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Jessica LindsayPublished Nov 4, 2023, 10:17am|Updated Nov 15, 2023, 10:14am
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Why are some men so hard to buy for?
It’s a question these enigmas’ friends and relatives grapple with year after year, often ending up with ‘novelty’ gifts that end up in the bin before it even gets to January.
The trick when buying for a guy who seems to have everything is to either get them something they already use, topping up their reserves or going for a newer model, or go for something they didn’t know they wanted until they open the wrapping paper.
It seems easier said than done and that may be true, but we’ve got a list of ideas that may just make you the angel on top of their tree this Christmas.
From tech to clothing and skincare to cooking, we’ve got presents for all sorts of man in your life – and we mean actual people, not the stereotypical beard oil-using, BBQ-hogging, whisky-drinking macho gift guides so often seem catered towards.
Most importantly, though, there’s no garish socks, no useless tat, and no ties they wouldn’t be seen dead in.
Let the present buying begin.
Sony Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
As well as looking super sleek, these on-ear headphones have a battery life of up to 50 hours and feature a Digital Sound Enhancement Engine to restores the harmonics lost during music compression and make your tunes sound more authentic.
Retriever Oodie
The perfect gift for your golden retriever boyfriend or husband to cosy up in this winter. Bonus points: popping one these on can even save you money on your heating bill.
Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera – Black and Silver
Help him capture precious moments and get an instant physical print of them too, with this vintage-style Instax camera. It boasts features like a built-in selfie lens and flash mode, auto shutter speed and auto brightness for perfect shots every time.
Mirror Margarita Mandarin and Sea Salt Bottled co*cktail 50cl
Who needs mixology skills when you can pour bar-quality drinks straight from the bottle? This unique clear margarita blend, created by Hacha Agaveria in London, is made with Super Premium 100% agave El Rayo Plata and sustainable ingredients.
Mini Massage Cushion
If the man you're buying for is stressed out, this massage cushion can help knead his troubles away, using four rotating pressure points and warmth to do the job. A strap also means he can fix it to his chair.
AncestryDNA Test and Family History Membership
This kit allows them to learn more about their heritage, providing both an ethnicity estimate and letting them see DNA matches from around the world. It also comes with three months of membership to explore their family tree online.
Unisex Vivienne Westwood Conduit Watch
Everybody needs a watch, and this Vivienne Westwood option is big on style with the brand's iconic orb print merged with mixed metals and a striking crocodile-print leather strap.
Squishmallows Official 24-Inch Gordon Shark Pet Bed
Some people prefer pets to people, so if the guy you're buying for is an animal lover, something for his fur baby will be more than welcome. This adorable pet bed is outrageously soft and makes a quirky addition to any home.
The Ordinary The Most-Loved Set
Within this kit he'll find 15ml versions of cult skincare brand The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (to smooth and plump), Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (to brighten and banish blemishes) and Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (to depuff tired eyes). It's a great taster set to work out an ideal skincare routine before going all in with full-sized products.
Rains Flap-Front Mini Waterproof Shell Backpack
Slim enough not to annoy fellow commuters and waterproof to protect his belongings, this Rains backpack is a real keeper. It's roomy enough for all sorts of everyday items too, with two zipped pockets (including a concealed external phone pocket) and a laptop compartment.
Craftiosity Box Gift Subscription
Choose between a one, three, six or twelve-month subscription and send your giftee hours of fun. Each box comes with all the tools, materials and instructions they’ll need to create beautiful items from vases and birdfeeders to soap and candles.
Christmas Cologne Collection
Jo Malone is the GOAT when it comes to fragrance, so you'll go straight on the nice list of any cologne connoisseur if you gift them this. The set comprises 9ml travel bottles of Green Almond & Redcurrant, White Moss & Snowdrop, Midnight Musk & Amber, Orange Bitters, and Ginger Biscuit scents.
Cantina Indigeno Folk Orange Wine, 2022
Orange wine is still having a moment, and makes a nice change from the usual bubbly and jammy reds all over at this time of year. This brand was founded by a group of friends bringing life back into abandoned vineyards in Italy, while this wine is a blend of native grape varieties in Abruzzo that combines notes of apricot, peach and a nice amount of tannin.
Confident? Party Board Game
This game makes for hours of fun, sparking laughs from even the grumpiest Christmas Grinches. You don't need exact answers to the questions (which include 'How many slices are in a loaf of bread?' and 'How many episodes of Friends are there?') but confidence in your ballpark ranges can help you take the win.
World on a Plate with Jack Stein One-Day Cookery Class
The foodie in your life will be over the moon with this gift, which grants him a day in the kitchen with Jack Stein to hear his stories of culinary exploration and learn how to cook a selection of dishes from his travels. It's a real 'memory day' present for anyone who loves to cook and eat.
M&S Collection Pure Cotton Checked Pyjama Set
Everyone needs pyjamas, even if they don't think they do. So if your husband or boyfriend is always borrowing your loungewear, get him some comfy threads of his own this Christmas. The pure cotton material is gentle on skin and the long sleeves are nice and warm on chilly nights.
