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Best gifts for men 2026: top present ideas for him
From budget-friendly tech to days out, nice glassware, and – of course – socks, we've got our round-up of the best gift ideas for him
Having trouble thinking of a gift for the men in your life? We spoke to our Which? experts to find a gift for even the most difficult recipients.
Whether you're buying for a son, father, brother, grandad or husband, we've got choices for guys from all walks of life – from the festive little things to blow-the-budget bangers.
Looking for great bargains? Sign up for our deals newsletter to get our top picks straight to your inbox.
Best gifts for men under £30
Darn tough socks
My mom got me some pairs of these back in 2013 – they definitely live up to the name, because I have yet to find a hole after over a decade of use and abuse. I used the same pairs recently during hikes up Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Yr Wyddfa this September.
Lars StannardWhich? Writer
We like: Lifetime warranty
Watch out for: £25+ for a pair of socks
If you've had enough of gifting pairs of socks, these come with a lifetime warranty.
This American-based sock company also creates nylon-reinforced work socks designed for people who wear steel-capped shoes, hiking socks, and ski socks.
The manufacturer claims they're 'darn tough', and shouldn't wear easily – but if your socks get a hole in them, Darn Tough will send a replacement pair free of charge if you provide proof of purchase. You can read the full terms on its website.
Buy a variety of men's socks direct from Darn Tough.
Green Swing bamboo golf tees
What is it? A set of biodegradable tees that come in a range of sizes.
Golf tees like these are a popular gift for obvious reasons – they're affordable, and you can't hit the course without them. Since these are made from bamboo, they're less harmful to the environment when lost or broken on the green.
Alex MannersWhich? account manager
We like: Sustainable option,always useful
Watch out for: Might not be as durable as regular tees
If he's got a second home on the fairway, a new set of golf tees are sure to be a hit. This 30-pack includes several sizes ranging from 25mm to 70mm, and they're biodegradable – meaning it's not a huge deal if he misplaces a few.
Green Swing claims that these bamboo tees are more flexible than traditional golf tees.
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Tripods for mobile phones are a dime a dozen, but this miniature tripod is solid enough. More for stability than height, it's great for those moments when you want to keep a phone super steady.
Paul LesterWhich? editor
We like: Small enough to slip into a bag
Watch out for: Doesn't come with a holder for smartphones; need to buy separately
If he's constantly taking pictures or videos while out or on holiday, this could be a great gift – especially if he does a lot of travelling.
It’s small, lightweight, it has adjustable legs with rubber feet and it can rotate 360-degrees or tilt 90-degrees. Just know you'll need to buy a separate phone holder attachment if you'll be using it with a phone.
Mushrooms are having a moment. Even Jeremy Clarkson has started growing them. There's a wide range of mushroom-growing kits available, and as well as a delicious addition to your dinner, they all have various health benefits. I've got my eye on gifting the striking Lion's Mane mushroom kit or Reishi mushroom kit.
Alison PotterWhich? senior editor
We like: Fresh mushrooms – no garden required
Watch out for: Specific instructions for 'blue' and 'pink' kits
This mushroom growing kit from Fat Fox Mushrooms uses old coffee grounds or tea bags to help grow oyster mushrooms. If he loves eating fresh fungi, this is a great gift to give him.
It's not just a unique gift, but it's also a healthy one. Studies have also shown that mushrooms can protect brain health and promote a healthy gut microbiome. Read more about the health benefits of mushrooms on BBC GoodFood.
Pick up a car perfume gift set from Rituals, or get a can of Turtle Wax Car Blast from Halfords.
The Odor-X spray leaves your car smelling fresh after you finish cleaning the interior. I balance it on the driver’s armrest, set the air con to full blast, push the cap down and close the doors. Once the lid is pressed, it sprays continuously until empty. I always keep a couple of the 'new car scent' cans in the boot.
Tom MorganWhich? Senior Content Writer
We like: A variety of odours
Watch out for: Refills sold separately
No disrespect meant to the driver, but if his car is smelling a bit stale, this is a great gift.
You can get a variety of scents but our expert liked cans of Turtle Wax Odor X 'Car Blast'.
If you're after something a tad fancier, check out the car perfume sets from Rituals. The manufacturer claims that the smells should last from six to eight weeks, and they come with a wooden holder that attaches to any air vents within the car.
