Choosing the Right Gift?

Buying presents can be one of the hardest things to do. As such, we generally descend to the rationale of the more expensive the better. Yes most girls would love the Chanel classic flap bag and most guys would probably love the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. However, a poorly thought out gift is still a poorly thought out gift even if you add a few more zeros to the price tag.

Sea-Dweller 4000

When you ask someone what makes a good gift, you get many generic phrases such as 'get something meaningful' or 'something that you know they will use.' Wow how helpful you are people, I definitely know what to get now. How about you also tell me something else as utterly useless like 'get them a gift card.' 

Classic Flap

Seriously though, you shouldn't hate on someone that is only trying to help. However, the art of choosing a great gift is by and large a psychological analysis. Understanding someone's motives for wanting and using things will go a long way in achieving success. So what should you assess when choosing a suitable gift?

1. Vanity

I bet he feels pretty

Vanity makes it to number 1, as there is no faster way to eliminate options. Vanity unlike overcompensation (which I'll discuss later in number 3), is concerned with how 'pretty' the present is. Some people favour this more so over practical function which is also why it is undeniably linked to overcompensation. As such, correctly gauging a person's vanity level will very quickly help you to eliminate many unsuitable gifts.

So how do you assess how vain someone is? There's many ways to do this so i'll leave that up to you to figure out. However, if you really can't figure it out, I've been told that 'neat handwriting is a sign of vanity.' Have a look at someone's handwriting and tell me if you agree?

2. Self-confidence

You should always be true to yourself

Self-confidence comes in at number 2. This is because the true level of self confidence (the confidence a person projects when they feel safe), is a true measure of what someone actually likes. This differs from the 'confidence' displayed when said person is around strangers or people that make them uncomfortable. This also shouldn't be confused with their ability or confidence to trend set (#5), as this may not reflect who they truly are.

You want to get as close as possible to (or try to imagine) how you think this person would behave in their freest setting (be it on holiday or when they've had to much to drink). Think about the things he/she would talk about or want to do but won't because of the restrictions they feel society imposes upon them. Success at this will open your mind to better gift ideas.

3. Overcompensation

I believe him

Essentially, number 3 assesses how much a person likes to brag. As I mentioned in number 1, pretty items are often easy to brag about. However, overcompensation goes much further than just a pretty gift. You essentially have to ask yourself, 'how much will the person want to tell others about the gift?'

As such, an assessment of their level of modesty will hopefully hold you in good stead as you go about picking a great gift.

4. Practicality

Was it worth it?

Any present you get has still has to have a 'practical' function to the recipient. However, practical doesn't necessarily mean useful in this context. It does mean that it gets lots of use. You wouldn't argue that a painting is particularly useful. However, if the recipient is going to look at it multiple times and a day and draw inspiration or comfort from it, then it is getting 'lots of use.' 

There are many items which you may think do not belong into this category. I encourage you to think beyond the obvious uses of the item and instead assess it in terms of what emotional return the recipient would gain from it. Just don't get crocs -  I don't care how 'practical' they are.

5. Trend Setter

Setting fashion trends for guys with great side boob everywhere

A person's trend setting ability will help you quickly define how 'out there' to go for a present. Someone that has a high 'level of ability or confidence' will appreciate you getting them something that is out of the norm, especially if they always have to 1 Up everyone. The opposite is also true as a 'follower' would prefer you get something that is well researched by society and is now considered cool at the moment.

Essentially, you must ask the question; 'from zero to Kanye, how Kanye are they?'

Ultimately the best gifts have the greatest timeless potential (i.e. will be kept and treasured for the longest amount of time). This is where you will need to assess the type of occasion you are buying for and determine if timeless value is important or not.

With the theory out of the way, stayed tuned for gifts for guys and gifts for girls; coming soon

#Hanbaobao

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Travel Essentials

I was recently asked to do an EDC, which apparently stands for Every Day Carry. Once I found out what this meant, I actually found it quite hard to do. I'm essentially a minimalist when I go out and you'll hardly ever find me carrying things I don't absolutely need.

So I thought maybe I would discuss what are my everyday travel essentials. This then became a toss up between budget travelling or 5 star travelling. It then became quite obvious that 5 star travelling doesn't really need much thought to go into it (seeing as you will take more than you need to anyway). This being the case, I selected my 5 essential 'budget' travel items.

1. Wallet - MontBlanc

106653 - Meisterstueck Pocket 6CC

When you have 3 wallets from Montblanc it might sometimes be hard to choose which one to take. However, for sheer practicality, the one that always travels with me is the Meisterstueck Pocket 6CC.