Loop Switch Earplugs
Loop earplugs protect the ears and can help muffle unwanted sound while keeping speech or music clear (something that'd particularly useful for neurodivergent people). The switch model lets you change easily between the Engage, Experience and Quiet modes, so your gift recipient is ready for anything.
Say Cheese! Personalised Cheese
He may have tried every Stilton and Swiss under the sun, but has your giftee ever seen a cheese made in his very own image? A stocking filler sure to wow, this mini Waterloo can be printed with their face, a message, or even a picture of their dog.
AllSaints Isamu Leather Zipped Cardholder
This cardholder is crafted from premium leather in a chic oxblood colourway, and alongside six card slots, it even has a zipped pocket to keep track of that pesky spare change.
Tradescantia Pallida 'Purpurea' and Pot
Known as the 'purple heart', this plant adds a pop of colour to a room with its richly-hued foliage. Better still, it's hardy and easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners. Choose from yellow, blue, white, pink, or green pot options.
Figaro Stainless Steel and Rhodium Chain
The Figaro is a timeless piece of jewellery that's hypoallergenic (no green skin) as well as being water, heat, and sweat resistant. It's so made to last, in fact, it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
National Trust Gift Card
For the nature or history buff, these gift cards can be used in National Trust cafes, shops (including online), and admission points across the country. The only question is which beauty spot to visit next?
This Works Sleep Retreat Kit
Give the gift of a better night's sleep this festive season, with this trio of rest-inducing goodies. The shower gel, lotion and spray are all infused with lavender, camomile and vetivert for a soothing bedtime ritual that'll have him off to the land of nod in no time.
Uniqlo Heattech Extra Warm Cotton Thermal Top
There's a reason Uniqlo's Heattech products are so beloved around the world; they absorb and retain heat, wick moisture, retain their shape and stay soft wash after wash. A necessity in these cold British winters.
Personalised Mini Photo Album Keychain
One for the sentimental lot, this mini photo album keeps their favourite memories and people to hand when they're on the go. Choose 14 photographs, they'll be bound in a 1.5inch leather case, and can be hooked onto their keys to rifle through whenever they fancy.
Beerwulf Sub Compact Beer Tap
Beer taps don't need to take up loads of space to dispense pub-worthy pints, as this countertop model shows. The machine is compatible with 2L Sub kegs from brewing brands including Heineken, Brewdog, Brixton and many more.
Davines OI Hand Balm
The modern man knows the importance of soft, well-fragranced hands, and will adore seeing this in his stocking come Christmas. The vegan formula is non-greasy and smells deliciously clean; an everyday staple.
Leuchtturm1917 Pacific Green A5 Weekly Soft Diary 2024 Diary
This is a proper grown-up's diary that's big enough for all his appointments and reminders but small enough to be his companion wherever. There's also a sticker set so organisational whizzes can label to their heart's content.
Calvin Klein 3-Pack Low Rise Trunks
We did say we wouldn't recommend socks in this gift guide, but there were no promises made about underwear. Decent pants are a must for any man, and something he may not invest in himself. He's sure to love that new boxers feeling on Boxing Day, though.
Smeg Drip Coffee Machine
Form meets function with this beautifully-designed Smeg appliance. The glass carafe makes up to 10 cups at once using a reusable (and eco-friendly) filter, while an aroma intensity selector and Auto Start mode let him wake up to the smell of fresh coffee every morning – dreamy, right?
Light Over Liskeard by Louis de Bernieres
From the bestselling author of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, this book explores the meaning of life through the story of quantum cryptographer Q's move to remote Cornwall. It's got great reviews online, so should be a hit with fiction fans.
John Lewis Cotton Cashmere Blend Jumper
Cashmere is always nice to open up on Christmas morning, so snap up this understated wardrobe staple for a hint of luxury that won't break the budget. Navy and denim blue colourways are also available.
The White Company Amber Luxury 2 Wick Candle
There's nothing like sitting down of an evening and lighting a fancy candle; that feeling spans the gender divide. This option blends amber, cedar and ginger to make your gift recipient's home smell rich in more ways than one.
Eleanor Bowmer Would Eat Here Again Print
Up your man's interiors game with a fun print this festive season. We love Eleanor Bowmer's pastel slogans, and this one would jazz up a kitchen in a flash. Pick out a frame you love to go with it and you've definitely wangled a slap-up meal or two in return.
Adidas Training Essentials 7 inch Woven Shorts
Shopping for a gym bunny? Workout shorts they can add to their rotation should go down a treat, especially since these ones have a zip pocket and their possessions won't spill out with every burpee.
Yeti Rambler co*cktail Shaker
From camping brand Yeti, this co*cktail shaker allows your giftee to take the party wherever they go, featuring compatibility with a range of the manufacturer's cups, double-wall insulation, and 'No Sweat' design so your drinks are consistent and cold from the first pour to the last.
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