Foam roller by Core Balance
There are loads of foam rollers available, including some really affordable options. The key to running is staying injury-free, and a foam roller is an effective way to loosen up muscles. It’s also a cheaper alternative to a massage gun.
Lisa GalliersWhich? principal researcher/writer
We like: Can help target tight muscles
Watch out for: Could feel a bit too firm for beginners
Gym enthusiasts might appreciate a foam roller which can help loosen tight muscles, reduce soreness and improve flexibility. They're popular with runners and athletes.
This foam roller from Core Balance has a grid-style texture to mimic the hands and motions of a sports massage therapist. It's lightweight and only 33cm long, so he shouldn't have any issues toting it back from the gym.
Running gear and accessories
A day out: we like the Brooklands Museum
Tickets start at £22.70 for adults, £9.50 for children (4-17 years old) and can be booked from the Brooklands Motor Museum.
If he's into old racing cars, buses and planes, the Brooklands Museum makes a lovely day out. You can look around on board an old Concorde and race a Formula One simulator round the old track. However, what really makes it is that the staff and volunteers there are really knowledgeable, enthusiastic and super-keen to share their know- how.
Daniella Delaney MendesWhich? Senior Editor
We like: Loads of great exhibitions and activities to check out
Watch out for: Crowds
Planning a day (or two) out is a brilliant way to spend time with your loved ones. Luckily, we've reviewed dozens of locations across the UK, including in our best free days out, the best UK walks, or the best historic attractions across the country. There's a wide variety of things to do, so you'll be able to find a great short trip for just about anything he's into.
If you're struggling to pick, our experts are big fans of the Brooklands Museum. It's based just outside Weybridge in Surrey, and is home to the world's first racetrack. It's also the site of the first UK meeting for the design of Concorde, a model of which now sits in the grounds and is open to visitors.
You can browse a variety of prints from sites like Etsy.
It's easy to pick up a print of a football kit poster from Etsy and have it framed. My partner is a big Plymouth Argyle fan so I got him a print of the kit through the ages for his office.
Faith StricklandWhich? Senior Editor
We like: Tasteful sports-themed decor
Watch out for: Be sure to read seller reviews before buying
While it may not have been England's year for the Euros last time, that doesn't mean it can't be your year to give a great sports gift. Historical prints, for example, show the designs of a team's jerseys throughout the years, and there are a variety of styles to choose from that will look great on a wall.
There are loads of teams to choose from including Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Watford, Chelsea, or the English and Scottish national teams. Just be aware that depending on the frame you get, it may take you over the £30 mark.
Need more ideas?
More Which?-tested gifts for men under £30
Alpine SleepDeep ear plugs: We're not saying you snore loudly, but if he's a light sleeper after some sound shuteye, these are a great gift to give. They're SQUIRREL_TEXT_50011464
Golfing accessories: shopping for a keen golfer? If so, check in with our guide to the best gifts for golfers – we've covered experience days, training aids, clothing essentials and more.
If you're on a budget, check in with our full guide to the best cheap gifts.
Best gifts for men under £50
A Which? Tech subscription
We like: One-to-one tech support and remote fixes, access to our reviews in our print magazines and much more
We don't like: Shameless self-promotion
A Which? Tech subscription is a great gift. Our Tech Support membership includes the availability of unlimited one-to-one support and the bi-monthly Which? Tech magazine.
We've also got features, tips, and columns on most tech developments: you can expect coverage on what's hot, what's not, and how it all affects you.
Gifting a subscription also allows you to choose the day membership starts, so you can gift it on his birthday. Plus, you'll be supporting our charitable mission to help protect UK consumers.
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A retro handheld game console makes a great gift – it's got a nostalgic shape, reminding me of the good old days of playing Game Boy in the back of my parent's car, but now elevated with a light-up screen, and a rechargeable battery. The ability to play classic games which are preloaded just adds to that appeal. For the real nerds and tech heads, there's also the ability to download and add your own favourites, so there's plenty to play around with.
Tony ChiltonWhich? Endorsements Administrator
We like: Can play thousands of classic games, and you can add your own
Watch out for: May take some troubleshooting to get some games working
If he's a gamer looking for a hit of nostalgia on the go, a handheld Linux console allows him to play tonnes of retro classics with a modern, yet familiar, feel.
While it's not as high-spec as more modern handheld gaming devices, it is a lot more affordable.
