THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS…FOR HIM

GQ Men: 11/5/2021

It doesn’t take a team of discerning writers and editors to tell you that sourcing the perfect gift for men is a task that takes a good bit of imagination. Chances are if he’s a regular reader of these pages, he’s already well-stocked in menswear essentials and grooming gadgets. But that’s not to say you should resort straight to novelty when sourcing the best Christmas gift for the job… even the man who has it all has a wishlist on special occasions like these. Whether that’s the latest gizmo from Apple, a thoughtful gift to feed his inner foodie or luxurious loungewear, packed to perfection in a ribbon-sealed gift box, the very elves who compile the pages of your favourite monthly magazine have knocked heads to bring you an edit of only the best gift ideas for the Christmas of ’21. Running the gamut from gentlemanly essentials to down-to-earth delights, we ho-ho-hope you find something to your liking…

BENNETT WINCH WASH BAG

Accessories like wash bags are best done timeless, and one brand that knows a thing or two about style that stands the test of time is Bennett Winch. Outfitters to James Bond himself (Daniel Craig is presented a tux in the label’s iconic suit carrier holdall in No Time To Die), Bennett Winch’s Dopp kit/wash bag is an elegant affair for your on-the-go grooming with plenty of pockets to store your belongings and a clip-out wet compartment for your shaving bits – all encased in a luxurious, full-grain Italian veg-tanned leather.

KIEHL’S VITAMIN C EYE SERUM

Let’s face it, we all could do with a good eye serum after the year we’ve been through. Battling everything from fine lines to signs of fatigue and ageing, this one by Kiehl’s is an easy win for any gifting opportunities that might arise, whatever the celebration or season. Formulated with ten per cent pure vitamin C, to help brighten the skin and fade dark sports and circles, and hyaluronic acid and glycerin for hydration, it is gentle enough for the delicate under-eye area and also suitable for contact lens users. Trust us, he’ll need it for the January return-to-the-office…

THERAGUN MINI

Whether he’s a gym regular or he oft bemoans the aches and pains of deskbound life, massage guns have fast become must-have items. If he’s already made it through the last two years without receiving one as a birthday gift, for an anniversary or for Father’s Day, he may well want to think about who his friends are. Lucky for you, Theragun’s 4th generation Mini device is its most powerful iteration to date, with a brushless motor that runs 75 per cent quieter than gen three. Better still, it also comes in a delightful Desert Rose hue that’ll untie knots in serious style.

ANNABEL’S X PATRÓN REPOSADO LIMITED-EDITION TEQUILA

Patrón was already a stand-out bottle for your drinks trolley. Add to its winning branding the same tropical stylings that grace the Berkeley Square private members’ club, Annabel’s, and this is a winning formula for Christmas. Not only is the bottle a decorative dream, but with every bottle sold, 22 new trees will be planted in a devastated region of the Amazon, so you’ll be working towards getting the world’s largest nature corridor back to the tropical paradise depicted on the box.

LELO HUGO

You can’t argue with the figures. Sales of men’s sex toys are up exponentially over the last few years. Lelo produces some of the best on the market, both in terms of their tech and their luxurious, inconspicuous feel. The Hugo is its bestselling prostate massager, with two powerful motors and a remote control for its user or a partner to adjust myriad vibration and intensity settings. If he’s looking to try something new this Christmas, this could be just the ticket.

MARSHALL EMBERTON PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

You can’t beat the classique aesthetics of a Marshall speaker – for that old-school rock’n’roll vibe, you really needn’t look any further. With the brand’s latest Emberton Bluetooth speaker, the retro aesthetic does not compromise contemporary features to rival even the most cutting-edge sound systems and even comes with a directional control knob that adds a signature warm sound that’s perfect for cosy Christmas playlists. And, at only 700g, IPX-7 water-resistance and no fewer than 20 hours of portable playtime, it’s perfect for packing up and bringing with you on a January break.

THE HANDY

Not all that far from Santa’s workshop, Handy is a Norwegian sex tech start-up that has been getting the launch of its flagship device prepped right in time for this Christmas. The new player’s device has shot to the top of the automated masturbation totem in next to no time with its premium-looking device, which promises to level up solo play with settings to alter stroke length, grip and speed as well as the ability to move in motion to movies. And reader, we ain’t talkin’ bout the kind they stick on BBC once the Christmas pud’s been devoured…