What do you get for that special recipient who already has the best of everything? Shopping for the connoisseur is always a challenge, but our gift guide should help you pick a thoughtful present that will be sincerely appreciated by anyone with excellent taste.
Meet the Connoisseur
It is easy to confuse the connoisseur with the world traveler. Both have a fine appreciation for one-of-a-kind experiences and delights. But where the traveler might leave Paris with a full stomach and an appreciation for the Ritz, the connoisseur will require an additional Rimowa carry-on to bring home a few prize tokens, too.
Back at home, each treasure is displayed with curatorial aplomb alongside landmark design pieces and art. To shop for the connoisseur, one need only measure their gift up against one question: is there anything else like it?
A Rare Book From Shakespeare and Company
If there is one place to hunt for prized tomes, it’s Shakespeare and Company. From fifth prints of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Beautiful and Damned to a first edition of Ian Fleming’s Dr. No to a first authorized US edition of James Joyce’s poetry collection Chamber Music, this shop is not only worth a stop in on any Paris trip, but is renowned the world over for its ability to find treasured classics.
Membership at the Multnomah Whiskey Library
Situated in Downtown Portland, the Multnomah Whiskey Library has an unmatched selection of whiskies and spirits from around the world. While visitors can get a hall pass to visit, there are a limited number of memberships available, each opening doors to member-only events, custom tasting glassware, and even spirit locker rentals. Plus, each cherry wood membership card comes laser etched with the member’s name.
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
The ultimate lounge chair, the Eames lounger was first released in 1956 and draws its inspiration from English club chairs and the “the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.” At home with mid-century modern pieces, Scandinavian design, or classic Americana, the appealing chair and ottoman blend with any design style.
High Art
Nothing says “collector” quite like a stockpile of art. Whether a connoisseur focuses on one style—modernist, contemporary, renaissance, abstract—or a mix of many, it speaks volumes about their personal taste and style. Sotheby’s hosts frequent online auctions. Pieces from American photographer Ryan McGinley, Canadian painter Andy Dixon, or American artist Tschabalala Self are safe bets.
Cohiba Cigars
For the connoisseur who appreciates the subtleties in flavor developed by carefully aged tobacco, look no further than Cohiba. These highly-regarded cigars have only been available to the public since 1968, and collectors go to great lengths to acquire the limited-edition releases, which can reach $50,000 apiece at auction. La Casa del Habano cigar shop in London is a good place to start.
Leica M Special Edition Camera
The Leica APO-Summicron M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens is the sharpest in-market standard lens. Available in a bold red-anodised finish, only 100 exist. One of many special editions Leica has been developing since 1975, each model is conceived and produced in collaboration with artists, photographers, designers, and brands before being hand-crafted in the Leica factory.
MB&F LM Perpetual White Gold Limited Watch
A watch that accounts for perpetual time discrepancies? (See: Leap Year.) MB&F’s LM Perpetual White Gold Limited timepiece is a stunning 18K white gold in a limited run of 25 pieces. Its 581 components eliminate issues with conventional calendar watches, and the styling is true to MB&F’s innovative legacy.
For more gift guides for people of discerning taste, visit Discover.Luxury weekly.