It sounds cheesy, but food is an important part of any holiday or birthday, so what better gift than a hamper? My uncles loved it. Be warned, you and the recipient may need some fridge space to keep it cool. Some orders come packed with ice, but keep these in mind so you don't spoil the surprise.
Fran Robert-ThorntonWhich? Senior Researcher and Writer
We like: Can order online and specify the day
Watch out for: Some can be more than £50
If he's a foodie, or you just want to gift him something tasty, a home delivery of cheeses or a specific dish can not only make a great present – it will also save you a trip to the shops.
There are a variety of hampers you can pick up, and you can always build your own by reading our round-up of Best Buy food and drink from our panel of experts.
If you want to build your own, read our reviews on the best food and drinkfor inspiration.
Thinking of getting him a bottle of whisky? Read our expert's picks on bottles and more in our guide on the best gifts for whisky lovers
As the father of two small children, I've grown accustomed to contorting my body in increasingly unnatural positions - be it wrestling a nappy on a two-year-old or holding a newborn over my shoulder in the wee hours of the night. A voucher for a massage would go down a treat to melt away any knots and relax the body and soul.
Angus DawsonWhich? Chief Sub Editor
We like: An excuse for some time out
Watch out for: Caveats, such as only being available on weekdays, specific dates or locations – make sure to read the fine print
Treat him to the gift of putting his feet up with a voucher for a spa day or a massage. Gifting sites offer deals on all sorts of relaxing days and treatments across the country.
Plus, if he doesn't mind extra company, several vouchers are available for two people, making it a day out for you as well.
There are some good bargains out there – however we'd recommend taking a look at the T&Cs and checking each company separately to see if they have the same deal or a better price before booking anything.
Looking for gifts for the fitness fanatics in your life? Read our guide on thebest gifts for runners.
A cocktail kit: Barfly tin-on-tin shakers, an OXO cocktail strainer, and bottle of gin
I worked as a bartender for five years, and these are my go-to shakers and strainer for making cocktails at home. The Barfly shakers have a nice weight to them and rarely get stuck together after shaking as you have more leverage than a typical 'cobbler'-style shaker. The OXO strainer coil rarely comes undone, which isn't uncommon for cheap ones. Pair these with a bottle of base spirits like gin, whisky, rum, or vodka and you've got a great gift.
Lars StannardWhich? Writer
We like: Tasty homemade cocktails
Watch out for: Not everyone likes gin
If he's looking to get started on a home bar or learn how to make tasty cocktails – building him a small cocktail-making kit is a great gift. We'd recommend picking up a few essentials like a shaker, a strainer, a long mixing spoon, and a jigger – which is a small spirits measure.
If he's also after some good-looking glassware to drink his concoctions from, we liked Bodum's PAVINA glasses. They feature a double-walled design that Bodum claims helps keep hot drinks warm and cold drinks cooler for longer. They can also be used for tea, coffee, soups, or even chilled desserts.
They're dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe up to 180ºC. They don't have handles though, so he may need to be careful when picking them up.
Pick up a set directly from Bodumor compare prices below:
Need more ideas?
More Which?-tested gifts for men under £50
Carcassonne board game: This medieval city-building game has players constructing castles, towns and more in order to score points. Our testers found it easy to pick up the rules, but complex enough to make it interesting. If you're looking for a new game to play together, this is a great choice. It's SQUIRREL_TEXT_50010021
Best gifts for men under £100
Anker SoundCore Motion Boom speaker
Portable speakers often lack oomph or aren't easy to carry round - the Anker SoundCore Motion Boom hits the bullseye. The carry handle makes it a breeze to take to a picnic or campsite, and it's waterproof against the elements too. For anyone who loves to take their tunes with them or can't miss the latest on Five Live, it's the perfect gift.
Oliver TrebilcockWhich? Writer
We like: Sturdy handle, long battery life
We don't like: Heavy
If he's looking for a speaker to bring on picnics or even out in the garden, this is a great choice that's much cheaper than rivals. It's got a lot of power behind it, plus it can survive being soaked or thrown into a body of water.
It's not the lightest speaker we've tested, but it's great for parties, weekends away, or for winding down with some music in the living room.
A smart, fitted shirt is a wardrobe essential and this one from Hawes and Curtis has become my go-to for important events. The fabric looks and feels premium, while the thicker collar and cuffs add a refined touch. Make sure you measure his collar size and sleeve length accurately when ordering.