2. Sunglasses - Ray Ban Justin

Justin in the middle is my choice

Versatility wins out here. When I travel I want to be able to dress from 'as casual as possible' to 'a shade under semi-formal'. As such, the Justins trump the RB3477s and the Erikas and they are my go to shades for whenever I'm travelling.

3. Headphones - Audio Technica ATH-50

There's a new model out - The ATH-50X

Where would I be without my headphones. They are your best friend in a plane, train, bus or anywhere you just want to shut the outside world out and just get to your destination. I love the sound quality of the ATH-50s and their all round performance. Check out their review on CNET.

4. Wash Bag - Sportscraft

Looks great and you won't cry if it gets ruined

Every guy should have a quality one of these. Sure you could get something like the Mulberry Full Grain Leather Wash Bag. However, bear in mind that the wash bag often houses your most useful fluids and they get thrown around a lot. As such, you are one leakage away and/or one scratch, dent or rip on the outside. Hence, consider getting something that will allow you to get some enjoyment out of it without breaking the bank. You could also consider the shaving bag from Ralph Lauren.

5. Cologne - Bleu de Chanel

Sorry Giorgio and Ralph, Coco has got you this time

My choice of cologne. It was a hard decision and an honourable mention deserves to go to the Armani Code. Ultimately, it was the versatility of the Bleu that won out. I feel its more versatile compared to the code and helps to keep your masculinity in check because no matter how big your ego is, at the end of the day you are still wearing Chanel. I also feel more care free and fun when wearing the Bleu, whilst still feeling the part when dressed in a suit.

That makes 5 items and the end of the post. I trust that this has been helpful and you still like my taste in life. Stay tuned for more.

#Hanbaobao

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The Wishlist

It's funny that something which began as bit of fun and a place to put some thoughts, is becoming a source of information and entertainment. In lieu of my sarcastic 'Favourite Luxury Items,' I've now been asked what Luxury Items are actually on my Wishlist.

I'm not going to lie when I say I'm a bit reluctant to post this. The items are still on the 'Wishlist' for a reason; I would have bought them already if I was sure I wanted them. I guess though, there would have to be some that I am further along in the decision process. I've picked 5 to share that I'll probably be buying over the next month or so. Here we go.

1. Balenciaga T-Shirt

Balenciaga Short Sleeve Top

This t-shirt has been on my radar for a short while now. I quite like the non-in your face design that separates it from other luxury brands. I also like that the design is inverted from traditional t-shirts. Instead of the design being in the centre of the t-shirt, the centre is left blank for you to fill in. To me this says, your life is a blank canvas. Yes there are other things around  (the leather look paintbrush stroke in the surroundings), but you can choose what you want to project. A lot for a t-shirt to say but what's the point of clothing if you can't use it to express yourself.

2. Paul Smith Cuff links

To be perfectly honest, I'm not the biggest fan of Paul Smith. I don't really identify with the brand and their designs don't do a lot for me. However, I quite like these Robot Copper Cuff links. I'm always on the hunt for some fun, good quality, no so common cuff links. These seem to tick all the right boxes. I know they are mass produced but I don't think I'll come across too many people with them.

3. Ralph Lauren Braided Leather Belt

Ralph Lauren Braided Leather Belt

Once you have your essential single piece leather belts, I encourage you to add some diversity to your casual wardrobe. Currently I have my eye on this braided belt from Ralph Lauren (I also have my eye on the one from TOD'S). I'm quite pedantic when it comes to belts, so this is my preference due to the square buckle shape. 

4. Chanel De Bleu Soap

Bleu de Chanel Prestige Soap

There's no point having a wish list without having at least one guilty pleasure. For me, this item is the Bleu de Chanel Prestige Soap. It's a lot to pay for a bar of soap but as I like to collect things (I have the Bleu de Chanel cologne), I think this would match quite nicely. I haven't tried it yet so maybe I'll review it in a post called 'Skincare for the Modern Man.'

5. Balenciaga White High Sneakers

Balenciaga Monochrome High Sneakers

If you can't tell, Balenciaga is my brand of the month. I really like the designs coming out of this French fashion house. With my sneaker collection needing a little bit of an overhaul, this pair of hi-tops have risen to the top of my wish list. Can't say much more about them now other than I always enjoy single colour designs.

It would be great to hear your thoughts on these. Stay tuned for The Wishlist Part 2.

#Hanbaobao

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