These Sunglass Brands Make The Most Unique Christmas Gift
December is upon us, and for most of us, that means we’ve started thinking about our holiday gift list. As eyewear experts, we always know that much like buying someone perfume, sunglasses can seem like a highly personal present. But, we actually think that’s what makes them such a good gift idea. What better way to show someone special that you care than getting them a pair of frames that match their style?
Not only is about the sunglass itself. Quality eyewear brands prioritize packaging design as much as they do their frames– it's almost an extension of the brand. Keeping that in mind, we’ve curated this gift guide with a focus on individual style and personal taste. The best thing is that these sunglasses are almost ‘packaged’ for you, making it up to you whether you want to wrap it a second time or not. The choice is yours.
What to buy for the fashion lover
Are you shopping for someone who religiously watches every fashion week catwalk and scours the internet for the latest street style trends? Fear not: when buying for the fashion-addicted, it’s best to start with big labels and maisons with a heritage history.
We’d recommend sunglasses from Gucci. Gucci packaging is already festive, so it’s a great gift. Frames come in a jewel-toned velvet hard case along with an emerald green pouch and a logo accent.
For a more experimental fashion fiend, look to Bottega Veneta. The packaging showcases the house’s iconic green and is beautifully geometric, with a magnetic closure. Bonus points, it kind of looks like a Christmas tree.
What to buy for the sun-seeker
These are for the travelers on your list, the ones consumed by wanderlust. Chances are they prefer to spend the holidays in a balmy spot instead of under the snow.
Enrich their vacation-worthy fits with sunglasses that match. Milan brand Eyepetizer is a perfect gift: their shades are packaged in colorfully-designed cases with references to travel, art and iconic cities.
Infused with more feel-good vibes is the California-based brand, AKILA. We love the AKILA x The Beatles collaboration: with collector’s packaging, each piece is considered, from the Pepperland color palette to the Yellow Submarine-inspired packaging.
What to buy for the jewelry queen
If the person you’re shopping for has a penchant for fine jewelry, chances are, it’s all about the small details for them. Cartier sunglasses replicate the brand’s iconic imagery with their Panthère de Cartier sunglasses among other symbols like the Santos Screw and C de Cartier. Classic jewelry wearers will find joy in these impeccable frames as well as the brand’s packaging, which features a burgundy hard box and a black leather case.
For those who adore glamour, opt for Tiffany sunglasses. Sunglasses are adorned with classic motifs from the heart tag to the T monogram. The packaging mirrors the jeweler’s heritage, evident from their Tiffany Blue which is replicated from the leather case to the microfiber cloth.
What to buy for the vintage dresser
Do you know someone who can only be described as chic, sartorial and always hunting for a vintage look? They love fashion but also love scouring the internet for secondhand finds. While it’s not been previously worn, the Oliver Peoples x Brunello Cucinelli collaboration is a surefire option for your retro someone. The work of two giants in their own industries, the packaging ties in Oliver Peoples’ vintage optical appeal with Brunello Cucinelli’s quiet luxury, shown by the fabric drawstring pouch and genuine leather cases.
For less formal stylers, consider the sunny allure of Californian brand Garrett Leight. The packaging is colorful but still made with traces of vintage love; just look at the soft leather folding construction.
What to buy for the sunglasses collector
It can be daunting to buy sunglasses for people who are already obsessed with frames, but we always love opening something we actually want right?
Impress the eyewear enthusiast in your life with your expertise with Jacques Marie Mage. With their limited edition releases and their festive red collector’s boxes, the brand makes an ideal gift for the holidays.
If the gift-receiver is more minimal, choose the quality and clean design of Barton Perreira, the American brand that makes all their frames in Japan. The label’s packaging mirrors its quality control with decisive geometry, clean-cut lines and sleek black options, making them perfectly timeless.
What to buy for the modern minimalist
Always put together without a second thought about the latest fashion trends? Enter the minimalist. Holiday shopping for minimalists can feel tricky; less is more for them, so making a purchase seems to go against their very essence. Be thoughtful and consider brands that match their look – labels that don’t care about outside noise.
Say hello to South Korean eyewear giants Gentle Monster, whose effortless persona is reflected in their aerodynamic all-white packaging. For the more technical dressers out there, opt for the Berlin-based brand Mykita, which is known for its enduring functionality, practical experimentation, and design-focused creation.
What to buy for the eccentric styler
For those who the word ‘minimalist’ is akin to an insult, consider brands that are full of personality. Kuboraum, the brand that can only be described as the Berlin kid of eyewear, is one such option. Their collections are handmade in Italy, with frames designed in a combination of colors and with unique silhouettes for a statement look.
For something that airs on the side of classic but is nonetheless bold, opt for Cutler and Gross. The British brand takes a long heritage of optical design and mixes it with stunning, contemporary silhouettes and saturated acetate tones, proving them a worthwhile option for the most maximalist of us.
What to buy for the independent curator
For someone who loves researching niche brands with a certain indie flair, you’ll do well to forget the big brands and huge collections.
Go for sunglasses from contemporary Parisian label Peter and May. They put sustainability at the heart of their packaging, shown through their certified cotton drawstring pouch.
For something a little more hard-hitting, consider the grooved metal cases of British brand Cubitts. Not only are their sunglasses beautifully unique with a vintage influence, but their packaging is beautifully designed, demonstrating the label’s dedication to the eyewear game.
Mia Burton Care Kit
With every purchase from miaburton.com, sunglasses come with our complimentary Mia Burton Care Kit. It’s a perfect and small addition, that allows your loved ones to take care of their sunglasses, wherever they are.