Tom MorganWhich? Senior Content Writer
We like: Will fit him better than standard sizes
Watch out for: 'Made-to-fit' isn't made with exact measurements
A comfortable shirt is a great gift if you're buying for someone who finds themselves stuck in-between sizes. There's a wide range of customisable clothing; t-shirts, polos, dress shirts – or even knitted sweaters and sweatshirts.
One thing that makes this gift tricky is finding out his various measurements without spoiling the surprise.
Lego Hokusai The Great Wave 31208
I got gifted this for my birthday last year. I had a very relaxing time assembling it while listening to some nice music, and it looks great in my living room. It has a textured appearance which gives this classic artwork a unique feel, even if it isn't the easiest to dust.
Lars StannardWhich? Writer
We like: Can hang on a wall
Watch out for: Lots of little pieces
This Lego set is based on the iconic painting by Edo-period artist Hokusai. It's got loads of details from the original painting – using small white leaves and birds to add depth to the waves.
It makes a great gift and looks good on a shelf, but if your recipient would rather hang it on a wall, there are Technic pieces on the back that allow for mounting.
While you can purchase it directly from Lego, you'll often find this set at a discount from several third-party retailers.
Lego Tudor Corner 10350 – Available from Lego (£199.99)
Lego Icons Lord of the Rings Rivendell 10316 – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50010546
Dreamland Herringbone heated throw
If he’s looking to chill on a chilly evening, a heated throw is perfect. This Dreamland one is snuggly, and the long cord lets him stay cosy wherever he likes to relax.
Jonny MartinWhich? writer
We like: Long cable
We don't like: It sells out quickly in winter
If he gets chilly in the winter, a heated throw is a great way to keep him toasty.
This heated throw from Dreamland has six heat settings, and Dreamland claims it heats up in five minutes. It's got one of the longest cords from the models we've tested, meaning he won't be too tethered to a socket while using it.
While it's a pretty standard size for an electric throw, it might be a little too small for larger guys.
You can pick up subscriptions through Disney+, or Spotify.
A Premium Spotify membership makes a great gift for any music or podcast lover. You can get 12 months of an Individual membership via a digital gift card for £99 – a saving of £32.88 compared to the monthly subscription.
Natalie TurnerWhich? Writer
We like: Lots of options for music, films, audiobooks, TV shows, and more
We don't like: Maybe too many options
It's just under the £100 mark, but if he adores music, loves audiobooks, exploring new bands and genres, or is trying to craft the perfect playlists, this is a fantastic gift to give. Especially if you pair it with one of our best headphones.
If he prefers watching films, is a big Marvel or Star Wars fan, or just loves the Disney Princesses, a subscription to Disney+ also makes a great gift. You can pick him up an annual subscription and get two months for free.
My husband likes chips but finds oven chips unappealing, so I bought him this air fryer last Christmas. He loves it – it's made planning and cooking meals simpler and he now enjoys home-cooked chips.
Fran Roberts-ThorntonWhich? Senior Researcher and Writer
We like: Dishwasher-safe parts
We don't like: Takes a bit longer to set up than other models
There are a lot of uses for an air fryer – in our testing, we've found that many models aren't a one-trick pony and are genuinely useful. Whether he's looking to make quick meals at home or experiment with new cooking techniques, this Ninja model makes a great gift.
If you want to add an extra to the air fryer, try the Pinch of Nom air fryer cookbook. It's an Amazon bestseller that features dozens of entrées, desserts and sides that he can quickly whip up in his new toy.
The perfect gift for the adventurer in your life, this backpack features a roomy main compartment, as well as carry handle and straps that zip away, allowing you to convert it to a suitcase with ease.
Chris BrookesWhich? researcher
We like: A backpack that can be packed like a suitcase
We don’t like: Not the cheapest or smallest option
If he's constantly looking forward to his next mini-break or loves jetting away on holidays, this 40-litre backpack makes a great gift.
It can be zipped open like a traditional suitcase, so you can easily access everything without digging through layers of clothing. Plus it has internal and external compression straps so you can pack a lot in and make it as tiny as possible.
Speaking of; it's not a small bag (54 x 35 x 37cm), so it may not fit some airline cabin baggage requirements.
They might be a light pair of headphones, but they go heavy on the noise cancelling features. They have six tiny microphones to pick up your voice when you’re on a call, and AI is built-in to automatically reduce the ambient noise around you that can interfere. Their stylish look oozes quality too, making them a premium gift.
