I'm never sure about gifts. Will they like it? Will it mean anything, or end up in a drawer? The one thing I always look for is the thought behind it. I like a gift that lasts: something that ages alongside the relationship instead of wearing out and getting thrown away. That's where a supple leather briefcase or a warm leather jacket comes in.
Most gifts get used for a week. A good leather piece goes the other way: it softens, darkens and takes the shape of the person who carries it. That's why it makes such a good present for someone who already has everything. You're not giving him a thing. You're giving him the version of it he'll have in five years.
Below are six gifts from £188 to £408, grouped by the kind of man you're buying for. Each one is full-grain or calfskin leather with solid hardware, so it will outlast the trend that's on everyone's list this year.
Order by early December for Christmas. Every piece is prepared for you and then shipped, which takes 10 to 14 days in total.
For the commuter
The Leather Zip-Top Briefcase — from £188
Leather Zip-Top Briefcase
from £188
Full-grain leather · Fits 15" laptops · 8 colours
Shop the briefcaseThe everyday work bag, and the easiest pick if you're unsure. It's full-grain leather with solid brass zips, a padded sleeve for laptops up to 15 inches, and two full-length outside pockets for a phone and a train ticket. You can choose one, two or three gussets, so it can be a slim document bag or a proper overnight case. It comes in eight colours, from cognac to olive.
Choose it if he carries a laptop most days and hates digging for things.
The Birmingham Briefcase — £263
Birmingham Briefcase
£263
Full-grain leather · Laptop compartment · Brass hardware
Shop the briefcaseA more structured, traditional briefcase. It has a wrapped top handle, a separate laptop compartment, an internal divider with slip pockets, and a zipped pocket for valuables. The hand-polished edges and brass zip give it the look of a bag that cost twice as much.
Choose it if he wears a suit or works somewhere a backpack would look out of place.
The Leather Rolltop Backpack — £226
Leather Rolltop Backpack
£226
Full-grain leather · Expands 40–60 cm · Black or chestnut
Shop the backpackFor the cyclist, the walker or anyone who's given up on shoulder bags. The roll top grows from 40 to 60 centimetres tall, so it carries a laptop on Monday and a gym kit on Friday. Brass rivets and adjustable cotton straps keep it simple to repair and comfortable to wear.
Choose it if he carries a different load every day.
For the traveller
The Aviator Duffel — £408
The weekend bag. Soft calfskin with a canvas lining, two open inside pockets and a zipped one, and a size that fits the overhead bins on most major airlines. It's the bag that turns a weekend away into an occasion.
Choose it if he travels for work or plans the trips.
For the one who has everything
The B3 Sheepskin Bomber — £263
The one gift he won't have bought himself. It's a sheepskin leather jacket with a thick shearling lining, a buckled collar, brass zip and two hand-warmer pockets. Hip length, built for proper cold, and in a rich brown that's replaced black as the default this year.
Sizing tip: if he's between sizes, go up a size. If you're not sure of his size, we can make it to his measurements.
The B3 was first built for bomber crews flying at 25,000 feet, where temperatures dropped to around −50°F. Ours follows the same design, and I've put it through its paces: camping, a three-day trip through Minnesota in winter, and ski trips in Alaska, where it also doubled as padding on the slopes.
From the workshop
For my own dad, I'd pick the Aviator Duffel. He travels often, and it's the most versatile piece we make: smart enough to carry into a meeting, roomy enough for a few days away, and sized for the overhead bins on major airlines. The very first one we made is still my everyday travel bag. But the best gift is always the one that fits the person, so start with how he actually spends his days, not with what's on my list.
How to choose
| If he... | Give him | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Carries a laptop every day | Leather Zip-Top Briefcase | from £188 |
| Wears a suit to work | Birmingham Briefcase | £263 |
| Cycles or walks to work | Leather Rolltop Backpack | £226 |
| Goes away most weekends | Aviator Duffel | £408 |
| Already owns every bag | B3 Sheepskin Bomber | £263 |
Making it last: the Levant Leather Care Ritual
Good leather needs very little. Every piece comes with our care ritual:
- After each use, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.
- Keep it away from heat and direct sunlight, which dry leather out and make it crack.
- Condition it every three to six months with a good leather conditioner.
- Never soak it or put it in the washing machine.
- When it's not in use, store it somewhere cool and dry, in its Levant dust bag.
For suede pieces, use a suede cleaner, let it air-dry in the shade, and avoid stiff brushes.
Quick answers
When should I order for Christmas? By early December. Delivery takes 10 to 14 days in total.
Can I return it if it's not right? Yes. Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days.
What if I don't know his size? Choose a bag, which needs no sizing. Or use the size chart on the jacket page and size up if he's between sizes.
One last tip: if he gets a mark on it, don't reach for wet wipes or household cleaners. A slightly damp cloth with a pH-neutral leather cleaner is all it needs. — Levant Leather
