Style -- 12 hours ago
The best Christmas gifts for men (that you’ll also want)
Stuck on idea for fathers, brothers and friends? We’ve found something for everyone…
Words: Jonathan Wells
‘He’s so hard to buy for’. It could be a Christmas catchphrase, couldn’t it? But why people think we men are so head-scratchingly, brain-rackingly hard to buy for, we don’t quite know. After all, we’re creatures of simple pleasures. We like fast cars, sharp suits, fine whisky. And a pair of socks never goes amiss, either.
So, to give gift-givers a helping hand this festive season, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best menswear and accessories to wrap up and hand over. From fine formalwear to stylish sneakers, there’s something for every man in your life here. So scroll down, get buying — and no more of this ‘hard to buy for’ nonsense…
You can’t go wrong with formalwear
It’s true. Even if we haven’t had cause to shrug on a suit all year, all every man really wants is to button up — and look as dapper and debonair as James Bond himself. Luckily, Turnbull & Asser has recently added Sean Connery’s cocktail-cuffed shirt to its 007 collection. Benedict Raven offer a simple white shirt; endlessly versatile — and New & Lingwood has taken a more textured approach to formal threads, with this smart-casual herringbone jacket.
A heritage scent is a sweet-smelling, sure-fire hit
Scents and aftershaves; they’re a classic gift for a reason. So why not go really traditional this year? Creed’s signature power scent, Aventus, is celebrating 10 fragrant years with a new limited edition bottle. Or you could opt for Czech & Speake’s trademark No.88 Cologne — enduring and evocative. It’s a similar story with Floris’ 71 /72 Eau de Parfum (like No.88, it’s named after a Jermyn Street address). Whichever you choose, they’re pungent hits of spritzable history.
Still struggling for ideas? Put yourself in their shoes…
If you’re a shoddy wrapper, there’s nothing easier to swaddle in paper than a shoebox. Of course, there are better reasons to gift shoes this Christmas. Crockett & Jones’ Cranton Chelsea Boots, for instance, are snuff suede masterpieces. Malone Souliers, too, has winning boots — the footwear brand having stomped onto the new combat boot trend with its George design. Or, if you know someone in need of new office kicks, Church’s have some of the best back-to-work brogues on the market.
Casualwear is a Christmas staple
But, brogues aside, you don’t want to be thinking about the office. Instead, give casual gifts for Christmas — like Luca Faloni’s impossibly soft Pure Cashmere Cable Knit. Or a pair of Asket’s enduring black jeans; a smart-casual solution for any occasion. Of course, you could really embrace Christmas, and opt for Mr Marvis’ new Uber-comfortable Easies, seen here in a festive-coloured deep red.
Inspire them to adventure with new luggage
If it’s optimism you’re looking to gift this Christmas, why not wrap up some luxury luggage for your nearest and dearest? Tusting’s practical bridle leather-trimmed backpack is a hugely reliable and versatile piece of carry-on, Bennett Winch’s Tuscan leather, Kevlar-cored watch roll is now taking pre-orders, and Chapman’s British Para-inspired travel bag is as hard-wearing as it is easy on the eyes.
Sneak a pair of sneakers under the tree
That easy-wrap shoebox idea still sound appealing? Then we’ll kick some more kicks your way. This time: sneakers. Everyone loves a striking, comfy trainer — and Tod’s vintage-flavoured suede design benefits from an exceedingly soft sole. Rubirosa’s sneakers span dress codes, thanks to navy leather uppers and subtle brogue detailing. Or, for an understated gift, wrap up Aurelien’s soft, sleek cap-toe trainers.
Give the gift of hard-wearing practicality with leather accessories
A good gift stands the test of time — and nothing ages better than leather. Over time, a good leather product will burnish to a fine patina. So why not gift a useful, everyday item made meticulously well? Something like this leather folio from Aspinal of London should do the trick, or a bold yellow-and-black card case from Ettinger. Sunspel, too, have a hardwearing, timeless option in this traditional bridle leather belt.
Wrap them up with some cosy outerwear
Finally, as it’s wintertime, why not wrap up something they can bundle up in? Gift your friends and family chunky outerwear, and they’ll think of you fondly every time the temperature drops. The gold standard here is perhaps Barbour’s Gold Standard Collection, from which this Supa-Corbridge Waxed Jacket is taken. For budding cold-weather cyclists, there’s Rapha’s durable and versatile winter jacket. And, for Artic explorers, Canada Goose’s Westmount Parka is as snug as it gets.
Struggling to buy for the women in your life? Here are the gifts she’ll actually appreciate…
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