Amy AxworthyWhich? Writer
We like: Lots of additional features
We don't like: Case lid is wobbly
These truly wireless headphones might not be the cheapest gift out there, but they're great for long commutes and they shouldn't run out of battery throughout his day. Sony claims that you can listen to music or podcasts for up to eight hours with noise cancelling on a single charge.
They've got touch controls, too, which will allow him to play/pause, answer calls, cycle tracks or use a voice assistant – without needing to dig out his phone.
Whether they're a music lover who is yet to replace their broken player, a life-long vinyl collector after the latest model or someone who simply prefers records over digital formats, if you're looking to treat your loved one to a practical and unique gift, a turntable is a great option. You'll not only be supporting their hobby, but enhancing their listening experience and encouraging a more intentional way of enjoying the music.
Manca VirantWhich? Writer
We like: Fully automatic
We don't like: No headphone socket (can use Bluetooth headphones, though)
If he enjoys collecting records, or you want to get him a turntable that's a step above a cheap suitcase-style record player, this model from Audio-Technica makes a fantastic gift. It's fully automatic, meaning he won't need to fuss with the tone arm and risk scratching any of his records.
You don't need to get a separate preamp in order to listen to records, plus he can upgrade the cartridge or needle if he wants a different sound in the future.
Use Bluetooth to connect to wireless speakers or headphones, and pairing it with the Anker speaker above will give him a setup that's simple to use.
VonHaus Outdoor Pizza Oven: While he may not be able to make the most out of it until warmer weather, it's a great gift to give if he's looking to make tasty pizzas or flatbreads. It's SQUIRREL_TEXT_12874077
Best gifts for men over £250
Samsung Ring
We like: 10ATM/IP68 water resistance
We don't like: You'll need to get a ring sizer, or know his ring size in order to ensure a proper fit
A smart ring can be a small-yet-mighty gift. This one from Samsung packs a lot of tech into a tiny package.
If he's looking to track his fitness in the new year, this smart ring can track several sports or exercises – including swimming.
A course on a new skill
This isn't about passive-aggressively saying someone should do more around the house and it's more filling in the gaps that take some of the doubt and fear out of doing tasks. To get the most out of a course, look for those that use tools you'd have at home so they're most relevant to you. There's a surprising amount you can learn about the humble screwdriver.
Michael PassinghamWhich? Senior Writer
We like: Learning new skills or honing existing ones
Watch out for: Some are wildly expensive
What's a better gift than a new skill? If he's the kind of guy who watches DIY videos online and says 'I wish I could do that', a course in something like furniture making, power tools or woodworking makes a fantastic and thoughtful gift.
It doesn't need to be DIY-centric, either. There are plenty of courses available all over the country in subjects and hobbies such as painting, pottery, gardening, fencing, baking, sailing, new languages, textiles and much, much more.
You can find courses in your area from sites like findcourses.co.uk – if you live near London or Brighton, our experts recommended taking a look at WeCanDo.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Smartwatches have exploded in popularity in recent years and these are some of our favourites for a recipient who wants to monitor their activity a bit more seriously. These track health and fitness and some are like having a smartphone on your wrist. Be sure to find out which smartphone your giftee has first, though, as they’re not all compatible with each other.
Amy AxworthyWhich? senior writer and researcher
We like: Lots of tracking features, including built-in GPS
We don’t like: More expensive than basic fitness trackers
If he's the type who loves going on several-mile runs, or is just training for a marathon, this model will make a great present. It has a 32.5mm display and runs on Garmin’s watchOS, offering a range of features tailored to performance tracking and health monitoring.
It'll track his heart-rate, sleep, and if he wants to cool off after the treadmill it's even swim-proof. It's compatible with both iOS and Android, so you don't need to worry about whether or not it'll work with his phone.
If he's a gamer and doesn't already have one, a Switch 2 isn't the cheapest gift, but it is sure to be a hit. You can even play some games together since the JoyCon can be used as two controllers.
Lars StannardWhich? writer
We like: Better-specced than a Switch or Switch OLED
Watch out for: Stock hasn't always been stable
Nintendo's new console isn't cheap, but it's a great choice for gaming at home and on the go.
He'll be able to keep up with the new games coming out, plus he can play all his old Switch games on it.
You can pick it up direct from Nintendo (£429.99), but you'll need a MyNintendo account.
Does he already have a different console? Check out our best gifts for gamersfor more expert picks.
Looking for more gift inspiration? See our guides:
