It’s Christmas day and you’re gathered round the tree for the annual festival of ripping and unwrapping. Someone passes you a present. It’s small, but beautifully packaged. You start to pull nervously at the paper, gradually teasing off the ribbons and peeling back the layers until you reveal . . . Oh. Socks. Cue fake smile and even faker gratitude.
Some man gifts are almost guaranteed to bring disappointment: not just socks, but handkerchiefs, ties, underwear and travel manicure sets. Partly, it’s the lack of imagination. More than that, though, it says: “I’ve always thought you were a bit dull, so I got you this.”
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Choose well, and even boring can be glamorous and exciting. The key is to go for deep deluxe. A three-pack of superstore socks won’t rock his world, but ultra-soft cashmere will. Instead of cotton, think silk. Instead of Tesco, think Tod’s. Remember, you have to speculate to accumulate. Expensive is never dull.
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THE CHRISTMAS JUMPER
Made of supersoft merino wool and not a snowflake in sight. Alexander McQueen gives the woolly pully a new lift. £227, by McQ
THE CUFF LINKS
Let him shine with these 18ct white gold pavé-set diamond cuff links with amethyst centres. £2,900, by Asprey
THE SCARF
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This ultra-chic stripy number is from the world’s swankiest cashmere brand. £310, by Loro Piana
THE GLOVES
Try these for size: cashmere-lined lambskin gloves never go out of style. £198, by Tod’s
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THE HANDKERCHIEF
Made of silk and perfect for a breast pocket — almost too good to blow your nose on. £45, by Gieves & Hawkes
THE TIE
There’s a fine line between a strong style statement and a David Brent novelty dud. Fun, but formal, these handmade woven silk numbers do the trick. £69, by Duchamp
THE MANICURE SET
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This understated piece of gentlemanly grooming kit includes nickel-finished scissors and sapphire-dust file, all in a zippy, handmade leather case. £50, from Taylors of Old Bond Street
THE SOCKS
For the most refined foot fetishists, these cashmere socks come in an array of colours and are made to the precise measurements of your feet. From £130, from Turnbull & Asser
THE PANTS
If he’s getting measured up for a shirt, why not get him some smalls cut from the same cloth. Bespoke, made-to- measure boxer shorts, from £50 a pair, from Turnbull & Asser
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THE PEN
Let him dip his nib in a little luxury with the Silver Duro fountain pen (front), £425; or really go for gold with the 18ct Elite Gold Deco Diamond fountain pen, £10,000, both from Conway Stewart
THE DIARY
Connolly has been tanning the finest leather for 200 years. This diary, with silver pen, will make jotting down your dates something to remember. £140, by Connolly.
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