When did the holidays – a time of year during which we typically turn our thoughts towards the traditional, the old fashioned, the cosy and comforting – become when people scoured the internet for the latest gadgets? We’re asking the question here, not answering it, of course – and, honestly, we’re all for this development. When else do you get the opportunity to sit back, have a nice drink, and turn on your favourite festive songs, preferably a little bit too loud? And how much more pleasant is that experience made when you’re doing so with the help of, say, some new porcelain speakers, or some high-fidelity headphones, or perhaps a pleasingly retro digital radio? Of course, with all tech, there is a risk of flashiness, tackiness and a certain amount of style over substance. But the range of products we’ve assembled this year on MR PORTER is united by its products sense of timeless style. In short: these headphones, speakers, cameras and tech accessories are, like puppies, not just for Christmas, but should keep your intended recipient happy for years to come.

It may look, at first glance, like an elegant and enormous cocktail shaker, or, perhaps, a neat coffee table-sized UFO, but it’s not just the aesthetics of Bang & Olufsen’s BeoSound 1 wireless speaker that are remarkable. Actually, the important thing – this is how you can pitch this to your intended audiophile on Christmas morning – is that it is a truly 360-degree speaker, emitting sound in all directions, which means it will sound just as good tucked away on the end of a bookshelf as it will sitting on a desk, or, should you wish, in the middle of the sitting room, like a sort of Kubrickian obelisk. And the controls are as beautiful as the sound – volume is adjusted by turning the (apparently floating) top dial, while switching tracks and audio sources is accomplished by various swipes and taps on its smooth black top. Thanks to a nifty sensor, it also adjusts the controls to the position from which you approach it, so you will never get confused about whether you’re swiping right or left. You can also, of course, control the speaker with your voice, via Google Assistant, should you for some reason wish to save yourself from this wonderfully tactile experience.

Here’s a novel idea from the speaker-sphere: rather than touting the space-aged precision of his space-aged-looking speakers, Pasadena-based designer Mr Joey Roth asks us to contemplate the humble materials from which they are made. That is, birch, plywood, porcelain and no plastic beyond that used in the electrical components. What’s especially good about them, though, is that this novel idea also produces fantastic results: reviewers of this undeniably beautiful speaker set have waxed lyrical about its honesty and clarity of sound, which makes them a particularly good choice for vinyl fanatics, or people who like comparing different compression rates of MP3s. They are out there, believe us. The question is: do you know one?

Can you put a price on convenience? Well, yes, if you are Swiss brand LUZLI. No, its Roller MK01 headphones are not what you might call cheap. But, thanks to the ingenious design of their articulated steel and aluminium headband, they can be rolled up into a tight coil, drastically reducing the space they take up in your hand luggage without sacrificing any sound or aesthetic quality. Given that the contraption was inspired by the bracelet of a sports watch, this would be an excellent gift for a man who has such an item. Or anyone that is a fan of big beats, but constantly on the move (and in business class, we can only assume).

In our humble opinion, the Polaroid Originals I-Type Mini is one of the most stylish instant cameras out there. As something to unwrap at a family gathering, it’s particularly appealing, because it will instantly result in, you guessed it… fun photos! Perhaps throw in a couple of spare films as well, just in case the Snapchat-reared nephews and nieces get their hands on it and waste the first 10 shots trying to find the “cat ears” filter.

Audio gear tends to come in neutral, futuristic shades of black, white and silver. All very tasteful, yes. But what we particularly like about this pair of headphones from the ever-reliable New York-based brand Master & Dynamic is the strident, rather fashionable shade of army green. Of course, this is bread and butter for M&D, a business founded upon the principles of uniting premium sound quality with premium materials, such as leather, concrete and stainless steel. Slip these on in the afternoon and allow the ear-covering design to drown out all the arguments.

The idea of wireless charging is wonderfully elegant, but the reality? Often, not so much. Of the various charging pads and docks currently available, there are not many that you would be thrilled to put on your bedside table. But this is where New York brand Courant comes in. Offering a range of wireless charging solutions both diminutive and expansive (we particularly like the largest variety, which comes with a tray for your keys and wallet), its focus is on upgrading the charging pad with impeccable build quality and the use of textured Italian leather across all its products. All Courant products work with a wide range of devices – check the compatibility list on the brand’s site to make sure you’ve got your intended covered.

There was a certain point in our recent history that you might have been forgiven for thinking that radio was on its way out. But here we are, in 2019, in the middle of an audio renaissance that shows no signs of slowing down. This is, therefore, a wonderful moment to invest in a kitchen or bedside radio like this example from Revo. Yes, you can use it to listen to your Spotify playlists and podcasts and audiobooks, all via Bluetooth, but you can also just turn it on and see what’s on BBC Radio 3 – something weird and eye-opening, hopefully. Beyond being a simple and practical addition to the home, this particular model offers crisp, room-filling sound and a beautifully minimalist, retro-tinged design that will appeal to any fan of mid-century modern design. If you know someone who has a Mr Dieter Rams book on their coffee table, then they will probably appreciate this as well.