Christmas Gifts For The Boys

You asked and we listened. Never ones to let you down, today’s post is all about our Christmas gift recommendations for the boys as requested by your lovely selves. Honestly I’ve never felt so nervous presenting these options before you…oh the pressure! I really really hope that these ideas are the sort of thing that you’re after and leave you feeling inspired on your Christmas gift pursuits…

Rather than split today’s post up by brand, we’ve gone down a slightly different route and organised the presents along the lines of different personalities. We’ve got everything from the Tech Lover to the Outdoorsy Male. Let’s begin!

For The Outdoorsy Male

This particular section includes the most recommendations in today’s roundup. This wasn’t intentional per se but randomly ended up this way. Perhaps it’s because I’ve got a fondness for outdoorsy men who are good with their hands and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Anyway, I’ve gone off topic so back to the post in hand.

Let’s start with books….specifically The Kaufmann Mercantile Guide: How to Split Wood, Shuck an Oyster, and Other Simple Pleasures which naturally every man needs in his life. There’s also instructions on how to sabre a champagne bottle and care for cast iron pans! As you do!

If they already know how to do all these things then indulge them in a bit of man shed action with this book on Cabin Porn. It’s not really up my street but I have a feeling the boys would like it which actually is completely the point isn’t it.

For Ste’s first Father’s Day I bought him this beautiful Oak pocket knife from The Future Kept who incidentally have all manner of wonderful gifts for men. I know Ste absolutely loved the gift and treasures it amongst his prized possessions so it’s worth having a look at if you fancy giving something a little bit different.

I actually spotted this Barbour bag in July earlier this year and casually mentioned to Ste that I rather liked it myself despite it being positioned in the Mens’ Department. Made from waxed cotton you can be sure that it will withstand most travelling adventures; it is supported by brass studs underneath too to protect the bottom of the bag. Elegant and practical for your weekends away (which you’re secretly hoping he’s going to surprise you with on Christmas morning) there are also press stud tabs on either side to allow for the bag to expand to accommodate all your purchases on aforementioned weekend away. 😉

Ok so I got sidetracked there…let’s get back to the menfolk shall we. How about finishing off with this hardy Herschel rucksack to hold all the necessary pieces for his travels. The Retreat backpack is stylish and unassuming with a flat-top opening with cinch cord for added security. I particularly like the two straps with faux-buckle magnet fastenings and I think most men will too.

For The Cocktail Drinker

When I conducted a poll on the RMLtd girls and asked them what they generally bought for the menfolk in their lives at Christmas, the resounding answer was that of Whisky. So of course it made sense to include a bottle in today’s roundup. Of course I know f**k all about Whisky since I don’t drink the stuff. However I do appreciate a lovely design on a Whisky label which brings me to this bottle of malt scotch whisky by Edinburgh Gin. Hell if John Lewis rates it then who am I to argue. Apparently the whisky also won the coveted Drinks category at the National Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards so it’s got to be half decent. Pair with these Sparq whisky stones for that extra touch…

If you’re looking for a stocking filler for a male aged from 18-100 then this pretzel shaped bottle opener is the perfect gift. Plus you could always half inch it for your bar cart when he isn’t looking.

For The Gadget Lover

Laura supplied me with a hefty dose of inspiration for this particular section of the post since there’s not really anyone in my family that’s particularly techie – myself included! That said I’m rather enamoured with this handmade retro camera strap from Sail Handmade which is perfect for the budding photographers out there. It is hand-crafted from British vegetable tanned leather and hand-stitched using natural Irish linen thread. It comes supplied with split rings making it compatible for most cameras. Make it extra special by availing yourself of the monogramming option that is available where they can handstamp the phrase of your choosing onto the strap.

I’ve been toying with the idea of getting Ste a coffee machine for a while now. Initially I wanted to get him one for his 30th but that was over two years ago and I’ve not bitten the bullet. I suppose it’s because he always asks for clothes instead and because I don’t drink coffee myself I don’t really force the issue. That said I’ve been told that the Nespresso Pixie isn’t a bad shout and this particular bundle comes with an Aeroccino to boot. Talking of which I’ve managed to bag myself the much coveted Aeroccino 4 for my stepdad for Christmas who adores a frothy coffee.

Lastly Laura recommends for the music lovers amongst you then it’s worth splashing out on these noise cancelling headphones from Bose. This particular version has been designed to complement Apple products but there is an Android compatible set as well. They are pricey at £250 so probably suitable only for the ‘big present’ for your nearest and dearest, but they are very lightweight and their earcups rotate for a better fit. The headband itself sits close to your head, with luxurious suede-like material underneath for extra comfort. I particularly rate Bose for the quality of their products and their impressive sound functionality.

For The Luxury Lover

For the man who likes his creature comforts…or perhaps for the slightly older gentleman we’ve got three wonderful options for you all of which possess the luxe factor in spades.

First up has to be these amazing cashmere joggers from The White Company which are available in both navy blue and grey. Granted they aren’t cheap at £85.00 but there are a few discount codes floating around at the moment which could bring them down to approx £68 which I think is a fair price for the important men in your life. Ste actually had a pair of grey cashmere joggers from Whistles last Christmas and he’s worn them to death so I’m seriously considering buying him a back up pair for this year’s bounty.

Pair them with some cashmere blend socks also from The White Company and they’ll be as snug as a bug in a (cashmere) rug.

In our family for the last few years we’ve gone down the Secret Santa route, choosing to spend more money on one person rather than spending smaller amounts on multiple recipients. It keeps costs down for all of us overall and ensures that everyone gets a really decent present that they love. This year I’ve drawn my brother-in-law (hoping he doesn’t read this post!!) and purchased him a pair of slippers (which he had requested!) from Just Sheepskin in the Black Friday sales. They are amazing!! Super snuggly and made from luxury sheepskin with a slip resistant sole, I rather fancy a pair myself. Definitely one to recommend.

For The Metrosexual

Ste isn’t really one for lotions and potions so I never really get the chance to indulge in purchasing mens’ toiletries all that often. My Step-dad by contrast is notoriously fussy, liking only those super expensive niche brands that are impossible to get hold of (insert eye-roll here), so I suppose my points of reference for mens’ smellies are a bit skewed.

John Lewis stock the very stylishly designed Gentlemen’s Hardware brand which any man would be proud to keep in their sports bag or at home on the bathroom shelf. I think I may invest in their fragrance-free hand salve to ease Ste’s callused hands; this cold weather has been taking its toll of late. And you could almost mistake their Hair & Body Wash product for the covetable Aesop brand so that’s worth a mention too…

For those folks looking for something a bit more luxe then Laura suggests you check out the Santal fragrance at Le Labo. I’m a huge fan of their perfumes and my own signature scent is actually from the company. Santal 33 has rich notes of smoky wood alloy, spices and leather mixed with sweeter scents of iris and violet and is unisex to boot which means you can sneak a spray should you fancy it!

And that folks brings us to the end of today’s roundup. Hopefully it has sparked off some ideas for you all and maybe encouraged you to invest in a cheeky purchase or two…I may have added a few of the items to Ste’s own Christmas gift list but I’m always open to other options so let me know if you have any ideas for a motocross loving gentleman with a fondness for luxe knits and the finer things in life…I’m all ears.

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