Cohérence, which I know many of you have been anticipating).
Thoughtful
This one's on you, chief.