Christmas gifts for men: Guide to the best presents to give this year

The best Christmas gift ideas for men 2018
The best Christmas gift ideas for men 2018

Men are notoriously difficult to buy Christmas presents for. We're not sure what happens but at some point they stop wishing for a list of toys and start claiming they don't need anything.

But when it comes down to it, they're just as picky as the most discerning woman, so shopping for a dad, husband, or brother can feel like a stab in the dark.

So if you're wondering what will make him grin ear-to-ear on Christmas morning then you'll find plenty of inspiration in our gift guide below.

From indoor skydiving to cashmere joggers and wireless ear buds to a Bloody Mary making hamper, there's something for every man in your life.

Fashionable gift ideas for stylish men

1. Acne Studios ‘Gavin’ slim fit wool blend coat

£550, Mr Porter

Acne Studios 'Gavin' wool blend coat - Credit: Mr Porter
Acne Studios 'Gavin' wool blend coat Credit: Mr Porter

A smart man needs a smart coat and this slim fit style by this hip Swedish label will ensure he looks good while staying warm.

2.  Howlin’ contrast trim wool sweater

£150, matchesfashion.com

Howlin' contrast trim sweater - Credit: MATCHESFASHION.COM
Howlin' contrast trim sweater Credit: MATCHESFASHION.COM

The pink and grey trims on this woolly jumper give the classic navy knit a youthful update; perfect for helping him move on from his boring blue obsession.  

3.  Sunspel cashmere lounge pants

£365, Sunspel

Sunspel cashmere lounge pants - Credit: Sunspel
Sunspel cashmere lounge pants Credit: Sunspel

Say thank you to the fashion gods who decreed that loungewear is an acceptable form of dress. And he'll say thank you to you when he feels the joy of getting ultra cosy in these super soft joggers by Sunspel.

4.   Spoke ‘Heroes’ chinos

​£89, Spoke

Spoke 'Heroes' chinos - Credit: Spoke
Spoke 'Heroes' chinos Credit: Spoke

The great thing about Spoke is you can pretty much customise its new chinos to exact specifications. From fit to cut to the fact the waist and leg measurements can be chosen individually, it'll be like they were made just for him.

5. Scotch & Soda Combined sweatshirt in mahogany

​£89.50, Scotch & Soda

Scotch & Soda combined sweatshirt - Credit: Scotch & Soda
Scotch & Soda combined sweatshirt Credit: Scotch & Soda

This rich burgundy shade is ideal for a casual weekend winter look. It'll look great with well fitting jeans and a pair of box fresh trainers.

6. Grenson 'Fred' boots

£270, Grenson

Grenson 'Fred' boots - Credit: Grenson
Grenson 'Fred' boots Credit: Grenson

Thanks to Grenson's Goodyear Welt technique, its footwear is not only stylish but extremely long lasting too. These 'Fred' boots are are cool, contemporary and made for walking.

7.  Zara plain scarf with fringing, mustard

£15.99, Zara

Zara plain scarf with fringing, mustard - Credit: Zara
Zara plain scarf with fringing, mustard Credit: Zara

A yellow scarf will brighten him up on a dark wintry day but if you think he'll balk at such a pop of colour don't worry. This scarf comes in six other slightly more muted shades.

8. Sandqvist 'Fred' leather card holder

£34, The Idle Man

Sandqvist 'Fred' leather card holder - Credit: The Idle Man
Sandqvist 'Fred' leather card holder Credit: The Idle Man

Slimline, understated and practical? How can he fail to like this great little card holder? Maybe now he'll get rid of that Velcro wallet he's had for 15 years.

9. Norse Projects Ribbed melange merino wool beanie hat

£50, Mr Porter

Norse Projects beanie hat - Credit: Mr Porter
Norse Projects beanie hat Credit: Mr Porter

Everyone suits a beanie hat and this soft merino wool version by Norse Projects is so gorgeous you might want to order one for yourself too.

10. ICE 'Forever' watch, red

£85, ICE

ICE 'Forever' watch - Credit: ICE
ICE 'Forever' watch Credit: ICE

Who needs a Rolex when you can rock this statement red watch instead? A bit of whimsy never hurt anyone.

Gift experiences fit for Christmas Day

1. Extreme assault course

£57, Lastminute.com

Extreme assault course - Credit: Lastminute.com
Extreme assault course Credit: Lastminute.com

Yes this really is considered a present. With a 500 foot zipwire and a nine foot vertical wall climb, he can test his limits for 'fun'.

2. Tour of Twickenham for two

£50, Virgin Experience Days

Tour of Twickenham Stadium - Credit: Virgin Experience Days
Tour of Twickenham Stadium Credit: Virgin Experience Days

If he's a rugby fan and is always dragging you to matches then he'll also enjoy dragging you around the legendary Twickenham stadium. 

