This year, I decided to get organized. I started compiling a list of cool gadgets and gizmos I’ve spotted my male friends using, or that I’ve seen in shop windows, back in summer. All ready for this glorious moment. That is, the moment where I have to turn my head to what Christmas gifts I’m going to buy my father, brother and grandfather. Little did I know that The Spectator World would ask me to write a gift guide, too.
Cheers, past me! And cheers to you. Here are the ideas I squirreled away (many of which have crept onto my own Christmas list).
Aeropress Original & Go Coffee Maker Bundle
For the coffee lover who’ll never settle for a bad brew. One for his kitchen, one for his backpack — think of it as an espresso maker, drip coffee maker, and French press, all in one. A seriously cool little invention.
Are you reading this on your phone, or on a laptop in a café? Then please, sit up straight. You are a human being, not a croissant. Everybody who uses a computer needs one of these state-of-the-art standing desks.
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Daily Energizing Moisture Treatment
SPF19 for that day-to-day self-care, and it works a treat after a #BigNightOut, apparently.
A really nice thing to open on Christmas Day — he’ll have fun documenting whatever he’s getting up to. Throw in some fun film, and you’ve got a cool, modern gift everyone can enjoy together.
Show me a food nerd who wouldn’t enjoy delving into this huge box of awesome snacks. Thanks to The Bad Thing, basically no one has got to Japan in the last couple of years. Send mochi, teas, senbei, cakes, cookies and chips to him, while he waits.
Uno Casa Mexican Tortilla Press
Taco Tuesdays just leveled up a few notches.
Small enough to carry around, and it comes in a useful travel bag. Makes a great gift for a super active brother or dad (and a fun talking point on Christmas Day — who wants to try it on grandpa?). Leg day DOMS, be gone!
As an extremely clumsy, lackadaisical person, I put off buying a pair of these for far too long. I’d assumed I’d lose one or both within weeks. But a year later, my first set is still going strong, and I’ve loved every minute of hands-free phone calls and music while skiing, running… and dancing in supermarket aisles.
Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World
Bill Gates said it’s one of the most important books he’s ever read, and Barack Obama called it a “hopeful book about the potential for human progress.” A great gift for anyone prone to feeling a little hopeless about the state of things, this book is a heartfelt reminder that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and there’s always the capacity for great change.
Tile Mate Bluetooth Item Finder
Do you find yourself wishing you could phone your keys, when you’ve lost them down the back of the car seat? You can, with this genius bit of kit. Tiles work with an app that can be used within Bluetooth range, meaning you can phone your keys/backpack/wallet when it’s gone walkabout. I know. How did we live without this?
