What To Ask For This Christmas (2025): 94 Stylish Gifts

Like clockwork, the questions are coming: “What do you want for Christmas?” If you’ve no idea, or you’ve been tempted to say “nothing” for the fifth year running, it’s time to get your list in order. Consider this your shortcut — a selection of gifts genuinely worth asking for when the inevitable interrogation begins.

Because the truth is, people want to get you something you’ll actually enjoy. Give them nothing to go on and you’re rolling the dice on yet another novelty jumper or a supermarket grooming set. Offer a few well-chosen suggestions, however, and you’ll end up with presents that feel thoughtful, useful and genuinely exciting to unwrap. Here’s where to start.

Body Grooming for the Modern Man

When it comes to Christmas gifts that blend practicality with a touch of self-care, grooming tools are surprisingly hard to beat. And few brands make the case better than Manscaped. Their lineup of purpose-built trimmers and grooming essentials has become something of a modern staple — the sort of kit every man quietly wants but rarely gets round to buying for himself.

What sets them apart is the attention to detail. Their tools are engineered specifically for comfort and control, taking the stress out of the more delicate parts of a grooming routine. Everything feels well considered: waterproof designs, intuitive ergonomics, thoughtful blade technology and accessories that make the process smoother, cleaner and more confident.

If you’re looking for something modern, practical and actually appreciated, Manscaped is a smart place to start.

Shop now at Manscaped

Fresh Sneakers

Even if you don’t plan on wearing them through the winter months, sneakers provide the perfect gifting option during the festive period. Whether you prefer chunky high fashion styles or sleeker classic whites, set your feet up for the year ahead with a fresh pair.

Wireless Headphones

A great pair of wireless headphones is one of life’s quiet luxuries — the difference between dull commutes and cinematic ones, between tinny background noise and proper immersion. Comfort matters, build matters, and sound matters most of all, which is why the new Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 makes such a compelling case for itself. They’re beautifully engineered, gorgeously finished and tuned with the kind of precision that turns even a podcast into a rich listening experience. The noise cancellation is superb, the battery life generous, and the feel on the head is more ‘luxury armchair’ than ‘tech accessory’.

If you prefer something slightly more minimalist, there are other premium options worth a look — refined over-ear models with warm, detailed audio and excellent ANC — but whichever way you go, the formula remains the same: long-lasting comfort, great sound and understated design. Headphones are one of those gifts that genuinely improve daily life, and a properly made pair will earn its keep from Boxing Day onwards.

Essential Phone Upgrades

For most of us, the phone is the one object we use more than anything else — camera, map, wallet, entertainment hub, life organiser. Which is precisely why it deserves an upgrade. That’s where SANDMARC comes in. The brand has built a cult following among creators and everyday users alike by turning your iPhone into something far more capable than Apple intended.

Their premium lenses are the headline act: sharp, beautifully engineered, and genuinely transformative, giving you crisp ultra-wides, dreamy depth, or telephoto detail that puts your standard camera roll to shame. Pair them with SANDMARC’s protective cases, sleek filters, or rugged tripod setups, and suddenly those holiday snaps, family portraits and night-out videos look… well, expensive.

It’s the kind of gift that’s both fun and genuinely useful — a proper upgrade for anyone who wants their phone to work a little harder, look a little better, and create images you’re actually proud of.

All-Seasons Outerwear

We could wax lyrical all day about the merits of an overshirt, but suffice to say they should be an essential part of any man’s cold-weather arsenal. This is a present that will see more use than most as its applications don’t end at winter layering.

Try using it as a makeshift jacket in the summer and you’ll be equally impressed.

Black Tie Finishing Touches

Correct evening-wear accessories are essential for mastering a stylish party season – a nod of appreciation for detail. And in particular, a black-tie event – wear a shirt with French cuffs, a fly front or studded buttons, and your choice of wing or pointed collar, paired with a bow tie in velvet, patterned, or plain silk.

