The Chic Luxury Gift Guide: The Best in the Color Purple

Looking for a luxury gift for someone who loves purple? Then this luxury gift guide is for you. Our correspondent Jillian Tangen has curated a chic luxury gift guide of the best presents for every occasion, for everyone on your list, in the color purple.

why have a luxury gift guide all in one color?

Here at Dandelion Chandelier, we’ve created curated lists of all-of-a-color luxury items and experiences for those who love a particular hue – or whose gift recipients do.

Why? Because for starters, it’s an easier way to shop. Your eye can focus on just one shade in the visual cacophony at retail, or you can more easily search for ideas online.

Second, when the presents are open, everything looks great together! What could be better for your Instagram photos? Color-coding is clearly the way to go if you want to look pulled-together for posterity. 

Finally, it’s just fun for someone who loves color, and shopping, and pulling everything all together. ‘Cause why not?

purple can make for perfectly chic luxury gifts

What could be a more ideal choice for a gift than something in the color purple? It has so many layers of meaning that you can easily have fun with it!  After all, purple is the color of royalty, having once been something only afforded by the upper class.  So gifting someone something in the color purple can demonstrate just how much you value them. 

Purple isn’t all prim and proper, though. It can be rather naughty too.  Purple language is commonly understood to be profane, shocking, or at least a bit ribald.  It’s the color of the risqué and things that are a little bit wicked. It’s the color of wine, witches and Bacchus; of revelry, salaciousness and excess. It’s juicy and fruity and sexy and it smells wonderful.  One could say that it’s the perfect color for indulgence. And aren’t gifts supposed to be a little indulgent?

That being said, purple is also the color of moderation: purple states are neither excessively liberal nor conservative.  And in the past ancient Greeks believed that amethyst helped people to keep a balanced mindset.  On the other end of the spectrum, you will find a delicate butterflies, spring flowers and sachets of lavender that ooze sweetness and femininity. 

 

So whether you call it grape, plum, currant, aubergine, violet, lilac, amethyst, periwinkle or even heliotrope – the color purple is complex and beautiful, probably not unlike your gift recipient.  

the chic luxury gift guide: the best in the color purple

So what better color is there for a gift we ask?  We’ve found over 40 luxurious purple gift ideas that are sure to have your recipient feeling the many joys that are associated with this vivacious color.

1. Fine and fashion Jewelry.

For a sparkling display, have a look at Graff’s Princess Butterfly collection (prices upon request), which features a pendant, cocktail ring and earrings festooned with purple sapphires and diamonds. 

For something a bit more affordable and still stunningly pretty, David Yurman’s Albion Earrings ($1,100) with black orchid and diamonds, are a deep purple color surrounded by white diamonds.  Another great pick is the customizable Purple Striped Signet Ring ($950) from one of our new favorite brands to watch, Alison Lou. 

Show your affection with charming pieces from jewelry designer Theodora Warre, like this amethyst Star Heart pendant (£340), and amethyst Star Heart earrings (£360).

2. Fine watches.

When it comes to purple watches, the standout offering is by far Cartier’s Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch ($26,700), which comes with a 18K pink gold case set with 115 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling just under 1 carat on a purple patent alligator skin strap.  The Rolex Oyster Perpetual with a Red Grape Dial ($5,400) is a classic style which you can’t go wrong with.  We also like Baume & Mercier’s Classima Stainless Steel & Alligator Strap Watch ($1,400) that features a rich, vibrantly dyed crocodile strap in violet that emboldens this otherwise refined style. 

3. Statement bags. 

The retro styling of Gucci’s Lilac Rajah medium shoulder bag ($2,980) makes for a lovely light purple pick that can be worn over the shoulder, cross body or even under the arm as a clutch.  Crafted from smooth calf leather, BOYY’s Karl 19 bag ($845) is another versatile option.  The bag features the brand’s signature acrylic front buckle that can be adjusted to expand its shape to accommodate whatever you need to carry.  Plus it comes with a longer strap for crossbody wear too. 

We love the rich deep purple of Valentino’s Vsling handbag ($2,575).

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is Jacquemus’s Le Chiquiti Leather Bag ($275) in micro mini size.  While they might not be able to carry much more than a set of earpods, their tiny purse will be very on trend for the coming season.

4. Luxury accessories. 

It’s no secret we love hats at Dandelion Chandelier, so we think a hat like Philip Treacy Raiders Fine Sewn Braid Trilby Hat in Lilac ($665) would make for a lovely gift. 

If your recipient isn’t a hat person though, perhaps a pair of Balenciaga’s Invisible Cat Sunglasses in Purple ($405) would make for a cool gift. As would these Diorsostellaire purple and yellow sunglasses ($375). And these cat-eyes from Le Spec x Adam Selman ($81).

 

Another fun find is a pair of Gucci’s Plain Logo Tights ($100) in light mauve.  The light tone makes them easy to wear and make for a very practical gift as we transition into cooler temps. 

Dries van Noten‘s fall-winter 2019-20 was a lovely and romantic floral-inspired collection. We love this lavender floral padded scarf ($1,315) and matching opera gloves ($340). 

