This was by far the most requested gift guide this year; it seems we’re all stumped by what to buy the men in our lives. I actually only shop for a few guys – my husband, cousin and godson, and small gifts for my neighbours and postman (who I see more than any of my friends). Although I love shopping for women because I feel like I can have more fun with their gift, I feel like the men in my life are all the easiest to shop for.
My husband is a man of relatively un-materialistic tastes and always just wants a new sweater or pair of trainers, a stack of books, and practical things like tech gadgets or a reusable coffee cup, and I always fill his stocking with nice chocolate, coffee, socks and toiletries (I’ve accidentally turned him into a product snob and now he wants Aesop and French skincare). I usually throw in a small present that I pretend is for him but is actually more for me, like a nice cookbook that isn’t too intimidating, or fancy Anthropologie mugs and glasses in both of our initials that I pretend are more practical, but which are actually just a replacement for his ugly pint glasses and conference mugs so that I no longer have to look at them (but that’s strictly between us here!).
As with my female recipients, I like to steer clear of anything too personal, like clothes or cologne – unless I know exactly what they like and what size they take. The exceptions are classic sweaters (preferably cashmere but otherwise wool or cotton), cosy scarves, or a nice pair of gloves (preferably touchscreen-enabled so they can still use their phone when wearing them). If in doubt, I always like to get a good book and a more luxurious version of something I know they already uses but likely wouldn’t splurge on themselves (like a really nice shower gel or something edible).
If you’re still working through your gift list, consider this your guide to the perfect gifts for your guy, brother, father, nephew, co-worker, and all the fabulous gents in your life. Everything is husband-approved (I checked!) and as with my previous guides, everything is under £200, but most things are under £75 or less. I hope it gives you a few helpful ideas, but I’d love to know your favourite gifts to give and receive too!
For the sophisticated gentleman // a vintage-style radio for the 21st century to upgrade his morning soundtrack, a tartan scarf + a pair of classic leather gloves for country walks, a cosy sweater in his favourite colour, a cut-glass decanter + jar of whisky marmalade for the gent who likes a stiff drink, a pair of smart slippers + an interesting book for the man who needs a break, a handsome set of cufflinks.
For the modern man // the best cashmere sweater so he feels as good as he looks, a really good book for his morning commute, a pair of handsome pint glasses + this book for the craft beer enthusiast, a cashmere scarf or pair of gloves for the stylish man who’s impossible to shop for, a grooming kit or a two year’s supply of the best hand cream for the man who’s always groomed to perfection, a set of books to inspire adventures abroad or just in the kitchen, a pair of cool trainers for the casual guy, a practical backpack or leather satchel that actually look good.
For the tech geek // the best power bank there is to keep all his gadgets charged on the go, a mini retro Pac-Man arcade or old-school gaming console for the kid of the 80s, a new book to make him ponder the big questions, a mini bluetooth speaker, new touchscreen gloves that still let him use his phone, a stormtrooper flash drive keyring.
Stocking fillers + small gifts under £25 // a new toiletries bag filled with some of his everyday essentials, a pair of fun socks to liven up his workwear, a cosy wool scarf or cable knit beanie, a pair of monogrammed mugs or tumblers no-one else will steal, a witty mug or a tongue-in-cheek book for your office secret santa, a new leather card-holder with a giftcard for his favourite coffee shop inside, a new cafetière + a tin of coffee beans for his morning espresso, a really excellent book + bookmark, a re-usable coffee cup or water bottle.
For the little ones // a book to inspire kindness, big ideas or adventures, a chemistry set or magic kit to spark their imagination, a set of glow in the dark stars for their ceiling to send them off with sweet dreams, some old-fashioned wooden toys, the coolest little jacket or toy for the dinosaur-obsessed kid, a pair of pyjamas and adorable slippers to open on Christmas eve, a sweet soft toy to add to his little crew.
Pictured above (clockwise from top left): Aesop hand balm, Boden cashmere jumper, Malin+Goetz candle c/-, Diptyque hand+body wash, ‘Sapiens‘ book, Anthropologie monogram tumbler, Happy Socks, Origins moisturiser, Swell hot+cold drink bottle.
What are your favourite gifts to give and receive?
Love, Briony xx
