2013 Christmas gift guide

Nespresso Umilk

Something for the latte-lover in the house: Nespresso’s UMilk is as compact and good-looking as the U machine, but comes with a built-in Aeroccino milk frother. $299, nespresso.com

Aesop “A Futurist Assembly” gift boxes

 Aesop’s latest series of skincare gift sets are inspired by Italy’s Futurist movement (and yes, fortunately it’s just the design inspired by the Futurists and not the scents themselves). $60-$160, aesop.com

KitchenAid artisan mixer

Ah, KitchenAid. How do you improve on perfection? How about with four new colours: Crystal Blue, Watermelon, Truffle and Cocoa Silver. $779, kitchenaid.com.au

Sandor Ellix-Katz tickets

Sucker for sauerkraut? American fermentation expert and author Sandor Ellix Katz is coming to Australia in February to hold workshops on everything from kimchi to kombucha. For tickets and further information visit milkwoodpermaculture.com.au.

Bundaberg 125th anniversary bottle

No, it’s not a cologne. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. It’s Bundaberg’s limited-edition 125th anniversary bottle, filled with a blend of some of the rarest and oldest rums the distillery has produced. Packaged up with two crystal tumblers in a walnut box, it’s one for the true fans. $1250 for 700ml, bundabergrum.com.au

Evoke wooden radio

These Evoke digital radios might have retro styling but under the (timber) hood they’re state-of-the-art, packing an mp3 and iPod input and a handy kitchen timer. $169, au.shop.pure.com

Sullivan’s Cove Cellarmaster kit

One for the malt-fiend in the household. A DIY single-malt Cellarmaster kit from Tasmanian distillery Sullivan’s Cove. $3750, tasmaniadistillery.com.au

Fortunato No 4 chocolate

Even among the rarefied circles of the ultra-fancy chocolate available on our shores these days, this rare Peruvian chocolate stands out for its purity and the length of its flavour. $9.50 per 100gm, anvers-chocolate.com.au

Chloé perfume necklace

Stocking filler alert: this solid perfume locket by Chloé is spill-proof and airport security-friendly – just the ticket for the jetsetting lady in your life. $75, 1800 812 663

Jac+Jack and Dinosaur Designs beach towels

Fashion label Jac+Jack and design pioneers Dinosaur Designs collaborated on these hand-loomed beach towels – a win for the not-so-pale aesthetes of the household. $150, dinosaurdesigns.com and jacandjack.com

iPad Air

Light, smart and ultra-thin (we’re talking just 7.5mm here), the iPad Air is the ultimate travel companion for regular jetsetters. $598, store.apple.com/au

Waterford London Desktop Bar

It’s smart, it’s sparkly and it stores all of your drinking paraphernalia. What’s not to love about this Waterford desktop bar? Comes complete with all the trimmings – two decanters, a pair of tumblers, a pair of highballs and a leather tray and coaster set. Win. $17,999, wwrd.com.au

Francis Darroze Blend of 50-plus years in hand-blown “Une Larme” carafe

A good pour of Christmas cheer – fine Armagnac in this case, from a hand-blown carafe – is a surefire way to keep the Grinch at bay. $1600, spiritsoffrance.com.au[

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Cockpit Confidential

For the frequent flyer: pilot-cum-author Patrick Smith’s Cockpit Confidential explores all the ins and outs of air travel, from the truth about turbulence to pilot perks. $32, bookdepository.com

LA Son

Roy Choi, the honcho of Los Angeles’ Kogi taco trucks and one of our favourite American chefs, has just released his first book, LA Son. It’s a memoir told through recipes such as LA Dirty Dog and Perfect Instant Ramen, all seasoned heartily with some thoroughly colourful language. $29, bookdepository.com

Foxl Dash7 speakers

From the maker of the best portable speakers on the market for bounce per ounce comes the Foxl Dash7 Soundbar – a pocket-sized 2cm-high speaker with bluetooth and omni-directional sound for watching movies and videos. Neat. $259, foxl.com.au

Dom Pérignon giftbox

How can Dom Pérignon possibly be more appealing? When it’s packed in a gleaming limited-edition giftbox like this one designed by American artist Jeff Koons. $629, domperignon.com

Waterford Elysian ice bucket

We’ve seen some pretty impressive ice buckets in our time, but this number by British designer Jo Sampson for Waterford, plated with 24-carat gold, is one of the hottest by a long shot. $449, wwrd.com.au

Chanel No 5 hair mist

This Chanel No 5 hair mist is great for spritzing on pre-party or post-plane. Oh, and it slips nicely into a Christmas stocking too. $60, chanel.com.au

Canon EOS M kit

Got a happy snapper on your gift-recipient list? The Canon EOS M camera kit is quick, compact and clever, with interchangeable lenses that’ll take travel shots to the next level. $649, canon.com.au

Outdoorchef Easy 570 charcoal barbecue

This no-fuss charcoal barbecue grills, smokes and is big enough to cook a whole turkey. What more could you ask for? $199, outdoorchef.com.au

Louis Vuitton “Damier Coulers Element”

Passport, money, make-up, you name it – these nifty little A5-sized pouches from Louis Vuitton are perfect for carting around essentials when you’re on the go. $840, louisvuitton.com

Longines Weems Second-Setting watch

Here’s one for the less-punctual. This Longines heritage timepiece is as sharp as they come, with painted Roman numerals, striking blue steel hands and self-winding mechanical movement. The wearer will never miss another beat. $5275, longines.com

Missoni Home beach towel

You’ll be the brightest on the beach with one of these Missoni beach towels ($275) from Top 3 by Design. In Sydney? Head to their pop-up store at the MLC centre for more than 100 of their hottest gift items. It’s only around till Saturday 21 December, so get in quick. Top 3 by Design pop-up, cnr Castlereagh & King sts, Sydney, NSW, 1300 867 333.