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We’ve seen Christmas decorations slowly sprinkled across the city, and that can only mean one thing—the holiday season is right around the corner. We caught up with man-about-town, Jonathan Cheung, to see what the savvy shopper has his eye on for gifts for friends and family:

What's your number one rule of gifting?

I always include a handwritten note on my personalised stationery. I send my notes in forest green linen-lined envelopes in summer and a plush velvet one in winter.

Where do you look for gift ideas?

Often in the recipients' homes. I always want my gift to be enjoyed in their most comfortable state, in their own surroundings.

What to give your best guy friends? (scroll to see)

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Photo 1 of 6 <p> This Mark Cross leather briefcase for men is luxe, no matter what colour you get it in. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431303948;233685292;k" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 2 of 6 <p>I’ve spent quite some time with my close friends in Los Angeles in the recent years, sp this graphic t-shirt by Nick Fouquet would serve as a nice reminder of our holidays.</a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431416582;233685292;j " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 3 of 6 <p> I love anything from The Elder Statesman, and this cashmere three-piece survival kit is a great gift idea! </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431345013;233685292;z" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 4 of 6 <p> For the friends who travel as much as I do, a good pair of headphones, like these leather wrapped ones by Master & Dynamic, for long journeys is both stylish and practical. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431416300;233685292;x " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 5 of 6 <p>An elegant toiletry case would also make a sensible gift for close friends. Whether they’re jetting off on holiday or a business trip, it’s something that they’ll always have with them.</a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431416303;233685292;a" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 6 of 6 <p> This Frame Denim patch pocket jacket would make a great gift as a suede jacket is perfect for the winter months in Hong Kong. Plus, I’m loving everything with a Western touch at the moment. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431303951;233685292;e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>

Gifts for your stylish girl friends? (scroll to see)

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Photo 1 of 3 <p> The Elder Statesmen make the best cashmere jumpers hands down. And this exclusive style to Moda Operandi just brings me straight to Burning Man. If we can’t be there physically, we can definitely dress the part, right? </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431303954;233685292;h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 2 of 3 <p> For my chic girlfriends who smoke, what’s a better way to show off her sass than a tasselled lighter cover? </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431346501;233685292;c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 3 of 3 <p> Sometimes gifts should just be about getting something they totally do not need, but would love forever, and this Grace Fuller fur-trimmed silk robe is exactly that. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431346504;233685292;f" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Moda Operandi

In your opinion, what makes a good gift? 

It may sound a bit cliché, but it has to have a personal meaning, something that shows you have put considerable thought into it. I would want to think that my gifts are things the recipient would love but wouldn't necessarily get for themselves.

What's the best gift you've ever received? 

For my birthday last year, I received a commissioned drawing based on an Instagram portrait of myself from my best friend. It was a comical portrayal of my muscular self—definitely earned a permanent spot on my wall at home. It's also a reminder of our friendship, and a reminder to hit the gym.

What's on your Christmas wishlist this year? (scroll to see)

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Photo 1 of 3 <p> I am fascinated by all things cosmic-related, so this galaxy throw in cashmere by Saved NY definitely caught my eye. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431416567;233685292;m" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 2 of 3 <p> These zodiac dinner and dessert plates from Laboratorio Paravicini would be great to have at home when I entertain. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431416288;233685292;m" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 3 of 3 <p> My ultimate Christmas dream is to sip on mulled wine next to a warm fireplace, while it’s snowing outside. And in my fantasy, I’m snuggled up in this set of cashmere pyjamas from The Elder Statesman. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://www.modaoperandi.com/the-elder-statesman-gg18/favorite-cashmere-pajama-top?size=OS?utm_medium=article&utm_source=Hktatler&utm_campaign=ContentPartnership_Hktatler_HK_Gifting&utm_content=HKT_gifting_Christmas_the-elder-statesman" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>

Gifts for family members? (scroll to see)

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Photo 1 of 5 <p> My family and I will be spending part of the holidays in Tokyo, it’s one of our annual trips together. Playing cards is also another family tradition, so this playing card set will be a great gift for the family. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431303942;233685292;e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 2 of 5 <p> My father loves his fine wines, so this Lorenzi Milano three-piece wine set with zebu horn finishes would be great accessory to bring to his next dinner party. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431303678;233685292;k" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 3 of 5 <p>And for my mother, something luxe in exotic skin will definitely put a smile on her face. Stalvey’s lizard skin top handle bag with a gold claspe will be a great addition to her wardrobe. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431303171;233685292;y" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 4 of 5 <p> I love shopping for my sister Joanna every now and then, and these would be a great pair of heels for her to wear for the holiday parties she has lined up this season. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431416573;233685292;j" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 5 of 5 <p> Joanna travels quite a bit for work, and this Loewe Gate tote would be great bag to take her straight from the airport to meetings. It even fits her laptop. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431416579;233685292;p" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>

When do you start shopping for holiday gifts?

I generally shop as I see things—perusing websites like Moda Operandi, if something catches my eye and reminds me of the perfect place in a friend's home, that's when I get the gift. 

Stocking stuffers, or presents to bring along to hosts of holiday parties? (scroll to see)

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Photo 1 of 5 <p> These will definitely add flair to any Hong Kong household. Mahjong Cocktail Napkins, imagine the possibilities with eggnog at the holiday party! </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431346510;233685292;c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 2 of 5 <p> Lorenzi Milano is a longtime favourite Italian craftsmen of mine. And with truffle season in mind, this Stag Antler slicer is surely the chicest way to serve them up. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431345016;233685292;c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 3 of 5 <p> An eye-catching coffee table book about the host’s interest is something that always makes a safe and thoughtful gift. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431303957;233685292;k" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 4 of 5 <p> For my friends who like entertaining at home, this set of four woven glass tumblers by Amanda Lindroth would be a great gift. It may be winter outside, but anything tropical always lightens the mood. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431350443;233685292;c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>
Photo 5 of 5 <p> My friends and I like to play dice games when we’re together, so this would be a chic and playful accent for any home. </a></p><p></p> <p> </p><p><a href=" https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/431499821;233685292;q" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shop it here</a></p>

Discover more at modaoperandi.com

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