Christmas in a family home doesn’t really begin with the tree or the turkey. It starts in smaller, quieter moments – someone padding into the kitchen in a wool jumper before the sun’s quite up, the first rustle of wrapping paper being tucked away out of sight, the mental list of “who still needs what?” playing on repeat while the kettle boils.
At Walker and Hawkes, we know those moments well. We’re a family business, after all. Our Christmases have always been full of familiar scenes: coats piled by the back door after a frosty walk, flat caps abandoned on the hall table, children clattering in with red cheeks and muddy boots. And somewhere in between it all, there’s that quiet pressure to find gifts that feel right – not flashy, not throwaway, but something that will genuinely be worn and loved.
Because the truth is, your dad doesn’t really need another novelty mug. Your mum deserves more than a last-minute candle. The people you share your year with – the ones who’ve weathered the rough days and celebrated the good ones alongside you – deserve something with a bit more thought stitched into it.
That’s where this guide comes in. Think of it as a walk through the wardrobe of a family Christmas: pieces chosen not just because they look good in the day, but because they’ll still be hanging by the door in February, March, and many winters from now. Jackets that become “my coat,” jumpers that are reached for without thinking, caps and scarves that quietly join every outing.
From our family to ours, here’s our way of making the giving part of Christmas feel a little easier, a little warmer, and a lot more meaningful.
For dad: the man who never buys himself anything
Every family has one.
The dad who stands outside longer than anyone else, who’ll brave the cold without a second thought, and who insists the old jacket is “perfectly good” even when it hasn’t been for years. He’s practical, unbothered and rarely treats himself – which is exactly why finding him something truly useful feels so right.
This Christmas, give him a gift that matches the miles he walks, the weather he shrugs off and the quiet reliability he carries through the year. Something that keeps him warm, dry and comfortable – even when he’d never think to ask for it.
Gift recommendation for dad: The Barlastan Jacket
For the dad who’s outside in all weathers.
If there’s one gift that feels made for a man who never stops moving, it’s the Barlaston Jacket. Designed for the outdoorsman, it’s built from traditional Derby tweed and crafted here in Britain – the kind of hardy, heritage fabric that’s earned its place in countryside life.
Warm, weighty and beautifully structured, it’s the jacket he’ll reach for instinctively. The outer shell stands firmly between him and the worst of winter, keeping the rain out and the cold wind where it belongs. Inside, the generous lining and thoughtful construction give him the comfort he’d never buy for himself but will appreciate every single day.
Whether he’s walking the dog at dawn, checking on something in the garden, or disappearing on one of his “just a minute” errands, the Barlastan keeps him warm, dry, and ready for anything. A proper country jacket – dependable, timeless, and made to last many Christmasses to come.
For mum: the heart of the home (and the best dressed in any weather)
There’s a quiet magic in mums at Christmas.
They’re the ones who make the season feel like a season – the warmth in the house, the finishing touches no one else would think of, the gentle but firm “bring a coat” before you step out the door. She remembers everything, thinks of everyone, and someone who makes the coldest days feel warm just by being there.
And even though she rarely slows down, she deserves something that encourages her to. Something that keeps her warm on the frosty morning dog walk, dry on the school run, and comfortable during those long, wintry wanders she pretends are “just five minutes.” A gift that matches her pace, her care, and her quiet strength.
This year give her something that feels like a thank you – something practical, elegant, dependable and made for every sort of British weather she bravely marches through.
Gift recommendation for mum: the Jack Murphy Malvern Coat
For the woman who never lets the weather stop her.
The Malvern Coat is the kind of gift she’ll wonder how she ever lived without. A true countryside classic, trusted for decades, and one of the most beloved coats in the Jack Murphy Heritage collection.
This is a coat built for real weather – the sort mums never shy away from. With a 20,000 waterproof rating, it stands up to heavy rain, biting wind and the coldest winter mornings. Its full-length design keeps her dry right down to her boots, while the detachable hood and adjustable cuffs give her full protection when the weather turns wild.
Inside, the Heritage Check lining adds that unmistakable touch of elegance she’ll adore, and the roomy fit allows comfortable layering without bulk. Despite its coverage, it remains surprisingly lightweight and easy to move in – perfect for dog walks, countryside rambles, horse-riding, or simply getting on with daily life in a British winter.
And perhaps most importantly, it’s a coat made to last. Years, if not decades. A staple she’ll reach for instinctively – because it never lets her down.
Warm, dependable, timelessly stylish: the perfect coat for the woman who keeps everyone else warm.
For your brother: the one who’s always ready before you are
Brothers have a knack for making everything look effortless.
They’re out the door first on Boxing Day, halfway across the field before you’ve found your boots, and always dressed just a little better than they’d ever admit. Whether he’s the outdoorsy ones, the style-conscious one, or simply the first to suggest “a quick walk,” he deserves something that matches his energy – practical, sharp, and ready for every season.
He’s the one who’ll wear a good piece to absolute perfection, the one who’ll immediately say “oh, this is brilliant” and then act like he’s had it forever. Which is exactly the sort of reaction the right tweed waistcoat gets.
