We all have that one mate. You know the one.
He’s got the watches. He’s got the pocket knives that cost more than your first car. He’s got coins from countries that don’t even exist anymore. Buying a gift for him isn’t just difficult; it’s a bloody nightmare. You spend hours scrolling through Amazon, sweating over whether he already owns an "artisanal beard comb" (he does) or a "tactical spatula" (he has two).
It’s enough to make you want to give up and just buy him a pair of socks.
But we’re Holme & Hadfield. We don’t do socks. We do display cases that make grown men weep tears of joy. (Okay, maybe not weep, but they definitely nod approvingly.)
If you’re stuck buying for the collector who has everything, stop panicking. We’ve cracked the code. The secret isn't buying them more stuff to collect. It’s about giving them a way to appreciate the stuff they already have.
Here is the ultimate guide to winning Christmas, birthdays, or just-because for the collector in your life.
The Problem with "Having Everything"
Before we dive into the gear, let's look at the psychology here. Why is this guy so hard to buy for? Because he’s a curator. He doesn't just buy things; he hunts them. If he wants a specific vintage Omega, he’s going to buy it himself because he knows exactly the reference number, the year, and the specific level of patina he wants on the dial.
You can’t compete with that. So don’t try.
Instead, look at where his collection lives. Is his $5,000 watch sitting on a dusty dresser? Are his limited-edition knives shoved in a drawer with the batteries and loose change?
That’s the gap in the market. That’s where you swoop in and save the day.
For the Watch Fanatic: The Legacy
If your guy is into watches, he likely has a "rotation." These are the watches he wears weekly. The problem with traditional watch boxes is that they are coffins. You close the lid, and the watches disappear. That’s tragic.
We believe if you’ve got it, flaunt it.
The Legacy is our answer to the boring watch box. It’s distinct. It’s got a clean acrylic lid, 9 wooden pillars to hold his favorite timepieces, and not one but TWO drawers to fit 8 more watches and for his strap changing tools, wallet, and keys.
For the "EDC" Obsessed: The Armada
"EDC" stands for Everyday Carry. If you don't know what that is, check his pockets. Does he carry a pocket knife? A flashlight? A challenge coin? A pen that writes in space?
That’s EDC.
The problem with knife collectors is that knives are usually hidden away in Pelican cases or safe queens that never see the light of day. We changed that.
The Armada is designed specifically for knife collectors. It features a tiered platform that lets him display his favorite blades safely, while the drawer underneath catches all the other bits and bobs - coins, wallets, rings.
It’s a game-changer. We’ve had customers tell us that The Armada actually stopped their wives from yelling at them about leaving gear on the kitchen counter. We can’t legally promise it will save marriages, but we’re not saying it won’teither. 😉
Read our top picks for EDC storage gadgets any collector will love!
For the Automatic Watch Geek: The Winder
Okay, here is where we get a bit technical. If he has automatic watches (the ones that wind themselves when he moves his arm), he has a problem. If he doesn't wear them for a few days, they stop.
Then, when he wants to wear them, he has to shake them like a polaroid picture and reset the time and date. It’s a faff.
The Winder is our solution. But unlike those plastic, noisy spaceships you see online, ours fits our signature aesthetic. It keeps the watch moving so it’s always ready to go. It’s quiet, reliable, and looks sharp on a desk.
It’s the kind of gift that says, "I respect your laziness and your love for mechanical engineering." And really, isn't that love?
For the "Old School" Gent: The Humidor
Does he enjoy a cigar? There is a ritual to cigars. You can't just throw them in a shoebox; they dry out and taste like burning hay. They need humidity control.
But most humidors look like something your grandfather kept his dentures in.
We created The Humidor to bring cigar storage into the 21st century. It maintains the perfect environment for his stogies, but it features our signature acrylic top so he can see his collection without opening the lid and ruining the humidity levels. plus, it has that essential accessory drawer for his cutter and lighter.
It’s modern, it’s clean, and it makes a statement. It tells the world, "I enjoy the finer things, but I don't need a velvet smoking jacket to prove it."
For the Creative Mind: The Pen Deck
We live in a digital world. We type, we text, we swipe. But there is a rare breed of collector who still values the power of the pen. Fountain pens, machined bolt-action pens, rollerballs - these things are works of art.
And just like watches, they usually end up rolling around in a desk drawer.
The Pen Deck gives those writing instruments a throne. It’s perfect for the guy who has a home office and wants his desk to look like he’s about to sign a peace treaty (or just a birthday card). It’s a niche gift, sure. But if he’s a pen guy, this will blow his mind because nobody ever thinks about how to display a pen.
We did. Because we’re obsessed like that.
How to choose the right one?
If you’re still scratching your head, here is a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:
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The "I have more watches than I have days to wear them" Guy: Get The Legacy. It’s our classic. You can’t go wrong.
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The Knife Nut: The Armada. No contest.
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The "My watch always stops" Guy: The Winder. He will thank you every single morning.
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The Man Cave Maestro: The Humidor.
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The Writer: The Pen Deck.
A Final Word on What To Buy
Look, we sell products. We want you to buy them. But we also believe in essentialism. We believe in "less is more."
The reason our displays work as gifts is that they encourage the collector to curate. When you have a display case with designated slots, you have to decide which watches are worthy of the podium. It makes you appreciate what you have.
It turns a hoard into a collection.
So, this year, don't buy him another gadget he’ll use once. Don't buy him a novelty mug. Buy him a home for the things he loves.
And if you’re still unsure? Just ask him about his collection. But be warned: make sure you have a cup of tea and a spare hour, because once he starts talking about gear, he won’t stop.
Check out the full collection in our shop. We’ve got something for everyone - even the guy who has everything.
Cheers, Ian & Phil
