Wrapped up: what the Esquire team have on their Christmas wishlist
From Bottega Veneta loafers to calendars and new running shoes, this is what the Esquire team wants this Christmas
By 
BOTTEGA LOAFERS, bed linen, new running shoes and the comforts of a good sofa to fall asleep on post-lunch – these are a few of our favourite things that the Esquire Australia team are hoping to wake to on Christmas Day.
Doesn’t matter how old you are, the thrill of opening a Christmas present never abates. Which in our opinion is a good thing – retaining some childlike wonder is a true gift. As is the joy of watching someone you love open a present that truly excites them.
This year, our picks are a mix of practical, personal, a little indulgent and absolutely necessary. Which is which, now that’s totally up to interpretation.
What the Esquire editors have on their Christmas wishlists
Tyler Dane Wingco, Style & Culture Writer
Wynn Hamlyn Woven Windbreaker
This has been on the wishlist since I first laid eyes on it coming down the runway at Australian Fashion Week in May. We see the windbreaker as a big trend in 2026, and this woven plaid take on it – with that little burst on the side – is so fresh.
Man-tle 2026 Calendar
I’m a big believer in the practical Christmas gift. So, I’m taking this opportunity to ask for Perth-based brand Man-tle’s 2026 Calendar – their first ever.
Balenciaga Le Dix
I’ve been wanting to get into Balenciaga’s new range of fragrances, and I feel Le Dix is a good place to start. A ‘reconstruction’ of the house’s first fragrance from 1947, the notes of iris adlehydes, violet leaf absolute and incense essential oils that evoke that elegant Parisian attitude I like in a scent.
Bed Threads Espresso Bedding Set
I treat bedding as an annual acquisition best saved for Christmas time when someone else is doing the shopping. So, to my friends and loved ones reading, Bed Threads makes some of my favourite sets, with their organic cotton and crisp feel.
The Props Case
Most phone cases with an in-built stand trade off protection for the propping up function. This one from Aussie label Props does both, with a thick silicone case and retractable stand that’s affectionately described as a ‘content assistant’. This would be a game changer for the lunchtime TikTok doom scroll.
Benjamen Judd, Head of Content
Tudor 1926 Luna watch
A slightly late arrival to the year, the Tudor 1926 Luna is such a subtle masterpiece of design that it has stuck in the back of my mind since my colleague Ruby wrote aboutit. The contrast shade of champagne gold of the dial to stainless steel, I think, is flawlessly balanced. It also marks the first Tudor to contain a moonphase complication.
Come EDP by Bogue
Italian perfume house Bogue takes a maximalism approach to what they do. They’re dense creations that are rich and complex. Come is their latest release and smells like a walk in a dense forest. Black tea, fig, cade, olibanum – summer day banger.
Bottega Veneta Astair loafer
Even if I hadn’t been monitoring Jacob Elordi’s wardrobe with a microscope, these Bottega Veneta Astair loafers have had my mouth watering for a while now. The folded, crinkled texture of the leather has such a David Cronenberg feel to it. Or, you could argue, a Mary Shelley feel, the OG body horror writer.
Pyrrha emerald signet ring
What I love about Canadian jewellers Pyrrha is how every piece has a meaning to it, and a deliberate intent behind their designs. They’re literally talismans. This particular ring is one of the rare ones that celebrates the stone, a natural emerald. Instead of something polished and perfect, it leans into its raw beauty and imperfections and is made from100% recycled gold.
Ahlem “Suffren” sunglasses
I have a really broad face so finding sunglasses that suit me is akin to a Holy Grail or unicorn. I love the edging of Ahlem’s eyewear, it has an industrial feel to it, and the Suffren have a slightly broader fit without looking comical. Honestly, I’d stock on multiple colours but the green is a personal favourite.
J.W. Anderson Loafer bag
The perfect casual bag for men does exist and it’s called a loafer bag. True, there’s literally nothing that Jonathan Anderson does that I don’t think is great but the low-key nature of this suede little box on a strap made me covet it seconds after seeing it. It fits everything I need without letting me pack more than I should. Ideal. Hardest decision is choosing between brown or green.
Julz Beresford painting
There is a blank wall in my house that my partner and I have struggled for about three years to decide what to hang there. It needed to be something that would add to a sense of calmness to the space. Julz Beresford’s landscapes have such a stunning life-like quality they feel like I’m looking out of a window. There’s such lovely detail to the technique used across the canvas. The serenity caught within the stillness of the reflection is just *chef’s kiss*.
Existence EDP by Amouage
“Two things I love the smell of: lily of the valley and incense. Did I think they could work together in a singular fragrance? No. Am I happy to be proven wrong? Yes! Amouage launched Existence earlier this year, the last of their Odyssey collection, and it smells like a study in shades of blinding white. Loaded with aldehydes, frankincense and lily of the valley there’s rose and amber beneath that give it some heft. Heaven in the opening, decadent in the dry down.”
Cayle Reid, Associate Content Editor
New Balance 1080V15
The 1080V14 was (and still is) my favourite running shoe, so my expectations are high for the 1080V15. The last few 1080s have used Fresh Foam, while the V15 switches to Infinion Foam (that’s a big change). So, I am tepidly concerned the new model won’t surpass its predecessors. The biggest strength of Fresh Foam was how well it balanced comfort with responsiveness, but Infinion Foam promises it’s even more comfortable and cushioned and at least equally responsive. We’ll see.
Oakley Meta AI Glasses
Meta’s AI glasses have sparked a new boom of content capture opportunities, allowing users to record videos from their own POV. Most of them are made in partnership with Ray-Ban, but the one version designed by Oakley is way cooler (and more suitable for running, a big plus for me). The content capturing capabilities could come in handy for some work-related stuff, although, having been hit by a car on two separate occasions while running this year, I would have other uses for these.
Philips NeoPix Mini Projector
This is a mini projector that can turn any room into a private theatre. It boasts HD visuals, so you can stream movies and shows, play video games or gaze at a slideshow of photos by connecting with a TV, laptop or phone. Could come in handy.
Love Nightshift White Noise Machine
Know someone who has trouble getting to sleep? I am that person, and I’m willing to try anything. This white noise machine plays 30 different sleep sounds, from rain storms and oceans to nature and fans. It could solve some of my problems.
Orlebar Brown mid-length swim shorts
I have a trip to Fiji coming up, so I could use some new swim shorts. This pair from Orlebar Brown looks as good as any. You know what? Throw in this jacquard linen resort shirt to go with them.
A case of Canadian Clubs
I would never say no to the gift of booze, and a Canadian Club is my drink of choice. If anyone is feeling extra generous, I would gladly accept a case.
Related:
The 15 best Christmas movies to watch to get in the festive mood