3. James Bond walking tour of London for two

£24, Virgin Experience Days

Take him on a James Bond walking tour - Credit: Virgin Experience Days
Take him on a James Bond walking tour Credit: Virgin Experience Days

Relive some of the most iconic moments from the world of 007. You'll learn about the real British secret service as well as the filming process of your favourite James Bond movies.

4. Sports car treasure hunt for two

£670, Red Letter Days

Sports car treasure hunt - Credit: Red Letter Days
Sports car treasure hunt Credit: Red Letter Days

Any car obsessed gents will love the fact they can drive six different classic sports cars on this all-day treasure hunt around the Hertfordshire countryside. If makes and models like an E-Type Jaguar, a TVR Griffith, a Porsche 911 Targa and an Aston Martin DB7 mean something to him, then this is the Christmas gift of his dreams.

5. East London craft beer tour for two

​£120, Notonthehighstreet.com

Craft beer tour of east London - Credit: Notonthehighstreet.com
Craft beer tour of east London Credit: Notonthehighstreet.com

If the man in your life is always going on about IPAs and craft beer then he'll love this relaxed tour of East London's finest pubs, bottle shops and breweries. 

6. VR indoor skydive for two

£160, Lastminute.com

VR indoor skydive - Credit: Lastminute.com
VR indoor skydive Credit: Lastminute.com

Does he dream of jumping out of a plane over Hawaii, California or Dubai? Is that a little out of your budget? Then book him in for an indoor skydive complete with Virtual Reality headset.  It's the next best thing and you can go too... Or send him with an equally adventurous friend.

The best boozy Christmas gifts

1. Marks & Spencer The Connoisseur Gin Mixing Gift Set

£25, Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer The Connoisseur Gin Mixing Set - Credit: Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer The Connoisseur Gin Mixing Set Credit: Marks & Spencer

A gin loving gent will get a kick out of mixing his own spiced cocktails. It even comes with a jigger and a stirrer so he'll feel like a pro. No we don't know what a jigger is either.

2. Selfridges Morning After Hamper

£140, Selfridges

The Morning After Hamper - Credit: Selfridges
The Morning After Hamper Credit: Selfridges

With Christmas parties and New Year's Eve to contend with, he'll appreciate some 'hair of the dog' with this upscale Bloody Mary kit. It comes with a jug, smoked Chase vodka, Tabasco, celery salt and Pickle House’s Bloody Mary mix. Delicious and necessary.

3. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whiskey, 20cl

£50, John Lewis

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky - Credit: John Lewis
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky Credit: John Lewis

Treat him to this exclusive blend of rare and high quality whiskies. Only one in 10,000 casks is considered good enough to be Blue Label worthy so he'll savour every mouthful.

4.  Personalised beer advent calendar

£95, Notonthehighstreet.com

Personalised beer Advent calendar - Credit: Notonthehighstreet.com
Personalised beer Advent calendar Credit: Notonthehighstreet.com

Why should children be the only ones to wake up every morning of December in excitement at the thought of opening their Advent calendar? Give him the same experience, just with beer instead of chocolate. What's not to love?

5. Talisker ‘Gentle’ classic malt whisky taster set

£40, John Lewis

Talisker 'Gentle' Classic Malt Whisky, Box of 3 - Credit: John Lewis
Talisker 'Gentle' Classic Malt Whisky, Box of 3 Credit: John Lewis

This gift box includes three 20cl bottles of light mellow whiskies perfect for anyone new to the world of Classic Malts.

Christmas tech gifts for the gadget-obsessed guy

1. Jabra Elite Active 65T wireless ear buds

From £169.99, Jabra

Jabra Elite Active 65T wireless ear buds - Credit: Jabra
Jabra Elite Active 65T wireless ear buds Credit: Jabra

Designed to fit snugly in your ears, the Jabra wireless buds are built for people with an active lifestyle. With a two year warranty against sweat and dust and five hours of battery life, he'll be able to listen to music, take calls and schedule his life with ease.

2. Apple Watch x Hermes Series 4

£1399, Apple

Apple Watch x Hermes Series 4 - Credit: Apple
Apple Watch x Hermes Series 4 Credit: Apple

We love a collaboration and this mix of Apple technology with the heritage style of luxury label Hermès is a total winner. Perfect for a modern man with classic sensibilities.

3. Samsung Gear VR headset with controller

£119, Samsung

Samsung Gear VR headset with controller - Credit: Samsung
Samsung Gear VR headset with controller Credit: Samsung

Let him escape into the world of virtual reality with this Samsung headset. He can explore new worlds and go to virtual parties all without leaving the house.

4. ULTIMATE EARS Boom 2 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

£99.99, Currys PC World

Ultimate Ears Boom 2, Bluetooth portable speaker - Credit: Currys PC World
Ultimate Ears Boom 2, Bluetooth portable speaker Credit: Currys PC World

Choose from bright blue or red for a playful addition to any tech geek's collection. It's waterproof so can he can take the party to a muddy festival, the beach or just to the bathroom...

