THE MEN’S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

If he’s the first to know when a new gadget drops, tech is the safe bet that still feels exciting. The trick is matching the gadget to how he’ll use it, not just buying the newest thing.

A fitness tracker or smartwatch from Fitbit, Samsung or Apple tracks workouts, sleep and steps. Wireless headphones or a portable speaker from Sony make long journeys and hotel rooms far more bearable. A GoPro action camera handles everything from bike trails to holiday footage. Smart speakers and smart home devices are quick to set up and get used every day. Check compatibility before you buy. A smartwatch that doesn’t work properly with his phone is a gift he’ll quietly return.

Gaming gifts come down to one question: what does he already own?

If he doesn’t have a current console, a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or Nintendo Switch 2 is the big-ticket gift that will see more use than almost anything else under the tree. If he already has one, there’s plenty to choose from for far less. Subscription passes and digital gaming credit let him pick his own games and typically cost between £5 and £50 depending on the service. New releases are a strong choice if you know what he’s been waiting for. Accessories like a better headset, a spare controller or a charging dock fix the small frustrations every gamer puts up with. Check which platform he plays on before buying games or accessories, as most aren’t cross-compatible.

For the man who notices labels, branded pieces from Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, BOSS and Tommy Hilfiger are reliable picks: a designer polo, a quality jacket or a pair of limited-edition trainers. These feel intentional and he’ll know you’ve thought about the gift.

Fit is where most clothing gifts fall down, especially for men whose size isn’t well served on the high street. Jacamo stocks these brands from S to 6XL, so you can choose the label he wants in the fit he needs. Not sure of his size? Check the label on something he wears often and compare it against our size guide.

Grooming gift sets are a strong choice when you want something that feels premium without needing to know his exact taste. Aftershave sets from Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Paco Rabanne and Tom Ford, or skincare and shaving kits from L’Oréal Men Expert, come ready boxed, which also saves you a job with the wrapping paper.

If you know the fragrance he already wears, a gift set of that one is rarely a miss. If you don’t, a skincare or shaving kit is the lower-risk option. Premium grooming sets usually land between £20 and £50, so they work as a main gift or paired with something smaller.

Comfort gifts are the ones he’ll reach for from Boxing Day onwards. Loungewear sets, hoodies, joggers, dressing gowns and slippers are practical, but a good-quality version of something he wears every evening still feels like a treat.

Fit matters here as much as anywhere. Joggers that sit too short or slippers that pinch get abandoned quickly, so look at extended sizes and wide-fit slippers where he needs them. Jacamo stocks loungewear and slippers across an extended size range. Pair loungewear with a throw or blanket for a proper comfort gift.

When he already owns everything he needs, an experience gives him something to look forward to instead. Driving experiences, zip wire days, helicopter rides, glamping breaks and cooking classes start from around £50 and go up to £300 and beyond. Most are delivered digitally, which makes them one of the few last-minute gifts that don’t look last minute. Print the voucher and put it in a card so there’s still something to open on the day.

For the man who cooks, fires up the barbecue at the first sign of sun or enjoys a good drink, food and drink gifts are an easy win. Hampers, craft beer selections, BBQ sauces and rubs, coffee subscriptions and a decent bottle of whisky all arrive well presented and work just as well for dads and brothers as they do for colleagues and mates. These gifts often range from £20 to £50 for a good hamper or selection.