Great gifts for the men in your life
Apologies in advance for the massive generalisation, but I tend to hate buying presents for men. In particular, my soon-to-be father-in-law. Each time the festive season rolls around, I have to rack my brain for something to gift him that a) he hasn’t already bought himself and b) he will genuinely appreciate and won’t end up unworn, unread, unwatched or - most brutally - unopened.
If you’re like me and need some serious present inspo tailored specifically towards the special men in your life, then hopefully this gift guide will help. From waterproof trainers to a woodcarving workshop, there’s something here to fit every fella this festive season and beyond.
If you’re looking for a gift for a foodie in your life - and one which is likely to reap rich rewards for you, later down the line - then this one-day pasta-making course could be perfect. The workshop covers an array of Italian carby classics, from traditional tagliatelle to delicate ravioli, and concludes with participants consuming the fruits of their labour along with a refreshing glass of vino (of course). But the best bit? Surely it’s only polite for the gift receiver to then demonstrate their newfound pasta skills to you via a delicious home-cooked Italian meal…
In my humble opinion, having wet feet is among the worst sensations in life. If you’ve got a man in your life who is likely to agree, they might enjoy a pair of Tropicfeel’s Canyon HDry trainers. These shoes are made with something called “HDry® membrane” which apparently makes them super waterproof - plus they’re breathable (no sweaty feet here), comfortable, lightweight and sustainably made. A foolproof and waterproof pressie.
We’re here to let you in on a little secret: men like candles too. And what could be more manly (think: deliciously scented) than LO Studio’s hand-poured candle collection? Made using 100% natural vegetable wax that’s sustainable, traceable and replenishable, these 60-hour candles have scents with intriguing names like “winter’s glow”, “bergamot clouds” and “open window” (let’s hope the latter isn’t overlooking a dual carriageway or a pigsty!).
Framed photograph
If you’re not sure what to get a parent, parent-in-law or even a tricky-to-please partner then a framed photograph of you and them (plus any other relevant family members or friends!) is a pretty safe bet. Etsy has some lovely frames to choose from - or you can have a go at making your own (there’s a nice step-by-step tutorial here).
What do you buy for the man in your life who has everything? A woodcarving workshop, of course! This in-depth (read: six-hour), expert-led masterclass takes keen carvers through all the major steps, from using power tools to detailed chiselling. It’s also the gift that keeps on giving, as each participant leaves with a geometrical wood pattern of their own design, showcasing the skills they’re learned throughout the day.
Danish fashion company Rains is the epitome of Scandi chic - and therefore the brand’s bag for weekend trippers and commuters is unsurprisingly the coolest around. The Texel Tech Bag is waterproof and features several different compartments to house all the essentials, from chargers and notebooks to laptops (for those hybrid workers). It’s like a handbag. But manly.
Cosy and ethically made beanie
If you’re chums with a man who gets chilly then they’re likely to love Tropicfeel’s super cosy, elastic knit beanie. Made with a blend of ethically sourced wool plus cotton, this handsome headgear is designed to be worn in three (ever so slightly) different ways.
Cinema membership
For a film-loving fellow in your life, a cinema membership could help you avoid any regifting drama (doh) this festive season. All the biggest indie chains - Everyman, Curzon, Picturehouse etc - offer aesthetic-looking gift cards, but it’s also worth researching local options to see whether they offer a membership deal (for example, members of the Art House cinema in Crouch End, north London, get 25% off all tickets, 25% off food and drink and two free tickets for just £33.75 a year).
Buying a pair of socks for your dad, brother-in-law, male partner or another dude in your life might feel like a clique - but we’d bet our bottom dollar that they’ll probably still be grateful. If you’re looking for a slightly bougier option than your standard fare (or pair), we love London Sock Co. This high-end clothing retailer offers a selection of sartorial sock boxes with themes including “shaken & stirred” and “simply dapper”.