Accessories such as cufflinks and hankies ensure you’ll make a statement this festive season with stylish finishing touches.

A Leather Weekend Bag

If you’re heading to see family for Christmas it can sometimes be a struggle to fit all those gifts in your bag on the way home. But not if one of those gifts happens to be a new holdall.

A weekend bag isn’t just for Christmas, though. Opt for leather and it might even outlast you. Either way, it’s a quality piece of kit and a must-have for any discerning gent.

The Perfect Tee

A T-shirt may not sound like a gift, but that’s only because most men think a tee is a tee — until they pull on one that’s properly made. Heavyweight cotton, a clean neck, just the right drape and stitching that doesn’t dissolve in the wash: simple things, but transformative.

The best versions come in refined colours rather than basic three-packs, and feel substantial enough to wear solo while still layering neatly under knits and overshirts.

It’s the kind of everyday upgrade that quietly raises the bar for the entire wardrobe.

Winter Headwear

The cure for bleak winter mornings starts with the right headwear. A proper beanie — one knitted from merino or cashmere rather than scratchy acrylic — can genuinely change your relationship with cold weather.

And if hats aren’t your thing, look to winter-ready caps in thicker, textured fabrics like wool flannel, moleskin or corduroy.

The result is something that keeps you warm without sacrificing style, and adds a subtle bit of character to even the most functional coat.

Socks That Aren’t Boring

There comes a point in a man’s life when socks stop being a punchline and start being something he genuinely looks forward to unwrapping. But not novelty prints or flimsy multipacks — proper socks.

Merino ribbed dress pairs, cushioned winter styles, finely knit cottons in colours that aren’t shouty but aren’t dull either. They’re small luxuries with big impact, making you feel oddly put-together from the ground up.

Unlike most gifts, they’ll be worn immediately: Christmas morning, feet up, cup of tea in hand.

A Single Malt

Cognac may be the festive evening tipple of choice, but we’ll take a good single malt over that any day. In our view the Scots produce the best drams on the market, but if you’ve exhausted all the homegrown options then you could also look further East.

The rise of Japanese whisky in the West stretches back to the late 1990s but Nippon’s distilleries have actually been in action since around the 1920s. You won’t be disappointed.

Something Cashmere

It doesn’t necessarily have to be in jumper form – it could be socks, a scarf or even sweatpants – but premium-quality cashmere in whatever form is the ultimate indulgence.

Brands like Luca Faloni, Velasca, John Smedley and Johnstons of Elgin are always a safe choice and you’ll immediately feel the difference.

Luxury Loungewear

A premium pair of pyjamas, a nightshirt or some purposely-designed lounge pants are the sort of items that are difficult to buy for yourself.

There’s always a creeping guilt. Should I be spending so much on something that I wear inside the house? The answer is: no. Someone else should be buying loungewear for you.

Lavish Socks

Maybe we’re getting old, but as far as the Ape team is concerned there are few finer pleasures in life than pulling on a brand new pair of socks come Christmas day. We’re not talking cheap, novelty socks though. No, we’re talking thick, well-made designs spun from luxurious fabrics such as Sea Island cotton, merino wool and cashmere.

These are the kind of socks a connoisseur can appreciate. They might cost a pretty penny, but your feet will thank you.

Sunglasses

Shades aren’t just for summer. Eyes need protecting from glare and harsh rays in the winter too, and a cool pair of sunglasses is a gift that’ll set you up for years to come – so long as you look after them and invest in a proper case.

Ray-Bans are classics for a reason, but a stylish pair that complements your face shape are another perfect stocking filler.

The House Shoe Upgrade

Winter at home calls for a proper house shoe — something warmer than a sock, smarter than a slipper and far more dignified than padding around the kitchen barefoot. The best versions strike that sweet spot between comfort and structure: cushioned underfoot, supportive enough for all-day wear, and built from materials that actually cope with winter floors. Think soft suedes, padded felt, insulated linings or even weather-resistant designs for nipping out to the bins.

