Very good boys deserve very good gifts. But if the ‘dunno’ to your lovingly-asked ‘What do you want for Christmas?’ has you questioning your initial assumption, our gift guide is here to step in and do the thinking for him.
Whether you’re a time-conscious gifter shopping with nothing to go off, or an under-the-cosh giftee searching for inspiration, we’ve taken cues from our tried-and-tested buyer’s guides, as well as tips from the Men’s Health team, to compile this ultimate list of gifts worth giving and receiving, whatever the occasion.
If you’ve arrived on this page as an eleventh hour shopper, no need to panic – skip to the ‘last-minute’ section where you’ll find a collection of crowd-pleasers with next day delivery. Otherwise, peruse the categories below at your leisure.
For the Men’s Health Reader
Gym goers can be picky about their kit. If you know someone who tracks his macros as closely as his one-rep-maxes, these are bound to earn a spot in his gym bag – or, in the case of the first pick, replace it entirely.
If he bikes or runs to the office, he’ll love Stubble & Co’s Motion Backpack. It’s waterproof, comfortable to wear when moving at speed and, most importantly, doesn’t bounce, even when stuffed full.
If he’s on the creatine hype, he’ll need to make sure he’s drinking plenty of water – a far easier task with this adventure-ready, titanium flask from Black+Blum.
Every man has his favourite boxers, but gift him a few pairs of Randies and they’re bound to become his new go-tos.
Hyperice’s latest travel-friendly massage gun packs more percussive power and an extra hour of run time versus the previous version while still taking up minimal room in his gym bag.
Maintaining fitness in winter is a cyclist’s biggest challenge, but with the Zwift Ride V2 with KICKR CORE 2, his cardio needn’t take a nose dive. With this comprehensive indoor cycling set-up, it’ll be like the group rides never stopped.
Beats’ new sweat-proof headphones are one of the few over-ear pairs that don’t budge or overheat, even when the reps rack up. They also come with interchangeable ear and headband cushions, so he’ll always have a clean pair ready to swap in after his final set.
Slipping on a pair of cushioned slides post-workout is the sign of a guy who takes his recovery seriously. Nike’s ReactX Rejuven8 Slides surround your feet in a soft, responsive foam that takes the strain away from tired legs – just what he needs after a gruelling double-session day.
Screenless fitness trackers don’t come better than Whoop. There are three membership tiers depending on how serious he takes his fitness, but each will give him the intel he needs to optimise his training, sleep and recovery.
Every home gym should have resistance bands, but these have one subtle difference that sets them apart from your ordinary set: progress lines that allow you to accurately introduce more difficulty over time.
How We Choose the Best Gifts for Men
It’s been my gig to pull together this edit of the best gift-worthy products for the past three years. For this latest instalment, I’ve packed it with over 50 ideas and included specifics on how to shop well within each of the traditional gifting categories, from practical buys to last-minute pick-ups.
I’ve taken cues from our tried-and-tested buyer’s guides, surveyed the Men’s Health team, pestered my mates for recs, and come up with my own suggestions, sorting each inclusion into categories so that, whether you’re shopping for a spouse, family member or colleague, every base is covered.
More Gift Ideas for Men
Best Gifts for Men Under £40
The key to gifting on a tight budget is to think of something he uses all the time and pick up a better quality version he’d never ordinarily buy for himself. These examples go way harder than a three-for-two offer on Belgian beers.
Harnessing ultrasonic technology to create perfectly formed nitrogen bubbles, the Guinness Nitrosurge recreates the iconic two-part pour, upgrading compatible cans into draught-like pints at home.
This Aesop shower kit includes the brand’s Antithesis Intense Body Cleanser, which we describe as a ‘step up from the usual locker-room body wash’ in our latest Grooming Awards.
A classic for a reason, give him this three pack of Calvins and he might love you as much as he does Mr Klein himself.
Socks aren’t necessarily a bad gift. This performance pair from R.A.D are guaranteed to land with the gym-goer in your life.
Travelling with a full tub of mysterious white powder can feel a little suss. These individual creatine sachets will save space in his carry-on and make the security process less nerve wracking.
Another rec taken from our Grooming Awards, this deodorising body mist is the perfect post-workout freshener, leaving behind a sophisticated scent of petitgrain, mandarin, and neroli.
Handcrafted with a natural wax blend, Malin + Goetz’s Twist of Rum candle will fill his pad with a warm, rich scent. This gift set also comes with a bar of soap – win win.
Put down the generic shower set and get him something he’ll actually use and enjoy, like this shaving bundle from Harry’s.
Olive oil is a cupboard staple, but splashing £35 on two top quality bottles isn’t a realistic habit, hence why this makes an excellent gift.
Best High-End Gifts
Celebrating a big milestone or achievement? Or maybe you’re just feeling generous this year. Whatever your reasoning, these gifts are fit for special occasions.
The audio quality of these luxe Bowers & Wilkins headphones is second to none.
Braun’s flagship razor features 250 diamond sharp blades for the closest possible shave.
This sleek hold suitcase from Car Friedrik is as functional as it is elegant.
Bring three-dimensional sound to his movie nights with this compact Sonos soundbar with true Dolby Atmos effects.
This handmade tote bag is the perfect beach carry, with a fully waterproof lined interior, bottle sleeve and removable pouch for wet clothes.
Oura’s slimmest, most discreet smart ring to date is also its most accurate, featuring the brand’s most advanced sensors yet.
Therabody’s flagship compression boots bring the full recovery experience to his home.
