Some prefer to pop the window of an advent calendar – but at this time of year I like to patrol the pavements of central London and count the male shoppers; the greater the incidence of men clutching large-ish carrier bags, the closer we are to Christmas.  Personally, witnessing this annual migration of male shoppers into the west end cheers the heart. We may not be multi-taskers, but by golly we go at the final gift-grab as if our life depended on it.  Here we are greatly assisted by those businesses that offer the broadest range of presents possible, and for those bidden to deliver a little succulence to the Christmas table, Fortnum & Mason remains the first and often last call. Its specialty hampers have long since become a gifting given, and at this time of year simply groan with seasonal delights. The £165 Classic hamper, for instance, contains an array of Christmassy comestibles and arrives helpfully pre-loaded with three examples of its excellent own-label still and sparkling wines.  Similarly, Davidoff (helpfully located a little way along Jermyn Street) can supply all the needs of the cigar aficionado, as well as offering the kind of gentlemanly artefacts (lighters for instance) that delight men whether they yearn to spark up or not.  And then there’s Pickett, formerly of Burlington Arcade, now firmly ensconced in its new home – veritable warren of rooms arrayed around the rear entrance to that most gentlemanly of residences, Albany, on Mayfair’s Burlington Gardens.  Here, you’ll find the sort of timeless gifts that its founder and proprietor, Trevor Pickett has excelled at for over 25 years. His specialties include keenly priced cashmere, inimitable English-made leather and canvas luggage, beautifully finished cufflink- and watch boxes, as well as an extraordinary array of board games. Throw in slippers, gloves, wallets and such like, and it’s hard to believe a one stop shop here wouldn’t turn up just about anything a man might want.  And if that’s what’s needed, then you’re helpfully positioned at the very top of Savile Row, where the move toward more fashion-forward retailing has enlivened its sartorial offering, particularly at the likes of Hardy Amies, Gieves & Hawkes and Kilgour.  However, if the sight of Pickett’s soft leather overnight bag (£799) is likely to quicken the pulse of your favourite travelling companion, then best to step smartly northwards again and visit the Bang & Olufsen store on Brook Street, and pick up a pair of its incandescently clear in-ear H3 ANC headphones (£199). Featuring state-of-the-art noise-cancelling technology, they are both superbly sturdy and supremely comfortable to wear.  And if by now time really is up, then don’t panic – David Gandy’s favourite hosiery brand, the London Sock Co., is offering an instantly redeemable e-gift card that can be downloaded online and comes with a certificate that can be printed to gift on the big day. How last-minute is last-minute? Clearly there’s no longer any such thing.  Bill Prince is the deputy editor of British GQ
Bill Prince leads you on a trail of central London and selects the best pieces for last minute, gentlemanly gifting