The ultimate Christmas shopping guide

Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones, enjoying delicious feasts and – of course – opening presents under the tree. But sometimes it can be hard to figure out what to wrap up for friends and family. That’s why we’ve curated a list of amazing products available with Cathay Pacific, with Christmas present ideas for the most difficult dad or trickiest teen.

Best of all, from now until 2 January, you can save up to 30% when you spend Asia Miles in our end of year sale.

For the tech titan

From gamers to gadget obsessives, Cathay Pacific has a Christmas gift in store. 

There are gadgets and gizmos aplenty for the tech fiend in your life, whether you’re looking for the latest smartphone, a new tablet – or something more unusual. Are they still watching Netflix on a tiny laptop screen? Revolutionise their viewing with a Chromecast device, so they can beam their favourite shows straight to the TV.

Gift endless hours of fun with a Nintendo Switch – this portable gaming console can be played anywhere, and has a huge selection of games – we’d suggest starting with the chilled-out Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the frenetic multiplayer Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

If you have a serious gamer in your life, they may already have a Switch, along with every other console – but do they have the ultimate gaming chair? This Saturn Series Racing Chair will elevate their esports performance to the next level – and keep them comfortable doing it.

For the machine-minded

Gift a motorhead experience – or a chance to take to the skies. 

For the person who prefers old-school gadgets to sparkly tech, what could be better than a six-month membership with House of Classics? This car membership service allows users to drive a new classic beauty each month from a growing list of world-class motors – plus access to exclusive events.

Alternatively, deliver a large-scale machine experience: a session in a flight simulator. Sit in the simulated cockpit of an A320 aircraft and embark on a 45-minute training experience – including landing the legendarily tricky ‘checkerboard’ approach to Kai Tak Airport. To up the ante even more, recreate Captain Sully Sullenberger’s dramatic 2009 Hudson River landing, dubbed the ‘Sully Challenge’.

For the influencer

Perhaps you know an online star in the making. An influencer starter kit is the perfect Christmas gift to help them on their way. 

No social media star worth their likes would be without the flattering glow of a selfie ring – with this selfie light mobile lens set, they’ll be able to give picture-perfect livestreamed updates to followers on the go.

To create slick videos for your audience, a professional camera is the way to go. This Sony ZV-1 Vlog Camera is purpose-built for solo content creation, with built-in effects, easy bokeh background, dedicated product review settings plus simple streaming and sharing functions.

Travel influencers know the best likes come from those dreamy aerial views. Gift your social-savvy loved one a DJI Mini 2 Drone and watch the follower count soar thanks to crystal-clear 4K footage, 4x digital zoom and a 10-kilometre transmission range. 

Then again, you could leave it to the professionals and book a photography session with Alan Wong, better known as @alaninfinity. Wong knows all the most Instagrammable spots in Hong Kong, from stunning natural backdrops to the hippest street art, to get that follower count skyrocketing.

For inquisitive young minds

There are tons of goodies to delight, entertain and inspire children this year.

Budding young scientists will want to get their hands on the Apitor robot-building set. Designed to develop STEAM subject skills, the set offers an introduction to the world of programming with simple fun robotics that are compatible with LEGO.

Speaking of LEGO, there are tons of amazing building sets available. There are hours of fun to be had creating a replica of the Colosseum, making Darth Vader’s helmet or even the whole of Hogwarts Castle. And naturally, those who are still kids at heart will want to get involved with the Ferrari 488 GTE ‘AF Corse 51’ set.

For mini aviation fans, this airport playset offers plenty of imaginative fun. The model comes complete with a Cathay Pacific A350-1000 model aircraft, two safety cones, one runway sign, a passenger stair truck and an A3-size runway map. Play the part of air traffic control, help to load luggage, or become the pilot – and add this miniature Cathay Pacific Kids Pilot Cap for added effect.

For older children studying for exams, this Scanmarker Air Smart pen is ideal: easily scan important pieces of text into digital files to keep notes organized and easy to edit. More than 40 languages are supported, allowing for easy synchronization between books, worksheets and technology. 

For the style icon

Treat the fashionista in your life to stylish accessories and chic experiences.

Every glamazon needs to know the season’s makeup trends: are brows still big and fluffy? How much contouring do we need? But rather than browsing through endless Youtube tutorials, book a makeup masterclass with Byredo. Professional artists will reveal the latest trends, and impart insider tips and techniques so you can recreate the look at home.

Pair that new look with this Hong Kong canvas tote bag. It’ll add a splash of vintage cool to any casual outfit, thanks to its old-school poster design of our hometown skyline.

For the dapper gent

A stylish man deserves an upgrade to his accessories – or his look – this Christmas.

Buying clothes for someone else can be tricky – size, fit and personal style are hard to second-guess. Instead, book them a bespoke tailoring experience with Ascot Chang – the ultimate present for a snappy dresser. Expert tailors will conduct a body shape analysis before crafting a bespoke suit, made from top-quality Vitale Barberis Canonico wool.

Add some wrist candy into the mix with a luxury watch. These Breitling timepieces come in a mix of sporty and refined styles, from the aviator’s classic Navitimer to the stylish Superocean, waterproof to 500m.

For the fitness enthusiast

Find the perfect gift for someone whose ideal day starts with a 20-kilometre run.  

Browse the perfect selection of products for a fitness fiend – from stylish sports apparel to hiking equipment – or gift the latest Fitbit Charge 5 fitness tracker, whose colour touchscreen monitors heart health, sleep and even stress levels.

The portable Hypervolt GO Percussion Massage Device offers state-of-the-art percussion therapy to accelerate warmup and recovery, improve motion and flexibility, reduce muscle soreness and enhance overall performance – a godsend for those who are constantly pushing themselves to physical limits.

If your significant other dreams of perfecting their golf game, a one-hour golf swing evaluation session is a must. A certified coach will use motion measurement, video capture and a launch monitor to analyse your technique against a databank of 13,000 golfers (including 150 tour players), and then give personalised tips for improvement.  

For those heading into quarantine – or just looking for some convenient home equipment – this ultra-compact foldable treadmill reaches up to 16kph, and is the ideal way to keep up with fitness goals. 

For the epicurean

Spoil the gourmand in your life with a selection of premium foodie treats and tipples.  

Wine connoisseurs will love this three-month premium wine subscription service, with six bottles delivered each month – showcasing a range of top-flight terroirs, including biodynamic reds from Chateau Mazeyres and Grands Cru Champagne from Saint-Réol.

Beer-lovers will delight in a case of our very own Betsy Beer. Named after the Douglas DC-3 that was Cathay Pacific’s first-ever aircraft, this handcrafted pale ale was brewed to taste best at 35,000 feet – but its distinct mandarin orange notes are just as enjoyable on the ground.

Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic Christmas hamper, whether you’re shopping for grandma or a vital business client. Our selection of sweet and savoury hampers are packed with delicious goodies, from chocolates to champagnes and more – the perfect gift for the holiday season.

All listed products, prices and Asia Miles redemption rates are accurate at time of publication and may be subject to change.