Our best-on-test LED face mask deploys red and infrared light to reduce wrinkles and firm skin.
Complete with a 100k pixel macro lens camera, he’ll be able to get up close and personal with the Dyson CameraJet electric toothbrush.
Best Practical Gifts
Practical gifts are underrated. After all, what beats a genuinely useful gift he’ll use time and again? Here’s a few ideas.
If he’s a cyclist, there’s no disputing the fact that he’d love an electric bike pump. He’ll be waving goodbye to manual roadside pumping and running precisely pressured tyres minus the arm workout.
Despite the USB-C migration, we all still have a drawer full of random cables. Save him the headache of a misplaced charger with this tech organiser bag from Bellroy.
Complete with two clippers, a file, tweezers and cuticle scissors, this kit covers all the nail tools every man should own.
Like him, this Italian vachetta leather card holder, which holds up to seven cards and notes, gets better with age.
No man should travel without a wash bag. This one from Rains is spacious enough to fit even the most well groomed gent’s full skincare, haircare and dental care arsenal.
Whether he’s an occasional bike commuter or seasoned pedaler, mechanicals don’t discriminate, which is why every cyclist should be carrying a decent multi-tool on their rides.
All serious runners know it pays to keep your dirty shoes from your clean change of clothes. This shoe pack is a simple solution any runner will appreciate and make use of.
Complete with a filter holder, mug, lid and carrying case, he’ll be making quality brews wherever his travels take him with this portable AeroPress kit.
If he’s suspiciously out of charge whenever its his round, this MagSafe compatible battery pack will ensure he’s always topped up when it matters.
Best Menswear Gifts
If his wardrobe could do with a refresh, consider these editor-approved menswear picks.
If he’s experiencing Adidas Samba fatigue, it’s time to update his kicks with a pair of Spezials, instead. Black is always a safe bet, but there are 14 other colourways which are bound to land.
Rugby jerseys are easy to wear all year round. To the office or to the pub, under a blazer or simply with jeans, you can make them work for just about anything.
If you’re shopping for someone who’s hard to buy for, you can usually find something which suits at Carhartt. Whether it’s a classic sweatshirt, some jeans or this corduroy-trimmed version of the iconic Detroit jacket
Even if he prefers sleeping the way nature intended, every man should at least have one pair of pyjamas. These are everything you want in loungewear – cosy brushed cotton, super comfortable, with deep pockets a drawstring waist.
Omhu is a responsibly-minded brand that promises form and function across its knitwear range. If the festive red isn’t his style, there are three other shades to choose from, too.
This hardwearing wool jumper from B Corp-certified brand Finisterre is perfect for winter layering and this year it’s available in a boat load of colours, including this rather lovely Lighthouse Red.
With heating bills what they are and comfort never going out of style, we think these are a winner. With a slip-resistant sole and rounded toe, these are the perfect lounging companions.
Think of a colour (any colour) and Sunspel’s Loopback Sweatshirt probably comes in it. With 25 shades to choose from, this is a casual wardrobe staple he’ll never stop wearing.
On the hunt for the perfect understated chain? Made from a lightweight 925 Sterling Silver, it’s minimal, handcrafted, and ideal for everyday wear.
Best Last-Minute Gifts
So, you’ve left it to the last possible moment. Worry not – these eleventh hour gifts all come with next day (or instant) delivery.
Why give him one book when you could gift him the ability to store thousands of titles at once and read them at his leisure from a glare-free, paper-like display? Get next-day delivery with Prime.
Unlike the coffee, this gift subscription from Grind is instant. Once you’ve decided on the type of subscription you want to gift (from 2 to 12 months), a personalised email gets sent to your recipient on a date of your choosing.
If you’re buying a gift card, choosing something tailored to his interests beats a one-for-all voucher every time. A Gymshark gift card will have have him looking, feeling and performing his best.
This Virgin Experience Days excursion will put him behind the wheel of a single seater race car and channelling his inner Lewis Hamilton at the home of British motorsport.
Vinyl is fully back and what better way to enjoy it than on a turntable that doesn’t require any extra tech? Great for those short on space.
If he’s a gamer, make a statement and treat him to the latest Nintendo Switch, with better graphics and a bigger display that ever before.
These Bose headphones are known for being one of the best int the game at noise cancellation. You can pick them up with next day delivery if you’re a Prime member.
This at-home beer dispenser recreates that smooth, creamy micro-foam head you get from draught beer. Get it as quick as next day thanks to Mankind’s convenient delivery options.
If he struggles to get up in the morning, this sunrise alarm clock is a genuine gamechanger, slowing waking him with a gradual 30-minute sunrise. Yours with next-day delivering through Amazon.
Luke Chamberlain is the ecommerce editor for Men’s Health UK where he compiles expert-led buying guides and in-depth product reviews across gym wear, fitness tech, supplements, and grooming. Responsible for testing everything from the latest gym headphones to the best beard trimmers, Luke also enlists the help of leading health and wellness experts to help readers make informed choices when shopping online. He also covers major sales events for Men’s Health, including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day, scouting and verifying hundreds of discounts in order to recommend only the most genuine deals on offer. A magazine journalism graduate from the University of Sheffield in 2018, Luke has also worked as assistant editor for Outdoor Swimmer magazine and as an ecommerce writer for The Recommended. When he’s not testing the latest health and fitness products, he’s busy plotting routes for his next trail run or gravel ride out of London. Follow Luke on Instagram at @lukeochamb