This year, give him something that fits his pace, his outdoors confidence, and that slightly annoying ability to make every outfit look like it was planned (even when it wasn’t).
Gift recommendation for your brother: The Berston Tweed Waistcoat
For the brother who mixes countryside grit with effortless style
The Berston Waistcoat is the perfect blend of smart styling and outdoor practicality – made for the brother who moves confidently through both. Crafted in Britain from Derby Tweed, it’s a piece that’s rugged enough for the field yet refined enough for a pub lunch afterwards.
Its tightly twill-woven construction gives the fabric real durability, holding its shape through years of wear while remaining soft to the touch. Reinforced pockets and shoulders make it genuinely functional – built for active days, shooting trips, and hands-on moments – while the elegant moleskin trim and three-button front give it a clean, tailored feel he’ll love.
The Berston is surprisingly lightweight, giving him full freedom of movement whether he’s outdoors or simply out and about. And thanks to the protective outer finish, it naturally resists light rain, mud and spills – perfect for unpredictable countryside weather. Deep bellow pockets hold everything he needs for the day, and an inside pocket keeps essentials secure.
Available in classic Light Sage, Dark Sage and Forest Green – plus the stylish Red Stripe for brothers with a bit more flair – it’s a waistcoat that adds polish to any winter outfit without taking away comfort.
For shooting days, layering under a winter jacket, or stepping out with quiet confidence, the Berston delivers.
A proper countryside piece for a brother who wears everything well.
For your sister: the effortlessly stylish one (even when she’s not trying)
Sisters have a way of making winter look easy.
She’s the one who throws on a scarf and somehow looks like she planned it. The one who can turn a muddy dog walk into a moment that could be in a magazine. She’s quick, capable, always on the move, and yet still has that enviable ability to look perfectly put-together – even when the weather is absolutely not cooperating.
Buying for her means choosing something with a little spirit, a little style, and a lot of practicality. Something she’ll wear from countryside mornings to city afternoons, from brunches to brisk walks, from festive gatherings to everyday errands. She needs pieces that are as adaptable and charming as she is – and that feel like a treat without being fussy.
This Christmas, give her a gift that captures her ease, confidence and natural flair – a piece she’ll love without needing to “save her best”.
Gift recommendation for your sister: The Wool Felt Howick Hat
For the sister who makes winter look stylish.
If there’s one accessory that feels made for your effortlessly stylish sister, it’s the Howick Hat – a beautifully crafted, wool-felted wide-brim hat that turns even the simplest outfit into something quietly striking.
Crafted from premium wool felt, the Howick has that rare blend of practicality and elegance. The felt is dense yet lightweight, shaped through heat and pressure to create a material that holds its form, keeps out the cold and offers natural protection from light rain and winter winds. Its microscopic air pockets regulate temperature, so she stays warm on frosty mornings and comfortable on sunnier, milder days.
The wide brim brings a touch of drama while shielding her eyes from winter sun, and the velvety feel of the wool gives the hat a depth and richness she’ll adore. Finished with a refined leather band and feather detail, the Howick moves effortlessly between rural charm and city polish – perfect for dog walks, countryside escapes, Christmas markets, or simply elevating a winter coat.
She’ll love its crushable design too: packable, resilient, and able to bounce back to shape the moment she needs it. Whether she’s travelling, layering smart, or styling casually, this is one of those rare pieces that feels both luxurious and incredibly useful.
Available in beautiful tones – Olive, Brown, Navy, Black, and Burgundy – it’s the kind of gift she’ll wear confidently all winter long. A practical luxury, a signature accessory, and a little slice of timeless countryside style.
For your partner: the one you share the season with
There’s a certain kind of gift you choose for the person who feels like home – something warm, thoughtful and built to last. The one who joins you on winter walks, wraps up without a fuss, and makes even the coldest days feel lighter deserves something they’ll reach for all season long.
We have pieces made for that king of love.
A Wax Jacket for the partner who’s always outdoors – someone who appreciates quality that stands up to real British weather.
A Tweed Blazer for the one who likes a touch of polish, even on a chilly Sunday.
A Merino Wool Jumper for early mornings, late nights, and everything soft and comforting in between.
A Flat Cap or Wool Felt Hat for the finishing touch that somehow makes their whole outfit look right.
Warmth, craftsmanship, tradition, longevity – gifts that feel like you thought about them. Properly.
For the kids: the ones who turn every outing into an adventure
Kids don’t just wear clothes – they test them. They run, climb, chase, tumble, splash and explore with a kind of enthusiasm that could outmatch any British storm. That’s why their Christmas gifts need to be as tough, warm and ready as they are. And at Walker & Hawkes, our children’s pieces are made with exactly that spirit in mind – classic country style, scaled down for smaller frames, without losing any of the craftsmanship.
Think wax jackets that stand up to winter weather and muddy mischief, tweed gilets that add charm without restricting movement, and caps and flat caps that turn them into miniature countryside icons (while keeping little ears warm, of course). Every piece blends traditional British country fashion with modern durability – built to handle cold winds, scraped knees, sudden puddles, and every adventure your child can dream up.
Warm, durable, adorable, and properly made – it’s country clothing kids can live in, not just wear.