Practical pressies

1. Eastpak ‘Calum’ canvas holdall

£75, Mr Porter

Eastpak ‘Calum’ canvas holdall  - Credit: Mr Porter
Eastpak ‘Calum’ canvas holdall Credit: Mr Porter

Inspired by military kit, this bag is ideal for weekends away or even just for gym kit. In khaki green with an adjustable shoulder strap, it's got style and practicality written all over it.

2.  Philips Series 5000 NT5171/15 Nose Ear and Detail trimmer

£18, Boots

Philips Series 5000 NT5171/15 Nose Ear and Detail trimmer - Credit: Boots
Philips Series 5000 NT5171/15 Nose Ear and Detail trimmer Credit: Boots

Want to send a subtle hint? This three in one trimmer could be just the thing to get him groomed and gorgeous.

3. Thumbs Up Lazy Arm tablet holder

£9.99, ASOS

Thumbs Up Lazy Arm tablet holder - Credit: ASOS
Thumbs Up Lazy Arm tablet holder Credit: ASOS

This little gadget does just what it says on the tin. It'll clip onto most surfaces making watching a film, following a recipe or reading a book just that bit more comfortable. One of those things he never knew he needed, until you gave it to him for Christmas. 

4. Harry’s Shave Plan subscription

Under £2 per blade, Harry's 

Harry’s Shave Plan subscription - Credit: Harry's
Harry’s Shave Plan subscription Credit: Harry's

As we all know, razors and blades are super expensive so get him signed up to this brilliant bargain shaving subscription plan and he'll never complain about buying them again.

Traditional Christmas gift ideas for men

1. John Lewis & Partners bee print pyjama bottoms

£28, John Lewis

John Lewis & Partners bee print pyjama bottoms - Credit: John Lewis & Partners
John Lewis & Partners bee print pyjama bottoms Credit: John Lewis & Partners

Doesn't everyone get new pyjamas at Christmas? Don't let the men in your life miss out.

2. Marks & Spencer super soft fleece dressing gown

£29.50, Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer super soft fleece dressing gown - Credit: Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer super soft fleece dressing gown Credit: Marks & Spencer

This dressing gown is all about keeping toasty. Just don't be surprised if you can't get him to take it off once it's the weekend.

3. Bleu de Chanel eau de parfum spray 50ml

£66, Boots

Bleu de Chanel eau de parfum spray 50ml - Credit: Boots
Bleu de Chanel eau de parfum spray 50ml Credit: Boots

Long gone are the days of Old Spice at Christmas. Upgrade his aftershave to Bleu de Chanel and watch him transform into a suave, sexy and enigmatic man. Or he'll just smell better, but it's a win either way.

4.  Dust and Things personalised engraved hip flask

£25, Notonthehighstreet.com

Dust and Things personalised engraved hip flask - Credit: Notonthehighstreet.com
Dust and Things personalised engraved hip flask Credit: Notonthehighstreet.com

This elegant hip flask can be engraved with the initials of the lucky recipient so he'll never get it mixed up with his friend's hip flask again. Has that ever actually happened we wonder...

Novelty gifts and helpful stocking fillers

1. Sock Shop Christmas novelty socks

£1.99, Sock Shop

Sock Shop Christmas novelty socks - Credit: Sock Shop
Sock Shop Christmas novelty socks Credit: Sock Shop

If he won't wear a Christmas jumper maybe you can get him in a pair of Christmas socks instead. It's worth a try.

2. Hotel Chocolat chocolate coins

£5, Hotel Chocolat

Hotel Chocolat chocolate coins - Credit: Hotel Chocolat
Hotel Chocolat chocolate coins Credit: Hotel Chocolat

Chocolate coins are a stocking essential but why not make them a bit more special this year?

3.  Barber Pro post shave cooling mask

£5, Harvey Nichols

Barber Pro post shave cooling mask - Credit: Harvey Nichols
Barber Pro post shave cooling mask Credit: Harvey Nichols

Beauty isn't just for the girls. This sheet mask will cool, soothe and nourish his skin. So good you'll be tempted to steal it...

4.  Sunspel Supersoft cotton shorts

£28, Sunspel

Sunspel Supersoft cotton shorts - Credit: Sunspel
Sunspel Supersoft cotton shorts Credit: Sunspel

Another Christmas stocking classic; underwear. But thanks to Sunspel's supersoft cotton jersey these shorts are a cut above.

5.  Melts: Over 50 Delicious Toasted and Grilled Sandwich Recipes by Fern Green

​£12.99, Waterstone's

Melts: Over 50 Delicious Toasted and Grilled Sandwich Recipes - Credit: Waterstone's
Melts: Over 50 Delicious Toasted and Grilled Sandwich Recipes Credit: Waterstone's

We'll be giving this to as many of the men in our lives as possible, if only in the hope they'll make some of these mouthwatering toasties for us.

 

For more Christmas features and gift guides, see www.telegraph.co.uk/christmas.