The Secret to Buying Great Men's Gifts (by a man)

It's the nightmare before Christmas that we all go through, but buying men's gifts can actually be far simpler than feared. You'll just need to stick to a couple of rules and understand what's going on in his brain (don't worry, it's not that deep). The results are super-easy and you'll have everyone ticked off your list in no time. It'll just be mince pies and red wine all the way from here.

We all know that feeling. Trudging around shops, inane Christmas music, a list as long as your arm, feeling almost desperate about what to buy. The clock is ticking! Eventually, you settle on a football shaped bottle opener. He likes football and wine, right? It’ll do.

Fast forward a few weeks and he bounces down the stairs on Christmas Day. Full of hope. That little smile on his face.

By the way, did you know those fake smiles hurt us too?

So why are men so hard to buy gifts for? It’s a question that’s been doing the rounds for centuries. But the reality is that it’s SO easy. I've had great gifts and terrible gifts over the years, so let me tell you what I think hits the spot.

Firstly, let me tell you what’s going on in our heads.

I think of things in two ways. Firstly, what I want. Secondly, what I need.

I want a car. Or a very specific piece of technology. And nobody is buying that for me. So, I buy it.

I need boxer shorts. I can’t be bothered to buy them, so I’m still wearing a pair I had at school. 

That’s not saying I wouldn’t like new ones. It’s just I’d rather spend my money on the things I want.

I know, deep down, that I'm going to have to buy the things I need eventually and that nags me a little. Shopping for them is also just wasted time when I could be thinking about other important things like What is the largest animal I could wrestle to the floor? (I'm pretty sure it’s a lama).

But what if socks, underwear, shirts, jumpers and ties were the equivalent of flowers for men. They’re just a really nice thing we wouldn’t do for ourselves.

Firstly, it saves us time (that lama won't wrestle itself). Secondly, you guys have much better taste than us. Finally, there is actually no better feeling on Christmas day than that feeling of newness. We don’t get it often, so it still hits just right. 

These things are clichés for a reason. We actually like them. They’re great gifts. And you’re not getting it wrong. You’re getting it SO right! You're giving me things I actually need.

And it’s quality. Always. Buy. Quality.

Men like to wear clothes for years (remember the pants thing?). They're old friends. Fast fashion is not the right way. Buy once, and buy well.

So invest in some quality, sustainable and well-made clothes that they wouldn't get around to buying. And repeat every year. 

Then you can get your feet up and enjoy those real smiles.

Still need ideas? We've put together a helpful gift guide below. Trust us, you can't go wrong...