Is there any greater pleasure in life than seeing the recipient of one’s generosity making frequent use of their gift (and not just out of guilt and good manners)? Well, this will almost certainly be the case with Mr P.’s stand-collar ribbed sweater, a failsafe pick in a tasteful mocha hue that’ll slot seamlessly into any wardrobe.

Mr Ralph Lauren’s RRL label takes its name from the all-American designer’s sprawling ranch in Colorado, a state known for its ski slopes, kayak-friendly reservoirs and breath-taking hiking trails. Fittingly, this shawl-collar zip-up cardigan is as snug a knit as such outdoor pursuits would demand, while the distinctive intarsia pattern nods to the locale’s Native American communities.

One needn’t be familiar with the traditional Japanese “boro” patchwork technique nor a die-hard devotee of KAPITAL to appreciate the brilliance of this intricate jacquard sweater. Then again, if there happens to be a fervent Japanophile with a penchant for brightly coloured knitwear sitting atop your gifting list, then you can duly consider them sorted.

Personally, we’d be resoundingly grateful to discover anything bearing Mr Brunello Cucinelli’s name under the tree this year, not least this oatmeal-coloured cotton-blend cardigan. No doubt that whoever does receive it will be impressed by not only its innate toastiness – courtesy of the chunky cable-knit and shawl collar – but also the incredible attention to detail in those burnished logo-embossed buttons.

The care label on this patterned jacquard sweater from SAINT LAURENT reads like a roll call of the world’s most delicious-sounding fabrics: mohair, cashmere, wool, alpaca. It’s pretty thrilling to look at on the outside, too, with a supersized leopard-print motif in bold primary colours that that’ll turn heads in the best way.

Behold, a hoodie far too exuberant to resign to the loungewear drawer – one that practically yearns to be seen beyond the boundaries of one’s home. Unsurprisingly, this cheerful wool-blend piece, polished off with elegant ribbed trims, is the work of Italian heritage label Missoni, whose signature patterned knits make for show-stopping gifts and even better heirlooms.

Don’t let the gentlemanly moniker fool you: The Elder Statesman’s garments are as eclectic, youthful and contemporary as one would expect from a brand with roots in Downtown LA. But note too this multicoloured shawl-collar cardigan isn’t merely eye-catching – it’s also spun from 100 per cent cashmere, meaning they’ll almost certainly never take it off.

A TOM FORD label is as sure a marker of luxurious indulgence as it comes, and one that promises to elicit a thousand thank-yous from the lucky recipient. That being said, the true joy of the brand’s cotton-blend sweater lies not in the unboxing, but rather the wearing, thanks to an ultra-flattering slim fit and suits-everyone shade of blue.

For the for the fine-fabric connoisseur, you could do much worse than to turn to eco-luxury guru Ms Gabriela Hearst, who famously scours far and wide to source planet-friendly yarns and weaves of only the utmost quality. A warning, though: her cashmere crew-neck Dylon sweater is so impossibly soft it carries the risk of drifting from the gift box into your own wardrobe.