Gift ideas for Men
By Andrew Cunningham
How do you buy the perfect gift for a man? We asked designer and maker Andrew Cunningham what men really want, and how to find a gift he’ll actually love. In this post, he shares his tips for shopping for men, as well as his top gift ideas for Christmas.
Being a designer-maker I’ve always liked working with my hands. I’m a practical, hands-on approach person, and I think that can be said for lots of men. So when deciding on presents for a man, getting something tangible and useful is always a good bet. What makes a great gift for a man isn’t just something to look at, but something he can use and appreciate over time. Also, believe it or not, us men are sentimental: I have a load of old tools that were my grandfather’s and I love using them, as well as old cufflinks that have been passed down to me that I like to wear on special occasions. So think along those lines, something that will hold sentimental value or be useful, and you’re sure to find an ideal gift.
One of my New Year’s Resolutions (and maybe yours) is to travel a bit more, and this leather passport holder is a perfect gift for a budding jet setter. It’s made from high-quality vegetable tanned leather and brown waxed thread and that handy extra pocket is perfect for those loose euros and dollars we always seem to accumulate.
Leather passport holder, handmade by Catherine Parr from HSBarn
We men like to be pampered (sometimes) and after a hard festive day on the sofa or down the pub, what better way to wake up in the morning than with a wet shave using some organic, natural shaving soap? I love the simple, no-fuss packaging and the great combinations of ingredients. All i need now is a new razor!
Peppermint Shaving Soap with Shea Butter by GK Natural Creations
If your significant other, brother or father is maker or tinkerer like me, then a handmade, adjustable denim work apron with handy pockets would be a very well-received gift. It also means they wouldn’t have an excuse not to help out in the kitchen on the big day or fix you a late-night snack with turkey leftovers!
Men’s adjustable crossback work apron in ochre denim for artists and crafters – by A Dog Like Sparky
Who doesn’t like a gift set at Christmas? Why not go a bit more ethical and practical with one of these shower soap sets? It includes four masculine-scented soaps in a handy bag for when you go away on your next adventure or business trip. The set includes Dartmoor Beer Soap, Patchouli, Rosemary & Coffee Scrub, Lemongrass soap and Cappuccino Dream. I mean, who doesn’t want to shower in beer scented soap!
Men’s Shower Soap Set by Claire Edmunds
Been on holiday in the UK this year? Or a weekend away? Still haven’t printed out all those photos you took? (Me neither!) Why not reminisce a better way with an illustration of a famous UK town, city and landmark by Susie West. These prints are great for a home office or hallway and a great way of having a constant reminder of past adventures.
Whitby print in a black frame by Susie West
Who doesn’t love bears and linoprints? This Brown Bear Linocut by Meadowlark Prints is a great stocking filler for animal-conscious, bear-loving men everywhere. It’s simple and striking at the same time. I’m sure they will find a perfect corner in their man cave for this fantastic print.
Brown Bear linoprint by Meadowlark Prints
Why not treat him to a cool hand-printed t-shirt instead of boring old socks again? This is practical, useful (men like that sort of thing) and comes in a range of designs. I like this design as it highlights the polar map and the changing environment as a whole.
Polar Circle Men’s Organic Cotton T-shirt by Scenery London
I’m a bit of a stationery geek. If you know one, why not treat them to a unique desk tidy made from sustain-ably sourced English beech wood and reclaimed leather. Different leather colour choices are available and it certainly beats using an old mug or jam jar to store your favourite pens and pencils.
Reclaimed leather-topped desk tidy in beechwood by East Design
See more gift ideas for men on Folksy >
Find a gift for Dad >
Andrew Cunningham is a designer who makes function-led, contemporary wooden homewares and small furniture pieces, who strives for efficiency and sustainability. By only using locally sourced, reclaimed and sustainably managed English and tropical hardwoods and offcuts, combined with considered and thoughtful planning and design, he makes sure wastage is kept to a minimum.
Visit Andrew Cunningham’s shop on Folksy >
