27 Things You Should Ask For This Christmas

If you’ve not yet been accosted by Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ either in the office or walking past the shops, you’ve definitely not got out enough. For ’tis the season, and with the multiplying tinsel comes growing anxieties over presents.

In a world where shopping can happen at the click of a button, choosing a memorable gift for someone is harder said than done. But that’s enough about other people. You also need to make time to consider what you want to see in your sack this festive season.

Been eyeing up a new watch, or in need of a refill for your drinks cabinet? Take advantage of the Christmas spirit and have someone else shell out for one for you. That’s how it works, right? The Christmas spirit?

With that in mind, we’ve collated the finest festive gifts for men at every price point.

New Sneakers

What is Christmas other than opportunity to get a new pair of sneakers all bought and paid for? And we all know that unbeatable feeling of strutting around the house wearing a box fresh pair and brand new duds on Christmas Day. Try these classic designs.

Head Gear

The trick to bossing the winter months as a style-conscious gentleman is to keep warm while looking good. Not as easy as it sounds – wearing a hat, of course, is an art form in itself – but you’ll manage it with any of this quality headgear.

House Plant

No home is complete with some shrubbery to add that all-important natural touch to the interior décor – especially in those winter when venturing out in to actual nature is about as appealing as a snowball to the face.

Coffee Table Book

Nothing says Christmas present like a giant slab of a book to fill out those shelves – the kind of luxury, oversized gift you can’t get enough of at Christmas. Packed with glossy pics and dense information, these are the dictionary definition of man-book.

Your Favourite Aftershave

Just make sure to spell out exactly what you want, leave the empty bottle lying around, send links if you have to, or risk getting a fragrance that smells more like rubbing alcohol. These are all safe bets.

Wrist Bling

It’s often thought that a watch is one of the few pieces of sparkly jewellery that men are allowed to actively seek out. The problem? The generally hefty price tags that come attached to bling. Can’t afford Swiss made? That’s alright, you ain’t paying.

High-Quality Socks

Not just a myth; well-made socks make getting up when it’s still dark out that much easier (on your cold feet, at least). Wool-cotton styles wear better and keep your feet warmer. Add a splash of colour under your suit trousers for a little added personality.

Premium Cotton T-shirts

If there’s one thing every man needs more of, it’s basics. Washed a red sock with your white T-shirt? Ruined. Coffee spill in transit? In the bin. Sweat stains? Out. We’d suggest requesting a pack of six or more.

The Thinking Man’s Accessory

Here’s a shocker: men have feelings too. Even if you don’t want to use a journal as a diary, they can help keep track of your thoughts and ideas; from the money-making to the incriminating. In either case, always burn once full.

Shades

Sure, wearing sunglasses in winter might signal to others that you’re a bit of a tool. But getting this holiday expense out of the way early is a good way of keeping more cash in the kitty for when you’re eventually poolside. Until then, they can be used to ease the inevitable New Year’s hangover.

An #InteriorGoals Throw

There’s nothing manly about being cold. Or leaving your company to freeze while you sit there looking glib and oblivious in a Christmas jumper. Plus, it’s probably time you covered those sofa stains.

A Cosy AF Down Jacket

Come on, own up. It’s cold. You can say it. This is a safe space. There’s nothing manly about tempting fate with frostbite on the walk back from the pub. So this year stock your wardrobe with a winter coat that’s much warmer than a beer jacket.

A Good Cookbook

It’s the 21st century and if you haven’t yet cooked a meal that consists of more than toast you’ve got some catching up to do. We’d suggest one-pot options to start (a home cooked meal is still a home cooked meal) while you work up to more complex recipes.

A Lamp To Love

Still choosing between two extremes of lighting: pitch black and operating theatre? Switch your family on to sorting you out with a stylish lamp, and learn the art of hygge, candlelight, pillows and throws while you’re at it. You won’t regret it.

Adult Bed Sheets

Crack a joke about being 27 going on 72 if you have to, but trust us, you’ll never look back. Aside from the fact no one is going to want to jump your bones if ‘where the magic happens’ is covered in race cars, there’s really no better excuse for snoozing through your morning meeting.

An Alarm Clock

Dark winter mornings make it even harder to crowbar yourself out from under the duvet. A wake-up light alarm clock mimics a real sunrise to coax your body into getting up and at ‘em while others are simply obnoxiously loud but get the job done.

Whisky

For when you nail that job interview (slash whenever, really) – there is always an excuse for quality whisky. You can’t go wrong with these luxe options, and if you can’t splash out on drink over Christmas, when can you?

A Razor

Not all razors are created equal but you can find some that are sharp in more ways than one. This year, make sure you ask for one that’s both useful and aesthetically pleasing as it’s likely the grooming gear that’s most in-use – and thus most-seen laying about.

High-Fidelity Headphones

Although you can get away with any old pair of earbuds, why would you? Invest in a high-quality pair and they will elevate your music to a whole new level of audio, proving useful long after you use them to drown out the in-laws over Christmas dinner.

Wall Art

You’ve successfully moved out, you’ve kept a plant alive and you no longer live in halls of residence. Now it’s time to decorate the walls. No, not with boughs of holly. With tasteful wall prints (old lad’s mag pin-ups don’t count either.)

A Beard Trimmer

Christmas is a fraught enough time as it is, don’t add giving your other half stubble rash. Keep your facial forest neat and tidy with a set of beard trimmers. Now all you have to do is worry about cleaning the hair-covered sink.

An Activity Tracker

Looking to get fit in the new year? A fitness watch can be enough to motivate you (or shame you) into swapping the TV tray for the treadmill. Try not to take it as an insult, everyone is wearing them these days.

Big Boy Pants

Underwear is a personal gift, sure, but also one that will never elicit an “ugh, more of those?” reaction. You may even discover a new favourite brand. And really, do you actually need a reason for owning more pants?

Party-Ready Speakers

As the life and soul of the party, your speaker choice best be on point. There’s really no excuse for dusting off your mum’s old record player and not having the sound system to support it. Invest in a decent speaker (well, let someone else make the investment for you.)

A Nod To Hygge

It’s hard to breathe fresh air into a market saturated by samey scents, but sometimes you’ve just got to go with the classics: applewood, forest leather and rose. When they’re burned through, re-purpose the vessels as a key holder/coin purse/bud vase.

Knitwear

A chunky fisherman’s jumper or merino wool roll neck is never a bad idea. Ideal for layering or just wearing around the house on a cold winter’s day, good quality knitwear should make up a large portion of your winter wardrobe, so why not add to it this Christmas?

Jewellery

Male jewellery has really taken off over the past few years, with more men turning to necklaces, bracelets and earrings to add a personal touch to their style. If you want to get involved, be specific with what you ask for – perhaps send over a couple of links so people know what styles you like.