5. Shoes, booties and sneakers. 

Paris Texas Purple Crocodile Print Boots ($795) are stunning, not to mention the animal print style is one of the top trends for fall.  Or you could gift a pair of Miu Miu’s sky-high platform Violet Suede Sandals ($780) that are perfect for a night out. 

For the more casual, and potentially more comfortable shoe option, we are loving the AW Wangbody Run Sneakers ($220) that are from the new Adidas Originals by Alexander Wang collection. 

6. Beauty and fragrance. 

There are a number of options for purple-hued scents on the market to choose from these days.  Two of our favorites are the Scent of Peace from Bond No. 9 ($330) and Purple Rain from Prada ($300). 

On the beauty front, you can’t go wrong with a bottle or two of Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture nail polish ($28) in either Violet Baroque or Violine Surrealiste.  Either shade would take their manicure/pedicure to the next level of purple haze.

7. Home decor. 

The versatile DWR Color Block Throw Designed by Hella Jongerius for Vitra will work with just about anyone’s home decor thanks to its varying shades of blues, bordeauxs and purples ($275). 

For bookworms we like the color collection options from Strand.  Their Burgundy Color Collection of Books ($125) will make sure they have lots of new reads to choose from in varying shades of their favorite hue.  For something simple, the Jo Malone London’s Just Like Sunday Lavender & Lovage Candle ($67) makes for a great housewarming option at a lower price point.

For those who host lots of dinner parties, this Bordallo Pinheiro aubergine eathenware platter ($103) is a gorgeous statement piece for the table. 

8. Tech gear. 

A pair of luxe headphones are always a good idea.  Purple lovers and LA Lakers fans might enjoy the limited edition Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones ($349.95) from the NBA collection in Lakers purple.  Another colorful pick is the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker in ultraviolet purple ($149.99). 

If you decide to go with either of these, consider a copy of Prince’s Purple Rain to go with it, perhaps?  You could always opt  for a new strap to outfit their Apple watch.  We like the lovely Lilac Strap ($49) that is great for both workouts and everyday wear.

 

9. Fitness and outdoor gear. 

Martone Cycling has an exuberant bicycle ideal for tooling around or commuting to work – the La Rola Bicycle ($789) is a vibrant shade of purple that will brighten up any ride.  Workout fanatics will love Beyond Yoga’s Spot On High Waisted Leggings ($118) that fade from navy to purple to burgundy. 

Whether your gift recipient is headed for the mountains or out to brunch, this cool lavender Balenciaga logo track jacket ($1,750) is sure to fuel them up.

Help them cut down on plastic bottle use with a beautiful Glacce Amethyst Bottle ($84) to bring to the gym, on long hikes or even just for trips in the car.  It’s believed the amethyst will also offer spiritual support by helping them tap into their own intuition.  Cutting down on waste while providing good vibes?  Seems like a great gift to us.

10. Cozy knits. 

Drive the winter blues away with a luscious Grape Moncler Logo Patch Knitted Cashmere Blend Sweater ($840).  For something slightly more affordable we like Nagnata’s cropped ribbed organic cotton sweater ($345) that is a part of Net-a-porter’s eco friendly sustainable collection. We love the cuddly elegance of Sies Marjan’s Jordi faux fur scarf ($696) in “Violet Jam.”

For another take on purple from an It-Girl cult brand, consider this lavender sweatshirt ($300) and knit beanie ($150) from Acne Studios.

11. Food and drink.

Frosted Art Bakery’s Earl Grey Lavender Teapot Cake ($300) looks almost too good to eat.  If they prefer something to drink instead, why not gift a membership to SommSelect?  A Somm 6 or Blind 6 (where the bottles arrive wrapped so the recipient can taste them blind, the way a somm would) membership would provide them with 6 new wines to try monthly.  Or who could resist Vosges Haut Chocolat Exotic Truffle Collection ($90 for 32) packaged in a regal purple gift box?

12. Purple holiday. 

Where do you go for the ultimate purple vacation?  Believe it or not, there are plenty of places to choose from, but here are a few to get you started.

Take a trip to the lavender fields of Provence and book a stay at the Chateau Saint-Martin.  Looking to stay stateside?  Head to the northern coastline of Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California, where you’ll find patches of violet sand thanks to the quartz and manganese garnet deposits from the nearby hills that wash down.  Make the nearby Post Ranch Inn your home base during your trip. 

Alternatively, you can take a trip to the big easy and stay at the Hotel Le Marais in New Orleans. You will find a saltwater pool in a serene brick courtyard complete with violet-hued chair cushions and purple mood lighting. Though just around the corner, Bourbon Street revelers will feel miles away.

And what better suitcase to gift along with a trip to a purple paradise than this chic limited-edition Away carry-on bag in amethyst ($245)?  You can even personalize it for an extra touch of joy. We actually can’t stop thinking about the Away Luminous mini bag, just back in stock in the same rich amethyst hue ($55). With the same hard shell as its big sisters, it’s perfectly sized for toiletries and other small items that your gift recipient will want to keep close at hand. 

our guide to the best chic luxury gifts in the color purple

That’s it! Our luxury gift guide with ideas and inspiration for someone on your list who loves the color purple. So, are you ready? It’s time to make the deep purple dream a reality with your next gift.

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Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier. Formerly, she was a Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in NYC and is married with three young children. She loves cross country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.

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