New World Santa Receives Gifts from The Old Country

Wrapping up our ‘Shopping for Your Santa’ series, I offer you some outstanding gift ideas from Italy, France, Asia and beyond – with a ‘ho, ho, ho,’ here we go around the globe and a few shopping stops along the way. Like Santa says, “The shopping never truly ends.”

Everyone knows that the French have had a major impact on the scent market since the creation of salves and potions. Parfums de Marly — Paris is one such pioneer in the olfactory business, dating back to 1743. This year I recommend their holiday gift box containing the popular scent called HALTANE.

Under the expert guidance and leadership of founder and artistic director, Julien Sprecher, this popular scent has captured the attention of today’s men (and their admirers) with a composition that melds generations with the tradition of 18^th century French perfume making. The outcome is refreshing and alluring with woody, herbal and masculine tones of leather. It’s as much a privilege to wear this cologne and it is to encounter it.

The Notes:

Top
Bergamot, Lavender, Clary Sage

Heart
Saffron, Cedarwood, Praline, Oudwood

Base
Patchouli, Vetiver, Musk, Leather, Natural Agarwood

Your Santa will be as crazy about this gift as much as I am. The flattering and timelessly sophisticated artwork (by Matthieu Forichon) on the packaging is only surpassed by the exceptional contents inside. The Layton Coffret set by Parfums de Marly is a true conversation piece worthy of the Magi. Perfect for the colder months, this cologne and shower gel combines seductive elegance with aromatic freshness.

The Notes:
Top
Apple, Bergamot, Lavender

Heart
Jasmine, Violet, Geranium

Base
Vanilla, Pepper, Guaiac Wood, Patchouli

Parfums de Marly are available at the links above as well as most major department stores and fine boutiques.

The goods from Oars + Alps always remind me of England and perhaps Switzerland for some reason. I believe it’s the conjuring of sculling on the River Thames or Nordic skiing. If your Santa enjoys European outdoor sports, I recommend this travel gift set. It includes: Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner and Deodorant — perfect for travel to see Big Ben or the Matterhorn. Hint: Slip your surprise plane tickets or itinerary inside the convenient gift pouch.

Oars + Alps

The way to Babbo Natale in Italy is through his stomach. Who does cuisine better than the Italians? Okay, that presumption is debatable but when it comes to quality and certified exports, the boot-shaped country ranks with high kicks. This season, no kitchen should be devoid of Ponti products. I’ve recently tried their Balsamic Vinegar de Modena. We Americans think of Balsamic vinegar as a dressing for salads but in reality it is used for many dishes from cheese plates to herb crusted rib pork and desserts such as Strawberry Semifreddo. I suggest that you review the recipes on the Ponti website below.

While looking over their many products, be sure to check out the Ponti Cherry Condiment. This smooth and creamy delicacy not only enhances cocktails, it also enhances many dishes like roasted pork or poultry. It’s the ultimate topping for gelato and panna cotta. Be a little daring this holiday season and prepare a new Santa feast with gusto.

Ponti

Fulfill his sweet dreams with a Reber Grand Specialty Window Gift Box. If your Santa enjoys everything Bavarian, gift him this confectionary assortment to include: Flaky Toffee, Cherry Chocolate Delight, Rosenwalzer Chocolate Delight, Rum-Fruit Chocolate Delight, Esterhazy Chocolate Delight, the genuine Reber Mozart-Kugeln, and the Constanze Mozart-Kugeln. He will think it’s wunderbar.

European Deli

From the famous barbers in Rotterdam, Netherlands, I present this hair product for your jolly dude who is more likely to be hanging around the beach, a coffee house or anywhere music is heard. The Surf Cream pomade by REUZEL will help keep him groomed and looking his very best. It’s easy to use with a small dab to dried hair then style as desired. This product works great for that relaxed surfer look.

Give a gift from the Middle East. Medjoul dates are known as the ‘king of the date’ dating back to biblical times. Their exact origin is still debatable and even the name in Arabic means ‘unknown.’ History aside, I only care about the taste and that is why I recommend you do the research and taste testing then choose your favorite brand of this delectable fruit. Following is a link that I discovered to get you started.

Middle East Foods

I’ve recently written about the Warm Electric Shaver by Yaman in Japan and now I’d like to share with you their Yaman Moist Lotion. Based in Tokyo, this company offers a large selection of hair and skin products with an Asian touch. Your Santa may need to trim up or complete shave after this busy season and this lotion applied to the skin helps to soothe and hydrate with remarkable results.

Yaman

Santa’s hair may get a bit dull from riding in the elements. If his lovely long, medium or short locks need a little more shine, I suggest OUAI Hair Gloss made in the U.S. but with components from Belgium. This shine booster is applied to freshly cleaned hair in sections. Just part the hair and apply a small amount about the size of a pea to each area and rub in with fingers from the scalp to the end of the hair strands. After that, he just has to chill out, let it dry, style and bask in the brilliance.