Outdoor brands have taken the idea further with rugged indoor–outdoor hybrids that keep your feet warm and dry, firmly in comfort-first territory. Whether you prefer something minimalist and refined or more functional and outdoor-inspired, a quality house shoe is the kind of everyday indulgence you’ll appreciate every single morning — especially when it’s freezing and you’re the one making the first coffee.

A Beard Trimmer

There’s no excuse for unkempt, subpar facial hair. For the hirsute gentleman a beard trimmer is the ideal stocking filler, so add it to your list.

Winter Gloves Worth Owning

Cold hands make winter miserable. The solution is a pair of proper gloves — not the flimsy knitted pair you panic-buy at a petrol station in late November.

Think durable leathers lined with cashmere, or technical waterproof options that keep you warm without compromising dexterity. The best designs balance insulation with elegance, meaning you can wear them with everything from a pea coat to a puffer.

Slip them on once and you’ll wonder how you ever coped without them.

Proper Underwear

Yes, it’s a Christmas cliche, but if you know that somebody’s buying you pants (because they do it every year), then put the word out about brands you actually want to wear. Good underwear is not a luxury, it’s a basic human right.

Oh, and if you’re asking, we’d like something soft and breathable with just a little bit of stretch, thanks very much.

A Cocktail Kit

A novel alternative to a big bottle of something expensive. A premium quality cocktail kit with an emphasis on practicality and build over gimmicks and unnecessary accessories is always a winner.

Throw in a few miniatures as well as some bitters and syrup and you’re on the way to upgraded Christmas tipples and well-earned festive hangovers.

A Good Cookbook

Granted, you’d need a wide stocking but a cookbook always makes for a great present. It also usually works out for everyone with opportunities to sample the book’s recipes later in the year.

Phaidon’s national cuisine series makes for great gifting, as does anything with Ottalenghi’s name on it. Nigel Slater is another safe bet.

An Oud Fragrance

Leathery, rich, deep and woody; an oud fragrance is an absolute must for any self-respecting gentleman when the winter months take hold. It’s bold and powerful, too, which means even that frigid December air won’t be able to sap its sillage.

As far as we’re concerned, Acqua Di Parma and Tom Ford make some of the best we’ve come across.

An Old-School Camera

In an age of frankly insane camera phones you might ask yourself why you would need an actual camera. But take a look at the latest Leica compact digital cameras and tell us you don’t need one of those.

Smartphones are great and all but they don’t rival the ability and feel of a stylish compact digital camera in hand. Even wearing one over your shoulder is a statement by itself.

Traditional Shaving Gear

Don’t take the fact that it’s cold outside as carte blanche to adopt the grooming habits of a caveman. Staying well preened is more important than ever in the winter months and good grooming starts with a great shave.

Nothing beats the closeness of a traditional safety razor, particularly when combined with a quality shaving brush and cream.

Wall Art

Gifting a piece of art shows that real thought and personality has gone into selecting your present. There’s plenty of choice out there, from gallery gift shops and specialist dealers through to affordable purveyors like society6, curated pieces and Showstudio.

A Next-Gen Games Console

Whether you prefer Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo, if your loved ones really love you, they should be able to at least purchase something that can be plugged into a large 4K TV with the purpose of pure button-crushing escapism.

Reusable Water Bottle

It doesn’t matter how many times you might need to go to the toilet, your aim every day should be to drink two litres of water. And the best way to spread that out throughout the day is by having a reusable water bottle with you (we all know single-use plastic is a no-no now).

S’well and Chilly’s are the market leaders, offering an array of eye-catching designs.

A Quality Pen

Words are powerful, but not when they’re written with a cheap Biro. Anything worth putting on paper is worth putting there properly, making a high-quality ballpoint or, if you’re old school, fountain pen one of the most important stocking fillers a man could hope for.

