By Penny Goldstone
When it comes to shopping for Christmas gifts for men, it’s easy to fall into the pitfalls of all the cliched gifts. You know what I mean, socks or a scarf for dad, a joke gift for your uncle etc. Gifts that are perhaps a little bit impersonal and not very thoughtful. Luckily, I’ve done all the hard work for you and scoured Oxford Street to find some gifts that he will appreciate, no matter what he’s into.
For the man who has it all, why not sponsor a star and make a sick child’s Christmas more magical for just £10? Oxford Street has teamed up with charity Starlight, which helps make children’s stays in hospital less traumatic through the power of play.
Grooming gifts for him
Let’s take a step back from gender stereotypes and stop assuming men can’t be into their skincare or grooming routines. Winter can be tough on the skin, so he’ll no doubt appreciate The Body Shop’s Aloe Vera gift set, which includes a calming cleanser, cream and face mask. Head to The Fragrance Shop for a huge selection of aftershaves and perfumes, including my own dad’s favourite, Dior Sauvage. For a pampering day out, give him the gift of a good haircut and beard trimming at the Pall Mall Barbers inside Intimissimi Uomo, or a manicure treatment at Ted’s Grooming Room.
Tech gifts for him
From a practical point of view, a good tech gift will improve his life, so you can’t really go wrong with that, as long as you pick the right gadget. Gamers will love Microsoft’s new Xbox Series S in Carbon Black, which loads games even faster. If you want to push the boat out, a new TV like the Samsung’s 2023 Neo QLED is a gift you can both enjoy during those long winter nights. Lumie’s stylish table lamp will make waking up a dream, and he can keep track of his fitness with the new gen of Fitbits.
Homeware gifts for him
If he’s into interior decorating, there are plenty of gift options for all budgets to be found on Oxford Street. I love the retro vibes of this wall clock from John Lewis, perfect for Mad Men fans. Wine appreciators will be into M&S’s stylish decanter, while this On Air Neon sign is a great way to jazz up a home office. And how could you not love this gold tone balloon dog from TK Maxx?
Food gifts for him
Whether he’s got a sweet or savoury tooth, prefers his drinks soft or a bit stronger, there’s a gift for that. If in doubt, a Christmas hamper will never go unwanted. The M&S Christmas collection basket features festive classics such as Panettone and mince pies, as well as a cheeky tipple. The House of Suntory’s Japanese craft spirit gift set is a great way to introduce him to new tastes. For something sweet, try the Hotel Chocolat Christmas box, and if he’s feeling creative, he can make his own chilli sauce with this kit from Boots.
Luxury gifts for him
If you want to splurge on your partner, dad, brother or any other important man in your life, then these investment gifts will stand the test of time. This Canada Goose parka is stylish and ultra warm, while Bottega Veneta’s cassette crossbody bag is impossibly stylish. The LSA International whisky decanter and glasses gift set will make drinking that evening cocktail an absolute luxury. Dyson’s new headphones aren’t just pretty, they offer advanced noise cancellation technology and 50 hours of audio run time
Sports gifts for him
Is there such a thing as too many trainers? Probably not, so why not invest in these uber-cool Jordan AJ1 Zoom Air Comfort sneakers? The Christmas period being the perfect time to chill at home, it would be rude not to indulge in wearing comfies like this New Balance hoodie. If he’s a footballer, you know he’ll love a swanky new ball. And while I joke about socks, I don’t know many men who would buy new pairs for themselves and yet they always come in handy.
Fashion gifts for him
Whether he goes into the office or works from home, he’ll always look dapper in good tailoring, and Burton and Moss have plenty of that, including this Oxford shirt and slim fit blazer. Slippers don’t need to be naff, as these sleek suede moccasins with tartan finish from Clarks prove. When it comes to footwear, Dr. Martens boots in black are iconic for a reason, and they’ll go with absolutely everything.
Watches & jewellery for men
You can’t go more personal than a jewellery gift. Longines watches are beautifully crafted and last a lifetime. This black titanium ring and steel and leather necklace make for modern jewellery pieces, which you can have engraved for a personal touch. I also love this gender neutral bracelet from Pandora.