The Connoisseur’s Belt

Belts are one of those accessories men tend to overlook — which is precisely why they make such excellent gifts.

A well-made belt in full-grain leather or refined suede instantly sharpens an outfit, even if everything else you’re wearing is as basic as it gets. Look for hand-finished edges, solid buckles and colours that work across most wardrobes: deep brown, black, tan, the occasional dark green if you’re feeling adventurous.

It’s functional, stylish and guaranteed to see daily use. As gifts go, that’s a hard trifecta to beat.

Stylish Stationery

What good is a nice pen without something in which to jot down your musings? A little black book is an absolute must-have, and if it’s to be done right, nothing but leather will do.

Smythson has some quirky yet classic options featuring embossed lettering and gilded pages.

Winterproof Boots

Those trusty white canvas sneakers that served you so well throughout the summer months are soggy and brown after five minutes outside come winter. The solution: a pair of sturdy, well-made boots just in time for the start of the season.

For extra style points, go for on-trend commando sole hiking boots with quality leather uppers to ensure maximum performance in adverse weather.

A Shoe Care Kit

If you’re lucky enough to get a pair of brand new shoes for Christmas, whether sneakers or Oxfords, you’ll need a good cleaning kit to keep them looking sharp.

Nudge those in a gifting mood towards something that includes a dynamic premium cleaner that works on different materials, as well as a high-quality brush and water-repellent spray.

A Home Fragrance Diffuser

Whilst candles are always a popular gift, upgrading to a home fragrance diffuser is a serious interiors power move. You also don’t need to worry about setting off the smoke alarm.

It’s worth leaving your laptop screen open on home fragrance brands like Tom Dixon, Molton Brown and Jo Malone to give lurking would-be gift-givers a spot of inspiration.

Somewhere To Store Your Plastic

If you’ve managed not to max out all your cards on festive frivolities in the run-up to the 25th, first of all, congratulations. Second of all, you’re going to want somewhere smart to keep them. A cardholder is the modern equivalent of the classic wallet.

It’s slick, low-profile and won’t spoil the line of your trousers when slotted into your back pocket.

An Audiophile-Approved Bluetooth Speaker

Home stereo systems are dying out. After all, why have a cumbersome hi-fi when you could have something a fraction of the size that produces far superior sound?

Look to the likes of Bang & Olufsen, Bose, Sonos and Bowers and Wilkins for some of the finest portable Bluetooth options available.

Kitchen Knives

If carefully selected and well-maintained (if you receive a kitchen knife for Christmas your first reaction should be to buy a quality sharpener) a chef-standard kitchen knife should see you through to eternity.

Bourdain’s timeless suggestion of the Global G2 as the only knife you’ll ever need still stands.

Good Coffee For Life

Getting out of bed in the morning is difficult enough. Particularly when it’s still pitch black outside. The prospect of a good cup of coffee in the comfort of your own kitchen can take some of the sting out of it, though, which is why a proper coffee machine is an excellent thing to add to your wishlist.

Premium Gym Gear

Ever wished you could just wear your gym gear everywhere? Well, actually there’s no reason you can’t… so long as you’ve chosen wisely from a quality sportswear brand.

Some comfy Flyknit trainers, a luxe hoodie, a good-looking shell jacket – this sort of gear is just as at home around town at the weekend as it is on the treadmill, so it’s not a bad thing to ask Santa for. It will help kickstart that New Year fitness regime, too.

Grown-up Lego

Ok, the words ‘grown-up’ are doing a lot of lifting here, but there are some exceptional Lego kits to be had that should never be wasted on children. Our current favourites all come from the Lego Ideas sub-section, which includes everything from the International Space Station to a Fender Strat to the house from Home Alone.

Complex, mindful and nerdy as hell: remember, it’s not playing, it’s building.

Smart Home Hub

Remember when you thought a PlayStation was the height of Christmas technology in the 1990s? Fast-forward a couple of decades and we have small, innocent-looking electronic pebbles that can control everything from your lights to your garage door.

Amazon and Google still lead the charge in this department, but there are other brands creeping into the smart home market. Set the foundations for your new connected home with a smart hub and slowly build up your collection of accessories and peripherals until you can control almost everything with your voice. Welcome to the future.

Indulgent Skincare

Anti-ageing serums, toning masks, moisturising creams… No amount of premium skincare is too much in our view. As well as keeping you looking your best, a good skincare regime has the added benefit of putting a regular, mindful slice of me-time in your diary.

A Good Blanket

Maybe it’s our age or our natural reluctance to turn the heating up, but we’re fond of a blanket – preferably one made in a softly woven fabric, handsome colours and maybe a nice Glen check.

Labels like Pendleton, Missoni and Zegna are all getting in on the luxury homeware game. Plus, when it’s not keeping the chill off your knees, the right blanket adds style points to your living room.

A Juicy Autobiography

A great autobiography is one of the simplest Christmas wins — engrossing, personal and perfect for polishing off on a slow Boxing Day afternoon.

This year’s standout releases include Freddie Flintoff’s Coming Home, a candid, surprisingly moving account of life after the highs of elite sport; Anthony Hopkins’ We Did OK, Kid, a lyrical, reflective look back at a remarkable career; Bill Gates’s Source Code: My Beginnings, charting the early years that shaped modern tech; and Ashley Walters’ Always Winning, a raw, honest memoir that traces his journey from childhood challenges to cultural influence.

Whichever direction you lean, these 2025 titles offer humour, insight and the sort of stories you’ll end up retelling for weeks.

The Work Shoe Upgrade

Every wardrobe has that moment when the hardworking shoe needs retiring — the pair that’s been through countless commutes, unpredictable weather and more office carpets than it can remember.

Christmas is the perfect moment for an upgrade: something Goodyear-welted or Blake-stitched, crafted from proper leather, with a profile that feels smart yet modern.

These are shoes built to last years, not seasons, moulding to your feet and ageing gracefully with every wear. They’re an investment, yes, but a practical one — the kind you appreciate each morning as you step out into the cold.

The Commuter Bag Upgrade

A proper commuter bag solves more problems than you’d expect. The right one is structured enough for the office, tough enough for winter travel, and smart enough that you don’t feel like a sixth-former on the bus.

Look for clean lines, quality hardware, sturdy canvas or leather, and a layout that actually helps — padded laptop slot, internal pockets, the kind of zip that glides rather than grinds.

Whether you prefer a minimalist backpack or a slim over-the-shoulder option, it’s the sort of daily essential men rarely buy themselves but use every single day. A grown-up bag is an understated luxury, and Christmas is the perfect excuse.

The Everyday Timepiece

A good watch doesn’t need to cost the earth, but it should feel like it could survive it. The ideal everyday timepiece is the sort you forget you’re wearing until someone compliments it — understated, reliable, and tough enough to handle whatever your day throws at you.

Think clean dials, durable stainless steel, a comfortable strap and a movement that doesn’t complain about the cold. It should look just as at home with a suit as it does with a sweatshirt, ticking away faithfully through winter commutes, weekend errands and the occasional festive party.

A proper watch is one of the few gifts that genuinely gets better with time.

Home-Bound Essentials

When the temperatures plummet and daylight becomes a rumour, home becomes a sanctuary — and the right off-duty clothing makes it even better.

Think ultra-soft jersey sweats, lounge trousers with a tailored edge, refined hoodies, heavyweight tees and the kind of cosy layers you’ll live in from December to March.

They’re practical without feeling slobbish, comfortable without straying into pyjama territory, and thoughtfully designed so you can answer the door without embarrassment. Ideal for anyone who takes winter hibernation seriously.